Oakley sunglasses stand out as a premier choice for cyclists, and for good reason. While they often represent a higher investment than some competitors, Oakley’s commitment to design, quality, and distinctive aesthetics is undeniable. For those serious about cycling, the right eyewear is as crucial as a quality helmet or bike, and Oakley delivers performance and style in spades.
Oakley’s current lineup of cycling-specific sunglasses offers a diverse array of frame styles to complement any personal taste and facial structure. From classic designs to more avant-garde looks, there’s an Oakley style for every cyclist. This extensive selection is further enhanced by Oakley’s innovative custom sunglass program, allowing riders to personalize 14 different models with a vast array of frame components and lenses, boasting up to 40 million possible combinations. Adding to their appeal, Oakley frequently releases special editions, including sought-after Tour de France glasses and unique collections like the Evzero Path Kokoro.
Recognizing the needs of all riders, Oakley’s cycling range also includes prescription cycling glasses, ensuring clear vision for those who require corrective lenses. Beyond Oakley, the market offers numerous excellent cycling sunglasses, and resources like BikeRadar’s guides to the best cycling sunglasses and best mountain bike sunglasses provide broader perspectives and comparisons.
However, within the Oakley brand itself, several models consistently rank as top performers for cycling. Let’s delve into some of the best Oakley cycling sunglasses of 2024 and beyond, as evaluated by expert testers.
Top Oakley Sunglasses for Bike Riding: Performance Reviews
Oakley Jawbreaker Prizm Road Sunglasses
Oakley Jawbreaker Prizm Road sunglasses offer a low-key design for cycling enthusiasts, providing exceptional clarity for road riding.
Price: £195 / $234 / €207 as tested
Pros: Road-optimized Prizm lens for distortion-free vision; secure fit with Unobtainium grippers; exceptional clarity.
Cons: Visible ‘O’ logos in peripheral vision.
The Oakley Jawbreaker Prizm Road sunglasses consistently earn top ratings from cyclists for their unparalleled optical clarity. The Prizm lens technology, specifically tuned for road cycling, enhances the definition of road surfaces, making details like cracks and changes in tarmac more apparent. The lens height of 53mm provides an expansive field of view, crucial for maintaining awareness in a cycling position, even when riding aggressively in the drops.
The 131mm frame width delivers substantial wrap-around coverage, while the sculpted lower edge ensures a comfortable fit around the cheekbones. Further enhancing comfort and a secure fit, the Jawbreaker features an adjustable nosepiece and earpieces. Oakley’s renowned Unobtainium rubber components are strategically placed on the temples and nosepiece to prevent slippage, even when perspiration is a factor. The lens retention system also incorporates small rubber bumpers, contributing to a secure and rattle-free lens fit, vital for maintaining focus on the ride ahead.
Oakley Castel Sunglasses
Oakley Castel sunglasses provide crisp, clear optics in a stylish twin-lens design, ideal for versatile cycling and everyday wear.
Price: £185 / $224 as tested
Pros: Stylish and versatile design; premium lens quality; excellent ventilation; lightweight construction.
Cons: Limited included accessories; less stable for rough off-road cycling.
The Oakley Castel sunglasses distinguish themselves with a unique twin-lens design, offering a blend of style and performance suitable for both cycling and everyday wear. This design not only contributes to a distinctive aesthetic but also enhances ventilation through the central lens gap, helping to prevent fogging during intense rides.
Testers found the Castel sunglasses to be comfortable and well-fitting for general use. However, the absence of a dedicated nose grip means they may not offer the same level of stability as other performance-focused models when encountering bumpy road surfaces or venturing off-road. The Prizm lens technology ensures excellent contrast and clarity, enhancing visual detail in various lighting conditions. Weighing in at just 26.5g, the Castels are remarkably light, minimizing any sense of bulk or distraction during long rides. While accessories are minimal, the focus here is on the core performance and stylish design of the sunglasses themselves.
Oakley Encoder Sunglasses
Oakley Encoder sunglasses for road cyclists, designed for seamless integration with cycling helmets and offering a wide field of vision.
Price: £204 / $257 / €228
Pros: Unobstructed, wide field of vision; robust and secure fit; helmet compatibility.
Cons: Nosepiece can intrude into the field of vision.
The Oakley Encoder sunglasses prioritize a wide field of vision and a secure fit, making them a strong contender for serious cyclists. Weighing 32g, they strike a good balance between lightweight comfort and a reassuringly sturdy feel. Sharing design cues with the more radical Oakley Kato, the Encoder features a frameless design with a distinctive wrap-over nose bridge.
The Encoder is designed to integrate seamlessly with cycling helmets, ensuring compatibility and comfort. To address potential optical distortion around the curved nose area inherent in wrap-around designs, Oakley has incorporated a rubber nose pad. This pad effectively blocks out the potentially distorting section of the lens. However, some testers have noted that this nose pad can intrude slightly into their field of vision, potentially causing a minor distraction for some riders. Despite this, the overall vision and secure fit of the Encoder remain highly praised.
Oakley Encoder Strike Vented Sunglasses
Oakley Encoder Strike Vented sunglasses for cyclists, featuring a vented brow and lens design adjustments for enhanced performance.
Price: £210 / $255 / €235 / AU$330
Pros: Exceptional lens clarity and ventilation; comfortable fit and stylish design, particularly for larger head sizes.
Cons: Nosepiece can obstruct vision for some users.
Building upon the design of the Kato and Encoder, the Oakley Encoder Strike Vented sunglasses incorporate a frameless design with the addition of a vented brow section to the wraparound lens. While the vents contribute to the overall aesthetic, their primary function is to enhance ventilation and minimize lens fogging, a crucial feature for maintaining clear vision during strenuous rides, especially in varying weather conditions.
The fit and styling of the Encoder Strike Vented are particularly well-suited to cyclists with larger head sizes. However, given the distinct styling and premium price point, it’s advisable to try these sunglasses on to ensure a comfortable and visually unobtrusive fit. Similar to the Encoder, the large nosepiece, while part of the design, can potentially block a small portion of the wearer’s vision, a factor to consider based on individual preferences and riding style. Despite this, the lens clarity and ventilation performance are highly rated.
Oakley Kato Sunglasses
Oakley Kato sunglasses, showcasing a bold and unique style with excellent lens clarity and various lens color options for different conditions.
Price: £265 / $318 / €310 as tested
Pros: Unobstructed line of sight; minimal distortion around the nose bridge; striking and unique style.
Con: Non-adjustable nosepiece at a premium price point.
The Oakley Kato sunglasses make a bold style statement, and while their futuristic aesthetic may not appeal to every cyclist, their on-bike performance is undeniable. The wraparound Prizm lens delivers exceptional clarity across the entire field of view, and Oakley offers a range of lens tints to optimize vision in diverse riding conditions, from bright sunlight to overcast days.
The Kato sunglasses provide a secure and stable fit on the face, crucial for demanding cycling scenarios. However, a notable drawback, especially considering their high price, is the non-adjustable nosepiece. This lack of adjustability might be a concern for some riders seeking a perfectly customized fit, but for many, the inherent design and secure fit will be sufficient. The Kato stands out for its combination of cutting-edge style and high-performance optics.
Oakley Sutro Lite Photochromic Sunglasses
Oakley Sutro Lite Photochromic sunglasses for road cyclists, featuring a photochromic lens that adapts quickly to changing light conditions.
Price: £172 / $214 / €200 / AU$279
Pro: Wide field of vision; versatile photochromic lens for varying light conditions.
Cons: Non-adjustable nosepiece; photochromic lens doesn’t achieve maximum darkness in bright sun.
The Oakley Sutro Lite Photochromic sunglasses blend retro-inspired styling with modern lens technology. Sharing the iconic Sutro aesthetic but in a slightly smaller frame size, the Sutro Lite offers interchangeable lenses for customization. The key feature of this model is its photochromic lens, which dynamically adjusts to changing light conditions. This adaptability makes them exceptionally versatile for rides that transition between bright sunlight and shaded areas, or for cycling during dawn or dusk.
Oakley’s photochromic technology reacts swiftly to changes in light, providing optimal tinting as conditions shift. However, it’s worth noting that photochromic lenses typically do not become as dark as standard tinted lenses in intense, direct sunlight. Weighing 33g, the Sutro Lites live up to their “Lite” designation, offering comfortable wear. Similar to some other Oakley models, the non-adjustable nosepiece is a minor drawback, but the photochromic lens versatility is a major advantage for adaptable cycling eyewear.
Oakley Sutro Lite Sweep Ascend Sunglasses
Oakley Sutro Lite Sweep Ascend sunglasses for cyclists, combining old-school looks with a modern, ventilated lens design.
Price: £152 / $184 / €180 / AU$253 as tested
Pros: Lightweight and well-ventilated; ideal fit for narrower faces; classic aesthetics.
Cons: May exhibit movement on very rough terrain.
The Oakley Sutro Lite Sweep Ascend sunglasses offer a variation on the Sutro Lite, featuring a lens shape that is approximately half the size and sweeps upwards. This design modification makes them particularly well-suited for cyclists with narrower faces. Oakley has maintained the signature circular brow vents, giving the Sutro Lite Sweep Ascend a retro-inspired look while also providing effective ventilation to minimize fogging.
The lens delivers crisp and distortion-free vision across varying light conditions, including peripheral areas. Comfortable arm grippers ensure a secure fit, preventing the sunglasses from shifting during rides, except in instances of extremely rough terrain. For cyclists who appreciate a blend of classic style, modern lens technology, and a comfortable fit for smaller faces, the Sutro Lite Sweep Ascend is a compelling option.
Oakley Sutro S Sunglasses
Oakley Sutro S sunglasses, balancing on-bike performance with a stylish design suitable for both cycling and everyday wear.
Price: £159 / $192 as tested
Pros: Exceptional lens quality; stylish and versatile design; comfortable for extended wear.
Cons: Higher price point; not as secure as more performance-focused Oakley models.
The Oakley Sutro S sunglasses effectively bridge the gap between high-performance sports eyewear and fashionable everyday sunglasses. They offer premium performance features while maintaining a stylish aesthetic that transitions seamlessly from cycling to casual wear. The Sutro S justifies its higher price with the inclusion of premium accessories such as a cleaning bag, hard case, and a softer nosepiece, enhancing the overall ownership experience.
While the Sutro S delivers excellent lens quality and a comfortable fit, testers noted that they are slightly less secure than Oakley’s more dedicated performance models. However, this minor reduction in security did not negatively impact their performance during typical cycling activities. For riders seeking a versatile and stylish option that performs well on the bike and looks great off the bike, the Sutro S is an excellent choice.
Additional Oakley Sunglasses to Consider for Bike Riding
The following Oakley sunglasses models achieved slightly lower ratings but still present viable options, particularly if their specific features align with your individual needs and preferences.
Oakley EVZero Sunglasses
Oakley EVZero sunglasses, showing the Range lens shape, the larger of the two options, offering extensive coverage similar to the Radar XL.
Price: £140 as tested
Pros: Ultra-lightweight frameless construction for a broad, unobstructed field of view; good protective coverage.
Cons: Prizm Road lens may not be optimal for mixed-surface cycling.
For cyclists prioritizing minimal weight and an expansive, frameless field of view, the Oakley EVZero sunglasses are a standout choice. Marketed as “the lightest performance glasses in history,” the EVZero emphasizes unobstructed vision thanks to its frameless design, eliminating any upper frame from the field of view. Testers noted no discernible distortion even at the lens edges, contributing to a clear and consistent visual experience.
The EVZero is available in two lens shapes: Path and the slightly larger Range, offering varying degrees of coverage. Both versions incorporate Oakley’s O-Matter ear socks and Unobtainium rubber on the nosepiece and temple tips, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. However, the Prizm Road lens, while excellent for road cycling, may not be the best choice for mixed-surface riding or trails. Fortunately, the EVZero series offers non-Prizm lens options, allowing riders to select a lens tint more suitable for their specific cycling environment and light conditions.
Oakley Sutro Sunglasses
Oakley Sutro Sunglasses, showcasing a bold, modern-retro design that blends style with Oakley performance features.
Price: £130 / $173 / €172
Pros: Secure fit with well-sprung arms; effective ventilation to minimize fogging; bold and stylish design.
Cons: Lack of rubber on the arm tips.
The Oakley Sutro sunglasses embody a modern-retro styling trend popularized by brands like 100% and cyclists like Peter Sagan. This design direction makes them appealing to both urban cyclists and style-conscious road riders. The Sutro offers substantial coverage with its deep, 58mm Prizm lenses, delivering exceptional clarity and a wide field of view. The square-section frame design aids ventilation by holding the lens slightly away from the face, effectively minimizing fogging, particularly during slower-speed riding or in humid conditions.
While the Sutro arms lack Oakley’s typical rubber tips, they are well-sprung, providing a snug and secure fit despite the absence of rubberized elements. Oakley expanded the Sutro line with the Sutro Lite, which retains the extra-large lens of the original Sutro but features a more open frame design without the lower lens rim, offering a slightly different aesthetic and potentially enhanced ventilation.
Understanding Oakley Prizm Lens Technology
Oakley Re:SubZero close up, highlighting the Prizm lens technology designed to enhance clarity and contrast in various scenarios.
A defining feature of Oakley cycling sunglasses is their Prizm lens technology. Oakley states that Prizm lenses are the result of 15 years of research and development, with each lens tint specifically engineered to optimize visibility and contrast in different light conditions and sporting environments. For cycling, specific Prizm tints are designed to enhance the clarity of road surfaces, helping riders discern details like potholes and road hazards that can be obscured by glare.
While these claims may seem ambitious, expert testers consistently agree that Prizm lens technology delivers a noticeable improvement in visual clarity and contrast. The widespread adoption of Oakley frames by cyclists globally speaks volumes about their performance and quality. If you’re seeking a comprehensive guide to the best Oakley sunglasses for bike riding, this article provides a curated selection of road-tested and expertly rated models from BikeRadar’s experienced team.
Exploring More Cycling Eyewear Options
Smith Shift Split MAG Performance Sunglasses for cyclists, showcasing an alternative brand offering quality eyewear for cycling.
If you’re interested in exploring a wider range of cycling eyewear beyond Oakley, resources like BikeRadar’s guides to the best road cycling glasses and best mountain bike glasses offer comprehensive reviews and comparisons of various brands and models. Additionally, for cyclists seeking more budget-friendly options, BikeRadar also provides a guide to the best budget cycling glasses, exploring less expensive alternatives without compromising essential performance features.
