Sunglasses in check: Protection and style - 8 cycling glasses for mountain bikers

Adidas Dunamis

Those were glorious times when Adidas shook up the bike sport with its Evil Eye sunglasses. Especially in the freeride scene, the glasses with the three stripes were a hit and many a cupboard in the BIKE editorial office had a sticker with the unmistakable logo. After a long time, the Herzogenaurach-based company is finally launching a real high-tech pair of glasses on the market again. Unlike previous models, the Adidas Dunamis, with its frameless, thermoformed lenses and small spoiler on the underside, is aimed primarily at racers on the hunt for the best times. 27 grams light, large rubberised surface. The space-age lens surrounds the face like Geordi's visor surrounds the eyes of the chief engineer from Star Trek.

Adidas Dunamis - Info & Price

• Price 220 Euro
• Weight 27 grammes
• Width 132 mm
• Filters Cat. 3
• Options 3 filter colours; 3 frame colours
• Scope of delivery Softbox; microfibre cloth

Evil Eye Traileye NG Pro

Evil Eye has been manufacturing sports sunglasses in Austria since 2019. The Linz-based company took the iconic name from its collaboration with Adidas - a clever move. The Traileye is designed to offer enduro and trail bikers perfect protection and extensive customisation options. The nose bridge and temples can be adjusted and the sweatband can be removed if required. The highlight is the nose pads integrated into the lens, which are almost invisible to the wearer. The Evil Eye is available in two sizes and is particularly suitable for narrow faces or for optical glazing. Nice feature: you can try on the Traileye virtually on the website.

Evil Eye Traileye NG Pro - Info & Price

• Price 242 Euro
• Weight 35 grammes
• Width 137 mm
• Filters Cat. 3
• Options 6 filter colours, 2 sizes
• Scope of delivery Softbox, microfibre bag

Have you ever heard of sunglasses with liquid crystal cells that adjust their tint within fractions of a second - without any external power source, just with the help of a small solar cell? No? Then you should definitely read our article on the brand new React sunglasses.

Decathlon cycling glasses Perf 500 photochrom HD

Stylish Shield sunglasses are now also available from sports discounter Decathlon. The Decathlon Perf 500 with level 1 to 3 self-tinting lenses for just under 60 euros is a real bargain. Ventilation slits between the frame and lens are designed to prevent fogging, and ventilation can also be optimised by replacing the nose bridge. If you want a clear view of the handlebars, you can also remove the lower part of the frame in just a few simple steps. A pleasant side effect: you save weight and the frame of the Perf 500 puts less pressure on the bridge of the nose. Otherwise, the bulky nose bridge and the wide frame are somewhat annoying on the nose. The temple tips are rubberised but only have a moderate grip.

Decathlon cycling glasses Perf 500 photochrom HD - Info & Price

• Price 59,99 Euro >> available here
• Weight 36 grammes
• Width 133 mm
• Filters Photochromic Cat. 1 to 3
• Scope of delivery Soft case; microfibre bag

Uvex Sportstyle 237

The slightly sloping frame of the Uvex 237 is reminiscent of the casual look of the classic 80s Porsche sunglasses - but with an angular design. The old classics also had simple names such as 5621, while category 3 mirrored lenses offer maximum glare and UV protection in bright summer sun. The large lens protects trail bikers from animal or organic ricochets. The nose bridge is adjustable for a better fit. The anti-fog coating is designed to effectively prevent the lens from fogging up. Top: The Uvex sits snugly on the face, the temples offer good support but are not adjustable.

Uvex Sportstyle 237 - Info & Price

• Price 89,95 Euro >> available here
• Weight 29.5 grammes
• Width 133 mm
• Filters Cat. 3
• Options 5 filter and frame colours
• Scope of delivery Microfibre bag

Alpina Sonic HR Q-Lite

Whizzing over the trails as fast as the speed of sound or flying past the competition at the speed of light - that's what it's all about. This is what the Alpina Sonic is made for. The lens, which is pulled far outwards, is designed to optimally protect the eyes from the wind. Thanks to the rubberised temples and adjustable nose bridge, the Sonic should not fly off your head even at high speeds. Mirrored and contrast-enhancing lenses guarantee glare protection and sharpen the details on the trail. Although the nose bridge can be adjusted, it is designed more for wide noses. The lens does not reach too deep onto the cheeks, so be sure to try them on before buying. The Sonic is also optionally available with higher quality lenses, which are designed to bring out the contrasts in the terrain even better. Another variant: the Sonic with a self-tinting varifocal lens.

Alpina Sonic HR Q-Lite - Info & Price

• Price 99,95 Euro >> available here
• Weight 29 grammes
• Width 138 mm
• Filter Cat. 2
• Options 4 filter and frame colours
• Scope of delivery Microfibre bag

Oakley Sphaera

There was a time when Oakley sunglasses were considered the ultimate in style, of course. But the high-quality Prizm lenses with razor-sharp vision and extremely strong contrasts also revolutionised the eyewear market. With the Oakley Sphaera, the Americans want to build on the old successes of O-Frame, Razor Blade and Radar. The spacey setting would also fit well in a science fiction epic. Ryan Gosling could use it to roam around Los Angeles in the year 2049 as a Blade Runner. The Sphaera fits perfectly on the face without slipping. However, the angular and bulky temples cannot be adjusted and must fit the shape of the head.

Oakley Sphaera - Info & Price

• Price 214 Euro >> available here
• Weight 34 grammes
• Width 134 mm
• Filters Cat.2
• Options 7 frame colours; 11 filter colours
• Scope of delivery Soft case; second nose bridge

Pit Viper The Try Hard

Seriously? Definitely not. Pit Viper wearers are not uptight kilometre scrubbers, but bike stylers who prefer to braap, chip and cut the curves in Frenchy style. So that you can indulge in your own personal look, there are The Try Hard sunglasses in countless different colours. There's also a bit of high-tech: customisable temples and nose bridges, and a removable lower frame. Pit Viper appropriately calls this function "Kill a gram". Included with every pair of glasses: interchangeable lens, transport bag and adjustable strap - that's pretty retro! Despite the high weight, the Pit Viper sits very comfortably on the face. Top: The temples can be adjusted very easily and comprehensively. The nose bridge, on the other hand, is too loose and often adjusts itself.

Pit Viper The Try Hard - Info & Price

• Price 123,95 Euro
• Weight 38 grammes
• Width 132 mm
• Filters Cat. 3
• Options 13 colour options
• Scope of delivery Retaining strap; bag; replaceable filter

100% Hypercraft

The 100% Hypercraft is a frameless classic from 100% and an absolute flyweight at 22 grams. The laser-cut Hyper lenses repel oil and dirt and enhance contrasts on the trail. The Hypercraft comes with an interchangeable lens, replacement nose piece and high-quality case. Its protruding aero-look lens offers an absolutely clear field of vision. Perfect for bikers who don't want to have a distracting frame in view. Unfortunately, this means that the 100% lacks a little tension, which means that it sits quite loosely. Due to the low curve of the lens, it is more suitable for wide faces.

100% Hypercraft - Info & Price

• Price 159 Euro >> available here
• Weight 22 grammes
• Width 139 mm
• Filters Cat. 3
• Options 16 frame colours; 13 filter colours
• Scope of delivery Softbox; microfibre bag; clear interchangeable lens; second nose bridge