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Safe and Stylish: Why You Should Wear Sunglasses on Every Ride

Gearing up for a great NICA practice is easy: throw on an outfit that makes you comfortable, and buckle up your helmet! Although you’re ready to go as you are, NICA recommends you (and your student-athletes) wear gloves and glasses on your rides. It’s not just to make you look rad, either. Today, we’re teaming up with NICA Partner Rudy Project to explore just how important eye protection is for mountain biking.

This post was provided in part by NICA partner Rudy Project. Check out their NICA Membership Discount Club here!

Sunglasses protect your eyes from both actual hazards that can cause damage on the trail (like low-hanging branches, dust, and bugs) and from the cumulative damage of UV rays. 

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation comes in both UVA and UVB varieties. UVA is nearly always present, and too much of it can damage your eyesight. But it’s UVB radiation that inflicts the most harm. It’s present even on cloudy, overcast days, although it’s strongest during peak summer months. While UVA can impact your eyesight, UVB is the stuff that messes with your DNA, which makes it responsible for most UV-related cancers, according to the National Eye Institute.

For this reason, you should reach for sunglasses with UV protection. In general, lens manufacturers apply a thin, transparent, and clear UV coating to their lenses, which both absorbs and reflects UV light. All available Rudy Project lenses block 100% of UVA and UVB rays, but even everyday clear lenses can, and should, come with UV protection for the lens.

Although colored lenses are cool as a way to add a pop to your kit, it is important to know that a darker lens color does not necessarily equal better protection. Instead, lens color suggests what light conditions it’s best used in for optimal visibility.

Brown/Amber/Copper: Reliable contrast on soil and roots. Helps separate shadows from features in forests.

Rose/Racing Red:  Adds definition in flat light and at dawn/dusk. 

Smoke/Grey: Neutral color for intense sun and open terrain.

Clear: Night or deep canopy.

Photochromic: The ideal option for those who want just one pair of sunglasses, this treatment causes the lenses to change color to adapt to current lighting conditions.

Sunglasses aren’t just for preventing physical damage, though— their use also optimizes your vision, which leads to a safer ride overall. Contrast-tuned tints and anti-reflective treatments help terrain “pop” out and remain visible, especially in flat or dappled light. Being able to clearly see every root, rock, and rut as far ahead as possible creates the safest riding conditions possible. There are even prescription sunglass lenses available to ensure the optimal possible vision for every athlete. 

And, if you do take a spill, it’s important that your sunglasses are up to the task. Rudy Project recommends wearing sunglasses that are made of proven shatter-resistant materials so that, even if your sunglasses break, they don’t cause you any extra bumps or bruises. 

The lenses aren’t the only consideration, either. The shape and style of the sunglasses frame can have an impact on your ride. Venting, weight, coverage, and fit will all impact which model is best for you. For wooded singletrack and high protection, Rudy Project recommends a comfortable, safe style like the Defender. For a lighter-weight frame on mixed-surface rides, opt for a sleek and stable fit like the Spinshield. 

It is also  important to properly care for your sunglasses. Be sure to always:

  • Rinse with clean water before touching the lens.
  • Use lens-safe cleaner and microfiber cloths only.
  • Store in a soft pouch to prevent scratches.
  • Inspect screws, bumpers, and nose pads periodically, and replace worn parts before big days on the bike.

With that, you’re ready to hit the trail! If you’re looking to upgrade your eyewear before you do, make sure to join Rudy Project’s NICA Members Club to gain access to 30% off nearly all products. 

Safety Note from Rudy Project: Rudy Project performance eyewear is designed for sport impact resistance and UV protection. Certification requirements vary by use case and region. For work or environments that mandate certified protective eyewear, use products that meet the required standard. For mountain biking, select robust sport lenses and frames with full coverage and ventilation, then pair with a quality, well-fitted helmet.

This content was authored by NICA’s coach education team. NICA’s comprehensive coach education program provides new and existing coaches with the high-quality training and resources they need to be confident, competent, and empowered leaders on their youth mountain bike teams. NICA coaches not only create amazing experiences for student-athletes, they create a foundation for building healthy mountain bike communities. NICA coaches change lives! 

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Special thanks to SPECIALIZED, a NICA platinum level partner.

NICA partners help kids gain access to a thriving and engaged cycling community.

Special thanks to SPECIALIZED, a NICA platinum level partner.

NICA partners help kids gain access to a thriving and engaged cycling community.

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