Looking for a new pair of glasses for cycling or mountain biking? You’ve come to the right place!
Most of the glasses on this list are one’s I’ve used extensively myself, the rest have been tested by our team. All are highly recommended by the Femme Cyclist community (we polled y’all)!
Whether you’re looking for a high-end pair of performance shades, or a pair of budget lenses, we’ve shared our top picks.
🏆Our Top Pick: Short on time? Go with the Smith Bobcat. It’s the pair of glasses I wear nearly everyday on the bike–road, gravel, and mountain–and it’s a consistent favorite of our community too. The Bobcat is a good fit for small female faces, is comfortable enough to be worn all day, and the ChromaPop lenses offer superior vision.
About The Reviewers & How We Chose
I (Kristen Bonkoski, founder of Femme Cyclist) headed up this product guide. I’ve tested all of the glasses on this list (with the exception of the Julbo glasses which Stacy tested).
In most cases, a secondary team member also tested the glasses. (‘Cause not everybody likes the same thing, right? It’s always good to get a second opinion). Those team members include Stacy Smith, founder of Sascy Cycling, Kira Maicke, bike industry veteran, and Debra Bonkoski, recreational cyclist and fashionista!
But in addition to our opinions, we also surveyed y’all. We polled our community (on Instagram, Facebook, and email) to see what your favorite glasses are. We’ve shared these results later on, but all of the glasses listed here, were highly recommended by actual women cyclists using them in the wild.
The List
| BEST OVERALL | Score (out of 40) | Price (List) |
| Smith Bobcat / Wildcat | 40 | $217 |
| Julbo Fury | 40 | $240 |
| Julbo Density | 39 | $260 |
| Smith Syncline | 37 | $197 |
| Chamelo Shield | 33 | $199 |
| BEST BUDGET | ||
| Tifosi Moab XC | 33 | $79 |
| Tifosi Rail Race | 33 | $79 |
| Rockbros | 29 | $27.99 (Last updated: 2023-11-27 at 19:43 |
| Das Optics | 27 | $49 |
| Tifosi Swank | 26 | $29 |
| Goodr | 24 | $25 |
Smith Bobcat / Smith Wildcat
Score: Comfort and fit (10/10), Durability (10/10), Vision (10/10), Coverage (10/10)
Price: $217 List
When polling our community, the Smith Wildcat and the Smith Bobcat glasses were by far the favorite glasses (by a lot). This didn’t surprise me because they’re also the glasses that a lot of my girlfriends ride with.
Both pairs of glasses are essentially the same, but the Smith Bobcat is narrower and sized for smaller faces. This makes them a better fit for *most* women, but not all. If you have a larger face, opt for the Wildcat instead.
The Bobcats were the best fit, for me. They also ended up being my top pick overall out of all the glasses we tested.
Both the Wildcat and Bobcat glasses have proprietary “Chromapop” lenses. I found that the Chromapop was great for riding in and out of trees and other light conditions that make definition challenging.
The glasses also come with a clear lens for night riding or rainy days. It’s easy to swap lenses, though certainly not as easy as simply having photochromatic lenses (more on those later).
They do make colors a bit more vibrant than reality, which you may like (or you may not). I noticed it most around grass or other dark green vegetation.
The frames are quite flexible and, as a result, very comfortable as well. I didn’t have any pain points at the temples where glasses can start to bother me on long rides.
The Bobcats come with two nosepieces. They are soft and smaller than other cycling glasses, again making them a good fit for smaller faces. My experience with other cycling glasses is that they often slide around a bit on my nose, and these stayed firmly in place.
I love the Bobcasts so much it’s hard to come up with any cons. The only true drawback is the price. While the glasses are great, there are a lot of other options that come close at a fraction of the cost.
Julbo Fury & Julbo Density
Score: Comfort and fit (10/10), Durability (10/10), Vision (10/10), Coverage (10/10)
Price: $240 Fury, $260 Density List
While I’m a big fan of the Smith glasses, Stacy on the Femme Cyclist team, prefers the Julbo glasses–namely the Julbo Fury and Julbo Density. After the Smith glasses, Julbo was also the #2 recommendation of our community.
While you can get the glasses with different lenses, we highly recommend buying them with the Reactiv lenses. These photodramatic lenses do a great job of switching for clear to dark depending on the light conditions. Much simpler than switching out lenses based on conditions.
The other lens option are the Spectron lenses but we found that the Spectron lens option feels a little dark/too hard to see out of as you get closer to sunset/in darker conditions.
If you live in a rainy climate, the photochromatic lenses are ideal, as are the fact that they do a good job of staying fog free. Stacy has biked in the glasses in bouts of rain and fog, and noted they never once fogged up on her while moving. Though they did tend to fog up slightly if she took a longer break, they clear up instantly when she starts riding again.
Both frames are super light and provide good coverage. The Fury glasses fit a little more snug than the Density, and are a better fit for smaller faces. If you have a larger head/don’t like a more snug feel you might want to choose the Density.
Read Review: Julbo Fury & Julbo Density
Smith Syncline
Score: Comfort and fit (7/10), Durability (10/10), Vision (10/10), Coverage (10/10)
Price: $197
The Smith Syncline glasses have the same extremely high quality of the Smith Bobcat and Wildcat listed above, but with a larger lens well suited to enduro-style riding. These are the glasses I choose when I need the coverage of a goggle, but don’t want the goofy look of a half-shell helmet and goggles.
The one big drawback with the Syncline is that it will look comically large on many female faces, mine included. I still wear them for the excellent protection and full field of vision when racing enduro but feel a little over done for the average bike ride.
I primarily wear these with the ChromaPop Rose Gold Mirror lens which works well in the exposed sunny trails I’m riding most of the time. The Syncline also comes with clear lenses which work well for days with a bit more weather or late evening with fading sunlight.
In terms of comfort, I really don’t think Smith glasses can be beat. The nose piece is soft and doesn’t leave behind any markings, and the ear pieces are highly flexible so they don’t dig in at the temples.
One of my favorite things about Smith glasses, the Syncline included, is the ability to get replacement lenses and other parts. The glasses are well-built and durable to start with, but can last YEARS with the ability to replace a scratched lens.
Chamelo Shield
Score: Comfort and fit (6/10), Durability (10/10), Vision (10/10), Coverage (9/10)
Price: $199
There are several things that make the Chamelo Shield glasses stand out from the competition. The first is the adjustable tint.
While there are other glasses out there that will change the amount of tint based on light conditions (including theJulbo glasses listed earlier), the electrochromatic lenses on the Chamelo’s allow you to manually adjust the tint with a press of a button.
I liked this feature because it gave me control over how dark or light I wanted my lenses. With photocromatic lenses I’ve sometimes noticed that they sometimes go lighter before I would like them to. (If you don’t want to bother with manually switching, you can also leave these glasses on auto mode).
I’ve enjoyed riding with the Chamelo Shield’s on my after work autumn rides where I start out in bright light but the sun starts fading quickly. The overall clarity of vision is also top-notch with these lenses.
The second thing that makes the Shield unique is the option to choose built-in audio. If you don’t want to bring earbuds with you but like to listen to music, this is a neat feature. I think you could argue that this is also safer than earbuds since you don’t have anything in your ears blocking your hearing.
While the lenses on the Chamelo earned top points for me, the fit and comfort were lacking. They do not have the same premium feel as the Smith glasses, for example. The earpieces do not have any rubber and became noticable for me on long (3+ hour rides). The fit is also a little larger than the Smith Bobcat or Julbo Fury so less ideal for small female faces, and the lenses don’t have quite as much curvurture so it’s possible you could end up with some dirt or dust coming in from the sides.
Of all the glasses on this list, we’ve tested the Shields for the least amount of time. The durability seems good, but will update with time.
Tifosi Rail Race & Tifosi Moab XC
Score: Comfort and fit (8/10), Durability (9/10), Vision (9/10), Coverage (8/10)
Price: $79 List
I picked up a pair of the Tifosi Rail Race glasses a few years ago at Sea Otter and have been obsessed with the brand ever since–including my most recent addition of the Tifosi Moab XC. Why?
They do everything you need a pair of cycling glasses to do, and don’t cost a fortune! The value is pretty much unmatched. Their glasses look trendy, provide great coverage, and I’m not stressed about damaging them like I am about my Smith’s.
Tifosi has done a fantastic job of this across all of their models–providing performance glasses but at a less than premium pricepoint.
Where both the Rail Race and Moab XC really shines are the lenses. They seem nearly indestructible. I’m not at all kind to sunglasses and I have not a single scratch on either pair of the lenses; that’s pretty amazing!
There also come with multiple pairs of lenses–the Rail Race with two and the Moab XC with three. All offer superior range of vision thanks to the fact that they are rimless. Many times the rim of the glasses can interfere with your line of sight (particularly at the nose and temples), and that’s eliminated in both of these designs.
On the Rail Race the lenses are also unique in that there are vents on both the top and the bottom of the lenses. I’ve worn the Rail Race glasses in the cold and heat and have had no trouble with them fogging up EVER.
On both glasses, the “frame” is essentially just the ear pieces. This is where you can see the difference in quality between the Tifosi’s and a more expensive pair of glasses.
They are not as flexible or as soft as the frames on the Smith’s, for example, and I can “feel” them more. They also don’t stay in place quite as well on bumpy terrain.
Part of that might also be attributable to the fact the glasses are larger. They certainly don’t “fit” my small face quite as well, but they’ve also never been a nuisance.
Rockbros Photocromatic Glasses
Score: Comfort and fit (7/10), Durability (6/10), Vision (9/10), Coverage (7/10)
Price & Where To Buy: $27.99 (Last updated: 2023-11-27 at 19:43
I grabbed a pair of the Rockbros glasses off of Amazon, upon the recommendation of a bunch of my bikepacking friends. They seemed almost too good to be true, but at $25, what did I have to lose?
For a shockingly low price, the Rockbros glasses provide the same photochromatic lenses as more expensive options like the Julbos. They turn clear for night riding and low light, and darken up on bright days. In terms of lens quality, you aren’t missing out on much by choosing these over a more expensive photochromatic option.
They are lightweight and even on long bikepacking trips, I’ve found them comfortable enough to wear all day for several days. Not as comfortable as my Smith’s, but not bad at all.
Where they do fall a little short is the durability of the frames and the nosepiece. The nosepiece is adjustable, but not as comfortable as those on higher end glasses.
And while I haven’t broken the frame, I do notice that I treat theses a bit more gingerly than my other glasses. They don’t feel like they’ll last for years, BUT at $25 it won’t be a tragedy when they do go bust.
Finally, they just look a little dorky. They don’t have the same aesthetic *cool* factor of many of the other glasses on this list, but sometimes, who the heck cares!?!
If you want to try a pair of photochromatic glasses and are on a budget, you won’ t be disappointed with the Rockbros.
Das Optics Sendees
Score: Comfort and fit (5/10), Durability (6/10), Vision (8/10), Coverage (8/10)
Price: $49
Das Optics first entered my radar via my son. This is a small, small company started by a kid, and targeting kids (or adults with smaller faces), and my tween son has tested several pairs of Das Optics over the last few years.
He and I have similarly sized heads and often steel each others helmets and glasses. When he got a pair of the newest Das Optics Sendees, I had to borrow them to test myself because they are perfect for smaller faces AND they are super affordable.
In terms of aesthetics, they look super hip, and look just as trendy as any pair of Smith’s. The frame and lens size is also quite similar to that of the Bobcats, though the nose piece is larger and non-adjustable. On my smaller nose, it slipped around a bit.
But at $50, they are only a fraction of the price of the Bobcats. Despite the budget price tag, the frames come with FIVE different interchangeable, polarized lenses so you can swap out depending on the light conditions.
The lenses are quick and easy to swap out, although the frame is less flexible than the Bobcats and I felt like I had to be a little bit more gentle not to snap the frame.
If you value style, have a smaller face, AND are on a budget, I highly recommend the Sendees.
Goodr
Score: Comfort and fit (6/10), Durability (6/10), Vision (6/10), Coverage (6/10)
Price: $30 List
If you’re not familiar with Goodr sunglasses, you’ve probably been living under a rock. Super popular with the running community, the Goodr OG glasses also work great for cycling (and every day living).
The Goodr lenses do scratch more easily than higher end cycling glasses and if the weather is bad, they’ll fog. The frames, however, are lightweight, comfy and don’t slip even when sweating.
The best part, of course, is how cheap they are. At $30, you won’t cry when they inevitably get broken, lost, or scratched. Or, maybe the best part, is how many fun colors and designs they come in.
Honorable Mentions
These are other glasses that were highly recommended by our community.
Scoring
We rated these glasses in several categories: comfort, durability, vision, and coverage.
Comfort & Fit
While best fit is going to be different for everybody, there are certain things that can help ensure a good fit. These include adjustable or swappable nose pads, adjustable or flexible temples, rubber grips on the temple and nose, and lightweight materials.
The Smith Bobcat, Wildcat, and Julbo glasses all scored a perfect 10 in this area. That said, how well they fit will depend on your face size. We recommend the Smith Bobcat and Julbo Fury for those with smaller faces, and the Smith Wildcat and Julbo Density for those with slightly larger faces.
Durability
We looked at a couple of things when considering durability: how well the lenses resisted scratching, how flexible the frames are, and how well nose and temple pads stood up to abuse.
Again, the Smith and Julbo glasses performed flawlessly. The Tifosi glasses did incredibly well, especially considering their pricepoint.
Vision
Perhaps the most important part of a pair of cycling glasses is how well you can see out of them! We rated the glasses on how well the lenses performed–did they fog up? could we see in variable light conditions?–as well as how well they allowed us to get a full field of vision.
Coverage
Good coverage is critical for protecting your eyes from sun, dust, wind and debris. We considered how well our eyes were protected from not only the front, but also the side, top, and bottom.
Value
Like most things in life, the more expensive glasses on our list scored the best. But what if you’re looking for the best bang for your buck.
We graphed the glasses on our list by score AND price. As you can see in the graph below, the Tifosi glasses, in particular, offer superior value for their price.
Things To Consider When Choosing
Lens Type
When choosing lenses, one of the primary considerations is UV protection. Exposure to UV rays can be damaging to our eyes, leading to conditions like cataracts over time. Therefore, it’s essential to opt for lenses that offer 100% UV protection. This feature is usually standard in most quality cycling glasses, but it’s always good to double-check.
Polarized lenses are another popular feature. They reduce glare, which is particularly useful when you’re riding in bright sunlight, especially near reflective surfaces like water or wet roads. This reduction in glare not only makes for a more comfortable ride but also enhances safety by improving visibility.
However, it’s worth noting that polarized lenses might make it harder to read digital screens on bike computers or smartphones. So, if you rely heavily on these devices while riding, you might want to test polarized lenses before committing to them.
Then there’s the world of lens technology like ChromaPop or photochromic lenses. ChromaPop, a technology developed by Smith Optics, filters light at two specific wavelengths to enhance clarity and color. This can make the environment visually richer and more detailed, which is great for both trail and road cycling.
Photochromic lenses, on the other hand, adjust their tint based on light conditions. They darken in bright sunlight and become clearer in lower light, making them ideal for rides that start before dawn or extend into the evening, or for variable weather conditions.
Lens color is also something to consider. Different lens colors serve different purposes, depending on the lighting conditions and the environment you’re cycling in. For instance, gray or smoke lenses are great for bright, sunny days as they reduce overall brightness without altering color perception. This natural color view makes them a solid choice for road cyclists who need to maintain true color recognition.
For lower light conditions, such as overcast days or if you’re cycling through wooded areas with variable light, amber or brown lenses are ideal. They enhance contrast and depth perception, making it easier to spot obstacles or changes in the terrain. This feature is particularly beneficial for mountain bikers or anyone navigating through less consistent lighting.
Yellow or orange lenses are known for their ability to filter out blue light, which enhances contrast significantly. They’re perfect for days with flat light or in foggy conditions. If you often find yourself cycling in the early morning or late evening, these lens colors can help improve your vision.
Then there are green lenses, which are sort of an all-rounder. They provide good contrast and color balance, which is beneficial for cyclists who frequently ride in changing light conditions.
Lastly, there are clear lenses, which are essential for night cycling or very low light conditions. While they don’t filter light or enhance contrast, they provide the necessary protection against wind, dust, and debris.
Size
One thing we don’t see a lot of reviewers taking about is the size of the glasses–probably because they are men and most glasses are designed for men’s faces!
Of all the glasses we tested, the best fit for smaller faces belong to the Smith Bobcat, Julbo Fury, and Das Optics Sendees. We’ve also heard great things about the Melon Alleycat S, though we have yet to test it.
Coverage
You’ll notice a lot of the glasses on this list have lenses and offer significant coverage. Larger lenses and wraparound styles offer more protection from wind, dust, and debris.
This is not just about comfort; it’s a safety aspect too. Eyes watering from wind blast or dust can impair vision, which is the last thing you want at high speeds or on tricky trails.
The type of riding you’re going to be doing might influence how much coverage you need. Mountain biking for instance, generally requires more coverage than road cycling–there’s dust, rocks, mud, etc flying up in your face. Similarly, harder paced road cycling requires more coverage than easy paced recreational rides where a pair of Goodr sunglasses might offer plenty of protection.
How Likely Are You To Lose These Glasses?
A nice pair of cycling glasses is rad, but how likely are you to lose (or damage) the glasses? My husband is amazing about keeping his glasses safe in a case and carefully returning them to a spot on the garage shelf. I am not.
If you’re not super careful with glasses, I wouldn’t recommend investing in a really expensive pair. Their are glasses that are *almost* as good as the top of the line glasses without the hefty pricetag. Just my two cents.
Does It Come With A Case Or Bag?
How do you plan to store and transport your glasses? Depending on your preferences, the case might make a big difference.
Of the glasses on our list, all come with a case except for the Tifosi Swank and Goodr glasses.
Comfort
If you can, try on the glasses prior to buying. (Or order from a place with easy, free returns).
Cycling glasses should sit snugly on your nose and ears without pinching or causing discomfort. Look for adjustable nose pads and temples, as they can help achieve a more custom fit. Glasses that are too loose can slip during a ride, while those too tight can cause headaches over time.
Also, when you try the glasses on, wear your helmet. The arms of the glasses should fit comfortably with your helmet’s retention system, and there should be no uncomfortable pressure points.
Weight
Lighter glasses are more comfortable for long rides. Heavy glasses can become uncomfortable over time, and you might even start to feel their weight on your nose and ears. The best cycling glasses are those you barely notice you’re wearing.
Durability And Impact Resistance
The glasses should be able to withstand the rigors of cycling. Look for lenses and frames made from durable materials. Polycarbonate lenses are a good choice as they offer high impact resistance, which is crucial in case of falls or flying debris.
Ventilation and Fog Prevention
Good ventilation is essential to prevent the lenses from fogging up during your ride. Look for frames with adequate ventilation slots or designs that allow airflow. This is especially important if you’re a heavy sweater or ride in humid or rainy conditions.
Social And Environmental Responsibility
We tend to prefer supporting brands that have some clear display of social responsibility–whether it’s using environmentally responsible materials and packaging or donating a percentage of sales to non-profits. We’ve found that the same tends to hold true for our readers.
Das Optics is the most obvious choice of all of the brands we reviewed in terms of community. For every pair of glasses you buy, Das Optics donates $10 to the nonprofit of your choice. Goodr also gives 1% of their annual profits to environmental nonprofits.
More Stuff You Might Like
- 10 Best Women’s Padded Bike Shorts (Cycling Shorts)
- Cycling Nutrition: 9 Tips For Fueling On The Bike
- Your Guide To Bike Maintenance (Conquer The Fear!)
Are You Listening To The Femme Cyclist Podcast?!?
A podcast for women who love bicycles! We we celebrate all forms of riding and all forms of women, so whether you’re a road cyclist, mountain biker, or bike commuter, you’ll find your community here. Each week we’ll week bring you interviews from inspiring women, and offer tips and tricks to help you thrive on the bike.
Thanks for including us in this list! Another great benefit to shopping at dasoptic.net is that we donate $10 for every pair we sell to the non-profit of the purchaser’s choice. We donate thousands of dollars each year to nonprofit organizations all over the country.