Why do cyclists wear sunglasses?

[Wacky Racer]

Honest question, not trying to be a troll or anything.....

I can understand if you are riding up a mountain pass in the alps in strong sunlight, but in the UK in dull weather??

I can maybe understand tight fitting lycra, and even a helmet, (although cyclists never wore them in my day, Tommy Simpson, Beryl Burton etc)...but sunglasses?

Are they just an expensive fashion accessory?

[Butter Face]

Flies + 30mph = hurty eyes

[ukbabz]

Contact lenses don't like crap in them is my reason.. (it's why I've a clear set of sunglasses)

[Wacky Racer]

Butter Face said:

Flies + 30mph = hurty eyes

So they are more for protection then?....Well that makes sense I suppose.

[anonymous-user]

Even me, a social mountain biker, wear sunglasses to protect my eyes from insects.

[Jonnny]

Wacky Racer said:

Butter Face said:

Flies + 30mph = hurty eyes

So they are more for protection then?....Well that makes sense I suppose.

Both, that and sun in your eyes.. Tbf I wear glasses, clear ones, even when riding at night.

[citizensm1th]

orange or yellow tints heighten contrast as well, that can be useful

I use yellow tints for shooting

[Frik]

Butter Face said:

Flies + 30mph = hurty eyes

Doesn't stop you swallowing the bds though.

[popeyewhite]

I could ask the same question of runners and sunglasses.

[scottri]

Hayfever. Plus, when i get a good speed up my eyes tend to water a lot which stops me seeing where i am going. So its to keep the wind out of my eyes.

[Jonny_]

Mainly so nobody recognises me when wearing lycra...

[Evanivitch]

Sometimes it's a matter of consistency, train how you intend to compete, and that can include silly little things like sunglasses.

[Pachydermus]

Butter Face said:

Flies + 30mph = hurty eyes

wind/rain + 30mph = can't see where you're going

Also, never had a cracked windscreen? What do you think a rock would do to your eye?

[Black can man]

I have an addiction to my Rudy's


Lets be honest here , we look mega cool in our shades.

[Laurel Green]

Other cyclists will not return a nod unless the donning of such besides, having one of those flying stag beetles smack you in the face can be painful enough, never mind in the eye.

[okgo]

An attempt to troll backfires in some fashion

[Wacky Racer]

okgo said:

An attempt to troll backfires in some fashion

You'll make yourself sick rolling about like that petal....

[SteveSteveson]

Black can man said:

Lets be honest here , we look mega cool in our shades.

Mostly this.

And the eyes watering/bugs at 30+mph.

[yellowjack]

Stones, dust, bugs, tree branches/brambles and dog-toffee getting flicked up by the tyres.

No designer labels for me. Just an old pair of army-issue ballistic protection glasses. Usually worn with clear lenses (come with interchangeable clear, amber tint and smokey grey lenses), but even on a cloudy day some UV protection won't do your eyes any harm. The most important part of my bike riding safety kit to be honest. Followed by gloves, then a helmet. I'd far sooner ride without a helmet than without glasses.

[DukeDickson]

yellowjack said:

Stones, dust, bugs, tree branches/brambles and dog-toffee getting flicked up by the tyres.

No designer labels for me. Just an old pair of army-issue ballistic protection glasses. Usually worn with clear lenses (come with interchangeable clear, amber tint and smokey grey lenses), but even on a cloudy day some UV protection won't do your eyes any harm. The most important part of my bike riding safety kit to be honest. Followed by gloves, then a helmet. I'd far sooner ride without a helmet than without glasses.

All of this, plus mud & fetid water (for those who don't do road bikes). Though I probably should, I don't don a mushroom, only wear gloves sometimes, but would never ride without glasses of some description for any reason other than out there, already wearing shades and the light has gone more than expected.

Another one who doesn't wear pricey ones either .