Review: Oakley Tour de France Special Edition Sunglasses

Eyewear is an essential piece of gear for any rider. While their main purpose is protection from debris and the sun, it can be stated that style on the bike plays a huge role in which pair of glasses we pick.

The new Oakley RadarLock Mark Cavendish Signature Series sits at the top of the list in all categories. The technology, fit and style are top notch, setting the standard for all other glasses in its category. Here's why.

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Overview

Matching the Manx Missile's bid for another green jersey in this years centennial edition of the Tour de France, Oakley has made a very good looking pair of Jade Iridium lenses to match Cavendish's unique style. Along with the Jade lenses (for bright light), the glasses also come with a G40 set of lenses for lower light and cloudy conditions.

Along with the special edition lens (with a Mark Cavendish logo etched in), the set comes with a hard case, a custom cycling cap made by Rapha for Oakley, and a soft case with a Cavendish print that can be used for cleaning.

 

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Best Features

The quality of the lens is what sets Oakley apart from the rest. The optical clarity in these glasses is nothing short of magnificent, and that includes how clear they stay when things get hot on climbs (no fogging at all). In fact, they are so clear and so light that I had to check to make sure they were still on my face after a few hours of riding.

The style here is also hard to argue with. The green edition glasses are some of the coolest I've seen, and if you don't like the color there are plenty of other options to match your favorite kit.

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Cons

The price point will likely be a deciding factor for many cyclists on the fence about which pair of glasses to buy. At $280, the RadarLocks are on the high end of the market when it comes to cost. And with so much gear to buy, sunglasses, while essential, aren't likely to make you ride any faster.

The other problem I have with the RadarLocks is the ease at which the lenses are changed. The lever on the side can be hard to hold open while you pull the nose piece out of the frame, and the process is a little more complicated than the directions indicate. If you compare the 2013 model to the RadarLocks of years past, these are much easier to change but will still take a little getting used to before you can rid yourself of the fear that you might snap the lens in half.

Verdict

Money might be an issue, as they are one of the more expensive pair of glasses out on the market. But if you're looking for top-notch performance and style, you really can't go wrong with these glasses. And if money is a factor in your decision, Oakley has rolled out several other special edition glasses like the Special Edition Tour de France Half Jacket, which are an excellent option for those riding on a budget while still looking for high performance and quality in their eyewear.

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