Gram for gram, sunglasses may very well be the most expensive item needed for cycling. $200, and even $300, slivers of plastic are not uncommon. What are you paying for? There is no question quality optics, durable, comfortable frames and a healthy does of style will cost you. Nobody wants to be stuck in a pair of gas station glasses when the sun is baking the road and the thermometer is hitting triple digits, but do you really need to spend north of $100? The short answer is no.

Serfas, typically known for their price-point goods found in most bike shops, are making a real push in the sunglass world and it’s worth paying attention. Their $60 Gladiator is a fantastic piece of eyewear that would easily earn a price tag north of $180 if the logo said Oakley. The styling is Oakley inspired, like the rest of the industry - frameless lowers with a wrap around fit and fairly tall earpieces for an aggressive action sports look. The fit, materials, construction and included extras are what really set the Gladiator apart.

Super light, at only 30grams, the Gladiator’s earpieces utilize a screw pivot hinge for security and the material is stiff and strong at the hinge, but transitions to pliable and rubbery behind the ears. The fit is gentle but confident with no vice like, headache inducing grip while maintaining and secure fit for even the heaviest of sweaters. The rubber nosepiece is adjustable, screwing into the tough TR-90 plastic frame.
 
Gladiator lenses are interchangeable with a simple upward bend from the center popping them out. They slot back in easily, insert the lens into the slot at the hinge, pivot the lens back in at the nosepiece, and it snaps securely back into place. The Gladiator may have an entry level price tag but its lenses don’t seem to suffer. Crystal clear, edge to edge, thanks to a style of optics called ‘decentered’ the polycarbonate lenses also offer 100UV protection.



What about all those extras? Each and every pair of Gladiators comes with four lens options - gray, brown, rose and clear. This one pair of glasses has you covered no matter what light conditions you ride in. They also come stock with a plastic prescription insert that snaps securely into slots hidden in the frame. Just take this and your prescription to your optometrist and you are all set, up to 6000 power. But wait, there’s more! They come with an additional nosepiece, soft case and hard case.

The Gladiator comes in three color options, matte black, gloss white and silver. The glasses alone are more than worth the $60 price tag, the extras put the Gladiator way over the top and make them a true stand out.

Price: $60 Available Now Serfas.com