​New Rudy Project Astral Arc: Stylish sports glasses for better vision on the trail

Analysis by Max Fuchs, BIKE editor

31 grams is a weight suitable for cycling when it comes to sports glasses, but it’s not the best on the market. With the Astral Arc, Rudy Project is launching a model designed to cater to a wide range of activities: cycling, gravel riding, road cycling and running. At the heart of the design is a newly developed cylindrical lens, which is designed to mould to different face shapes and thus reduce pressure points. There is also an adjustable nose bridge – an important detail for fit and stability, particularly with frameless shield-style glasses. The concept therefore sounds less like a specialised piece of kit and more like a universal pair of sports glasses for any activity that involves speed and endurance.

Key facts

• Price: 149.90 euros
• Weight: 31 g
• Glass: mirrored polycarbonate, filter category 3
• Disc shape: cylindrical, frameless shield
• Version: Rilsan Clear
• Bio-based content: 45 per cent from castor oil
• Nose bridge: fully adjustable
• RX-compatible: yes
• Version: 137 mm wide
• Glass height: 56 mm
• Bar length: 130 mm
• Variants: seven standard colours plus an online special edition

Large glass pane, minimal frame

Rudy Project has largely dispensed with traditional frame structures in the Astral Arc. This creates a wide, open field of vision, which is designed to offer particular benefits when cycling and trail running. This can be particularly useful on a mountain bike, where obstacles, bends and movements in the peripheral field of vision need to be spotted early on. The shape remains relatively compact, yet is designed to suit a wide range of head sizes.

New lens shape for a better fit

According to Rudy Project, the real innovation lies in the shape of the lens. The new cylindrical design is said to adapt better to different face shapes and distribute pressure more evenly.

Added to this is the adjustable nose bridge. It allows the glasses to be customised to the wearer’s face and is also designed to ensure a secure fit, even if you’re jolted about whilst racing or on bumpy trails. However, this promise is no substitute for a practical test. Tests will have to show just how universal and secure the fit actually is.

31 grams for the whole day

Weighing in at 31 grams, the Astral Arc sits in the middle of the pack when it comes to high-quality cycling glasses. Its light weight really comes into its own in endurance and action sports, where heavier glasses are more likely to cause pressure marks over time and are more prone to slipping.

One of the reasons for the glasses’ light weight is their frameless design. At the same time, Rudy Project uses Rilsan Clear, a bio-based polymer, for the frame. According to the manufacturer, 45 per cent of the material is derived from castor oil sourced from certified supply chains.

In this way, the Astral Arc combines lightweight construction with a materials approach designed to replace at least part of traditional petroleum-based plastics production.

Mirrored for sunny days

For the lenses, Rudy Project uses polycarbonate and a mirror coating. The lenses are part of the Filter category 3 and are therefore particularly suitable for bright light conditions. Rudy Project promises clear vision, high UV protection and high-contrast vision.

For cyclists, this means, above all, good visibility in sunny conditions in open countryside. Experience shows that Category 3 lenses can impair visibility in rapidly changing light conditions or in dense woodland.

Also suitable for people who wear glasses

Anyone who needs prescription lenses needn’t miss out on the Astral Arc. Rudy Project offers the option of fitting the glasses with a RX deployment to combine. This allows the visual acuity to be integrated.

Rudy Project is thus expanding the range of uses once again: the Astral Arc not only functions as a classic pair of sports sunglasses, but can also be tailored to individual vision needs.

For trail, road and running shoes

Rudy Project has deliberately positioned the Astral Arc as a multisport model. Trail running, road cycling, triathlon, running and other outdoor sports are all part of its range of uses. The design is in line with the current trend: minimal frame, plenty of lens and a beautifully wide field of vision.

However, the fact that a pair of glasses works just as well on the trail as it does on a road bike means they need to have different characteristics. When mountain biking and running, a secure fit is just as important as an unobstructed field of vision. That is precisely why the adjustable nose bridge is likely to be one of the more interesting features of the new model.

Seven colours and a special edition

To mark its market launch, Rudy Project is offering the Astral Arc in seven standard colour options . There is also a Special Edition, which is available exclusively online. Rudy Project has set a recommended retail price of 149.90 euros on.

Conclusion and editorial commentary

The Rudy Project Astral Arc It’s based on a simple formula: maximum visibility, minimal weight and a comfortable fit. Weighing just 31 grams, with a frameless shield lens, an adjustable nose bridge and prescription lens compatibility, on paper it has all the features that characterise modern sports glasses.

The combination of the new lens geometry and adjustable fit seems particularly interesting. Rudy Project claims this offers greater comfort for different face shapes – a feature that can only really be assessed in practice, however. The Category 3 lens makes the Astral Arc particularly suitable for sunny conditions.

Strengths

• a good weight of 31 g
• wide, unobstructed field of view
• adjustable nose bridge
• RX-compatible
• bio-based Rilsan Clear frame
• A multi-sport programme for cycling, trail running and more
• seven colour variants plus a Special Edition

Possible weaknesses

• Filter category 3 is particularly suitable for bright conditions
• At 149.90 euros, it’s not exactly a bargain