Self-tinting cycling goggles put to the test: 12 models compared

A chameleon changes its skin colour and markings as it pleases. When exposed to strong sunlight, the animals turn a bright colour and reflect the incident light. Brightly coloured, they attract attention when looking for a mate. When temperatures drop, they use dark colours to absorb more solar energy. With the constantly changing light conditions on the road or off-road, we cycling enthusiasts could also make good use of such a function - for our cycling glasses, of course. Our eyes are often overwhelmed by the rapid changes between light and shade. But the manufacturers of sunglasses promise an adequate solution to this problem: self-tinting or photochromic sunglasses are said to be the chameleons among sports glasses. They can adapt their tint to the intensity of the UV radiation using a chemical process.

The 12 self-tinting cycling goggles in the individual test

• 100 % Hypercraft >> e.g. available here
• Alpina Turbo Pro V >> e.g. available here
• BBB Valor PH
• Evil Eye Trailsense II
• Giant Agos
• Julbo Intensity >> e.g. available here
• Oakley Radar Plate >> e.g. available here
• POC Aspire >> e.g. available here
• Rudy Project Astral Sphere >> e.g. available here
• Shimano Equinox 5 >> e.g. available here
• Uvex Sportstyle 235 V >> e.g. available here
• Van Rysel Roadr Perf 900 >> e.g. available here

Self-tinting wheel grooves: fast dark, slow light

Handicap: Changing the tint works in principle - but not at the speed required for racing cyclists in the saddle. Lightening in particular takes a long time: while most glasses darken by almost half within ten seconds, even good ones take a minute or more to clear up again to some extent. Because the human eye takes a long time to get used to the dark, when you enter a shady wooded area or tunnel from full light, you are initially in the dark in two respects - not entirely without danger at full speed.

Technology with pitfalls

The weather also plays a role: the molecules react more quickly in cold weather and more slowly in hot weather. This can lead to the tint being too weak in summer and too strong in winter. The technology is of little use when driving, as windscreens filter UV rays. Also important: dark is not always better. If you are looking for a pair of glasses for everything, you should not choose a tint of more than 20 percent or opt for models that start at category 0 (colourless or lightly tinted; more than 80 percent light transmission); this means you can still see at dusk. A lot has changed in terms of filter colours. In the past, most glasses only changed from clear to grey; today, contrast-enhancing red or violet are also possible - a relief for the eyes in cloudy weather or overcast skies. The lenses from Evil Eye and Julbo are particularly impressive here. They make the street appear as colourful as a chameleon in mating garb, even on dull days.

Short and sweet

The prices of the glasses in the test range from 90 euros for the model from Van Rysel, which scored average, to three times the price for the test winner from Evil Eye. The Ago model from Giant is characterised by a very good price-performance ratio. The test shows that the glasses differ significantly, especially in the speed of tint adjustment. The best glasses manage this within an acceptable period of around 30 seconds, based on the requirements during a bike ride.

Comparison of tinting behaviour

No goggles lower the blinds faster than the Poc. The Uvex clears up very quickly. The comparatively inexpensive model from Giant surprises with solid values for darkening and clearing.

Because the human eye is less accustomed to darkness than to bright light, the speed of brightening is more important. While most glasses have already darkened to around 40 per cent after ten seconds, the slowest models only reach this level of brightening after more than two minutes.

Chemical reaction

The automatic darkening of photochromic or photochromic glass is based on silver compounds that are melted into the panes or applied as a layer. These molecules change their chemical structure on contact with UV radiation. In the unexcited state, the molecules are almost invisible and are only noticeable through a slight basic tint. When irradiated, however, they increase their surface area and open up like the petals of a flower. The glass becomes darker. When the UV radiation decreases, the molecules return to their original shape. The speed and intensity of the darkening also depends on the temperature. The colder it is, the faster the process and the darker the glass becomes. Foggy winter days can therefore pose a problem. Because UV radiation can also be strong in fog, the lenses can sometimes become too dark.

How TOUR tests

Self-tinting (40 per cent)

For the measurement, we simulate midsummer conditions with a special lamp and record the initial brightness and tint progression. The speed and degree of subsequent brightening (relative to the extent of darkening within two minutes) are assessed. The absolute extent of the darkening is not included in the result.

Visibility & protection (25 per cent)

The size of the lenses, any frame parts interfering with the field of vision (in racing position, with helmet) and the protective effect (in front of a fan with a wind speed of around 35 km/h) are assessed.

Fit/comfort (25 per cent)

We test the fit of the spectacles on several test subjects, as well as their adaptability and whether annoying edges cause pressure points.

Equipment (10 per cent)

The criteria are: Scope of delivery (e.g. case, textile bag, interchangeable lenses, lens coatings) and construction (adjustability of temples and nose pads, any extras).