The best cycling glasses for road, racing and MTB

Billed as a hybrid design that combines everything you want from a pair of goggles, with the airflow and ease of use of a pair of sunglasses, the Wildcat promises to deliver everything you need while riding off- or on-road.

Megol temple and nose pads hold them steady on your face and the frame is made from a tough but bendy TR90 and TPU frame. They'll also stay safe and secure in the supplied hard case.

Our review: "This review is primarily about the Wildcat sunglasses but it's going to be really hard to not focus entirely on Smith's new photochromatic lens, which now features ChromaPop contrasting enhancing technology. That didn't use to be the case, so you'd have to choose which feature was more important to you.

"I really value the colour enhancement of a ChromaPop lens because it makes features like roots and rocks stick out (visually) along the trail, so they're easier to see.

"But having a Photochromic treatment that darkens in sunshine and goes clear in wooded areas, so I can still see where I'm going, is just as important. If I know I'm going to be in the open all day then a traditional tinted lens is fine, but more often than not I'll be riding in and out of tree cover, which used to feel like someone had switched off the lights.

"The Photochromic lens ranges from 67% light transmission (almost clear) to 12%, which I've found dark enough for even the brightest days. The transition from one to the other seems to take 20-30 seconds, but in the real world they always seem to let the exact right amount of light through.

"Ticking lots of boxes is exactly what this pair of sunglasses about. Beyond the lens tech, they're shaped and sized like a pair of goggles, meaning you get the coverage and protection you want in a smaller package.

"Not only does this mean better airflow on hot days when I don't want to wear goggles, but they look and fit much better under an open-face helmet like my Smith Forefront. In fact, the arms of the Wildcats fit into the storage grooves in that lid better than the Shift Split Mags I've tested previously, meaning they feel more secure when perched on top.

"The result of all of this is that I don't really have to think about which pair of sunglasses or goggles I take with me on a ride, I just take these Wildcats, because they cover 99% of my riding, whatever the weather. And then when they're on, I don't have to think about taking them on and off as the sun goes behind the clouds or the trees.

"You can tailor the fit with the two-position nose pad, and the arm hinges flick either open or closed to make them easier to use one-handed. There's no frameless option on this model, but if uninterrupted coverage is a priority then you can get the Photochromic and ChromaPop lens in Smith's Shift Split Mag." Tried and tested by Affiliate Operations Editor Adam Binnie.

These glasses from Smith tick all the boxes - a massive range of ChromaPop lenses in all different tints and colours, a simple and effective way to swap them into your frames, and a decent hard case to keep everything in.

Despite huge coverage they're well vented and fit securely with Megol non-slip pads on the nose and temples, and their clean styling means they look as good in the peloton or on the trail. Read more in the Our review tab.

"A clear winner from all the glasses we've tested, these Smith Shift Split Mags stood out from the very first wear thanks to their comfortable fit, ease of use and enormous coverage.

"The TR90 frame is flexible where it counts and stiff where it needs to be, meaning they stay put on your face without any pinching or pressing that could lead to irritation.

"Changing the lens is as simple as unclipping the arms (they're held on securely with magnets) and reattaching them to the supplied clear lens, or vice versa. It's entirely possible to do this without getting smudges on the lens, which isn't always a given.

"Inside the case, there's even a separate foam cut-out to protect the spare lens - quite often, it just has to rattle around with no obvious home.

"We tested the ChromaPop Black Lens, which is heavily tinted (letting just 10% light through) and found it extremely effective on a sunny day. In cloudier weather, the clear lens really comes into its own. Neither had any issues with fogging, even when stationary.

"There's even a Photochromic option (which changes tint depending on light conditions), and now features the ChromaPop contrast enhancement, which sounds like a brilliant all-rounder." Tried and tested by Affiliate Operations Editor Adam Binnie.

Sometimes you want to go for a bike ride without looking like you're part of the Tour de France, or maybe you just want a pair of sunglasses that looks just as good on and off the bike. The Tempo is the perfect balance of UVA+UVB 400 protection and a stylish shape to give you the best of both worlds.

Our review: "I'm a big fan of the MW Speed lens as reviewed above, but the shape and style of those glasses is quite bold and can look a bit over the top on a short family ride or when sat outside a coffee shop off my bike.

"The Tempo model offers the same polarized protection but in a much more classic shape. It's also quite a bit lighter, and having a full frame to protect the lens makes me less nervous about putting them down.

"There are downsides to this, of course - the flatter shape of the lens means sunlight can sneak in around the extremities, and there are no silicone pads on the ears or nose bridge to stop them sliding around if you get sweaty. The bottom and sides of the frame also create a few blind spots, which you don't get with frameless glasses.

"However, for more casual rides or for looking great off the bike, these are a great choice." Tried and tested by Adam Binnie, Affiliate Operations Editor

Lightweight and stable with a huge field of vision and a range of different tinting lenses to choose from, Rapha's Pro Team Full Frame glasses promise to be everything a roadie needs for a long day in the saddle. However, many of those features also make them great for off-road riders too.

Our review: "Rapha has made serious in-roads into the mountain bike market recently, taking the best of what makes their tarmac kit so brilliant and applying it to gravel and dirt. These glasses are not specifically for off-road riding, but if you dabble in both, they are a great one-size-fits-all solution.

"In terms of styling, I think they look more like MTB glasses than a road rider's wraparound, so you won't stand out on the trail or the peloton. There's a selection of lenses offering 10, 15, or 21% light transmission, depending on your preference, although all offer UVA400 protection. I tested the lightest (the pink-blue one) and found it a good balance of dark enough in broad daylight but not too tinted under tree cover.

"In the velvety hard case, you also get a clear lens for overcast days or riding in really dense woodland, and this is easily swapped by pulling the flexible Grilamid TR90 frame apart and snapping the new piece in. Rapha says this is scratch resistant but it's not replaceable, so I'd exercise extra care on really wet, gritty trails.

"An anti-fog coating works well to keep your vision clear, and when the lens has become misted up during a long stop, it cleared as soon as I started moving again. Venting along the top and sides means you can keep them on your face even during a hard pedal uphill.

"There are two nose bridges in the box to tailor fit, and I found the larger one more comfortable, with the Megol arm grips holding them in place along the side of my head without being an overly tight. Having done so, I can ride all day without really feeling them on my face, which is about the highest praise you can give a pair of cycling glasses." Tried and tested by Adam Binnie, Affiliate Operations Editor

A blend of modern and retro looks, these large sunglasses feature a frameless bottom design to improve corner-to-corner visibility and a blue polarized lens that takes the sting out of sunlight, whether it's direct or reflected.

Our review: "My biggest priority from a pair of mountain bike glasses is uninterrupted coverage - the last thing I want my eye protection to do is mask a potentially hazardous trail feature behind a thick plastic frame.

"These Messyweekend glasses feature a huge lens held in place at the top only, with lower corners that reach a long way around to ensure decent real estate, and they sit close to your face to further reduce the chance of bright light breaking through. They're scratch and fog-resistant too.

"The manufacturer says they feature the same high contrast tech as its ski goggles, and it does seem to make green colours pop right out. I've found this very useful for spotting roots and rocks hidden along the trail, particularly in shady conditions.

"The TR90 frame (a type of tough but flexible thermoplastic) and silicone nose pads means a comfortable fit, while the lens offers full UVA+UBA 400 protection. The only downsides are the lack of included hard case and ventilation, although, in all honesty, I've not missed either." Tried and tested by Adam Binnie, Affiliate Operations Editor

No other pair of glasses on this list can be customised like these Pit Vipers - the bridge moves in and out for different width noses, the arms have a wire core so you can bend them into shape, and you can set them up with a full or half frame depending on preference.

"Pit Viper sunglasses have a distinctive, even divisive look, and a style unlike anything else available. This Try Hard model is actually quite dialled back, especially with the standard black frames - although much louder options are available.

"That means they're now an option for cyclists who were perhaps less comfortable drawing attention to themselves, which is great news, because they are a super versatile option that represents brilliant value for money.

"For a start you can detatch the bottom of the frame and insert a noise piece into the lens, meaning they can be set up with full or half frames depending on your preference. I like the extra protection of a full frame on my road bike in case I drop them on tarmac, but want edge-to-edge vision while riding my mountain bike. Until now this meant owning at least two pairs of sunglasses.

"There's a dark smoked lens and a low-light lens included in the box, as well as a retention cord so you can hang them around your neck. Both offer 100% UV protection but neither is polarized - unless you're cycling near reflective surfaces like a large body of water this isn't really the end of the world.

"These are actually the first Pit Vipers with interchangeable lenses and the method isn't as innovative as others on this list, you basically pull the frame apart by hand and then click it all back together. It's tricky to do without getting smudges on the lens, although these are easily sorted with the included lens wipe.

"Most useful though are the small adjustments you can make to the overall fit - in the nose bridge and on the arms, to get them absolutely dialled in. They look fun, they feel fun to wear, and they come with a lifetime warranty - really easy to recommend." Tried and tested by Affiliate Operations Editor Adam Binnie

Offering UVA+UVB 400 protection but with a lower profile and better ventilation than the Messyweekend Speed glasses above, this Rapid model is ideal if you want great protection but a sleeker look.

Our review: "These glasses make a bit less of a statement than the massive, blue MW Speed version above, but still feature great protection and a wide design that covers most of my face.

"They sit a little lower too, thanks to a smaller gap between the bridge and the top of the frame, and this means they fit under my larger mountain bike helmet without issue. A more aero look means they'll suit road riders too.

"Ventilation in the top corners and by the arm hinge also offers a decent amount of cooling air for warmer rides, and while the lens isn't polarized, it offers a neutral tint for a more natural coloured view (unlike the blue lens model above). Tried and tested by Adam Binnie, Affiliate Operations Editor

Offering a photochromatic lens, these feature-rich glasses boast high performance at an accessible price. Automatically tinting to the given light conditions, the lens ranges from 14%-74% transmission depending on whether it's overcast or full sun outside. The arms are sturdy and grip on with hydrophilic rubber, so they stay put even when wet.

The Oakley Jawbreaker are one of the most popular cycling glasses available. Some clever lens tech has gone into these cycling specs, offering a consistent contrast across the field of view. The lens is vented for improved anti-fogging and features Switchlock, which allows for easy and quick lens swaps (this includes swapping in prescription lenses, too). The temple arms are adjustable for fit, and the rubberised nose pads carry that well-known Oakley comfort. Available with Oakley prescription lenses.

The Bolle Shifter are a bold statement. The lens design does have some handy benefits - it protects a large area of the face, is vented for reduced fogging and offers an uninterrupted field of view. The lens also uses Phantom tech to lighten and darken the tint in reaction to the lighting conditions. Compatible with prescription lenses.

The Radar EV Path carries a large Plutonite lens developed by Oakley using high-quality Polycarbonate plastic to offer excellent protection from damage and UV. This lens can be swapped out for polarized and tinted options. The frame is lightweight and well-shaped across the nose and ears.

Looking much more like standard sunglasses, the Rudy Project Rydon are a slightly smaller pair of cycling glasses than some other options here listed. The glasses are lightweight and comfortable, with multiple adjustment points allowing you to get the fit just right. This option comes with a smoke lens, ideal for keeping the sun glare at bay, but other options are available and easily switched in.

If you're new to cycling, it can be hard justifying big spending on your hobby. The solution, for glasses at least, is the Tifosi Intense. Comfortable, stylish and stable, the Intense has all that you need to test the glasses' water. The smoked lens is vented, the nose pad is adjustable and the frame is made from a lightweight material.