You’ve been mountain biking for a while and love the thrill of the ride. However, you’ve been having trouble seeing well and have been thinking about getting some new eyewear for mountain biking. You’re not sure what to get, so you do some research.
As someone who spends a lot of time both mountain biking and snowboarding, I often get asked if snowboard goggles can be used for mountain biking. The short answer is yes, you can use snowboard goggles for mountain biking, but there are a few things to keep in mind before making the switch.
In this article, we’ll go over what you need to know about using snowboard goggles for mountain biking, including the benefits and drawbacks of doing so.
What Type of Eyewear is Best for Mountain Biking?
Mountain biking is a sport that requires good vision and eye protection. The right eyewear can help you see more clearly, avoid obstacles, and stay safe on the trail. There are many different types of eyewear available for mountain biking, including sunglasses, prescription glasses, and goggles.
Goggles offer the most protection from the elements and debris, but they can be bulky and difficult to keep in place while riding. Sunglasses are less intrusive but may not provide enough coverage for some riders.
Prescription glasses can be used with either sunglasses or goggles to provide clear vision while riding. Helmets with built-in goggles are the most protective type of eyewear, but they can be bulky and uncomfortable.
So, which type of eyewear is best for you? It depends on your needs. If you need the most protection possible, go for a helmet with built-in goggles. If you don’t need as much protection and want something more comfortable, go for glasses. And if you’re somewhere in between, consider goggles.
No matter which type of eyewear you choose, make sure it’s comfortable and fits well. You don’t want anything sliding around or falling off while you’re out on the trail. And be sure to get a pair that has good lens quality so you can see clearly. With the right pair of mountain biking eyewear, you’ll be able to enjoy the ride even more.
What Kind of Lens is Best for Mountain Biking?
The type of lens you’ll want will depend on the conditions you’ll be riding in. If you’ll be riding in bright, sunny conditions, you’ll want a lens that is dark and blocks out a lot of light. If you’ll be riding in darker conditions, you’ll want a lens that is lighter and allows more light to pass through.
And if you’ll be riding in variable conditions, you’ll want a lens that is photochromic and adjusts to the light automatically.
Types of Lenses for
Mountain Biking
Dark Lens: A dark lens is best for bright, sunny conditions. It will block out a lot of light and reduce glare.
Light Lens: A light lens is best for darker conditions. It will allow more light to pass through and improve your vision.
Photochromic Lens: A photochromic lens is best for variable conditions. It will adjust to the light automatically and provide clear vision in all lighting conditions.
No matter what type of lens you choose, make sure it’s made of durable material that won’t scratch easily. And be sure to get a pair with good UV protection so you can keep your eyes safe from the sun’s harmful rays.
You’ll also want to get a lens that has good anti-fog properties so you can see clearly in all conditions. With the right lens, you’ll be able to see more clearly and stay safe on the trail.
The Pros of Using Snowboarding Goggles
The main benefit of using snowboard goggles for mountain biking is the increased protection they offer. Goggles shield your eyes from the sun, wind, and debris that can kick up while riding. They also provide a barrier against branches and other objects that could hit your face while riding.
Additionally, most snowboard goggles have lenses that are treated with anti-fog coating, which can be helpful on hot days when condensation can quickly build up on regular sunglasses or glasses.
The Cons of Using Snowboarding Goggles
There are a few drawbacks to using snowboard goggles for mountain biking, however. First, they can be bulky and difficult to keep in place while riding. Second, they can fog up more easily than sunglasses or glasses, making it difficult to see. Finally, they don’t provide as much ventilation as sunglasses, so your eyes can get sweaty when wearing them.
If you decide to use snowboard goggles for mountain biking, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure that the goggles fit well and don’t move around while you’re riding. Second, choose a lens that is treated with an anti-fog coating to help prevent condensation from building up on the lenses.
And finally, be prepared to stop and adjust the goggles every so often to prevent them from fogging up.
Alternatives to Snowboarding Goggles for Mountain Biking
Alternatives to snowboard goggles for mountain biking include regular sunglasses, prescription glasses, and even ski goggles. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right type of eyewear for your needs. Regular sunglasses are less bulky than goggles and provide more ventilation, but they don’t offer as much protection from the elements.
Prescription glasses can be used with either sunglasses or goggles to provide clear vision while riding. Ski goggles are similar to snowboard goggles but are designed specifically for skiing, so they may not fit as well or provide as much coverage for mountain biking.
What Features Should I Look for in Mountain Biking Eyewear?
When choosing mountain biking eyewear, there are a few features you’ll want to look for. First, you’ll want to make sure the eyewear fits snugly and doesn’t move around on your face when you’re riding. Second, you’ll want to choose eyewear with lenses that offer good coverage and protection from the sun, wind, and debris.
Third, you’ll want to look for eyewear with a strap that helps keep the eyewear in place on your head. Fourth, you may want to consider polarized lenses, which can help reduce glare from the sun. Fifth, you may also want to choose photochromic lenses, which darken in bright light and lighten in low light.
Final Considerations Before Purchasing
In addition to comfort and fit, there are a few other things to consider when choosing mountain biking eyewear. First, think about the coverage you need. If you wear prescription glasses, you’ll need a pair of sunglasses or goggles that offer full coverage, so your glasses don’t get scratched. Second, consider the style of your eyewear.
Mountain biking is a rugged sport, so you’ll want a pair of sunglasses or goggles that can withstand some abuse. And finally, think about the price. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a good pair of mountain biking eyewear, but it’s worth it to invest in a quality pair that will last.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide whether or not to use snowboard goggles for mountain biking. If you do decide to go with goggles, make sure that they fit well and that you’re prepared to stop and adjust them occasionally.
And remember, there are other options available if you find that goggles aren’t right for you. Regular sunglasses, prescription glasses, and even ski goggles can all be used for mountain biking. So don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the right type of eyewear for your needs.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below.