December Nationals week in the rear view, which means the holiday season is in full swing. A few weeks ago, we took a first look at some gift ideas that have recently come across our desks.
Today, we have the second installment of our 2019 gift guide with glasses, gloves, bike tools and more that can help you enhance your riding experience this coming year. All products are ones our team members have used and reviewed.
To scroll through each, use the next button.
Julbo Aerolite Sunglasses
Julbo of France is well known in the mountaineering and ski world for optics and eye protection. However, they are not well known in the sport of cycling, particularly here in North America where there are already a lot of choices.
Julbo Aerolite glasses with Reactiv lenses. © Cyclocross Magazine
There is a blue flash mirror coating to add aesthetic panache, particularly as the lens darkens, with an oleophobic coating to keep smudges off. The backside as an anti-fog coating. Our consulting optometrists verified the lens of our sample to be distortion-free, which we know is not always the case, even with brand name sunglasses.
The nosepiece and temples are attached to the one-piece lens and is not user interchangeable, but the nosepiece has interchangeable nose pads, one taller for the “Asian fit” or individuals with lower/flatter bridges.
The Julbo Aerolite glasses come with adjustable nosepieces.. © Cyclocross Magazine
The Aerolite is prescription compatible, with the Rx lenses inserted into the shield. Of course, given the curve of the shield, the prescription range is limited. The Julbo prescription program only covers single vision lenses (no multifocal lenses, old guys) and is administered via Julbo’s laboratory in France. The cost for the prescription Aerolites is $700 USD.
Our tester loved the Aerolite both for the lightweight fit and for the versatility of the photochromic lens. She has a flat bridge, so the “Asian fit” nose pads were installed which worked perfectly for her. Combined with the light weight, the glasses never slipped out of place. The temples did not interfere with her helmet and were comfortably snug.
The Julbo Reactiv 0-3 lens is light enough for riding at dusk and gets dark enough to be comfortable in bright sunshine. We did not experience snow during our test interval. Color rendition in low illumination when the lens is clearest with a pinkish tint was fine, and the rose color even left the tester with a better outlook on life.
The Julbo Reactiv 0-3 glasses cost $130 USD.
More info: julbo.com
Cliff Lee
