Gravel cycling glasses: photochromic, prescription

Why glasses suited to gravel riding?

On a white gravel road, every tyre raises dust and flicks up grit, even more so when you ride on a partner's wheel. Insects, the wind on descents and the low branches of forest tracks complete the list. A gravel ride often lasts several hours and alternates road, track and woodland: the pair has to stay comfortable from the first kilometre to the last, without slipping or pinching your temples, and adapt to very different light.

Photochromic, interchangeable or clear lens?

A photochromic lens darkens under ultraviolet light and lightens in the shade. Its range is expressed in filter categories: a 0 to 3 lens goes from an almost colourless tint to full-sun protection, while a 1 to 3 lens stays slightly tinted. It is the simplest solution for a ride that starts at dawn or crosses long stretches of forest.

Frames with interchangeable lenses rely on one lens per condition: a dark lens in summer, a yellow or rose lens to boost contrast in grey weather, a clear lens for night rides. Polarised lenses, finally, cut glare on water and wet surfaces, welcome on roads after rain. The replacement lenses on this page also replace a lens scratched by grit.

Frame, ventilation and helmet compatibility

A large wraparound lens gives better protection from spray coming from the side, but it has to let air flow: vents in the lens or between the lens and the frame limit fogging when your speed drops on a climb. Nose pads and adjustable arms fit the pair to the shape of your face, and some lenses come in a smaller size for narrow faces. Try your glasses with your helmet: the arms should pass comfortably over the straps and the retention system.

Prescription cycling glasses: the options

If you wear corrective glasses, there are two options. A prescription insert, fitted with your corrective lenses, clips behind the lens of models designed for it, which some brands flag with the RX label. Some frames also accept corrective lenses cut directly by an optician. Contact lenses remain an alternative, provided your eyes are protected from dust. For young riders, kids' models are available, some of them with a photochromic lens.

Other glasses and gravel gear

Every pair, for every kind of riding, is gathered in cycling glasses, which details the filter categories. For the most demanding trails, see mountain bike glasses. Also think about how they work with your gravel helmet and your gloves, gathered in gravel gear.

Which brands of glasses for gravel riding?

Rudy Project designs its Kelion, with a Rilsan Clear frame and an optional ImpactX photochromic lens, for road, gravel and mountain bike riders; the Astral X, the Lightflow and the Rydon complete the selection.

Bollé offers its Shifter family in several versions, Shifter, C-Shifter and Lightshifter, alongside the C-Icarus and the Micro Edge.

AZR has named its glasses after legendary mountain passes: the Kromic Huez with a photochromic lens, and the Izoard, also made for children.

Salice offers its 018 RWX with a photochromic lens, alongside the 016 RW and 001RW.

POC, a Swedish brand, is mainly present here through its replacement lenses, for the Aspire Mid, the Elicit, with a toric lens, the Levator and the Aim.

Shimano completes the page with its S-Phyre glasses, the Technium, the Equinox and the Aerolite, as well as replacement lenses.

Gravel cycling glasses on sale

Colours from past seasons feed road clearance, and recently added pairs new arrivals. The seasonal sales in spring, ahead of the big summer rides, are the right time for a replacement lens.

Frequently asked questions

Which lens should you choose for gravel riding in overcast weather?

A clear, yellow or rose lens, in category 0 or 1, brings out the relief of the track without darkening your vision. A 0 to 3 photochromic lens covers both grey skies and sunny spells.

Do you need polarised lenses for gravel?

They are not essential. They reduce glare on puddles and wet tarmac, useful on road links. On a dry track, a good lens in the right category is enough.

How do you stop your glasses slipping during a ride?

Adjust the nose pads and arms where possible, and choose a frame whose rubber tips grip even when you sweat. A pair that slips is often too big for your face.

Can you wear cycling glasses over prescription glasses?

It is rarely comfortable, as the two frames get in each other's way and fog builds up between the lenses. A prescription insert or corrective lenses fitted in the frame give a much better result.

Are ordinary sunglasses suitable for gravel riding?

They filter the sun, but cover less of your face and let wind and dust in from the sides. For long rides on tracks, a wraparound cycling frame gives better protection.