How to Buy Eyewear for Mountain Biking

Your eyes are exposed to many potential hazards when you're biking at high speeds through trees and over rocky ground. Wear glasses to protect your eyes from stray tree branches, pebbles that get tossed in the air, and from the sun.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sports Sunglasses
• Straps For Sunglasses
• Bike Helmets
• Mountain Bikes

1. Select a pair of glasses that are shatterproof.

2. Look for glasses that protect your eyes from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.

3. Find a pair of glasses that fits snugly on your face. Glasses need to fit well so that they'll stay in place while you're riding over bumpy terrain.

4. Buy glasses with a yellow lens if you plan on doing most of your rides at dusk or dawn. A yellow lens allows you to easily see through shadows that occur at these times of day.

5. Select a pair of glasses with rose or amber lenses for all-around conditions in any light or terrain.

6. Attach a sunglasses strap around your neck to prevent lost eyewear on the trail.

Tips & Warnings

• Dark sunglasses are not optimal for mountain biking. They can make it hard to see obstacles like rocks and tree roots in the shadows.
• Think about getting prescription sunglasses if you normally wear eyeglasses. They can be used for all other outdoor sports as well.

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on 11/22/2005 "Wrap Around" style eyewear is the type that covers your entire vision (peripheral included). You'll get more sunblock protection and greater visual enhancement with "wrap arounds."

on 11/22/2005 Before you buy shades, put them on and look at something 20-30 feet away. Without moving your head or eyes, quickly remove them. Did what you see shift position? Shades that distort your vision cause you to make false judgments about the terrain and fall.