Ryders eyewear has been quietly plodding along making quality sunglasses for a fair price. Some people have caught onto their value and others are reluctant to recognize their efforts. I’ve found their sunglasses over the years to be highly-performant, but with the occasional styling whiffs. For some reason, the big guns (Smith, Oakley, Kaenon, etc.) seem to have just that little edge on styling, but Ryders can typically best them on price and function.
About the Ryders Treviso Photochromic Sunglasses
Built as a versatile pair of athletic sunglasses with wraparound cycling styling, the Treviso photochromic adds on top of that the ability for “one lens to rule them all”. While many other manufacturers tout the interchangeable lens technology (face it, you typically choose one lens and stick the others in a closet somewhere), the Treviso’s photochromic lens can vary between 15 and 45% visual light transmission (VLT) without you even doing a thing. Add on top of that the flexible earpieces, lens vents and these glasses have a lot going for them.
- Frame: Metallic Silver/Black (tested) or Grey
- Features: Duraflex frame, vented lenses, adjustable nose and temple tips
- Lens: Photochromic Grey or Brown (15-45% VLT) or Orange (18-45% VLT)
- Photochromic Tint: 15-45%
- MSRP: $69.99
Ryders Treviso Photochromic Sunglasses Review
When I got my hands on the Treviso, I was immediately impressed with the features, styling and function. I think the thing that caught my attention the most is the adjustable fit. While many other sunglasses offer a “one fit” system that oftentimes doesn’t, these glasses feature rubberized adjustable temple tips and nose pieces to adjust to the differing needs of each individual face and usage.
Where this becomes particularly useful is when these glasses are used for a variety of athletic activities with or without helmets, hats or visors. Standard, rigid temple pieces can get in the way of bike helmets (my Giro Xen helmet interferes with many other sunglasses) or visors–thus limiting compatibility. But, with the adjustable temple tips (think Gumby), a quick adjustment can accommodate a variety of headwear options.
Not only was I impressed with these glasses for mountain biking and trail running, but they are a great option for road biking and any other athletic pursuits to boot. They stayed put and never interfered with helmet or visor comfort or fit.
The photochromic lenses are also a great feature of these glasses. As a test, I removed my glasses from the dark and into full sunlight. You can visibly watch them transform from 45% VLT to 15% VLT in a matter of 20-30 seconds. While you’re wearing them, they will never go from that extreme to the other, but just know that the lens tint is constantly adjusting on-the-fly to give you the best visibility. Because of that, I was able to wear these glasses in a variety of conditions without feeling like the lens was either too dark or too light.
The only real gripe I’ve got with these is that the paint is wearing thin on the arm pieces above the logo. Other than that, the styling is pretty solid and you’re getting a versatile pair of sunglasses for a great price.
Good Treviso
- Love the flexible arms
- Adjustable nose piece
- Photochromic lens adjusts quickly
- Comfortable for all-day
- Inexpensive
- Great optics
Bad Treviso
- Paint is rubbing off the frame
- Don’t have that brand-name zing
Bottom Line: Ryders Treviso Photochromic
The Ryders Treviso photochromic sunglasses are a great pair of sunglasses for cycling and running and would be an excellent choice for triathletes who need the adjustability that the flexible arm pieces provide. The fit is stellar and can be adjusted on-the-fly and the photochromic lenses are great for those of us who’d rather not swap out lenses all the time.
Buy Now: Sunglasses at Backcountry.com
