SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING

Specification

 Let’s start with those measurements… Leatt describes the Ride Viz as being for medium to large faces. The frames are 145mm wide, lenses are 145mm wide, 65mm tall, temple length is 130mm, the bridge is 20mm.. People with smaller faces should look to their Ride Viz Pro Small tested here.

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 Frames are a polymer construction, with rubber temples, which appear to strike the right balance between tenure and flex.  There are a choice of (no) colourways aside from our subtle clear/black, which I feel contrast and compliment most riding kit handsomely. The lens is made from polycarbonate-an obvious default, given the material’s strength and resistance to projectiles-it is employed in riot shields after all. The Ride Viz employ a single curve, cylindrical shape and wraparound style coupled with the expanded vertical view.

 

Ours employ a single photochromic (light adaptive) lens that will adjust from 90VLT (near clear) through to 25 VLT (blocking 75% of light) thus catering for most riding contexts, from harsh sunlight through to underpasses and heavily sheltered forest trails. It’s a similar principle to other self-actuating technology, such as welder’s dark shields and in common with these, the technology has become more responsive and trickled down over the years.   

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Perfect for my tastes, not least since I can’t be done faffing with different lenses. Amber being the exception on gloomy winter days, where my mood and focus can take a hit.  Leatt also offers a three interchangeable version, should you prefer. (price)      

​Comfort 4.5/5

Coming from these Magicshine defaults, the bigger, trail oriented profiles felt initially alien, but I soon appreciated their benefits. Besides, I’m no purist, blending genres to suit my taste and needs- drop bar mountain bikes for thirty odd years being a very obvious example. I’ve not the biggest faces, so was pleased to report the Ride Viz were absolutely bang on across the board. I am blessed with long eye lashes and no issues with them brushing the lenses.

 

The nose bridge and frames are similarly tactile, staying exactly where I’d put them, without leaving any indent, or similar calling cards, no matter how long I’ve been in the saddle. The heatwave has meant temperatures in the low to high 30s, sweat has seemed to boost their staying prowess. No need to touch or readjust when I’ve been hustling along gravel roads and lumpier bridle path.

 

This isn’t generally an issue with decent quality glasses, but I’m used to the odd subtle tweak in comparable conditions. No issues with misting, or fogging to date, suggesting the lens modest vent ports are very effective, although damp, misty autumn morning’s might reveal some limitations. Their larger surface area has been similarly welcome, keeping tiny insects, wind and other irritants from creeping inside, while offering full protection against rouge stones and similar projectiles thrown up by the front tyre.   

 

Optical Quality 4.5/5

As I hinted earlier, the photochromic properties are very responsive at both ends of the scale. Leatt claims this is industry leading and with one of the fastest transition rates. A big boast and cynically, we could respond with “maybe but so says everyone else”. Nonetheless, I have been impressed by their response rate, especially in rapidly changing conditions-transitioning from blazing sunlight, dark roads where oncoming vehicle headlights can prove dazzling, to very gloomy tunnels with consummate ease, meaning, save for the odd, precautionary check, I’ve been able to maintain momentum.

 

Otherwise, transitioning has been very subtle and gently transitional, which is not only very, accurate, but natural and seemingly kinder on the eyes.   Clarity has been uniformly impressive, regardless of whether I’ve been riding through blazing midday sun or subtly fading from dusk to dark proper. Though subtle, there was some tangible benefit over other polychromatic models I’ve used long term when tackling or transitioning to rougher terrains low on the drops. Though not obvious on shorter to middle distance rides, beyond the five hour mark my eyes felt fresher, even if my legs have been subtly protesting.

 

Rain has been conspicuous by its absence during our six-week test period, but sudden torrential stuff has for the most part landed and slithered away without leaving watermarks, or similar calling cards.  A shot of Salclear TTX, or similar water repelling barrier now and then would be a good precaution, especially during winter but I’d suggest this with eyewear per se.

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Care/Durability 4.5/5

Ours have taken the thrills and spills associated with cross country mountain biking, gravel and the everyday carelessness in their stride.  The soft pouch is convenient for keeping the lenses clean while they’re holidaying in a pocket or bar bag. I’ve only needed to clean ours after a month and 550 miles. When I say clean. I mean a proper going-over with micro-fibre cloth and optical solution.  Reassuring, but no less than I’d expect from this end of the market.

 

Value 3.5/5

​We only get one pair of eyes, so it pays to look after them. £129 is a fair chunk of change, but you can pay a lot more and a lot less, for that matter. Comparing like-with like, I’m sticking with photochromic models.  

At the lower end of the spectrum, Decathlon Cycling Glasses, Category 1–3, Perf 500 Light offer a lot for a very modest £39.99. aside from a two-year warrantee. Polyamide arms and frames host wide photochromic lenses promising excellent peripheral view, include a UV filter, anti-misting technology but “only” filter 15-55% of light.

Tifosi Eyewear Swank Fototec come in at £55. These have a slightly retro flavour that makes better transition to casual wear. Shatter-resistant lenses, a Grilamid TR90 frame, and hydrophilic bumpers on the nose bridge are nice touches and there are a choice of frame colour options.

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Madison Crypto Glasses (£79.99) are a full frame design with big lenses. The scratch resistant photochromic lens caters for cat1-3 lighting conditions, which covers a broad spectrum. A lens insert for prescription glasses is also available as an aftermarket option.

 

At the other end, 100% S3 Photochromic come in at £180 and offer a lot of adjustment, for a bespoke fit- arms and nosepiece specifically. Lenses are treated to a hydrophobic coating and brow vents to mitigate misting.

Deeper pockets?  Koo Demos Photochromic (£195) features Zeiss ant-reflective technology, supposedly improving contrast and definition. Lenses are exchangeable, although the photochromic version supposedly transmits between 12.5 and 69% of light. They also feature four ventilation slits to combat fogging and other issues.

Summary

I’ve been very impressed by Leatt Ride Viz Pro Small Clear Photochromic Sunglasses blend of comfort, security and excellent optical clarity. The photochromic component is very responsive, catering for rapidly changing and stable conditions alike. For the most part, I’ve been able to forget about hem and enjoy the ride-the way it should be.  I’ve found the technical aesthetic chameleon-like when it comes to riding attire, but it won’t necessarily suit those wanting a pair that will complement the street wardrobe.

Michael Stenning

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Verdict 4/5 Excellent performance in all contexts but technical styling may not suit beyond the bike.

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Leatt®️: The Science of Thrill | Protective Sports Gear & Apparel – Leatt MTB UK