Yet Another Cycling Forum

Off Topic => The Pub => Topic started by: andygates on 23 May, 2009, 05:21:48 pm

Title: Sunnies, spendy or not?
Post by: andygates on 23 May, 2009, 05:21:48 pm: My lovely sunnies have been eaten! The nose-bridge flung off into the flesh-eating sundew swamp of Swallownumpty Mire this morning, never to be seen again.

I has a blinky sad. :(

Now, I liked my sunnies: Kuota jobbies that had okay optics, but cost just £25 and you got an iridium red lens for that. Is it worth the extra for big-brand shades? Are they humungously tough when faced with the kind of gear vandal who thinks nothing of stuffing them in a loose rattly daybag to fight it out, naked, among the other junk?
Title: Re: Sunnies, spendy or not?
Post by: pcolbeck on 23 May, 2009, 05:34:37 pm: I like Blocs but the rubber nose bridge perishes after a couple of years :(
Title: Re: Sunnies, spendy or not?
Post by: border-rider on 23 May, 2009, 05:35:55 pm: I always lose or sit on mine. As with watches, bitter experience is that - on average - cheap doesn't serve me significantly less well than spendy :)

And I'm someone who usually advocates quality over price.
Title: Re: Sunnies, spendy or not?
Post by: peliroja on 23 May, 2009, 05:54:27 pm: I've had my titanium Oakleys (which cost me over £200) since 2002. I don't really look after them that well, and they're a bit scratched, but still very comfy. They must be pretty tough to have lasted me so well.
Title: Re: Sunnies, spendy or not?
Post by: Wobbly John on 23 May, 2009, 06:09:26 pm: 'nother vote for cheapish, here. As a cyclist, i'm bound to drop them/stuff them in a pocket with keys/get them covered in sweat.
Title: Re: Sunnies, spendy or not?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 23 May, 2009, 06:13:02 pm: For bright sunlight I love oakley gold iridium lenses... absolutely fantastic stoner vision. Expensive...only get if you are going to be careful with them.
Title: Re: Sunnies, spendy or not?
Post by: kyuss on 23 May, 2009, 06:26:00 pm: My Oakley Monster Doggles are bombproof. I wouldn't stick them in a bag without putting them in their soft pouch 'cause the lenses would get scratched, but they can definitely handle getting knocked about a bit.

Thing with cheap ones is you don't care about losing them/breaking them, and inevitably you do just that. Get expensive ones and you learn to take care. Better to spend £80 every 2 or 3 years than £15 2 or 3 times a year
Title: Re: Sunnies, spendy or not?
Post by: pcolbeck on 23 May, 2009, 06:45:46 pm: Just found a place that sells the nose bridges for Bloc rimless sunnies. Result, I have two sets of lenses anyway.
Title: Re: Sunnies, spendy or not?
Post by: Fab Foodie on 23 May, 2009, 08:15:48 pm: Rayban Wayfarers for me, for that authentic cask-aged Euro-Grimpeur look. Style over fashion...
Title: Re: Sunnies, spendy or not?
Post by: Bledlow on 23 May, 2009, 08:36:44 pm: My Bolle Paroles are 9 years old, and going strong. New nose & ear pieces to replace perished ones (sweat & suncream are bad for the soft bits, but don't seem to affect the frame or lenses), is all. Survived a faceplant into a metre of snow once when skiing (I had to take them off to remove snow from behind them, but they stayed on my face), a rib-cracking crash off-road, & much more. Being sat on does not seem to be fatal.

I love 'em. Weren't cheap, but with all the lenses they came with (clear, dark, mid-brown, pink for white-outs & low-light yellow - one of which I bought separately, either the clear or the yellow - I forget which), the time they've lasted, & what they've survived unscathed, I reckon I've had my moneys worth, & they don't seem to be about to give up the ghost yet. A few more years to go . . . .

They're officially discontinued, but there's a rather similar replacement, & I think replacement lenses are still available, if I scratch any of them too much. If they die, I'll buy something as similar as possible.
Title: Re: Sunnies, spendy or not?
Post by: Butterfly on 24 May, 2009, 05:54:57 pm: My £2.50 tchibo ones are very little worse than my £120 Adidas ones. They don't scratch less in the bag and the replacement lenses for the scratched ones cost £28 :o. The bloc ones are good, I like the shape, but I think that if you're prone to dropping them in the bag loose (I am) then you might as well get 4 pairs of lild/aldi/tchibo ones and treat them as disposable :).
Title: Re: Sunnies, spendy or not?
Post by: Zoidburg on 24 May, 2009, 06:03:14 pm: I have no complaint about my Aldi oakey rip offs.

I have two pairs, I keep one pair yellow lensed and one dark, I just grab the pair I want in the morning according to the weather and keep spair lenses in the case in my bag.
Title: Re: Sunnies, spendy or not?
Post by: Aidan on 24 May, 2009, 06:17:00 pm: I have a pair of Specialized Adaptalite sunnies which cost me about £50 in a sale 'cos the frames are red, have had them for two years or so, can wear them in absolutely all conditions and they are really comfortable. If I lost/broke them I'd buy another pair tomorrow
Title: Re: Sunnies, spendy or not?
Post by: kyuss on 24 May, 2009, 06:31:32 pm: I love my Spesh adaptalites too. Perfect for everything but riding at night without the need to stop and change lenses when the weather changes (which is does up here with alarming regularity). And they're white. :smug:
Title: Re: Sunnies, spendy or not?
Post by: nicknack on 24 May, 2009, 11:06:56 pm: Back in the dim and distant when I was a techy sort, I used to test sun specs for a large high street pharmaceutical company (think wellies). Back then it was obvious that price was no indication whatsoever of quality. I don't suppose it's changed. Use your own judgement.

The mark ups were huge too. 1000% anyone?
Title: Re: Sunnies, spendy or not?
Post by: PaulF on 25 May, 2009, 12:31:08 am: When I was sailing and especially skiing regularly (both environments where there was a lot of reflected light) I always found my eyes more comfortable in my 'expensive' lenses (Vuarnet, RayBan and Oakley).

I've also found that my good glasses last longer - I've only had to replace due to theft or when a moton deliberately ran over the pair that fell from my jersey.
Title: Re: Sunnies, spendy or not?
Post by: Really Ancien on 25 May, 2009, 12:45:00 am: I've got some like these.
UK EyeWear> Home > Kit Cars > DIXON brand T.E.P.S. (Total eyewear protection system) (http://www.uksportseyewear.co.uk/product.php/22/dixon-brand-t-e-p-s---total-eyewear-protection-system-)
except that I got them from Lidl for £7.99 and very good they are too.

Damon.
Title: Re: Sunnies, spendy or not?
Post by: Valiant on 25 May, 2009, 02:16:15 am: My Rudy Projects are very tough but I do then to stick them in their hard case to protect the lenses from scratching. But then I have screwdrivers and shit loose in me bag.
Title: Re: Sunnies, spendy or not?
Post by: Oaky on 25 May, 2009, 08:05:29 am: I have Madison D'Arcs ... cheap, and each of the three one-piece lenses (clear, dark, yellow) has it's own rubber nose bridge, so if one gets lost I can just swap it out for the one on the yellow lenses which i never use.

I thnk I paid about 25 quid.
Title: Re: Sunnies, spendy or not?
Post by: RJ on 25 May, 2009, 02:16:29 pm: Quote from: mark_oakden on 25 May, 2009, 08:05:29 am
I have Madison D'Arcs ... cheap, and each of the three one-piece lenses (clear, dark, yellow) has it's own rubber nose bridge, so if one gets lost I can just swap it out for the one on the yellow lenses which i never use.

I thnk I paid about 25 quid.

They're about £30 now, IIRC. I'm currently using - and would recommend - Madison Ravens (2-piece lenses), which avoid the D'Arcs' hunt-the-nosebridge feature, and have better frames than EBC's Revolution Blades (dodgy hinges and weak spot on the arms where ear-rubber starts).

Nicest shades I had were Frogskins - but Oakleys would be a silly luxury for me just now.
Title: Re: Sunnies, spendy or not?
Post by: vorsprung on 25 May, 2009, 02:25:38 pm: I have Lidl ones

Also have a pair of Cat eye protectors, cost 15 quid now 3 years old. Designed for DIY not bike riding
Title: Re: Sunnies, spendy or not?
Post by: Charlotte on 25 May, 2009, 05:42:20 pm: I used to be of the cheapie school on sunnies, but then I bought some Oakleys. By 'eck they're good. Better quality vision, more comfortable and I think they look the business.

But durability is probably largely down to how much care I take with them, I'd agree.

By the ones that you like, Andy. I can see you in some of these (http://www.geekologie.com/2008/01/oakley_medusa_hat_goggles_are.php):

(http://www.geekologie.com/2008/01/23/medusa-hat-goggles.jpg)
Title: Re: Sunnies, spendy or not?
Post by: Zoidburg on 25 May, 2009, 05:46:36 pm: These

Bobster Bugeye Goggles --- Heinnie Haynes - Knives, Pocket Tools and Accessories (http://www.heinnie.com/aYeyxu1573526/Eyewear/Bobster/Bobster-Bugeye-Goggles/p-427-428-2988/)

Have serious manga/air pirate apeal.

:P
Title: Re: Sunnies, spendy or not?
Post by: Valiant on 25 May, 2009, 07:02:05 pm: I'm gonna get me a pair of those
Title: Re: Sunnies, spendy or not?
Post by: fruitcake on 25 May, 2009, 09:19:00 pm: Don't you know, all the fashionable girls are wearing flying goggles. They're the new Oakleys.

(http://carlbrannen.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/markham.jpg)

[Warns Charlotte not to click this (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=260415838705)]
Title: Re: Sunnies, spendy or not?
Post by: Charlotte on 25 May, 2009, 09:33:34 pm: Bugger.

[/watchlist]
Title: Re: Sunnies, spendy or not?
Post by: Wendy on 25 May, 2009, 09:37:04 pm: Another Oakleys fan here.
Title: Re: Sunnies, spendy or not?
Post by: Bledlow on 26 May, 2009, 01:28:56 pm: Quote from: Charlotte on 25 May, 2009, 09:33:34 pm
Bugger.

[/watchlist]
Let me guess- you clicked.
Title: Re: Sunnies, spendy or not?
Post by: Gattopardo on 26 May, 2009, 01:41:34 pm: I currently have several pairs of safety glasess. Bought from BOC or other trade counters. I have a really nice pair of peltor, uvex and bolle. I have a couple of pairs of oakley's but prefer the bolle and uvex ones as they are lighter and can e worn whilst cycling, driving and riding under a helmet.
Title: Re: Sunnies, spendy or not?
Post by: tiermat on 26 May, 2009, 01:44:17 pm: For riding in I use PBK's cheap and cheerful multilens jobbies (£13 a set IIRC) but for day to day use I use what have to be just about the best sunnies mere mortals can buy, them being Maui Jim Kapalua's.
Title: Re: Sunnies, spendy or not?
Post by: токамак on 26 May, 2009, 01:47:47 pm: I've taken to wearing fit-over sunglasses like this:
(http://www.maximumeyewear.com/productfolder/prescription-sunglasses/sunshields/sunglasses.jpg)
(I'm serious) About £5 from eBay.

Not only do they afford excellent unobstructed wide-field vision, but I'm also well ahead of the curve in the fashion stakes - mark my words, all the fixie hipsters are going to be packing these before the end of the summer! ;)

[edit] proof positive (http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs016.snc1/4504_81771513002_688973002_1819525_3704241_n.jpg) :P
Title: Re: Sunnies, spendy or not?
Post by: andygates on 26 May, 2009, 04:39:48 pm: The goggles are lovely but, alas, steam up like mad. I'm Captain Sweaty Face. Wonder if I can spring for some M-Frames..?
Title: Re: Sunnies, spendy or not?
Post by: Wendy on 26 May, 2009, 04:41:43 pm: Buy Andy, buy!!!
Title: Re: Sunnies, spendy or not?
Post by: andrewc on 26 May, 2009, 05:22:33 pm: I bought some Rudy Project Rydons with the red photochromic lenses for my US tour and I'm pleased with them. Comfy, usable till dusk and so far no scratches. £90 from The Bike Factory in Chester.
Title: Re: Sunnies, spendy or not?
Post by: mike on 26 May, 2009, 05:23:25 pm: buy! (then let me know if they work for us sweaty folks)
Title: Re: Sunnies, spendy or not?
Post by: clarion on 01 June, 2009, 10:21:50 am: I break/scratch/lose/otherwise bugrup shades so frequently, it would be a crime to buy anything other than the cheapest. Lidl/Aldi or, if I really want to splash out, Revolution ;D