Tifosi Rail Race Sunglasses Review

Just earlier this year, Tifosi launched the Rail Race, which has become my personal go-to sunglass for cycling and trail running. But, with that big of a shield, fogging can happen. To combat that and add a little more durability to the lenses, Tifosi launched their limited-edition Rail Race sunglasses. Most of the existing functionality remains, but after some use, let’s talk more about these affordable shields.

Tifosi Rail Race Sunglasses Features:

• Grilamid TR-90 frame
• Rimless design with four lens vents
• Laser-etched lens edges for added durability
• Hydrophilic adjustable nose and ear pads
• Includes two shatterproof polycarbonate interchange lenses (Clarion Rose tested)
• Includes zippered hardshell case and cleaning bag
• MSRP: $79.95

Tifosi leveled-up the Rail

Everyone is looking for marginal gains with all their equipment, fitness and preparation. It’s now a household term as folks from outside the cycling world now understand the aggregation of marginal gains. It’s with that spirit that I have been testing the limited-edition (How limited? Not sure exactly.) Tifosi Rail Race sunglasses. 

It’s pretty obvious that the major difference between the Rail Race and the Rail are the four lens vents. But, you also get laser-etched edges of the huge lenses. Not only does the etching add a little extra style, but it also helps reduce damage on the most susceptible areas of the lens. You might think you can see the etched edges, but they aren’t noticeable when wearing them. 

One of the downsides of the huge Rail lens is fogging. It’s such a huge lens that it can get fogged up when stopped on a humid morning. Fogging does clear, but it takes a few seconds. But, thanks to the four vent ports, the Rail Race avoids fogging and, if it does, it clears almost instantly with movement. 

While I do appreciate the vents, I still wish the Rail Race were available with Tifosi’s Fototec lenses. The Clarion Rose lens on the review samples is a great lens for daytime use, but much of my riding happens in the morning where they are too dark for mountain biking, trail running or road/gravel biking. It’s easy to swap out the lenses though and I suppose I could go with the included clear lenses just for eye protection. Changing the lenses is a breeze as you rotate the arms downward from the top of the lens to remove. Still… Fototec remains the most desirable lens option and would be unstoppable if offered in the Rail Race.

Just as with the original Rail, you get an adjustable nose piece and temple tips — both with super-grippy rubber. No matter what the trail throws at you, the Rail Race stays put and provides unsurpassed protection, and coverage. The optical quality is beyond what you’ll typically find in a set of budget sunglasses and I have no complaints here. And, they have remained scratch-free so far — just be sure to use a microfiber cloth.

The Good

• Huge shield design
• Vents basically eliminate fogging
• Laser-etched edges add style and durability
• Great optics
• Comfort for all types of athletic uses

The Bad

• Changing lenses is easy, but I’d still prefer a Fototec lens option

The Bottom Line: Tifosi Rail Race

These limited-edition sunnies take the Rail and take it up a notch by eliminating fog and adding some style/durability elements. I do wish they had a Fototec lens option, but I’d venture to guess it’s only a matter of time. These large lenses provide tons of coverage and protection in a lightweight, comfortable package.

Buy Now: Visit Tifosi.com