If you’re looking to get value from an expensive set of cycling glasses, Shimano’s latest is worth a look.
The bike company just dropped the second-generation models of its S-PHYRE and AEROLITE cycling glasses, and it offers leveled-up lenses and diverse frame-color options.
When the S-PHYRE glasses first came out in 2019, they received generally positive reviews, with photochromic lenses that adjust automatically to differing light conditions. Shimano has upped its game considerably by selling the upgraded model with options for five interchangeable lenses, each configured for different riding conditions, like trails, roads, or nighttime.
As for the much-cheaper AEROLITE model, Shimano made it easier to use for riders who need to use prescription lenses. It also comes with a sixth lens model, as part of Shimano’s new RIDESCAPE eyewear technology.
Here’s the lowdown.
Shimano S-PHYRE Glasses
Bright. Road. Gravel. Trail. Dark.
Those are the five kinds of vision in the lens options for the S-PHRYE eyewear. Shimano calls this RIDESCAPE technology (because every new product these days must use capital letters).
Buying the S-PHYRE glasses will get you two lenses. One is the RIDESCAPE CL, designed for dark riding conditions. For the second, customers can choose from the four other options listed above, known as the ES (bright), RD (road), OR (trail), or GR (gravel).
How well do these various lens options work for those conditions? It’s unclear, but they sure seem cool enough to warrant a closer look (double pun intended).
Customers can also choose the color of their frames, which are available in black, white, metallic red, metallic orange, and metallic blue. The glasses feature a straight upper rim with foldable temples. Their magnetic lens system also makes changing between lenses “faster and easier than ever,” the company said.
They weigh 29.3 grams and cost $220.
Shimano AEROLITE Glasses
For its second-generation AEROLITE glasses, Shimano introduces the sixth and final lens in its RIDESCAPE line: the HC, which aims for top-notch vision in normal daylight conditions.
The lens “boosts contrast and sharpens surface details,” Shimano said. “The half-rim frame design delivers protection without obstructing the field of view.”
More importantly, Shimano co-developed the AEROLITE frames with RX-CLIP, making it easier to add prescription lenses while riding.
“The RX-CLIP attaches quickly and securely over the adjustable nose piece for a clear view of the road ahead,” Shimano said in the press release. Frame colors include black, white, red, metallic blue, and green.
The Shimano glasses weigh 26 g. They cost $70 with the RIDESCAPE HC lenses or $110 with the Photochromic gray lenses.
