Photochromic lenses?

[rgmerk]

For us Southern Hemisphere types, it's now the time of year when you start rides off in darkness and then get an eyeful of sunshine on the horizon when the sun goes up.

I'm considering investing in some glasses with photochromic lenses.

Anybody got experience with these? Do they have sufficient range to cope with a transition from night to glary early morning? And do you have to spend $300 for a pair that works or can you get cheaper ones that do the job?

 

[richwagmn]

I've been very happy with the Tifosi lenses. The orange color works very well.

http://www.tifosioptics.com/product...t|Open Water Green Polarized|Smoke Polarized/

 

[Bespoke]

I also have Tifoi Fototec, in Light Night. I believe it's the highest light transmission lens so, best for low light conditions such as you describe. They get plenty dark enough as well but are not polarized.

Definitely less than $300.

 

[King Boonen]

I may be being silly, but can you not just stash the glasses in your helmet until the sun comes up and you need them?

 

[Bustedknuckle]

For us Southern Hemisphere types, it's now the time of year when you start rides off in darkness and then get an eyeful of sunshine on the horizon when the sun goes up.

I'm considering investing in some glasses with photochromic lenses.

Anybody got experience with these? Do they have sufficient range to cope with a transition from night to glary early morning? And do you have to spend $300 for a pair that works or can you get cheaper ones that do the job?

Tifosi..I have some, work great in darkness and changing light. About $60

 

[dsut4392]

I may be being silly, but can you not just stash the glasses in your helmet until the sun comes up and you need them?

On my ride to work this morning it was only 5 degrees, nearly an hour after sunrise - without glasses I couldn't see the road for the tears in my eyes. If the OP is at all like me, keeping the cold wind out the eyes is as important as keeping the sun out.

 

[biker jk]

I have the Rudy Project Rydon Photochromatics clear lens. Light transmission is 78%-18%. So they can be used in darkness and also sunshine. Very happy with their performance. You can buy them from the usual overseas online bike shops for around $160.

 

[Bespoke]

On my ride to work this morning it was only 5 degrees, nearly an hour after sunrise - without glasses I couldn't see the road for the tears in my eyes. If the OP is at all like me, keeping the cold wind out the eyes is as important as keeping the sun out.

...and bugs...and dust

 

[Old Nomad]

For us Southern Hemisphere types, it's now the time of year when you start rides off in darkness and then get an eyeful of sunshine on the horizon when the sun goes up.

I'm considering investing in some glasses with photochromic lenses.

Anybody got experience with these? Do they have sufficient range to cope with a transition from night to glary early morning? And do you have to spend $300 for a pair that works or can you get cheaper ones that do the job?

I live in Perth where the Sun can get quite bright but I have given up on photochromic glasses. I find that their definition is nowhere in the same class as prescription sunnies.
Old Nomad

 

[rgmerk]

I may be being silly, but can you not just stash the glasses in your helmet until the sun comes up and you need them?

I wear contact lenses and they dry out in the wind, even on a freezing morning.

By the way, thanks to all replies; most useful!

 

[Polyarmour]

I may be being silly, but can you not just stash the glasses in your helmet until the sun comes up and you need them?

Well you could, but how do you deal with bugs flying into your eyes at 40+kmh?

 

[laziali]

On my ride to work this morning it was only 5 degrees, nearly an hour after sunrise - without glasses I couldn't see the road for the tears in my eyes.

...and bugs...and dust

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