Review: NowYouSee HDsport prescription cycling glasses

Cycling-specific prescription glasses tend to stay on your face better than generic spectacles, as well as shielding your eyes from wind and debris more effectively. The downside is that they can be very expensive.

I was quoted an horrendous price for some Oakleys by a high street optician – and that was just the frames. But there are online retailers selling prescription sports glasses for sensible sums.

I’m on my third pair of Rapide glasses from Optilabs (having broken the others when I wasn’t wearing them). NowYouSee offers a similar online service. You fill in a questionnaire, pick a frame style and lens type, and send your prescription. Your glasses arrive by post.

The HDsport is a new model with integral prescription lenses rather than clip-ins. Although aimed at cyclists – “road, trail or commute”, the blurb says – the styling is more ‘lifestyle’ than ‘insectoid wraparound’. This isn’t important for me as I put on distance glasses specifically for cycling (and occasional driving) but it’s a bonus for anyone who wears their glasses all day.

I tested HDsport glasses with clear lenses, since I also ride at night, and a single-vision prescription (+£45). Scratch- and glare-resistance treatments are included in the price. A ‘racing red’ tint (+£59) and light-adaptive lenses (+£89) are available, as are other prescription types such as varifocals. Frames are grey, red, blue or green.

The total price of the glasses I tested is £144, which compares to £170.95 for my latest Rapides – whose scratch and glare resistance cost extra. So the HDsports are good value even before you factor in your 15% Cycling UK discount.

The lens quality and prescription accuracy seems directly comparable to my Rapides. I thought wind might get around the lenses but it didn’t seem to. What was a problem was the lack of security off road.

They kept slipping down my nose and I was worried they’d fall off entirely. The nose pads have relatively little grip and would benefit from a ‘nose wax’ like Nerdwax to help them stay put.

The arms also have a lighter hold on the side of my head than the Rapides, even after adjustment. This is a two-edged sword: they’re more comfortable to wear for longer periods but it made them impractical for mountain biking. They were fine on road, although I still preferred the firmer fit of the Rapides.

Verdict

Good value, casual-style sports glasses that are comfortable to wear and don’t look conspicuously bikey when you’re not cycling. For me they worked fine for road rides and urban cycling but not mountain biking.

Other options

Optilabs Rapide £145.95+

Good wraparound design and they always stay put on your face, even when mountain biking. Base price includes prescription lenses (clear or tinted).

Eyepod Rider £129+

Price is for a single-vision prescription. Bifocal and varifocal are also available, as are various tints and lens types (polarised, mirrored and so on).

First published in Cycle magazine, June/July 2024 issue. All information correct at time of publishing.