When it comes to the best mountain bike sunglasses, there are a few factors you should look for to make the most of your time on the bike. Protection against the sun's harmful UV rays and debris from the trail is a key consideration alongside providing a clear field of vision in varying light conditions. Cycling-specific glasses will come in all shapes and sizes and have different features so that the price can range from premium to affordable. Let's make your next purchase straightforward, with our roundup of the best-rated specs that have come through our doors.

First things first, comfort is key. Most brands worth their salt will design sunglasses with special rubber elements on the nosepiece and arms to keep them secure, even on the roughest trails. With some models, the nosepiece is adjustable, which definitely helps.

UV protection is also an important factor. Many sunglasses will come with interchangeable lenses so you can swap and change to suit the conditions. Clear lenses are great for keeping trail debris out of your eyes on overcast and gloomy days, while tinted ones of varying colour and concentration can make all the difference in bright sunlight. Better yet, if your budget allows, opt for photochromic lenses that automatically adjust to changing light conditions.

Other features include anti-fog coatings, proper venting and scratch resistance. Good coverage is also important, and the more you have, the better protection you'll get. A large, wraparound lens will shield you from whatever comes flying your way.

Finally, if you usually wear prescription sunglasses, you'll be pleased to know that some mountain bike glasses can accommodate this. Look for RX insert or clip-in frame compatibility, so you don't need to compromise your vision on the trails.

Best mountain bike sunglasses 2023

• Madison Crypto
• Madison Cipher Photochromic
• Koo Demos
• Melon Optics Alleycat Photochromic
• Sungod Vulcans Top Frame
• Alpina Bonfire Q-Lite
• Melon Optics Alleycat
• Endura Singletrack Glasses
• Merida RACE
• Smith Optics Flywheel
• Tifosi Optics Crit Crystal Fototech
• Smith Optics Ruckus
• Smith Optics Wildcat

 

Madison Crypto

£40

If you’re after budget-friendly cycling sunglasses that don’t skimp on performance, you can’t do much better than the Madison Crypto. They certainly exceeded our expectations, offering great coverage, ergonomic fit, impressive clarity and fog resistance, all for a very accessible price.

With a lightweight TR-90 plastic frame and huge single-piece lens, the Cryptos feel sturdy and solid, and they’re comfortable enough to wear on big rides. The tinted lens provides good clarity and a surprising amount of contrast, thanks to the green-into-magenta fade. Plus, despite not being photochromic, they offer well-rounded protection in a variety of light conditions. They also do a great job of dispelling fog.

Non-slip rubber tips make for a secure fit, while the bendy nose piece can be moulded to the shape of your nose for added comfort. Plus, the lens is interchangeable, so you can buy photochromic and clear lenses separately, also for a wallet-friendly price, and take on whatever the weather can throw at you.

For more detail, take a look at our Madison Crypto glasses review.

Madison Cipher Photochromic

£70

The Madison Cipher Photochromic might be the cheapest photochromic specs on the market, and they perform well, too, making them excellent value for money.

The large single lens delivers spot-on coverage, while you get a decent field of view with the half-frame design. They do a great job of automatically adjusting to changes in brightness, providing clear and comfortable vision in varying light conditions. The fit is great too, thanks to the feathery weight, soft nose piece and bendy arms. They’re also stable enough for big, bumpy rides.

The only downside is that they lack the fog resistance found in the cheaper Cryptos listed above. This isn’t an issue if you’re moving at speed or climbing with a breeze though, and they still strike a good balance between price and performance.

Read more about them in our Madison Cipher Photochromic glasses review.

Koo Demos

£140

When riding in slightly gloomier conditions and don't want half the trail in your eyes, you'd do well to reach for the Koo Demos.

Zeiss lends its expertise and engineering to the Demos' large single lens, complete with an anti-reflective coating on both sides which, combined with some well-designed venting, performs exceptionally well.

They’re prescription clip-in compatible, so contact-lens-averse riders can rejoice. While using the clip-in frame does change the fit a little, it’s not enough to really impact the protection they offer or the quality of your ride. The overall fit is very comfortable and secure and they played nicely with various helmets, too.

While the premium quality comes with a premium price tag, the way the Koo Demos combine comfort, durability and visual clarity makes them a solid investment if you’re a regular on the trails. 

You can find a lot more detail in our Koo Demos sunglasses review.
 

Melon Optics Alleycat Photochromic

£140

This model of the Melon Optics Alleycat comes equipped with a photochromic lens that adapts automatically to the ambient brightness. The brand has done a great job of making them stable, thanks to grippy rubber at the nose piece and arms, and they battle fog impressively well, too.

The photochromic lens works well in a range of conditions, and though it adapts a little slowly, it sheds rain and dirt effectively. This pair of specs can also accommodate an RX lens insert. It's available in a range of customisable colours.

For the full test results, read our Melon Optics Alleycat Photochromic review.

Sungod Vulcans Top Frame

£140

Like Melon Optics, Sungod is a brand that offers a raft of customisation options. Available in full and half frame options, as well as the choice to buy both, we liked these specs for their great visibility and light weight.

Included in the box are four nose pieces and the Vulcans are built with screwless hinges while benefitting from scratch-resistant and hydrophobic lenses that get a lifetime guarantee. 

While these glasses offer plenty of coverage, keeping even the peripherals protected, our tester found that spray can find its way inside the lens. However, the lens is excellent for a wide range of conditions and offers great contrast on dull days. The lens is interchangeable, too.

To learn more about these glasses, have a look at the Sungod Vulcans review.

Alpina Bonfire Q-Lite

£65

We liked an awful lot about Alpina's Bonfire Q-Lite glasses including the excellent fit and thorough coverage. They're versatile, too, and can be used for gravel or mountain bike riding.

They're lightweight and Alpina's fancy Q-Lite lens adds a useful contract in bright conditions. That lens benefits from a hydrophobic coating to combat fog and moisture and it's rated for 100% UV A, B and C protection. Similarly to many glasses on the market, these are built from TR90 thermoplastic.

The included venting does a great job of eliminating fog and we found them to be super secure on the face. However, while the lens is interchangeable, these only come with a tinted lens as standard.

Reckon these glasses tick all of your boxes? Read the Alpina Bonfire Q-Lite review.

Melon Optics Alleycat

£120

With the photochromic version listed above, it comes as no surprise that the standard version makes it into this roundup. As expected from Melon Optics, there is a raft of customisation options available, allowing users to pick the colour of the frame, nose rubber and Melon logo. 

Our tester reckons that the Zeiss lens included is among the best on the market in terms of clarity and contrast. They improve trail vision in low light while the amber lens boosts clarity when things are duller outside. Coverage is also awesome.

If you like what you see, be sure to have a gander at our full review of the Melon Optics Alleycat.

Endura Singletrack Glasses

£80

Although it's best known for its range of clothing, protectives and shoes, Endura also has a solid glasses offering, especially the Singletrack. During testing, we found these specs to be super comfy and fog-resistant. The lenses are easy to swap out, which is handy since Endura provides you with mirror, smoke and low-light lenses.

They offer 100% UV protection to EN ISO 12312-1:2013 standards and there's a hydrophobic coasting to keep water well away. The nosepiece is then adjustable with a bendy action and it gets the same rubber coating as what's found on the arms to keep the glasses firmly in place.

Even though the lenses look small, the coverage is class-leading.

Be sure to check out all the details in our Endura Singletrack Glasses review.

Merida RACE 3

£30

Merida's Race sunglasses are among the most budget-friendly on the market. Upping the bang for the buck is a hard case and a microfibre pouch, and there's an adjustable nosepiece. They deal with fog exceptionally well, keeping vision clear even when moving slowly.

However, with the low price and subsequent low-end build quality, you may experience scratches or blemishes on the lens.

If you're after budget-friendly sunglasses, check out the Merida Race glasses review.

Smith Optics Flywheel

£100

The Smith Optics Flywheel offers top comfort and an impressive field of view. These glasses effectively combine a modern-yet-retro aesthetic and we found downsides to be very few.

These are built with the TR90 thermoplastic and there are a pair of handy auto-lock hinges. There's a set of hydrophobic rubber pads that expel sweat, keeping them grippy and the Flywheel uses Smith's ChromaPop technology which filters two wavelengths of light nullyfying colour confusion.

The lens gets a coating that resists water and oil to keep vision clear but it isn't interchangeable, so you'll need to buy another set for darker days.

Check out the Smith Optics Flywheel review to learn more about its performance and how it deals with filtering light wavelengths.

Tifosi Optics Crit Crystal Fototech

£60

Not to be confused with the bike brand, Tifosi offers a range of glasses with the Crit Crystal Fototechs scoring rather well in our review. They bring a range of handy tech to a wallet-friendly price, including photochromic lenses and a Grilamid TR90 frame.

The lenses aren't removable but get a Glare Guard coating and the photochromic tech to help deal with varying light conditions. They also get neat vents that effectively keep fog at bay.

The Crit is a super comfortable pair of specs but we found that the lenses take a bit of time to react, so quick dips into forested areas on bright days can get a little challenging. However, these offer great performance for relatively little money.

Read our Tifosi Crit Crystal Fototech glasses review for the full lowdown.

Smith Optics Ruckus

£135

The Smith Ruckus glasses come with very few niggles. They offer wide coverage from a proper clear ChromaPop lens while very effectively combatting fog. Differing from many glasses on the market, these use Smith's PivLock tech which effectively makes lens changes a breeze – the arms pivot 90 -degrees upwards, freeing them from the lens. 

The Ruckus's nosepiece is two-position adjustable, the arms are malleable and the lens has a useful hydrophobic coating.

For all the details, read the Smith Optics Ruckus review.

Smith Optics Wildcat

£175

The Wildcat glasses from Smith Optics are almost like a pair of goggles. Importantly, these come with a clear lens but it is interchangeable with a black ChromaPop lens which is super-clear with excellent clarity.

Lens swaps are as easy as they get and the nose piece is adjustable, while the arms are nice and flexible. The coverage offered is vast and rivals some of the best MTB goggles.

Even though they're rather expensive, we reckon these will go the distance. If a mega set of durable glasses with huge coverage sounds like your thing, check out the Smith Optics Wildcat glasses review.

Do I need glasses for MTB?

While it’s not strictly necessary to wear glasses for mountain biking, there are many benefits. For one, they can improve your riding experience and potentially even make you a bit faster. After all, poor visibility means you need to take more time scanning the trail. With the contrast that comes with particular tinted frames, you'll be surprised at how easy it is to spot obstacles with superhero-like speed and precision.

Super powers aside, the best mountain bike sunglasses will also protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, and debris kicked up by your front wheel and occasional overhanging branches. They also shield against the wind, which can blow irritating particles into your eyes.

Of course, it’s a personal choice, and many riders prefer goggles for their extra coverage and secure fit, while some ride without any eyewear.

What makes good MTB glasses?

Many things make up a good set of MTB glasses but comfort and coverage are at the top of the list. They need to fit well enough to wear for the duration of your ride, which is even more important if you're spending a full day at the trail centre or heading out on a multi-day adventure.

The best quality lenses will not only provide UV protection, but also come with more advanced features like hydrophobic, anti-glare, and fog-resistant coatings. 

Interchangeable lenses are really useful, as you'll only have to buy one set of specs for year-round riding. Being able to swap lenses quickly based on weather or light conditions can be a game-changer, so that's another factor to consider.

What colour lenses are best for mountain biking?

Clear, smoke, or tinted lenses are always solid choices, since they won’t distort the colours you see while riding.

However, many brands offer lenses in different colours designed for specific conditions, so do a bit of research first. Amber lenses, for example, are designed to elevate certain colours and increase the contrast between them, which can make certain trail features stand out and improve your vision out on the trail.

Should mountain bike glasses be polarised?

Not necessarily, polarised glasses aren’t essential for mountain biking. They tend to be darker than non-polarised lenses, and generally they only really offer benefits like reducing glare and eyestrain in specific situations.

How do I choose the right size for MTB glasses? 

Faces and heads vary in shape and size so getting the right fit is absolutely crucial, not only for comfort but also for the ability to do the job. Look for glasses with customisable features, like an adjustable nosepiece and arms, so you can get a snug and secure fit. Some brands also provide size guides or fit recommendations, so look out for those too.

Are there MTB glasses designed specifically for different weather conditions?

Yes, some MTB glasses are designed for specific weather conditions, like anti-fog or hydrophobic coatings for wet weather, or photochromic lenses that automatically adjust to changing light levels. Think about your typical riding conditions when choosing your glasses. Do you ride in all weather or only in summer? Do your favourite trails pop in and out of the shade, or are they mostly exposed to the sun? 

Can I use regular sunglasses for mountain biking?

You can ride with whatever you want, though it’s worth bearing in mind that while regular sunglasses can provide some protection, it’s unlikely that they’ll offer the same level of coverage, durability, or specialised features as mountain biking glasses. It’s a personal choice that depends on your budget, where you ride, and how much you want to invest in your kit.

How should I care for my MTB glasses?

Just like with your bike, it’s important to look after your glasses to get the most out of them. Clean them regularly with a lens cloth and avoid using abrasive materials that could scratch the lenses. Store them in a protective case when you’re not using them, to prevent them getting dropped or scuffed. Many good MTB sunglasses will come with a case of some kind included, though in some cases you might want to invest in something more robust if you’re travelling with your kit and likely to damage them in transit.

Are there MTB glasses with built-in prescription lenses? 

Yes, thankfully in recent years there have been a lot more options for riders who need glasses in their daily lives. Many MTB glasses can either accommodate prescription lenses or will come with the option to add RX inserts.