100% Hypercraft sunglasses review

100%’s rise in the road cycling market has been incredibly rapid, thanks in no small part to the association it’s enjoyed with three-time world champion Peter Sagan. The 100% design is based around large, single-piece shield lenses, which superbly blend retro with modern looks.

• Best cycling sunglasses
• Best road cycling helmets

For the Hypercraft the design came out of its Californian operation, although it is still manufactured in Italy with the idea of taking the large shield design but reducing weight to a minimum.

The frameless design slims down the arms, too, and the shield lens is laser-cut with an etched rim at the base. The lens itself is manufactured in France from a shatterproof and impact-resistant polycarbonate that’s also treated to be hydrophobic and oleophobic, so it repels water and oil and sheds dirt.

What frame there is to the Hypercrafts is made from Ultracarbon, a process that weaves carbon fibre strands into nylon, making for lightweight and very strong frame pieces. It all adds up to a very light 23.1g.

Inside the box you get a hard case, soft cleaning bag, alternate-fit nosepiece and a second clear lens. Lens switching is simple: hold the lens at the bridge and gently rotate the arm downwards and it pops out; replacement is the reverse.

The clarity of the light-gold mirrored lens is superb (100% has plenty of lens options, including photochromic) with the gently spherical shape to the shield lens meaning there is no distortion, even in your peripheral vision. The lens also gives you the full spectrum of protection from UVA, UVB and UV400.

Despite being so light they are pretty stable and the slim, dart-shaped arms won’t interfere with your helmet or straps. On off-road gravel riding the Hypercrafts did bounce a little on the very rough trails but on the road these offer excellent coverage, great clarity, sleek looks and no fogging thanks to well-placed vents and the very open design.

100% should also be lauded for its donations of glasses and goggles to healthcare workers, plus 20 per cent of direct online sales are being donated to charity during the Covid-19 crisis.