School me on bike glasses

[Corey]

Good selection from Performance Bikes (http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/CatalogSearchResultView?catalogId=10551&storeId=10052&langId=-1&sortBy=Dollar+Rank%2f%2f1&searchType=categoryId&searchTerm=&beginIndex=0&pageSize=16&ipState=c0%3di%253A1%253B1%253Biphrase%2bbundle%2b taxonomy%2bid%2bfrom%2broot%253B400025%253B%253A40 0025%253B1%252C1%253B0%26q%3d16%26a1%3diphrase%2bb undle%2btaxonomy%252F%252Fv%253A0%26p%3d3%26a0%3di phrase%2brelevance%252F%252Fv%253A0%26i%3dsitemap% 2bid%26k0.0%3d400025%26qt%3d1261939569%26qid%3dqc4 JBJTIhjtFd%26vid%3dvY89AHDoCF1MP%26ioe%3dUTF-8%26s2%3dsitemap%2bid%252F%252F1%26qtid%3dqYwZobXY LlkDL%26s1%3diphrase%2brelevance%252F%252F0%26rid% 3drIUbh4RQmUsKA%26s0%3dDollar%2bRank%252F%252F1%26 t%3d0%26m0%3diphrase%2bbundle%2bid%26mcmode%3dtest&cn1=&categoryId=400025).

I am going to the ophthalmologist this coming Tuesday for an eye exam and new glasses.
I like the frames I have now, will get an updated version of them.
What I am wondering is can they also take a prescription and do the lens to a sport type glasses like at Performance or even Oakleys?

Wearing regular glasses during riding off road is not the best in case you wipe out and bend a frame.
The plastic ones are more forgiving.
I use to wear Oakleys when I wore contacts years back, but I gave up on contacts due to the upkeep and not being very compatible with my line of work.

I see Performance also carries what they call an RX insert.
They make two different models that correspond with the two models of glasses listed below.

Performance Radial II Rx Adapter (http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1024774_-1_400025_400003_400118)

http://www.performancebike.com/images/performance/products/large/20-1295-CLR-FRONT.jpg

Performance Procyon Rx Inserts (http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1024784_-1_400025_400003_400118)

http://www.performancebike.com/images/performance/products/large/20-1985-CLR-FRONT.jpg

It looks like they can fill your prescription and insert it into the above item which then snaps into the frames of these two models.

Performance Radial II Multi-Lens Eyewear (http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1024526_-1_76000_20000_10501)

http://www.performancebike.com/images/performance/products/large/20-1293-BLU-ANGLE.jpg

Performance Procyon Multi-Lens Eyewear (http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1024720_-1_400025_400003_400117)

http://www.performancebike.com/images/performance/products/large/20-1984-RED-ANGLE.jpg

This looks like the way to go to be able to have my lens to see, and a good frame that can take abuse while off road biking.

I will see if my eye doctor has these type of frames also, but I suspect I will have to have Performance fill the prescription and use their adapter and one of those two frames.

Anyone using a custom setup like this for biking, skiing, ect?

[Flounder]

You'll probably have better luck with an optometrist than a bug scientist. :)

I'm a bit of a Mr. Magoo, but I seldom wear Rx sunglasses. There are two types of Rx shades. There are those that use the inserts like those you mention or there are tinted, ground lenses. The inserts have the major drawback of getting goop, usually sweat, between the lenses. With that in mind, chose your shades very, very carefully.

I'm a big fan of Rudy Project sunglasses for riding. I've been using them since the 80s off and on and have to say, they're far superior to anything else I've used. That said, Oakley does make a nice Rx shade.

I would look into Rudy first, then Oakley. I have nothing against Performance, they're just price point products that often lack the quality of other products.

Lastly, for mountain biking, nothing beats photochromatic lenses that change the level of tint as needed. Polarized shades are all the rage, but mtb'ers don't get annoyed by glare, but we do have to deal with shadows, quickly changing light, etc.

I ride with Rudy Project Zyon photochromatic shades most of the time and really love them although my Smith Pivlock 90s are quickly gaining favor.

[Corey]

He he, I meant ophthalmologist, and Firefox's spell checker I clicked on the wrong word and did not proof read it good enough.
All fixed.

That is something to think about with the inserts getting crud on them.
I will ask my doctors son who does the filling/fitting of the frames and lenses after they come in about the Rudys.

My current glasses have the coating that change from clear to totally black almost depending on the amount of UV coming into them.

It would be nice to have a pair of bike glasses that do this too.

PS, found them.
http://www.rudyprojectusa.com/

PPSS, video, is this what you are talking about?
http://www.rudyprojectusa.com/home.htm
You can get them with the lenses that change to the conditions outside.

[sinuhexavier]

Smith (http://www.smithoptics.com/All_Prescription-Eyewear_126.html?fl=true) makes RX glasses as well, they are what I use on my bike.

[Grim Reaper]

Having the same issue and really want more coverage for the wind. My progressive bifocals also really screw with my peripheral vision with my clip on rear-view.

My eye insurance went to crap this past year. Still covers the doctor visit but the amount they pay towards frames and glasses bottomed out. A bunch of the folks I work with heard about this place from Clark Howard.

http://www.zennioptical.com/cart/home.php?cat=27

They have some sports goggles. The price includes the prescription lenses where as the Performance ones all you are buying is the frame. You will still have to pay an additional amount to have the lenses ground. It may be cheaper to order 2 pairs (tinted and clear) from Zenni then that one pair from Performance.

[ntsqd]

You might look up some dispensing opticians in your area and talk to them about what can be done. Any frame that uses an insert lens can be fitted with Rx lenses. All Rx lenses start out round, only after they're roughed, fined, and polished to the desired prescription are they cut to fit a frame.
Back in the day when Oakley still made them, I had a dispensing friend make several sets of "plano" inserts (No Rx) for my "Frogskins". They can tint the lenses to a desired darkness, though photochromo's I beleive need to start out as that. I got a lot of life out the frames by not having to toss them every time I scratched a lens.

[Silver dude]

You can get any sun glass frame you want and bring it into a lens making place and get them fitted. However, they cannot have much curve to the lens they must be of a pretty flat basic design. I used to go to Walmart to have this done. When looking into tints for off road bicycling stay to the lighter side of the spectrum if you bike in the woods. I find that a yellow or brown tint works best to enhance the view of the ground. Dark tints just make shadows worse and the trail darker without enhancing your definition. However, if you bike tree less plains obviously a darker lens is what you need. Try to get a light weight frame that protects your eyes like safety glasses. Between tree branches impacting you in the face and roost from riding behind other riders eye protection is welcomed. Try to find a frame that is also comfortable to crash with. When it impacts into your face will it cut you or be damaged? Many companies make bike glasses large enough to simply fit over normal eye glasses. I'd also consider looking into shooting glasses. Many hunting glasses use high impact resistant frames with a yellow tint to enhance vision. I made the jump to contacts as so I could use any sunglasses I want.

[Sloan]

Oakley will also do prescription lenses in some of their glasses.

http://www.oakley.com/innovation/optical_superiority/prescription

[Corey]

Thanks for all the tips here, I will see what my doctor has in house.
They might be able to do everything there or hook me up with some good frames and photogray lenses.

[Mtn Mike]

Hi Corey,

Pretty good advice so far in this thread. Here's a few more points for clarity:

1) The magnitude of your prescription will determine whether or not you can use "Rx-able" wrap around's, like what Oakley and other sunglasses companies offer. The reason for this is that wrap around's have a high base curve (curvature of the front surface of the lens). They can not manufacture high power lenses with large base curves. It's just how the physics works out. Most wrap around.s have an upper limit of +/- 2-3 diopters.

2) If your Rx is too high for wrap around’s lenses themselves, some wrap around frames accept Rx inserts, which may or may not be acceptable to you for the reasons stated by others. Personally I don’t like them.

3) As a general rule, you get what you pay for with sunglasses. In my experience those Performance brand frames are junk. Oakley’s and Rudy Projects are very good, as are some of the other more expensive end brands. With the cheap ones you sacrifice not only the optical quality of the lenses, but on the strength and comfort of the frame material. Being in the business might make me bias, but I still am willing to pay more of my own money for good lenses.

4) As for the lens tint I suggest simply trying different types before you buy. The color of the tint, photochromatic lenses, polarization, and darkness of the tint are almost entirely determined by personal preference. I prescribe lenses for sports vision, and also for the visually impaired and legally blind. I could talk all day about vision theory, but in reality the type of tints people prefer depend on many circumstances that are unique to how you’ll use the lens. The best thing to do is try them out in person (not by guessing with online demos). Go to REI or something and see what they’ve got. Personally I prefer brown polarized lenses for cycling both on and off road on sunny days. I prefer clear or orange lenses for cloudy days. I prefer photochromatic if I’m just not sure what the day will bring :bike_rider:

Good luck with your eye exam :sombrero:

[Corey]

Thanks Mike.
I spoke with them earlier when they called to confirm my appointment tomorrow, and my current lenses are called Transitions which I am pretty happy with.

Maybe they can offer this type in a cool frame.
They have some catalogs for me to look through, but do not stock any.
They should be able to let me know what will work for me.

[Mtn Mike]

Thanks Mike.
I spoke with them earlier when they called to confirm my appointment tomorrow, and my current lenses are called Transitions which I am pretty happy with.

Maybe they can offer this type in a cool frame.
They have some catalogs for me to look through, but do not stock any.
They should be able to let me know what will work for me.


Transitions are a trade name for photochromatic. I have them too and they're good lenses. You'll have to see if you can get them in your power in a wrap around :cool:

[Corey]

Oh, my eyes :D
Still very dilated having just returned from my exam.

I was only eligible per insurance for one new lens and frame at this time.
My eyes have not changed at all since last visit two summer ago, but I am going with new Transitions lenses and frames to replace my current pair.

I will be eligible for the sunglasses and lenses July the 1st.
They had some in stock, but do not get a whole lot more in until March.
So I will stop back there around July to see what they have.

I also can no do a wrap around type, it has to be pretty much a lense like I have now.
So I will do a Transitions type lense into a durable sunglass frame come July.

This will give me time to try and find a frame I like or go with what they get in.

[bluedog]

Oakley makes the best lens period. No distortion over the curve of the lens. Get a transition and you can do almost anything. I have several pr.



B

[Corey]

Do they have non wraps?
My doctor said no go on a wrap around lens.

They can pretty much order me in any frame I want, and get a Transitions lens ground for it.
Heck, I might be able to use my old lens from the glasses I am giving up next week for the new ones.

[net4n6]

Hi Corey,

Pretty good advice so far in this thread. Here's a few more points for clarity:

1) The magnitude of your prescription will determine whether or not you can use "Rx-able" wrap around's, like what Oakley and other sunglasses companies offer. The reason for this is that wrap around's have a high base curve (curvature of the front surface of the lens). They can not manufacture high power lenses with large base curves. It's just how the physics works out. Most wrap around.s have an upper limit of +/- 2-3 diopters.

2) If your Rx is too high for wrap around’s lenses themselves, some wrap around frames accept Rx inserts, which may or may not be acceptable to you for the reasons stated by others. Personally I don’t like them.

3) As a general rule, you get what you pay for with sunglasses. In my experience those Performance brand frames are junk. Oakley’s and Rudy Projects are very good, as are some of the other more expensive end brands. With the cheap ones you sacrifice not only the optical quality of the lenses, but on the strength and comfort of the frame material. Being in the business might make me bias, but I still am willing to pay more of my own money for good lenses.

4) As for the lens tint I suggest simply trying different types before you buy. The color of the tint, photochromatic lenses, polarization, and darkness of the tint are almost entirely determined by personal preference. I prescribe lenses for sports vision, and also for the visually impaired and legally blind. I could talk all day about vision theory, but in reality the type of tints people prefer depend on many circumstances that are unique to how you’ll use the lens. The best thing to do is try them out in person (not by guessing with online demos). Go to REI or something and see what they’ve got. Personally I prefer brown polarized lenses for cycling both on and off road on sunny days. I prefer clear or orange lenses for cloudy days. I prefer photochromatic if I’m just not sure what the day will bring :bike_rider:

Good luck with your eye exam :sombrero:

Very well inform.:iagree::bowdown:
I have an optometry office and have been using Oakley frame/lenses for the last 15 yrs. I currently have 7 pairs of Oakley. RX and non-RX

[Corey]

Which Oakley frame do you suggest for a non wrap lens?
I have an old pair of Heaters with wrap around, sure wish they could fit lenses to them.

Very popular frame ten+ years ago.
Wore them when I wore contacts.

[bluedog]

For non wrap try the new Jaw Bone or the Flak Jacket. I have the Flak Jacket in transition and they work great from bright sun to night riding. For daily glasses I have a pr. of Concrete in transition.

For the record, my Oakley habbit is supported by my bike shop.


B.

[Corey]

Jaw Bones look nice.
http://www.oakley.com/custom/jawbone

So do the Flak Jackets.
http://www.oakley.com/custom/flakjacket

So if I want the Flak Jacket model, I just build it on their site but do not order a lens?
I do not see the option there to tell them Transitions or input a prescription.
Maybe it is best to order them with no lens, then have my eye center install the lenses?

[Mtn Mike]

Jaw Bones look nice.
http://www.oakley.com/custom/jawbone

So do the Flak Jackets.
http://www.oakley.com/custom/flakjacket

So if I want the Flak Jacket model, I just build it on their site but do not order a lens?
I do not see the option there to tell them Transitions or input a prescription.
Maybe it is best to order them with no lens, then have my eye center install the lenses?

I'm not familiar with Oakley's order process, but I think you'll have to go through an Oakley dealer with your Rx. The only lenses that fit in Oakley's are the one's that they manufacture. The dealer basically sends your information to Oakley and they make the lenses. Also, I doubt that Oakley offers Transition brand lenses as an option, as they are basically competing lens manufactures. Oakley might have their own photochromatic and Rx'able lens that could be put in the Flak Jacket. It's hard to tell from the website.

[Corey]

Thanks Mike.
I will call up Oakley on Monday to get the details from them, and see if my eye doctor will give me my prescription info.

I will also ask about the Transitions thing or see if they offer something comparable, as I want the lens to be able to handle both light and dark situations.

[Corey]

Called Oakley just now.
They can not make me custom glasses with an rx and ship them to me, nor can they send them to my eye doctor unless they are regged with Oakley.

What I have to do is click on dealers on their site and find a local doctor and take my rx from my doctor to them, then have them order them.

I will have to decide whether to stick with Transitions like I have now, or go with one of their photochrome lenses that are always a certain color I think.

He did say the Flak Jacket is an excellent glass for mountain bike riding.
And the material gets tackier when you sweat, thus it helps hold them to you head/face instead of slipping off like normal glasses do when you sweat.

Cool man cool :sombrero:

[Corey]

Picked up my regular glasses they made for me and dropped off Oakleys number and a picture of the Flak Jacket.

She is going to call both Oakley and the place that ground my lenses for my current glasses and see if they can fit the Flaks frame or not.

She will also see if it is best to go with a Transitions lense like I have been using for years, or to go with a lens that is dark all the time.

I should know this week if the Flaks will work, and if they will, I will order them from Oakley in the color I want, then take to my eye doctor.
This will be very cool having a custom sunglass for biking.

[Corey]

Be here in less than two weeks, then I take them to my eye doctor to get the Transitions lenses made up for them like I have now in my regular glasses.

The Oakley guy thought the Transitions lens was a good choice too since you do not have to switch lenses for varying light conditions.

The orange color on the ear sock I went with to match this (http://www.pnw4runners.com/camping_trips/aug09/7.jpg) :D
My hydration Mule pack is pretty much the same color too.

http://www.pnw4runners.com/bike_stuff/oakley/flak3a.jpg

[Flounder]

Pretty sweet! I bet those will be super nice. I just pulled the trigger on a pair of Rudy Project Ketyums today with photochromatic polorized lenses.

Be sure to give us a full review of them once you get a chance to use them.

[Corey]

Thanks, and will do on the review.

I asked the Oakley guy about the photochromatic polorized lenses they carry, or even to get a prescription in them, and he suggested I stick with the Transitions if I want them to let me see well when going from full sun to tree covered trails.

If these work out, I may try some other frames from them in the future.
I still have an old pair of M frame Heaters I bought close to twenty years ago from REI.

[STREGA]

Corey good choice going with the Oakleys IMO, they have always given me good performance over the last 20 years. Cheap sunglasses give me headaches. Alot of people overlook eye protection, as far as I know they can replace most body parts but the eye is not one of them.

[Gpzguy]

I'm coming into this thread late, but if you are looking for an AWESOME pair of bicycling glasses that can be made prescription, then you need to look at the Wiley-X line. I have a pair of XL-1's with a polarized prescription. My company bought them for me for safety glasses. They exceed ANSI Z87.1-2003 safety standards, wrap around, and have a (removable) foam 'gasket', what Wiley-X calls a cavity seal, that help them seal up against your face. Truley awesome for bicycling, kayaking, motorcycling, and all around wear.

http://www.wileyx.com/images/items/large_297.jpg

[Corey]

Strega, cheap ones did the same to me too when I use to wear contacts.
That is why I bought the Oakley M Frame Heaters several years ago.

The glasses showed up yesterday, and I will be dropping them off at the eye doctor on Monday.
Probably be a ten day turnaround to get them back.
That is if they can do the lenses for them.

If not I will be going to another doctor with my prescription and see what they offer.

I will try to snag a pic of these later.

Gpz, those are nice too.

[Corey]

What a PITA.
Dropped them off at my eye doctor on Monday after work.
Their grinder shop picked them up Tuesday and brought them back Thursday to my doctor.
They can not do them, only Oakley can they said to fit the Flak Jacket right.

So the woman who fits the glasses at doctor called Oakley and gave her the name of a local eye doctor who is affiliated with Oakley.
I just got back from dropping them off there, about 10 miles away from my home.

Doctor there wanted to sell me some fugly framed ones, and I said why, when I just spent $160 on the Flak Jacket, and Oakley recommended this to me as their best one for mountain biking.
He said he will try with a few of their local grinders Tuesday before shipping them to Oakley if needed.
Doctor is open Tuesday through Saturdays, hence why I was able to drop them off today.

I never knew it would be such a hassle to get a quality pair of specific purpose glasses for mountain biking.

I should know Tuesday what the outcome of this will be.
Then comes the fun of picking a lens if either a local grinder can do it, or if it goes to Oakley.

My doctor wanted me to go with a Polaroid brown C as seen here.
http://www.sportsvisions.com/svpcolor.htm
Good lens for biking, as they felt a Transitions lens like I have now in my everyday glasses would not lighten up fast enough it I am out in direct sunlight and then ride under the cover of trees on a trail, and I might not be able to see obstacles.
Makes sense...

If they go to Oakley, not sure what color/type lens they recommend, I will have to call them, then let this new doctor know if they end up shipping them back to Oakley to be fitted with prescription lenses.

[Mtn Mike]

Sorry about the hassle Corey. I've kinda suspected that maybe Oakley wasn't the easiest frame to get Rx'd. They like to stick to their own dealers and would rather grind the lenses themselves. I'm glad you posted though, because I have a patient who needs some wrap around rx lenses. In my case it's even more complicated because we need to go through a government approved contracter. I'm trying to find an Oakley supplier that also has a government #. Anyway, hope you get a pair that works well for you.

Mike

[Corey]

Sorry about the hassle Corey. I've kinda suspected that maybe Oakley wasn't the easiest frame to get Rx'd. They like to stick to their own dealers and would rather grind the lenses themselves.
Thanks Mike, I just spoke with the eye doctor that I left my Flak Jackets with.
He just took my payment over the phone, and my insurance even kicked in some towards them.

He will be sending them off to Oakley today or tomorrow, and the turn around is about two weeks.
He recommended I go with the Polarized Gray over the brown that my other doctor wanted me to go with.
http://www.oakley.com/custom/flakjacket?sliver
The Polarized ones are more money than their standard lenses, and also have a coating on them.

I asked him about the gray over brown, and he mountain bike rides too, and he said the gray would be the better choice.

So this will work out good for me, as I wanted to stick with this frame.
This is one feature I really like:

Stays in Place
To make sure the frame stays secure during sport competition, the nose pads and stem sleeves are made of Oakley Unobtainium®.
It’s a proprietary synthetic that actually increases grip with perspiration.

[Corey]

Bored, reading up more on these with the Polarized lenses.
Hoping mine come in next week so I can pick them up next Saturday.

Polarized FLAK JACKET Sunglasses

Sport professionals demand nothing less than the best, and we’ve answered their challenge for decades. World-class athletes have driven us to create innovation after innovation, including interchangeable lens designs with unbeatable optical clarity. FLAK JACKET sunglasses take that to the next level with the latest in performance technology.

The lenses in this polarized edition of FLAK JACKET are engineered to block the blinding rays of glare that are magnified by flat surfaces such as snow, water and pavement. Oakley uses a liquid infusion process to eliminate the haze and distortion found with ordinary polarized lenses. Optimized with Oakley polarization, FLAK JACKET offers the best optical performance on the planet.

MAINTAINS SHARP, CLEAR VISION
FLAK JACKET features Oakley HYDROPHOBIC™, a permanent lens coating that prevents rain and sweat from building up on the lens. It also repels skin oils and other contaminates, so the lens is smudge resistant and easy to keep clean. It even eliminates static electricity, so dirt and dust particles won’t cling.

STAYS AHEAD OF THE SUN
FLAK JACKET lets you change lenses in seconds to optimize vision in any sport environment. Multiple lens colors are available, and all lenses feature the unbeatable clarity of Oakley’s HIGH DEFINITION OPTICS® (HDO®).

OFFERS A SECURE, CUSTOM FIT
Choose the nose pads that give you the best fit — two sizes are included with every frame. Like the stem sleeves, they’re made of UNOBTAINIUM® to increase grip with perspiration. Oakley’s Three-Point Fit optimizes comfort and holds the lenses in precise optical alignment for superior clarity.

OPTIMIZES COMFORT, PROTECTION AND CLARITY
FLAK JACKET is made of lightweight O MATTER® for all-day comfort. Pure PLUTONITE® lens material filters out 100% of all UV, and FLAK JACKET meets ANSI Z87.1 standards for impact protection. The semi-rimless design means there’s no frame rim to block downward view. Optical clarity exceeds all ANSI Z87.1 standards, and XYZ OPTICS® extends razor-sharp vision all the way to the lens periphery.

* Interchangeable lenses to optimize performance in any environment
* Durability and all-day comfort of lightweight, stress-resistant O MATTER® frame material
* Optimized peripheral vision and side protection of 8.75 base lens curvature
* Comes standard with Oakley HYDROPHOBIC™/Oleophobic anti-smudge lens coating on all lens options
* Comfort and performance of Three-Point Fit that holds lenses in precise optical alignment
* Metal icon accents
* Optical precision and performance that meets all ANSI Z87.1 standards
* Impact resistance that meets all ANSI Z87.1 standards for high-mass and high-velocity impact
* UV protection of PLUTONITE® lens that filters out 100% of UVA / UVB / UVC & harmful blue light up to 400 nm
* Minimized glare via technology that produces the best polarized lenses on the planet
* Glare reduction and tuned light transmission of IRIDIUM® lens coating
* Multiple interchangeable UNOBTAINIUM® nose pad options for customizable and comfortable secure fit
* Protective sports-specific Oakley Soft Vault included with capacity for extra lenses
* Available with Oakley Prescription Lenses (+2.00 through -3.00 combined power)

[Corey]

Arrrrgh.
My glasses were suppose to make it from Oakley to the eye doctor this week, and I was going to pick them up today.

I called them this morning, and he told me they were not in, and that he would call up Oakley.

He got in touch with me a few hours later and Oakley's lab broke one of my lenses :(
Not sure how they did that, but now they have to redo it, and then ship it out next week.
I told the doctor just have Oakley mail them to me.
If they will not do that, the doctor is going to deliver them to me at home :D

Hopefully next week.
I was really wanting them today, as we have a touch of early spring weather here in the PNW until Tuesday.
Good for us, not so good for the Olympics up North though.

[Corey]

Oakley shipped them to the doctor the other day, but I was unable to make it to his office.
The doctor was kind enough to overnight them to me, and they came today.

Even though I already had a case for them, Oakley included the same exact case free since I had to wait so long on getting these back to me.

They turned out great.
The polarized gray should work out great for me.

The camera on macro mode picked up some dust on top of the frame and left lens.
Funny what the camera picks up as I could not see it by just looking at the glasses.

They match my bike pretty close too.
Wish I had them last weekend, we had a rare spring sunny weekend.
Back to rain right now here.

http://www.pnw4runners.com/bike_stuff/oakley/oakley_flak.jpg