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essence outdoors epicon glasses

essence outdoors epicon glasses

around fourteen years ago, about to head off to french france as part of the hot chillee peloton en-route for paris, i thought it prudent to acquire a pair of tinted cycling glasses, to ensure i wouldn't miss any roadside detail due to the blazing sun that i was sure would be shining on every kilometre as we headed towards the eiffel tower. it shows that you probably shouldn't believe everything you read; i did see sunny spells along the way, but i'd rarely to trouble the bottle of sunscreen brought along to provide sharp tan lines.

however, what proved to be more important, was the transition from wearing standard prescription glasses, to a pair of wraparound shades. these, it transpired, not only protected my eyes from dust, grit and even rain, but meant when casting a sideways glance at those i despatched to the rear of the peloton (just ask sven; he'll vouch for me), there was no loss of tinted vision. it is testament to my choice of cycling shades, that i still wear them to this day, and that the guaranteed shatterproof lenses remain unmarked despite the trials and tribulations through which they've been put.

essence outdoors epicon glasses

i have every faith that the population of islay finds the members of the velo club sufficiently eccentric in their choice of cycling apparel, to care less about that which shields our vision from the elements. but with increased motor traffic even this far west, it well behoves each and every one of us to ensure we are well aware of all that goes on around us. were i to be in a position of recommending a starter pack for any would-be cyclist, i've a notion that i'd be inclined to include suitable eyewear. for though tinted glasses tend to be associated with sunny days, always assuming you've not opted for the darkest of lenses, suitably constituted eyewear will fend off a great deal more than photons.

essence outdoors epicon glasses

it would be foolish, however, to deny that certain brands and models of cycling shades cost more than just a few would be content to spend on an entire bicycle. it would indeed be a shame if this aspect of velocipedinal activity were to be remaindered simply due to cost, which is why the epicon model, from essence outdoors seem to fit the bill at an approachable price. and for a minimal £60, they provide a particularly effective solution, especially when their webiste highlights the fact that, alongside sun protection, the wraparound lens also offer particularly effective wind protection. the latter is an aspect to which i can readily testify. additionally, this model comes with a lifetime warranty.

essence outdoors epicon glasses

and in order to maximise such features, the glasses are malleable, in that the nosepiece can be adjusted to fit perfectly and comfortably, along with the top part of the black frame that clings to your forehead as it sweeps from one arm to the other. my regular eyewear features prescription inserts, for which those specific shades are designed to accommodate. but for those suffering from myopia and for whom prescription lenses are a necessity, believe it or not, it's perfectly possible to wear the rubicon glasses over the top of your regular glasses. i know, because i did so and it worked remarkably well.

though essence don't specifically recommend this procedure, after a few kilometres i completely forgot this to be the case. there was no distortion of vision at any point across the rubicon' curved lenses, no interference with my regular glasses, and they remained perfectly in position throughout the bike ride. of course, your mileage may vary, depending on the style of regular glasses normally worn; elton john might experience a problem or two. however, the quality of the single-piece, replaceable lens on the review pair was as close to perfection as it's probably possible to achieve at any price.

essence outdoors epicon glasses

and lest you figure that wearing two pairs of glasses would look naff (it doesn't), or noticeably heavy, the rubicons weigh almost nothing at all. however, to be honest, that's a part of the review that essence probably didn't ask for, but it did underline that vision at any angle is entirely distortion free.

in fairness, essence also offer the 'stormtrail' and 'phoenix' models capable of accommodating a prescription insert.

there's a remarkably wide range of lens tints available, and three different frame colours to choose from. if you figure that the rubicon style is not one you find favour with, there are several other models available. the glasses also come with a hard case, a cleaning cloth and a logo'd bag to keep them in pristine condition. rather obviously, i asked the rubicons to provide more than they were designed to offer, yet they fulfilled my needs without difficulty, with the distinct advantage that, when removed, i (almost) looked like a normal person.

if you've procrastinated over whether to acquire a pair of dedicated cycling glasses, do so no more. for £60 and free postage, what's not to like?

essence outdoors rubicon cycling shades

monday 22 february 2021

twmp ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................