When it comes to choosing a pair of sunglasses for mountain biking, many cyclists are faced with the decision of whether or not to get polarized lenses. Polarization can help you see better in certain conditions, but it may not be the right choice for everyone. Here’s what you need to know about polarization and how it affects your vision on the trails.
What Is Polarization?
Polarized lenses are designed to reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, and asphalt. Glare can cause eye fatigue and blur your vision, making it harder to navigate the terrain. Polarized lenses block out specific wavelengths of light that cause glare and allow other visible light waves to pass through.
Do I Need Polarized Lenses?
Whether or not you need polarized lenses depends on the type of terrain you’ll be riding. If you’re mostly biking on flat surfaces like roads or bike paths, polarization probably isn’t necessary. On the other hand, if you’re riding trails with lots of rocks, water, snow, and other reflective surfaces, polarized lenses can help reduce eye fatigue and improve your visibility.
Are Polarized Lenses Right for Me?
If you decide that polarized lenses are right for you, there are a few factors to consider when choosing a pair of sunglasses. First, make sure that the frames fit snugly around your face so they won’t slip while riding.
Second, look for lenses that offer 100% UV protection and have an anti-scratch coating so they’ll last longer. Finally, consider getting a pair with interchangeable lenses so you can quickly switch between different levels of tint depending on the lighting conditions.
Conclusion
The choice of whether or not to get polarized sunglasses for mountain biking is ultimately up to each individual rider. For those who ride in areas with lots of reflective surfaces and bright sunlight, polarization can help reduce eye fatigue and improve visibility on the trails. Just make sure to choose frames that fit well and offer 100% UV protection before hitting the trails!
