With the regular Spy Screw sunglasses still enjoying a place in the rotation, I was anxious to see how the new Happy Lenses changed things. Without a doubt, the results are clearer, crisper optics in the same versatile package.
Spy Screw Sunglasses Features:
- Uses Spy’s patented Scoop ventilation system for fog-free performance
- Hytrel rubber nose and temple pads keep things in place
- Easy lens changes
- Happy Lens technology is available (tested here)
- 7-base lens curve for wraparaound performance
- Polycarbonate lenses protect from impacts
- Price: $159 (as tested)
I Spy a Happy Lens
Spy is no stranger to cycling or running, but does make more of its namesake in action sports with cheeky marketing and hip styles that are more at home on a California beach than the Tour de France. That said, their modest performance line of sunglasses has enough in it to satisfy the needs of demanding cyclists with excellent coverage and proper fit.
I’ve continued to enjoy the standard pair of Spy Screw sunglasses, but have come to appreciate the enhanced clarity and optics of the Happy Lens version over the past few months. In for testing has been a white pair of frames with bronze Happy Lenses featuring Green Spectra coating. This combination has proved to be versatile enough for daily use and especially fantastic for extra bright, sunny rides.
The Screw is an excellent performance-oriented frame that has all the necessary features you’d want in a pair of road bike-friendly shades, namely excellent coverage and ventilation ports for a fog-free design. The standard Screw lenses feature just the right amount of coverage for the majority of riders, but these are also offered in a larger Screw Over and smaller, Screw Under shape. At speed, I’ve always felt protected and the semi-rimless design stayed out of my line-of-sight for enhanced safety. Honestly, I won’t wear a full-rim sunglass for cycling for several reasons, but the first being uninhibited vision.
I sweat a lot, so that leads me to the next most important reasy why I opt for semi-rimless sunglasses for cycling. As sweat inevitably drips onto the inside of the lens, I like that it can mostly drip off without getting built up inside the lower rim of the lens. They clean up much easier, but do expose the lower edge of the lens to scratches and nicks. Because I generally abuse my sunglasses, it’s not surprising to have a small nick or two on the lower edge, but these have held up nicely so far with no noticeable blemishes.
Rounding out the performance of these glasses, the small vent ports enhance the airflow and fog-reduction capabilities of this design. These have only fogged up while standing still and quickly unfog once on the go — mostly thanks to the ventilation port in the lens.
All the rubber touchpoints are grippy enough to stay put for road and mountain biking as well as trail running. The straight temples can interfere with some helmet designs, but I’ve found these compatible with every road bike helmet I’ve tried. Unfortunately, my POC Trabec Race MIPS helmet doesn’t work so well with these shades, but everything else has been compatible.
The Good
- Happy Lens offers noticeable clarity improvements
- Excellent ventilation to remain fog-free
- Stays put under rough use
- Proven to be very scratch resistant
The Bad
- Straight temples can interfere with some helmets
Bottom Line: Spy Screw with Happy Lenses
An excellent pair of performance sunglasses that are particularly at home for road cycling. I’ll say that the Happy Lens does provide an improved dose of clarity and is especially welcomed on bright days in the saddle.
Buy Now: Available at Backcountry.com
