Claremont Cycle Depot: bicycles & sporting goods

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Sunglasses

Claremont Cycle Depot carries sunglasses by Specialized and Aruba Sport. Click on any photo to go to the web page for that model (opens a new window).

Aruba Sport Goggle

TR90 nylon frame with vented nylon nose pads and integrated nylon temple pads. High impact polycarbonate lenses. Fits small to medium faces; XL model fits larger faces. Four lens/frame combinations. 100% UVA and UVB protection. An affordable alternative to high-priced “designer” sunglasses.

Aruba Wave 2i

Based around the TR90 nylon frame, the Wave 2i is an interchangeable lens system for all light conditions. Choice of three frame colors. Comes with three different shatterproof lenses. All lenses have Hydrophobic coating on outside, which repels water.

Specialized Helix

Exclusive Specialized Adaptalite™ lens adjusts to existing light conditions. Goes to fully dark in less than 15 seconds. Molded Grilimid frames with molded Megol nosepiece and ear tabs that hold comfortably. Available in four frame colors. Non-photochromic models and prescription inserts also available.

Specialized Chicane

The Chicane's larger frame design and exclusive, trail specific lens formulation makes it the ultimate choice for off-road use. Specialized Adaptalite™ lenses adapt to varying ambient UV levels, providing optimal performance in low to bright light conditions without having to change lenses. Non-photochromic models now available.

Why wear sunglasses?

You've probably seen photos of Lance Armstrong wearing his Oakley sunglasses. But sponsorship considerations aside, why does he — and almost all the peleton — wear sunglasses at all? The answer is protection.

Protection from the elements

Without some sort of shield from the wind, a ride on any but the hottest day would probably bring tears to your eyes. You might not think of wind chill except in the winter, but your eyes are still affected. And, if you're crying, you probably can't see where you're going as well as you should.

Ever get caught in the rain? A raindrop in the eye hurts! And road spray in the eye, from your bike or one in front of you, doesn't feel good either.

Protection from foreign objects

Anyone who has ever had a bug commit suicide on their sunglasses on a 40mph downhill knows how necessary eye protection is. Even a small bit of dust in your eye might make you miss a turn and crash. On the trail, your eyes need protection from branches and dirt kicked up by other riders.

Protection from bright light

At 25mph and just inches from the rider in front of you, the last thing you need is to be squinting into the sun. You have to be watching not only that rider (and those in front of him), but looking for road (or trail) hazards and potential hazards. You have to watch for everything.

While wearing sunglasses will help you to see better in bright-light conditions, they also help in mixed sun/shade conditions. You might not see quite as well in the deepest shadows, but your eyes tend to adjust faster overall by eliminating extreme brightness. On cloudy days, yellow or orange lenses seem to increase overall contrast.

Modern sunglasses are also designed to provide protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Long-term exposure to UVB rays has been shown to cause cataracts.

Claremont Cycle Depot carries a variety of styles of sunglasses from several manufacturers. Stop in and find a pair for you.