Rudy Project is one of the long-standing leaders in the ever-growing eyewear market. The Italian company’s Rydon model is a classic and one that we’ve scored highly in the past.
The Rydon Impact X features a photochromic lens – aka transition – which is a blessing for cyclists who regularly ride in changing low-light conditions. Whether it’s for an early start before the sun rises or a ride through canopy covered trails, a transition lens keeps your eyes covered with less strain from varying light. The Impact X lens does just this, and while it may take a couple of minutes to make a complete transition, it keeps your eyes comfortable as the conditions change.
The Impact X ‘Photochromic Clear’ model we tested claims an extreme 18 to 78 percent light transmittance range. Compared to Oakley’s similar Photochromic clear lens, which claims 10 to 66 percent, the Rydons don’t go quite as dark, but they do behave better in low light. At 78 percent maximum light transmittance, they still aren’t perfect for night riding; a true clear lens is closer to 90 percent light transmittance.
Safety is of little concern when you're wearing these though – the Impact X lens was originally designed as a bullet-proof material for military purposes! Rudy Project claims the lens is ‘unbreakable for life’ and back it up with a replacement policy (depending on your location).
The frames are made with what Rudy Project calls ‘Kynetium’, an aluminium with a blend of magnesium, silicone and titanium which apparently creates a metal that is light, durable and flexible.
The frame's flexibility makes it very comfortable, and there's no pinching at the temples. The arm length is generous and the fit is adjustable, allowing for a wrap-around or straight setup, or anywhere between.
The nosepiece and temple pads are replaceable and held secure with screws
The temple arms have a triangular shape that will dig into the top of your ears on longer rides if worn too low. Luckily, adjusting the temple arms tighter and wearing the frame slightly higher quickly remedies this.
The fit can be further customised with the generously sized nosepiece that can be easily shaped to suit just about any nose shape. Both the temple arms and nosepiece are easily replaceable via the retaining screws. A range of colours is available too.
Even without a hinge lock or similar lens-replacing gadget, the Rydons have some of the simplest and quickest to change lenses of any glasses we’ve tried – not that you need to change lens very often with a photochromic lens.
The Rydon glasses are easily adapted to prescription eyewear with Rudy Project's clip-on accessory, or you can swap the entire lens with a prescription one.
A soft case, which doubles as a wipe cloth, is included with the glasses and hardcase
A quality hard case and a cleaning cloth/soft pouch are included, ensuring the Rydon’s are kept safe when not protecting your eyes.
These are no doubt high-end sunglasses and their price reflects that. However, BikeRadar Australia readers will be pleased to know that Rudy Project's Australian distributor also sells them online at Erudy.com.au for relatively bargain price of AU$199.