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Glasses
Uvex Gravity Zero glassesUvex Gravity Zero glasses

Uvex Gravity Zero glasses

8
by Shaun Audane
UPDATED Wed, May 02, 2018 12:32

First Published May 24, 2010

0
£75.99

VERDICT:

8
10
State of the art glasses that make triple lens systems redundant
Weight: 
24g
Contact: 
www.raleigh.co.uk
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Uvex Gravity Zero sunglasses aren’t simply posh shades for posing in, they’re precision eyewear bristling with mind-boggling technology. Sure there’s an element of clever marketing at play here but nonetheless, it all translates to a superlative pair of glasses and one, in my view, sounding the death knell for triple lens types. They not only deliver a crystal clear view in all conditions but adjust automatically with the light so you can concentrate on enjoying the ride. Despite otherwise excellent design, ours showed a slightly annoying tendency, albeit brief, to mist over under exertion.

The lenses themselves are made from Makrolon-basically a high tech, super tough polycarbonate (shot tested with a steel projectile at162 kph-that’s 102.53 mph in old money), chosen for its optical clarity, absorption of UV A, B & C rays while being unaffected by temperatures ranging between –40 and 100 degrees Celsius. Thanks to a clever, hydrophobic (water repellent) coating that works to the principles of the lotus effect, these self-clean eliminating staining and distortion caused by rain, sweat and similar particles-leaving them out of their protective pouch and other casual neglect has made negligible impression.

A photo chrome structure- an intelligent lens is what enables their seamless adaptation to minute changes in light and works to much the same principle as the latest generation of welder’s darkshields while retaining perfect contrast. This prowess is so subtle requiring several long rides to fully appreciate but has spoilt me to the extent of spurning other glasses. The frames are made from the increasingly popular Grilamid TR90-a polyester chosen for its flexibility, strength to weight ratio and UV resistance. Neon yellow livery might’ve harked back to 1989 but their soft, tactile, yet tenacious qualities keep them firmly positioned-even subjected to spirited green laning and singletrack antics.

Verdict

State of the art glasses that make triple lens systems redundant.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Uvex Gravity Zero glasses

Size tested: n/a

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?

"Smoke variomatic lens

100% UVA / B / C & IR protection

Supravision technology

Adjustable nose piece

Hydrophobic coating makes cleaning easy

5-10 second adjustment from light to dark"

Their standard of performance speaks for itself.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

100% UV A/B/C protection Makrolon lens is basically a very sophisticated polycarbonate that remains stable in temperatures between -40 and +40 degrees celsius for complete protection. Hydrophobic, scratch proof and impact tested too,they're also light sensitive, adapting their shade automatically to suit conditions, eliminating the need for interchangeable lenses.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

There's no doubting the Gravity Zeros are amongst the technologically advanced glasses out there. It takes a little while and a return to more conventional types to really appreciate the standards of optical clarity given the changes in tone are so natural, allowing complete focus on the ride/conditions ahead. Should conditions turn overcast, the lens turns clear, steadily darkening with the sun's increasing intensity. The only slight disappointment was their (albeit relatively brief) tendency for misting over.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Excellent design, fantastic optical technology, durable, yet very tactile frames.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing aside from the tendency to mist over.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 36  Height: 1m 81  Weight: 70 kilos

I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

Uvex Gravity Zero glasses
cycling shades
cycling sunglasses
uvex
Shaun Audane

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

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