When buying new cycling glasses, the question sooner or later arises: Should you get a model with self-tinting lenses or glasses with interchangeable lenses? But what does that actually mean – and which system is better suited to your needs? We'll take a closer look at both lens concepts and show you the respective advantages and disadvantages.
Self-tinting sports glasses – a real game changer?
As the name suggests, self-tinting (or photochromic) lenses automatically adapt to the lighting conditions. They darken in bright sunlight and lighten again in low light. Sounds like the perfect all-rounder, right?
And yes, photochromic glasses can be especially useful if you experience changing light conditions during your ride but don't want or have the ability to swap lenses. So you only need one pair of glasses for a variety of conditions—from bright sunshine to overcast skies.
But: Unfortunately, the whole thing doesn’t work without compromises.
The pitfalls of technology
The tinting process typically takes around 30 seconds or longer, depending on the model. This means that if you experience a sudden change in light—for example, when driving into a tunnel or entering a dense forest—you may temporarily lose your vision. Furthermore, the tint depends not only on the brightness but primarily on UV radiation.
This can lead to problems – for example, when driving a car. Although the sun glares through the windshield, the glass filters out the UV radiation. The result: The glasses remain too bright. Conversely, on cloudy days, they can become too dark because UV radiation also penetrates clouds.
Temperature also plays a role: Photochromic lenses generally work better on cold days than in hot weather – because the chemical reaction responsible for the tinting effect is temperature-sensitive.
Sports glasses with interchangeable lenses – flexible on all routes
Admittedly, sports glasses with interchangeable lenses may seem a bit old-school compared to "smart" self-tinting. But that's precisely their advantage: You retain complete control.
You can choose the lenses not only according to the lighting conditions, but also according to the lens color and the desired effect:
- Dark, grey lenses: Ideal in sunny conditions – they reduce brightness and protect against glare.
- Orange or violet lenses: Enhance contrast and depth perception – great for cloudy skies or forest passages.
- Clear lenses: Perfect for twilight or night driving.
This allows you to react more precisely to your route and weather conditions – and have the right lens at hand for every situation. Plus, you don't have to rely on chemical reactions; you can switch lenses in seconds.
Conclusion: Which suits you better?
Whether you choose self-tinting cycling glasses or a model with interchangeable lenses depends primarily on your area of use and personal preferences:
Do you want a simple, all-in-one solution without much effort and usually ride in similar lighting conditions? → Then self-tinting glasses are a good choice.
Do you ride in all weather conditions and on a variety of routes and want to get the best out of every situation? → Then interchangeable lenses might be a better option for you.
With this knowledge, you'll be well prepared for your next eyeglass purchase. Want to learn more about the differences between different interchangeable lenses? Check out this blog post – it's got everything you need to know!
Credits:Elias Neier