Beat the Benchmark: Bike Glasses Put to the Test

Beat the Benchmark: Bike-Brillen im Test

Unfortunately, finding the right pair of cycling glasses isn’t all that easy. After all, just because a pair fits well in the store doesn’t automatically mean it will perform well on the trail or in the wind. Also, you can’t always tell a pair of glasses’ quality just by looking at them. It’s often only when you use them that you discover what a model is capable of and where its strengths lie. Among the huge selection of sports glasses, there are a few that stand out from the masses – not visually, but in terms of performance.

More about the new "Beat the Benchmark" test format: Link

How the test was conducted

About a dozen pairs of sunglasses were put to the test in a head-to-head comparison during a test day on the Biel trails. It quickly became clear which models would make the cut. Afterward, each pair of sunglasses was used multiple times on rides, at least once in temperatures above 25 degrees and also in the rain.

The Benchmark – Julbo Frequency Reactiv

Right from the first ride with the Frequency, it’s clear: the term “comfort” has taken on a whole new meaning. The ultra-lightweight sunglasses sit so lightly on the face that you can barely feel them. Wind protection is nearly perfect, and the high-quality lenses do an excellent job of preventing eye fatigue.

Facts
Light transmission: 87 to 15 percent
Category: 1 to 3
Frame height: 52 millimeters
Weight: 17 grams

Strengths

Lightweight
High comfort
Excellent wind protection
Photochromic lens (Reactiv)
Good impact protection
When not tinted, the lens is very light
Low-profile design
Ventilated lens

Weaknesses

If you store the glasses too often in tight helmet openings, the rubber pads at the ends of the temples may come loose over time
The anti-fog coating on the inside of the lens can be damaged if cleaned carelessly
Nose pads are not adjustable

Price: CHF 229.00 / EUR 214.90

www.julbo.com

Die Julbo Frequency hat die grösste Bandbreite aller Variobrillen.

Nach zwei Jahren im Dauereinsatz hat die Innenseite Kratzer, die erstaunlicherweise die Sicht nicht beeinträchtigen.

Die Nasenbügel liegen nicht spürbar auf.

Hitze kann hier weichen und die Linse beschlägt so an kalten Tagen nicht.

Dirtlej Specs 03

Although the Dirtlej sits slightly farther away from the face than other goggles, they fit well and let very little wind through. The extra space helps heat escape easily upward. The large lens provides good protection from the wind, has a slight yellow tint, and offers optimal contrast. These goggles offer neutral color rendering and darken faster than any other pair.

Facts
Light transmission: 73 to 15 percent
Category: 1 to 3
Goggle height: 62 millimeters
Weight: 26 grams

Strengths

Photochromic lens
High-contrast lens
Good heat dissipation
Adjustable nose pads, 2 positions
Made from sustainable bio-based nylon
Anti-reflective lenses
Double-sided, scratch-resistant, water-repellent, and oleophobic coating

Weaknesses

The lens is a bit too dark at dusk
Doesn’t fit quite as snugly as other glasses
The rubber coating on the temples provides little grip

Price: CHF 199.00 / EUR 199.00

www.dirtlej.de

Der Abdunklungsbereich der Dirtlej Specs 03 ist top.

Das Foto täuscht, denn die Specs 03 bietet eine absolut neutrale Farbgebung.

Lässt sich in zwei Positionen einrasten: das Nasenpad.

Eine grossflächige Gummierung, die aber nicht sonderlich viel Halt bietet.

BBB Valor PH LMC

The Valor, with its slightly narrower fit, is noticeably present on the face but not uncomfortable. The blue-tinted lens is ideal for very bright light but less so at dusk. It does not brighten the view as much as the other models. The BBB offers good protection at a fair price.

Facts
Light transmission: 63 to 16 percent
Category: 1 to 3
Frame height: 60 millimeters
Weight: 31 grams

Strengths

Photochromic lenses (PH)
Anti-fog coating on the inside of the lens
Oleophobic coating on the outer surface
Ventilation slots in the lens
Made from bio-based material (Rilsan)
Good value for the price

Weaknesses

The lens is too dark at dusk
Lack of contrast in the forest in low light or changing conditions
Lens smudges easily

Price: CHF 169.90 / EUR 169.00

www.bbbcycling.com

Die Valor von BBB hat das kleinste Spektrum der Abdunklung.

Das sehr stabile Hardcase fasst gar eine zweite Linse.

Die photochromatische Scheibe ist eher für Schönwetterfahrten geeignet.

Der mittelharte Gummi des Nasenpads lässt sich gut verformen und individuell anpassen.

Nicht sehr gross, aber sie bewirken dennoch was: die seitlichen Lüftungsschlitze.

Coast Optics Nita 2

The Nita provides good protection against wind and offers a neutral field of view without color distortion and with good contrast. At its lightest setting, it is barely tinted and is also suitable for riding in the dark. It sits lightly but securely on the nose. It lightens up considerably faster than the others.

Facts
Light transmission: 83 to 15 percent
Category: 0 to 3
Frame height: 68 millimeters
Weight: 31 grams

Strengths

Neutral color rendering
Photochromic lens (Photochromatic)
Very light lens
Comfortable nose pads
Non-slip rubberized temples
Anti-fog technology
Frame made of biodegradable Bio-TR90
Good value for the price

Weaknesses

Comes only with a pouch, no box
Makes creaking noises when handled
Lens is somewhat prone to scratches, despite the anti-scratch coating
Takes a while to darken
The large lens causes heat to build up in hot weather

Price: CHF 129.90 / EUR 169.95.00

www.coastoptics.ca

Die Neuauflage der «Coast Optics Nita» eignet sich wegen des breiten Abdunklungsbereichs für jedes Wetter.

Sie ist die einzige Brille, die ohne Case geliefert wird.

Wirklich schnell hellt keine der Brillen auf, doch die Nita 2 ist die schnellste der vier.

Das Nasenpad lässt sich nicht verstellen, sitzt aber passend und angenehm auf dem Gesicht.

Sweet Protection Shinobi RIG Reflect

If you don’t like polarized lenses, the Shinobi offers a pair of sunglasses that uses a special contrast-enhancing technology (RIG®). The tint provides good protection against glare even in the brightest conditions. However, it’s too dark when it’s heavily overcast. The color change is minimal, and they provide excellent wind protection.

Facts
Light transmission: 12 percent
Category: 3
Frame height: 58 millimeters
Weight: 31 grams

Strengths

Two additional nose pads of different widths included
Good wind protection
Side ventilation slits
Fits well

Weaknesses

Prone to fogging
Somewhat dark in cloudy conditions

Price: CHF 189.00 / EUR 179.00

www.sweetprotection.com

Die einzige Brille im Test ohne Varioglas: die «Shinobi RIG Reflect» von Sweet Protection.

Sie kommt im Hardcase mit zwei weiteren Nasenpads.

Da sie nur 12 Prozent Licht durchlässt, eignet sie sich primär für sonniges Wetter.

Das Nasenpad aus sehr weichem Gummi stört kein bisschen.

Die in den Bügeln eingelassenen Gummierungen fühlen sich glatt an, sorgen dennoch für ausreichend Halt.

Conclusion

Each of these sunglasses has its strengths and performs well on the trail—provided they fit you well. The Julbo Frequency retains its status as the benchmark. After all, no other pair sits so lightly and comfortably on your face while offering absolutely top-notch protection from wind and sun.

Further content on this article

Beat the Benchmark

New Test Format: Beat the Benchmark

Testing bike products and accessories requires experience and benchmark products. Over the years, certain products have emerged as benchmarks in their respective segments. This is because they lead the pack in specific areas or stand out thanks to a “unique selling point” that others lack. But even benchmarks must be “challenged” time and again, and to this end, Ride has created the new “Beat the Benchmark” testing format.

04.05.2026

Test Bike-Griffe

Beat the Benchmark: Handlebar Grips Put to the Test

Along with saddles, handlebar grips are products where preferences vary greatly from person to person. This makes choosing the right one difficult, especially since there are countless options available. A few stand out from the crowd and offer enhanced comfort and ergonomics. Four of them were put to the test against Sqlab’s current benchmark.

Bikeshops with

News about