Rudy Project Kelion: Eco-friendly sunglasses for mountain bikers put to the test

For Rudy Project, protecting the environment is the key to preserving the playing fields on which we practise our sport. With the RidetoZero vision, the Italians have set themselves the task of minimising their footprint as much as possible. In addition to packaging made from recycled materials and maximising the lifespan of the products, this also includes the use of modern bio-based plastics.

Rilsan: plastic from the castor oil plant

Rilsan, the material from which Rudy Project in Italy presses the frames for the Kelion sunglasses into shape, is made from the oil of castor beans. These are grown in the Gujarat region of India. The beans are crushed to extract castor oil. The oil is further refined in several steps to produce the bio-based raw material for the polymer. The material is made from 100% renewable raw materials and is an important step towards climate-friendly production for Rudy. The material is said to be extremely durable and resistant to impact and weathering.

Rudy Project Kelion: Huge field of vision, good adjustment

The first thing you notice when you take the Kelion sunglasses out of their high-quality hard case is that they are huge. With their angular shape, they easily reach over the eyebrows and far down onto the cheekbones of most wearers. While riding, this ensures that the frame never gets in the way of your field of vision. However, due to their sprawling shape, the goggles do not fit every helmet. Goggles and helmets can quickly clash, especially with models that extend far into the forehead. On bumpy descents, this can become uncomfortable and painful for the bridge of the nose in the long run. It is therefore essential to try out the combination of helmet and goggles before buying. At 32.5 grams, the weight is still manageable. However, the Kelion is not a lightweight.

As you would expect from Rudy Project, the workmanship is very high quality. The goggles can also be adjusted perfectly: both the nose bridge and the two temple tips are adjustable over a wide range and are non-slip and comfortable thanks to their rubber coating. The temple tips in particular can be adjusted so that they sit securely while riding without exerting too much pressure on the head.

Sophisticated ventilation

To prevent the large panoramic windscreen from misting up, the Kelion has several ventilation openings on the upper bar of the frame and on the windscreen. This is intended to allow air to circulate on the inside. While riding, this is actually noticeable in the form of a slight, continuous flow of air. Anyone who was previously used to completely wind-repellent goggles will have to get used to this effect. However, even with the so-called Powerflow system, the Kelion does not remain 100 per cent fog-free.

Rudy Project offers many lens options and a clever interchangeable system for the Kelion

The Rudy Project Kelion is available in six different lens variants. In addition to four classic lenses in different tints, there are also two options with self-tinting lenses. We opted for the ImpactX 2 Laser Purple version. This means that the lens changes its tint between protection levels 1 and 3, allowing between 48 and 8 percent of the light to penetrate and changing its colour from medium purple to dark purple. On the one hand, this ensures good contrast enhancement. On the other hand, the glasses become very dark, especially when changing from bright sunlight to shady passages. We have tested even more glasses with self-tinting lenses in another article.

Laser Purple lenses with a light transmission of 76 to 17 per cent would often be the better choice for mountain biking. Unfortunately, this variant tints from transparent to grey. So you have to do without the contrast-enhancing effect here.

Incidentally, changing the lenses is particularly easy. A clever quick-release fastener prevents you from having to force the lenses out of the frame - as is the case with many other models. All you have to do is press the button on the side and the lower part of the frame is released from its anchorage. The lens can now be easily removed. This function is also a nice gimmick for cleaning the glasses.

Spare parts supply secured

To ensure that the products have a particularly long service life, Rudy Project provides spare parts for all its products throughout their service life. For example, nosepieces or earpieces can be replaced in a wide range of colours, scratched lenses can be replaced or defective components can be reordered.

Also suitable for spectacle wearers

Sports glasses with corrective lenses already have a long tradition with the Italians. It is therefore only logical that the Kelion can also be fitted with an optical insert. This type of correction clip is particularly suitable for people who only need a slight visual correction. The insert specially designed for the Kelion is clipped in directly behind the lenses.

Rudy Project Kelion - Data and price

• More environmentally friendly Rilsan frame
• Weight: 32,5 g
• Dimensions: 144 x 125 mm; height 62 mm
• Base curve: 5.2 for perfect coverage of the field of vision
• Adjustable temple tips and nose bridge
• A total of 6 tints, 2 of which are self-tinting
• Quick release fastener to change the disc
• Also available with adapter for corrected lenses
• Price: from 219,95 Euro >> available here / tested model 269,95 Euro

Conclusion: Rudy Project Kelion sunglasses

With the Kelion, the Italians from Rudy Project have added high-quality sunglasses with a huge field of vision to their range, which can also be perfectly adapted to the wearer. Protection and face coverage are optimal. Despite the sophisticated ventilation of the sports goggles, we sometimes had to contend with slightly foggy lenses, especially in damp autumn conditions. Not a problem when riding, but a little annoying when stopping. We particularly like the use of renewable raw materials and recycled materials for the frame and packaging, as well as the simple lens replacement system. Caution when buying: helmet and goggles can collide due to the height.