With looks that don't shout 'cyclist', the Radius FC sunglasses from Tifosi make for great all-rounders, but that doesn't mean a sacrifice on the bike. With their crystal clear optics and a comfortable fit, you can wear them for hours.
Based around a Grilamid TR-90 nylon frame, the FCs weigh a mere 24g with the lenses in place, and thanks to the qualities of the material they are hugely flexible and hard wearing. Ideal if you tend to forget they're in your pocket when you sit down...
This flexibility also means they fit plenty of head sizes without applying heaps of pressure. In fact comfort is one of the biggest selling points of the Radius. The flexible rubber nose and arm grippers are hydrophilic, which means they grip more the wetter they get – so they won't slip down your nose when the going gets sweaty.
The lenses themselves are made from polycarbonate, which is tough and used in the majority of eyewear thanks to its ability to shrug off scratches and not shatter should it break, firing hundreds of shards into your eyeballs.
In the zipped case you get a choice of three lenses for varying light conditions. The Clarion Blue are for sunny days, allowing 14.7% of light transmission, the AC Red 41.4% for increasing contrast on dull days, and the Clear, which allow nearly all the light through. All offer 100% UV protection.
All three lenses offer a large viewing range thanks to the lack of frame, with no distortion. Small vents on the outer edge of each lens stop them from fogging up and allow some cool air through. It's directed away from the eye, so pollen and the like shouldn't affect you.
Swapping the lenses is a 30-second job: pull the lens away from the nose section to allow the deeper profiled arm end to drop out. Refitting is the opposite.
These are really good glasses that perform well in terms of optics and, just as importantly, comfort. The arms provide plenty of grip without any pressure points, plus their narrow profile means they fit with every helmet I've tried.
Some may baulk at the £69.99 price but I think they represent decent value for money. The fit, weight and optics make them ideal for a multitude of sports too, not just cycling.
Verdict
Well designed glasses with crystal clear optics and a comfortable fit
road.cc test report
Make and model: Tifosi Radius FC Sunglasses
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
The Radius FC glasses are designed for cycling and thanks to their shape and fit they can be used across all disciplines. I used them for other sports like running and tennis too.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Grilamid TR-90 Frame
Hydrophilic rubber nose and ear grips
100% UVA/UVB protection
Polycarbonate lenses
Vented lenses
Glare Guard for reducing glare
Case & microfiber cloth
Blue, Red & Clear lenses
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
Well built and hard wearing.
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
Clear optics and no fogging.
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
Grilamid frame is very flexible and strong.
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
9/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
9/10
Really comfortable glasses everywhere they touch.
Rate the product for value:
7/10
The price/quality ratio is decent.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
They are great glasses thanks to the fit and clear optics, a joy to wear.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The comfort.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
There is stiff competition from a price point of view.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?
Overall a really great pair of glasses. Plenty of lens options and they're hardwearing so should last for ages. A good quality/price/comfort balance.
Age: 36 Height: 180cm Weight: 76kg
I usually ride: Kinesis T2 My best bike is: Mason Definition
I've been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed
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2 comments
Is the nosepiece adjustable on these? I always have trouble getting glasses to sit high enough up on my face.
No the nosepiece isn't adjustable, it's part of the frame.