As an avid mountain biker with less-than-perfect vision, I know the struggle of finding the right eyewear solution for the trails. It's more than just seeing clearly; it's about safety, comfort, and enjoying the ride without constantly adjusting your glasses. I've tried various approaches over the years, and I'm excited to share what I've learned.
I remember one particularly muddy ride where I spent more time wiping my glasses than actually enjoying the scenery. My regular glasses were constantly slipping down my nose, getting splattered with mud, and generally being a nuisance. My eyesight is pretty bad, so riding without correction wasn't an option. I even considered OTG (Over The Glasses) goggles, but found them bulky and uncomfortable for longer rides. This led me on a quest to find a better solution for riding with prescription glasses.
Over time, I've experimented with several different methods to see clearly while tackling the trails. Here's a breakdown of what I've found:
Many people recommend contact lenses as the best option, and I can see why. They offer a wide field of vision and eliminate the problem of glasses fogging up or getting dirty. I tried contacts for a while, and they were great in some ways. However, I found them uncomfortable during long rides, especially in dry or dusty conditions. My eyes would get irritated, and I'd have to stop and rinse them frequently. While I acknowledge that contact lenses are a solid option, they weren’t the perfect fit for me.
My next attempt was with prescription sunglasses. I opted for frames that were identical to my regular glasses, which made the transition seamless. I chose Oakley frames, but they look like normal glasses, so I can wear them anywhere. This approach worked well for sunny days, but I still needed a solution for overcast or shaded trails. The key is to choose frames that fit well and won't slip, even when you're bouncing around on rough terrain. This is an easy way to manage your prescription while riding.
I looked into getting a dedicated pair of glasses specifically for riding. I learned that frames made with acetate and a metal core are a good choice. They're durable enough to withstand the rigors of mountain biking and can be fitted with prescription lenses.
Recently, I discovered clip-on lenses. This is a great solution if you already wear glasses and don't want to invest in a separate pair of prescription sunglasses. I even came across the SHINU Color Blind clip on, which is designed to correct red-green color blindness. While I don't have that specific issue, I was impressed by the concept of specialized clip-ons. I haven't personally tried this particular product, but I've been using a similar clip-on with tinted lenses, and it works surprisingly well. It's easy to attach and detach, and it doesn't add much weight to my glasses. If you want to read more feedback on similar products, you might find helpful experiences.
Regardless of which method you choose, here are some tips I've learned over the years for riding with glasses: