Self-tinting sunglasses: Colour changers - 14 cycling glasses with photochromic lenses put to the test

This article was first published in October 2020 and was revised in June 2024. You can find our current glasses test 2025 here: Self-tinting sunglasses: 14 pairs of glasses with photochromic lenses put to the test

For most bikers, sunglasses are as much a part of their equipment as a bicycle pump and spare inner tube. For many, however, they are more than just protection from the sun, wind or flying objects. The currently popular Shield models with particularly large lenses score points with an additional portion of style.

Overview: The 14 glasses in the test

• 100% S2 >> e.g. available here
• Alpina S-Way QVM+ >> e.g. available here
• BBB Fullview PH >> e.g. available here
• Bollé Lightshifter >> e.g. available here
• Evil Eye Vizor Pro
• Julbo Rush
• Oakley Flight Jacket >> e.g. available here
• Rockrider XC Race
• Rose PS 07 Photocromic
• Rudy Project Cutline >> e.g. available here
• Scott Shield LS
• Smith Attack Mag MTB >> e.g. available here
• Sweet Protection Ronin >> e.g. available here
• Uvex Sportstyle 804 V >> e.g. available here

All of the models we tested, with the exception of the glasses from Rose, are available in different filter colours. However, most filters in protection classes two and three are only suitable for certain and fairly bright light conditions. As long as the sun is shining and you are riding in the open air, they offer perfect vision.

But if the trail suddenly changes to a shady forest or you are surprised by dusk on the tour, these filter classes are too dark. Stop and change the lens? That's annoying. Riding on without glasses? Too dangerous for your eyes. Self-tinting glasses automatically adapt to the respective light conditions and can therefore offer the optimum compromise.

Wide range of applications thanks to self-tinting effect

In order to cover the widest possible range of use, the initial tint of the glasses should be as clear as possible. Only then will the lenses be sufficiently bright in the transition between day and night and also offer sufficient visibility when driving at night with light. Most of the models in the test change their tint between filter classes two and three. Truly night-suitable candidates start at a barely perceptible darkening of 20 to 25 per cent.

The darkest lens measured in the test filters up to 88 per cent of the light, which is more suitable for bright days in the desert than for Central European reality. So darker is not necessarily better. Incidentally, according to the EU standard, the filter class must be stated on every pair of glasses.

However, the filter classes require explanation, as the darkening effect is not linear, but exponential. While class 0 (with 0-20 per cent tint) is barely visible, darkening levels of 70 and 90 per cent are worlds apart.

Self-tinting glasses are generally not suitable for driving in a car. Because modern car windscreens filter a large proportion of UV radiation, the reaction of the photoactive molecules in the lens is severely restricted. UV protection, on the other hand, remains fully intact even if the lens is not tinted.

Good to know: Filter classes of sunglasses at a glance

From completely clear to quite dark - these filter categories are available for sunglasses:

Filter category 0

• Suitable for cloudy days and twilight
• Glare protection: up to 20 % of the light is absorbed

Filter category 1

• Suitable for overcast days
• Glare protection: up to 57 % of the light is absorbed

Filter category 2

• Suitable for summer days in our latitudes (Central Europe)
• Glare protection: up to 82 % of the light is absorbed

Filter category 3

• Suitable for holidays in the snow, in the mountains and by the sea in southern Europe
• Glare protection: up to 92 % of the light is absorbed

Filter category 4

• Suitable for stays in high mountains or on glaciers - unsuitable for driving!
• Glare protection: up to 97 % of the light is absorbed

Details & evaluation: Results of the 14 glasses in the test

100% S2

• Price: 149 Euro >> available here
• Weight in M: 32 grammes
• Filter colour: Clear to grey
• Category: 1-3
• Transmission: 82-24%
• Width: 133 mm
• Length: 169 mm
• Customisation: None
• Fit: For medium-wide faces and narrow to medium noses
• Extras: Oil and water-repellent coating
• Alternatives: 14 frame colours, 11 filter colours, from 159 euros

BIKE rating

• Self-tinting (40 %): 9/10
• Visibility & protection (25 %): 8/10
• Fit / wearing comfort (25 %): 9/10
• Equipment (10 %): 8/10

Conclusion

The stylish S2 sits securely and comfortably rubberised on medium-width faces. However, due to the lack of adjustment, it must fit well. A little draughty from below. Initially very bright and well suited for cloudy days, it reacts quickly to changes in light. Good scratch protection, great field of vision, slight fogging on the lens quickly dissipates.

BIKE judgement: very good - 51 points

Alpina S-Way QVM+

• Price: 149 Euro >> available here
• Weight in M: 31 grammes
• Filter colour: Blue, mirrored
• Category: 1-3
• Transmission: 48-23%
• Width: 132 mm
• Length: 154 mm
• Customisation: Nose bridge, temples, inclination
• Fit: For narrow to medium faces
• Extras: Water-repellent, mirrored, anti-fog
• Alternatives: 2 frame colours, 3 filter colours, from 99.95 euros

BIKE rating

• Self-tinting (40%): 8/10
• Visibility & protection (25%): 7/10
• Fit / wearing comfort (25%): 5/10
• Equipment (10%): 9/10

Conclusion

The short, angular temples and the rough nose bridge are not very comfortable to wear despite extensive adjustability. The S-Way is very close to the face, protects well against draughts, but restricts the field of vision somewhat. Very dark and somewhat unsuitable blue starting tint. Good tinting speed, slightly scratchy lenses.

BIKE judgement: good - 44 points

BBB Fullview PH

• Price: 119 Euro >> available here
• Weight in M: 31 grammes
• Filter colour: Clear to grey
• Category: 1-3
• Transmission: 81-20%
• Width: 132 mm
• Length: 158 mm
• Customisation: Nose bridge
• Fit: For wide faces, variable nose bridge
• Extras: Anti-fog coating
• Alternatives: 6 frame colours, 4 filter colours, from 79.95 euros

BIKE rating

• Self-tinting (40%): 9/10
• Visibility & protection (25%): 8/10
• Fit / wearing comfort (25%): 7/10
• Equipment (10%): 6/10

Conclusion

The BBB performs well overall, but it has to fit. Be sure to try them on. The temples fit snugly, but are only tight enough for wide faces. The nose bridge is comfortable and widely adjustable, the field of vision is excellent. The Fullview can bump into the forehead and the lenses scratch relatively quickly. Large tinting range.

BIKE judgement: very good - 49 points

Bollé Lightshifter

• Price: 199 Euro >> available here
• Weight in M: 35 grammes
• Filter colour: Grey, green mirrored
• Category: 1-3
• Transmission: 60 -12 %
• Width: 132 mm
• Length: 160 mm
• Customisation: Triple nose bridge
• Fit: For narrow to medium-wide noses and faces
• Extras: Oil and water-repellent, mirrored
• Alternatives: 6 frame colours, 6 filter colours, from 110 euros

BIKE rating

• Self-tinting (40 %): 6/10
• Visibility & protection (25 %): 8/10
• Fit / wearing comfort (25 %): 9/10
• Equipment (10 %): 8/10

Conclusion

The Lightshifter has a firm, comfortable fit, the temples and nose bridge lie flat. The lens shape provides good protection against draughts and hardly fogs up. The wide frame is a little high and the lenses scratch a little quickly. For off-road use, the Bollé darkens very much and takes an extremely long time to lighten.

BIKE judgement: good - 45 points

Evil Eye Vizor Pro

• Price: 279 Euro
• Weight in M: 36 grammes
• Filter colour: Clear to grey
• Category: 0-3
• Transmission: 88-16 %
• Width: 132 mm
• Length: 159 mm
• Customisation: Triple nose bridge, inclination
• Fit: For medium-wide faces
• Extras: 2 sizes available, welding protection
• Alternatives: 6 frame colours, 5 filter colours, from 209 euros

BIKE rating

• Self-tinting (40 %): 9/10
• Visibility & protection (25 %): 7/10
• Fit / wearing comfort (25 %): 8/10
• Equipment (10 %): 8/10

Conclusion

The Vizor Pro has a high-quality, fast and highly responsive disc. It is absolutely clear at the start. Angle-adjustable temples and nose pads make it suitable for many people, its removable sweat guard keeps the wind out of the forehead, but it can drag at the bottom. One point of criticism: the slippery temples come off easily.

BIKE judgement: very good - 49 points

Julbo Rush

• Price: 209 Euro
• Weight in M: 38 grammes
• Filter colour: Red-brown
• Category: 1-3
• Transmission: 80-24%
• Width: 130 mm
• Length: 169 mm
• Customisation: Nose bridge, temples
• Fit: For medium to narrow faces
• Extras: Antifog, contrast-enhancing
• Alternatives: 8 frame colours, 8 filter colours, from 119.95 Euro

BIKE rating

• Self-tinting (40%): 6/10
• Visibility & protection (25%): 8/10
• Fit / wearing comfort (25%): 9/10
• Equipment (10%): 8/10

Conclusion

The solid and high-quality construction, fit and wind protection of the Julbo are impressive. One of the few goggles with contrast-enhancing lenses in the test, they don't get too dark even in the forest, but react very hesitantly to changes in light. The heavy Rush sits comfortably, but is mainly held in place by the temples.

BIKE judgement: very good - 47 points

Oakley Flight Jacket

• Price: 249 Euro >> available here
• Weight in M: 35 grammes
• Filter colour: Clear to grey
• Category: 1-3
• Transmission: 75-22%
• Width: 135 mm
• Length: 170 mm
• Customisation: None
• Fit: For medium-wide faces and medium-wide noses
• Extras: Ventilation on the nose bridge, nose pad, replacement temples
• Alternatives: 2 frame colours, 3 glass colours, from 218 euros

BIKE rating

• Self-tinting (40 %): 9/10
• Visibility & protection (25 %): 6/10
• Fit / wearing comfort (25 %): 8/10
• Equipment (10 %): 6/10

Conclusion

The lower frame looks special and disturbs the otherwise very good view. Despite the lack of adjustment, the Oakley sits firmly and comfortably. The lens has the best reaction time in the test, but also fogs up and scratches easily. The nose bridge can be folded down for better ventilation. Overall, not quite on a par with other Oakley models.

BIKE judgement: very good - 48 points

Rockrider XC Race

• Price: 55 Euro
• Weight in M: 39 grammes
• Filter colour: Clear to grey
• Category: 1-3
• Transmission: 63-20 %
• Width: 132 mm
• Length: 162 mm
• Customisation: None
• Fit: For narrow to medium face shapes, narrow noses
• Extras: Disc changing system
• Alternatives: 3 frame colours, 3 filter colours, from 38.98 euros

BIKE rating

• Self-tinting (40 %): 7/10
• Visibility & protection (25 %): 6/10
• Fit / wearing comfort (25 %): 6/10
• Equipment (10 %): 4/10

Conclusion

The goggles from Decathlon make a good first impression. The lens is scratch-resistant and reacts reasonably well to changes in light, but fogs up quickly. The nose bridge and temples are somewhat angular and pinch when worn for long periods. The glasses creak and the lens detaches from the frame when twisted. Unfortunately, the Rockrider does not offer any adjustment options.

BIKE judgement: good - 41 points

Rose PS 07 Photocromic

• Price: 65 Euro
• Weight in M: 30 grammes
• Filter colour: Clear to grey
• Category: 0-2
• Transmission: 93-44 %
• Width: 130 mm
• Length: 164 mm
• Customisation: Nose bridge
• Fit: For narrow or round heads, variable nose bridge
• Extras: Spectacle strap
• Alternatives: None

BIKE rating

• Self-tinting (40 %): 9/10
• Visibility & protection (25 %): 7/10
• Fit / wearing comfort (25 %): 9/10
• Equipment (10 %): 6/10

Conclusion

Classic cut cycling glasses with narrow lenses and a great fit. The supplier has done a lot of things right with the lens. Initial brightness and reaction speed are very good. The PS 07 remains pleasantly bright in the forest. The cheeks are a little draughty. Unobtrusively functional goggles at an unbeatable price.

BIKE judgement: very good - 50 points

Rudy Project Cutline

• Price: 235 Euro >> available here
• Weight in M: 36 grammes
• Filter colour: Red-brown
• Category: 1-3
• Transmission: 79-23 %
• Width: 136 mm
• Length: 162 mm
• Customisation: Nose bridge, temples
• Fit: For wide faces, variable nose bridge
• Extras: Removable frame, many spare parts
• Alternatives: 8 frame colours, 8 filter colours, from 159.95 euros

BIKE rating

• Self-tinting (40 %): 7/10
• Visibility & protection (25 %): 8/10
• Fit / wearing comfort (25 %): 9/10
• Equipment (10 %): 8/10

Conclusion

Apart from the moderate reaction time, the Cutline offers the perfect lens for changing light conditions: high-contrast tint and not too dark. Adjustability and comfort are excellent, but only on wide heads. The ventilation slots work very well, but the anti-fog protection is moderate. A good option for narrower faces: the Rudy Project Defender.

BIKE judgement: very good - 48 points

Scott Shield LS

• Price: 119 Euro
• Weight in M: 36 grammes
• Filter colour: Clear to grey
• Category: 1-3
• Transmission: 61-22%
• Width: 140 mm
• Length: 168 mm
• Customisation: Nose bridge
• Fit: For wide faces, variable nose bridge
• Extras: None
• Alternatives: 2 frame colours, 3 filter colours, from 99.95 euros

BIKE rating

• Self-tinting (40 %): 7/10
• Visibility & protection (25 %): 7/10
• Fit / wearing comfort (25 %): 7/10
• Equipment (10 %): 6/10

Conclusion

Despite the huge windscreen, you have a clear view of the split frame. The shield protrudes far from the face and provides only moderate protection from the wind. The loose temples only hold well on wide faces, narrow noses rest on the frame. The tinting speed is moderate and the lens scratches easily. More styler than functional sports goggles.

BIKE verdict: good - 42 points

Smith Attack MAG MTB

• Price: 229 Euro >> available here
• Weight in M: 35 grammes
• Filter colour: Clear to grey
• Category: 0-3
• Transmission: 86-21 %
• Width: 130 mm
• Length: 162 mm
• Customisation: Nose bridge
• Fit: For narrow to medium-wide faces and noses
• Extras: Oil and water-repellent, magnetic replacement system, replacement disc
• Alternatives: 6 frame colours, 5 filter colours, from 229 euros

BIKE rating

• Self-tinting (40 %): 8/10
• Visibility & protection (25 %): 9/10
• Fit / wearing comfort (25 %): 9/10
• Equipment (10 %): 10/10

Conclusion

The strongly curved lens of the Smith offers perfect vision, top protection and can be changed using the clip system. Scratch and fog protection are very good, the reaction speed is still okay. The narrow temple tips can be a little tight over time. Initially very bright, the Attack darkens over a wide range.

BIKE judgement: very good - 53 points

Sweet Protection Ronin

• Price: 229 Euro >> available here
• Weight in M: 32 grammes
• Filter colour: Clear to grey
• Category: 0-3
• Transmission: 82-19 %
• Width: 136 mm
• Length: 159 mm
• Customisation: None
• Fit: For medium-wide, round faces, medium to wide noses
• Extras: Replacement nose bridge, oil and water repellent
• Alternatives: 5 frame and 5 glass colours, 2 sizes, from 149 euros

BIKE rating

• Self-tinting (40 %): 7/10
• Visibility & protection (25 %): 9/10
• Fit / wearing comfort (25 %): 8/10
• Equipment (10 %): 8/10

Conclusion

Very bright lens with a wide tint range, but not too fast a reaction time. The fit depends heavily on the individual head shape. The fit of the barely adjustable, very strongly curved glasses does not suit everyone. The field of vision and protection from the wind are impressive, but the quality of the lenses in terms of scratch resistance and anti-fog protection is only average.

BIKE judgement: very good - 47 points

Uvex Sportstyle 804 V

• Price: 159 Euro >> available here
• Weight in M: 26 grammes
• Filter colour: Clear to grey
• Category: 1-3
• Transmission: 79-19 %
• Width: 130 mm
• Length: 163 mm
• Customisation: Nose bridge, temples
• Fit: For medium-wide faces, variable nose bridge
• Extras: None
• Alternatives: 4 frame colours, 3 filter colours, from 89.95 euros

BIKE rating

• Self-tinting (40 %): 6/10
• Visibility & protection (25 %): 9/10
• Fit / wearing comfort (25 %): 9/10
• Equipment (10 %): 8/10

Conclusion

The frameless Uvex is one of the models with the darkest end tint. They are extremely unobtrusive and lightweight, but still secure thanks to the easily adjustable nose bridge. The wind protection is only good, the brightening is very slow. The Sportstyle 804 V is particularly impressive in terms of wearing comfort, fog protection and scratch resistance.

BIKE judgement: very good - 48 points