Cycling Glasses? Problem with bees.
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Cycling Glasses? Problem with bees.
I bought a pair of very cheap cycling glasses a couple of years ago and sadly they broke recently. I am thinking on buying a new pair and I was hoping you might be able to help me.
Very often (5+ times a year), I ride next to a field, I hit a bee (or bumblebee) with my glasses and they somehow manage to hang on to the glass, climb under to the inside of the glass and be right next to my eyes. This happens really frequently, to the point that once the "bee season starts" (summer) I usually ride without glasses, could you recommend a pair of glasses where this "bee thing" won't happen?
Very often (5+ times a year), I ride next to a field, I hit a bee (or bumblebee) with my glasses and they somehow manage to hang on to the glass, climb under to the inside of the glass and be right next to my eyes. This happens really frequently, to the point that once the "bee season starts" (summer) I usually ride without glasses, could you recommend a pair of glasses where this "bee thing" won't happen?
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Although not specific to cycling, I have used safety glasses and had bees and other insects bounce off them. Never had one grab on. You can get them at Home Depot and other similar stores. They come in clear, and a variety of shades.
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I am not sure how they manage to hang on, but if they hit the glass, they hang on 100% of the time.
I think my problem was, that the glasses didn't have a "rim" at the bottom part, the glass part itself just clipped in at the top, which made it possible for the bees/bumblebees to climb under. At least that is my guess.
I asked a couple of people, but it seems, I am the only one with this problem. Usually everyone is either using the hardwarestore glasses you mentioned, or really expensive (Oakley and similar) cycling glasses, so I was hoping some of you might help.
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Would a Wide Eyzes visor help?
Wide Eyzes
Wide Eyzes
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Wraparounds
Wraparounds, especially large, frameless ones, are good at keeping bees and dirt out of your eyes. Good luck finding a pair at a decent price. Oaklies seem to be the most mentioned brand, but they are quite pricey. On the other hand, you could buy a cheap pair of Chinese glasses like I did earlier this year, that warped upon use and quickly became useless. I'm saving up for a pair of Oaklies, as my budget for cycling gear is shot for this year.
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I'd rather have a bee hit my glasses and *maybe* latch on, than to have it go directly into my eye. So you cover the vents in your helmet?
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Yes, my helmet has a mesh in it.
Thanks to all the replies! I think I am going with the Decathlon Rockrider ST 100 Sunglasses, I hope they are good enough.
Last edited by Lighttower; 07-27-20 at 07:20 AM.
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Wraparounds, especially large, frameless ones, are good at keeping bees and dirt out of your eyes. Good luck finding a pair at a decent price. Oaklies seem to be the most mentioned brand, but they are quite pricey. On the other hand, you could buy a cheap pair of Chinese glasses like I did earlier this year, that warped upon use and quickly became useless. I'm saving up for a pair of Oaklies, as my budget for cycling gear is shot for this year.
I've used Oakleys, their wraparound style is great but I've found them to be a bit fragile and I've never had any luck with Oakley's warranty. The one brand that I've found that works for me AND is affordable is Optic Nerve. They're about 1/2 the price of Oakleys and the other premium brand sports eyewear. I use either the Desoto (love how easy it is to change lenses) or the Voodoo. Another brand that is popular and about half the cost of Oakleys is Tifosi. Several LBS carry them and they are quite popular with several of my friends.
I can't say how well they prevent bees from getting trapped behind them, however. I haven't had that experience. I usually have the stinging insects get stuck inside my jersey and sting me a 1/2 dozen times before I can get them out...
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I can't say I've ever had that problem, with Rudy Project cycling glasses, two pairs of prescription sunglasses, or ordinary glasses.
Maybe you need to ride faster so the bees will bounce off?
Maybe you need to ride faster so the bees will bounce off?
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I rode a stretch of Cycle Oregon's Weekend one year where hundreds of us rode past such a field as the bees were flying home low fully burdened. Amazingly few hits and I heard of no stings. I saw many artful dodges by those heavy critters! Got impressed that they had but one agenda, get that precious cargo home safely. We were just an unexpected hazard.
Those bees that land on your glasses? What an artful job of not getting a fatal body slam, enabling that bee to live and work profitably. She was probably just as surprised as you to find herself eye to eye with this human!
I had a bee in my glasses once, hovering. I forget if I was cycling or in my yard. I am completely unafraid of bees and it seems little I do excites them. We stared for a moment,then she just left. I'm guessing she had better things to do. (My wife was terrified of bees and they got VERY excited around her. I was often afraid I might be sting just as collateral damage.)
I love bees, both honey and bumblebees. As kid. I used to pet the bumblebees when they were deep in a flower. They didn't really like it and sometimes they'd fly away, but they never stung or came at me. I wouldn't try that with a honey bee (and they are not very fuzzy). but I have had business being where they were working and gently waving my hand to clear the area, sometimes bumping a flying bee. Never an issue. (So this big, clumsy animal wants to be here. Guess I need to go over that plant.)
Ben
Those bees that land on your glasses? What an artful job of not getting a fatal body slam, enabling that bee to live and work profitably. She was probably just as surprised as you to find herself eye to eye with this human!
I had a bee in my glasses once, hovering. I forget if I was cycling or in my yard. I am completely unafraid of bees and it seems little I do excites them. We stared for a moment,then she just left. I'm guessing she had better things to do. (My wife was terrified of bees and they got VERY excited around her. I was often afraid I might be sting just as collateral damage.)
I love bees, both honey and bumblebees. As kid. I used to pet the bumblebees when they were deep in a flower. They didn't really like it and sometimes they'd fly away, but they never stung or came at me. I wouldn't try that with a honey bee (and they are not very fuzzy). but I have had business being where they were working and gently waving my hand to clear the area, sometimes bumping a flying bee. Never an issue. (So this big, clumsy animal wants to be here. Guess I need to go over that plant.)
Ben
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DeWalt makes a +/- $14 pair that do a terrific job of UV blocking and providing wraparound coverage. You can also order them as bifocals, and they're much better than the Chinese no-name ones (it has to do with the seamlessness of the transition).
They are not at all bulky - here's a link:
https://amzn.to/3g9sdAc
They are not at all bulky - here's a link:
https://amzn.to/3g9sdAc
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