I've owned the TIFOSI Podium XC Fototec Sunglasses in the HS Red tint since 2015. They always performed well and I really liked the transition lens for all conditions on my road bike. Not so much on my mountain bike in bright sunlight as they didn't have a lot of contrast, but still not bad especially in cloudy overcast conditions. I had tried the Podium in the Light Night tint at one point but those have a really limited range of change almost to the point where I didn't notice it. So I somehow lost my Podiums a couple weeks ago and I really missed the fototec lenses. It turns out that WBW had a different model of Tifosi on sale (Seek) so after a quick check on Tifosi's website to check the tints, I ordered these in the Smoke fototec tint. These are my new favorites! Even if I find my Podiums, I think these will be my go to glasses for both road and mountain. They have a really good range of change and the contrastdefinition when I'm riding single track is excellent.
These these glasses are perfect for rides that start before sunrise or sunset, but end after sunrise or sunset; they protect against the sun, but the lens are essentially clear at night.
I find these phototec glasses give the best coverage and visibility of any glasses I own. All glasses get scratched and typically only last me 2 seasons so no point in paying extra . The shading change is quick and they do not distort vision like others I have owned. Most glasses I can only wear have the ride since they cause an almost vertigo sensation. WBW prices and delivery as always is unmatched.
I primarily ride road bikes. I like to wear glasses to cut down on irritation from wind, prevent "bug strikes", and for relief from bright sun. These glasses fulfill all of those needs no need to change glasses. The photo-chromatic lenses change quickly and smoothly. I put them on and forget them. I am never blinded by the sun or cast into darkness as I change from sunny areas to shaded ones. The lens size and shape provide great coverage from all angles. The frames are sturdy and fit snugly without squeezing my head.
Price is what I consider mid-range but these are an excellent value.
I purchased the "carbon - light night fototec" for use in the shorter daytime hours of fall and spring, where my rides often begin or end in the dark and transition to/from daylight. These are perfect. The lens doesn't fit too tight to my face, allowing a little airflow but still shielding my eyes from the cold. And the fototec lenses add just enough shade to knock down the harsh sun. The lenses are never very dark, though. Some people may want more tint, but I don't really like dark or heavily colored sunglasses anyway. For me, these are perfect year-round.
I think my favorite feature is the fact that these don�t have frames, giving me a wide feel the view even when I'm down in the drops looking out the top of my eyes. Really, while riding, I forgot I even had sunglasses on.
he side arms tend to pucker out a little bit so I wish they had a bit more of a slim profile. But, I have no problem fitting these with my poc octal helmet and a cold weather cycling cap. They aren't the prettiest sunglasses, but they get the job done. I think to Fosse sunglasses are a great value, and if you can pick these up on sale like I did they're even better.
I love these for starting my rides in the dark and returning later in the day. No distortion, no glare. Not polarized but after all, anything polarized is going to cut down on light transmission by about 50% and so these are what you want if you are starting in the dark.
Fits my fat, round face with comfit. I like the wrap around design for bike riding. Comfortable with a the helmet straps, under or over the straps I don't notice the glasses or the straps. I only wear transition lens glasses so I'm I don't notice the change I just wish they would get a little darker. They come with a hard shell case that'll sure have them last a long time. If you want they may worn in the car, however with ANY transition lens, the UV filter in car glass prevents them from changing much, unless you drive a convertible! They're lightweight so you may wear them for hours. The lens will protect your eyes from light projectile damage (e.g. sand, wind debris, outdoor shooting, horse riding, bicycle riding, sledding, boating, flying.) almost any motion activity. They're not just for bike riding.
I generally use prescription sun glasses, but with a mild correction these are great for occasional use on cloudy days when I still want eye, bug and wind protection. The lack of frame on top is super for steep descents. They do not have the greatest range of photochromatic change but that is not at all a problem for my intended use. A really good value for my intended use
2 things I don't like about these sunglasses. They suppose to darken when you encounter more bright light, but my experience is that they hardly change tint. They work well in overcast weather but less in bright sun. Also I look over the top of the lens when on my bike, something not so great ! The only thing I like is the simplistic design.
Really like the shape and fit. Use them on bike rides all the time. One of the reasons I purchased them was the chromatic lenses. I start riding early in the morning, but the lenses never change tint. They start out dark and remain as such regardless of the sun. If you are looking for good monochromatic glasses these are the ones; especially for the price.
Surprising how good the optics are on these glasses for the price. Photochromatic lenses work great, but the range isn't quite as good as my Oakleys. Noticed a little more sweat/oil on the corners of the lenses than other glasses, but that could just be the shape of my face relative to the glasses.
These glasses fit my big head well, stay perched on my nose well, and give good eye coverage as well as good range of visibility up and down. Looking to the side, I do see the end of the arm protruding into my field of vision, but not a problem. Got the model that is spec'ed at cutting something like 15-45% of light, but have not been able to tell that the polychromatic effect is working - nevertheless, these have offered good eye protection for cloudy day rides and rides in the forests through which not much light is penetrating. In general, I like the look of them.
