TOUR test: The top 3 tinted road cycling glasses in the test
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Chameleons adapt their colours to light and temperature: When exposed to strong sunlight, the animals colour themselves brightly and thus reflect the incident light. When temperatures drop, they take on darker colours in order to absorb more solar energy - a principle that could also help cyclists in changing light conditions. Photochromic glasses are designed to achieve this adaptation by chemically changing their colour depending on the UV radiation. The principle works, but there is a catch. In practice, this technology reacts slowly, too slowly for some riding situations: darkening usually works in seconds, but lightening often takes a minute or longer - particularly critical when changing quickly from sun to shade.
Temperature also influences the reaction speed: in the cold, the glasses work more quickly, in the heat rather sluggishly. They hardly work at all behind windscreens. For all-round use, a low basic tint or category 0 is recommended for good visibility in twilight. Progress has been made with filter colours: In addition to grey, contrast-enhancing red or violet tones are now also available, which are particularly advantageous in cloudy weather.
Twelve models were scrutinised by our experts in the TOUR test in practice and in the laboratory. Here are our three top scorers:
The three best self-tinting glasses at a glance
3rd place: Rudy Project Astral Sphere
- Price: 230 Euro >> available here
- Note: Total: 2.2
- Self-tinting (40%): 2.4
- Visibility and protection (25%): 1.8
- Fit/wear comfort (25%): 1.8
- Equipment (10%): 3.5
- Detailed test report: Rudy Project Astral Sphere
Conclusion: With its very pronounced curve, the lightweight Rudy Project sits extremely close to the face. Wind has no chance here. This makes the sleek Italian model particularly suitable for fast riders. The frameless design offers the best all-round vision. Good adjustability on the nose clip but only moderate anti-fog protection. Still sufficiently good tinting speed.
2nd place: Giant Agos
- Price: 100 Euro
- Note: Total: 2.1
- Self-tinting (40%): 1.9
- Visibility and protection (25%): 2.6
- Fit/wear comfort (25%): 2.3
- Equipment (10%): 1.0
- Detailed test report: Giant Agos
Conclusion: For just 100 euros, Giant offers a comprehensive pair of goggles. Thanks to the clear interchangeable filter, the Agos covers almost all visibility conditions, the bluish tint has a brightening and slightly contrast-enhancing effect. The tinting speed is also excellent. Unfortunately, the glasses sit high and loose - the temples are slippery and the frame interferes with the field of vision.
1st place: Evil Eye Trailsense II
- Price: 299 Euro
- Note: Total: 1.9
- Self-tinting (40%): 2.5
- Visibility and protection (25%): 1.2
- Fit/wear comfort (25%): 1.6
- Equipment (10%): 2.0
- Detailed test report: Evil Eye Trailsense II
Conclusion: The expensive but high-quality Evil Eye fits like no other - tight but comfortable - and perfectly balanced on the face thanks to extensive adjustment options. Draughts don't stand a chance here. Top: Their slightly orange tint enhances the contrasts in the terrain. The Trailsense could react a little faster to changes in light, and the initial tint is already quite dark. Available in two sizes.
Stefan Frey
Editor
