Suggestions for best cycling shades?

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Patrick Moore

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Jun 5, 2019, 4:52:24 PM6/5/19
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Asking on the RBW list after having asked on the Boblist, in case this list has cycling glasses periti who don't read the Boblist.

I've been using 2 pr Tifosi shades. One is photochromatic, and that one seems to block the wind sufficiently to keep my eyes from turning red after 10 miles; it also stays put securely on my Asian-ish* nose. But this pair doesn't get dark enough for our mile-high sun in mid summer at noon -- when the light makes the Santa Monica boardwalk at summer noon feel like the winter solstice, and I'm not kidding. I use this pair on cloudy days and at night.

The other pair is also Tifosi, and dark enough, and this is my go-to pair, but it doesn't block the wind sufficiently, and it doesn't stay on my nose. This pair may be older, as it was at least second hand, original source unknown. My eyes turn red, especially on windy days which kick up dust and pollen; out here, we don't have twee little green grass verges, the sides of the roads are gravel and sand.

I realize that, after saddles and bars, shades are probably the most personal choice in riding kit, but can anyone, particularly anyone of east Asian ancestry, suggest some options?

I'd happily ride bare-eyed, but again, dust and pollen and wind make that impractical.

Thanks


*Filipino with a bit of Chinese and even a dash (so I was told) of Arab, plus Scots Irish English.

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Keith Weaver

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Jun 5, 2019, 4:59:19 PM6/5/19
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I wear Native Nanos, and bought a pair of the Nano2 (squared) a little later. It seems like these have been discontinued, but Native has similar frames available now. Many of their models include their sportflex (light orange) lens as well as a dark lens. Lots of their frame styles provide good wind protection, and the lens interchangeability can be handy.

REI carries them, you may be able to find the brand elsewhere as well.

Cheers,
Keith

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Ed Carolipio

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Jun 5, 2019, 5:53:55 PM6/5/19
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The Smith Pivlock Overdrive works really well for my very East Asian face: https://www.smithoptics.com/us/c/PivLock%E2%84%A2-Overdrive/p/OVPCDMMOB Lightweight, swappable lenses, and has really good grip when wet with sweat. Currently on my second pair.

I also ran the Oakley half jacket "Asian fit" for a long time: https://www.oakley.com/en-us/product/W0OO9153 IMO that sits better on the nose than the Smiths but they're a bit heavier and slips more when wet than the Smiths.


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Garth

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Jun 5, 2019, 6:18:00 PM6/5/19
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   This year I bought a set of Wiley X Saber Advanced sun-glasses and they offer a great wrap and shield. The nosepiece is and temples are adjustable so they can fit a wide range of faces. They may be marketed as shooting/safety/bulletproof glasses but they make great riding glasses. I bought the 3 lens kit model #308 that included a Light Rust, Grey and Clear interchangeable lenses plus hard case. I pretty much just wear the Light Rust which is about 50% VLT as it's nice even in full sun. You'd like the Grey option which are sold with that lens alone as model #302.  These are not flyweight flexy glasses so if that's what you prefer look elsewhere. The quality is top notch and I don't say that lightly. They stay where you put them, and even come with an optional strap if you want to use it instead of the arms. All the parts of these are replaceable, the most expensive being the lenses for $22. These beat the heck out of anything I've ever tried marketed for cycling and such. While scratch resistant, they warn you the lenses are not scratch proof as their primary purpose is protection from high velocity objects. They have no funny coating on the lenses either so they are very easy to clean.

Patrick Moore

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Jun 6, 2019, 1:57:09 AM6/6/19
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Thanks all; some interesting suggestions to follow up on. I'm particulary pleased that highly praised ones start at $38! The progression is quasi linear: next, $94 then $209.

I'll read up on these.

The problem of course is that you need to try before you can judge, and of course that means buying them. So more reports welcome.

Maybe I'll look for a pair of these (btw, interesting page: https://gearjunkie.com/goggles-and-dust-photo-book) -- after I find a front-pocket jersey, 2 tubulars to wrap around my shoulders, and a bottle of cheap wine.

image.png


Garth

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Jun 6, 2019, 4:49:18 AM6/6/19
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Patrick Moore

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Jun 27, 2019, 6:03:48 PM6/27/19
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Just to follow up: first, thanks again. #2: I solved 1 of the 2 problems with my dark pair of Tifosis by (bright idea!) taking them (and another "street" pair of shades) to the Costco optometrist where they doggedly insist in adjusting your frames for free, even if bought elsewhere. Much better in the non-slip department for both pairs. Will continue to monitor redeye caused by insinuating wind.

Toshi Takeuchi

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Jun 27, 2019, 6:51:38 PM6/27/19
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I use Rudy Project prescription lenses with interchangeable sunglass lenses for different lighting conditions (Exception).  You can get them non-prescription too.  I love them because it's easy swap lenses to go from clear photochromic or just yellow for contrast during foggy or darker photochromic for bright sun conditions.  

Toshi


On Thu, Jun 27, 2019 at 3:03 PM Patrick Moore <bert...@gmail.com> wrote:
Just to follow up: first, thanks again. #2: I solved 1 of the 2 problems with my dark pair of Tifosis by (bright idea!) taking them (and another "street" pair of shades) to the Costco optometrist where they doggedly insist in adjusting your frames for free, even if bought elsewhere. Much better in the non-slip department for both pairs. Will continue to monitor redeye caused by insinuating wind.

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Wally Estrella

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Jun 28, 2019, 6:48:00 AM6/28/19
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Following!

I'd love to help you out, but I can't seem to keep a pair of sunglasses long enough to remember what even the last pair was.

Wally 'Filipino dad + Euro mom = all of something else' in Maine


On Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at 4:52:24 PM UTC-4, Patrick Moore wrote:

Patrick Moore

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Jun 28, 2019, 9:37:03 AM6/28/19
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How do you keep glasses on your nose, if you inherited the Filipino nose? The newly adjusted Tifosis are much better than before, but I still have to push them back into place every mile or two. Note that my (drop) bars are about 2" below saddle, so I am not sitting upright.

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Joe Bernard

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Jun 28, 2019, 12:56:22 PM6/28/19
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As I think I mentioned earlier, the answer is the unfortunately named Oakley Asia Fit. I'm not Asian but I have similar features when it comes to fitting shades, and these Oakleys are the only ones I've ever worn that don't slip. I have a bunch of them so if somebody wants to try it I'll ship for $60. Which is a very good price for expensive shades I take immaculate care of..I have too many and someone else may appreciate them.

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Joe at 415-786-4623

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