DON’T GET CAUGHT IN THE SHADOWS: ROAD BIKING WITH PHOTOCHROMIC LENSES

Hey all - Tanner here (If this is your first stop at the Lodge, check out some of our other posts here).

First, I want to say - if you’re a mountain biker, I know what you’re thinking . . “road bikers should get a better hobby”. I get it. Mountain biking is clearly the cooler sibling of the two sports (with tandem biking definitely coming in last). But hear me out. Road biking is fun… AND even though it doesn’t seem like it, it can be risky.

If you’ve spent any time on a bike, you know how fast the light can flip on you. You might be pedaling through bright, open stretches, squinting into the sun for miles, and then suddenly find yourself diving into shaded areas under tree cover or behind canyon walls. It’s honestly one of the trickiest parts of road biking—dealing with those wild swings in light while trying to keep your eyes locked on the road. And let’s be real, when you’re screaming down a descent at 30+ mph, missing a small rock or crack could mean the season is over or . . we'll leave it there.

I’ll never forget this one time when I was drafting behind my friend Scott’s wife. I was somewhat new to road biking. Really, I only got into to avoid actually curing my bad knee. But, we were riding up a shady canyon, and out of nowhere, she hit a tiny rock with her crazy expensive tri bike. Next thing I knew, she was full-on flipping over her handlebars. Luckily, she was okay, but it was one of those moments that made me realize: when you’re biking, especially in low light, you need to stay on your toes, and see every little detail coming your way.

That’s where photochromic lenses, like Glade Optics’ REVEAL™ technology, absolutely crush it. These babies adjust automatically to the light around you, darkening when it’s bright and lightening up when you’re in the shade. With REVEAL™ lenses, your eyes are always relaxed and your vision is crystal clear, whether you’re riding in and out of shadows or straight into the sun. No more squinting, no more messing around with swapping out lenses mid-ride. Just smooth sailing.

I went on a quick gravel ride near my house to test out my Rambles and take a couple bad photos for you. Which hopefully illustrates how the REVEAL™ lenses work!

Let’s be honest—on a long ride, dealing with changing light isn’t just annoying, it’s kind of dangerous. You’re flying downhill after a bright, sunny climb, and then bam!—you’re in a dark canyon, and your eyes are still trying to adjust. It’s that split second when a tiny rock, pothole, or even a small crack in the road can send you and your bike flying.

The beauty of photochromic lenses is that they handle all that for you. You’re not caught off guard when the light changes—you’re ready for it. Plus, it’s not just about dodging rocks. When you’re not squinting or straining your eyes, the whole ride feels smoother. You’re more relaxed, more focused, and that means you can go harder and stay safe, too.

At Glade Optics, we’ve got this whole light-changing situation dialed in with our REVEAL™ line of photochromic lenses. Personally, I’m a big fan of the Ramble and Stash collections for road biking. They look great, but more importantly, they’re absolute workhorses out on the road. Here’s why they’re my go-tos:

The Ramble/Ramble Speed

These are the shades you want when you’re heading out for a big day. They’ve got your back from dawn to dusk, adjusting to whatever the light’s throwing at you. The Ramble gives you killer clarity no matter the conditions, and they fit snugly enough that you won’t be constantly adjusting them while you’re pedaling hard. And with eco-friendly materials, they’re doing good things for the planet, too. Check them out here: Ramble, Ramble Speed

The Stash

If you want a little more coverage without the bulk of goggles, the Stash is your jam. They’ve got a lightweight, goggle-like feel but with all the breathability you need for those long rides. The wide-angle lenses mean you’re never missing a thing, and they vent so well you won’t even think about fogging up. Whether you’re blasting through sunlit stretches or weaving through shaded roads, the Stash keeps your vision sharp and your eyes protected. Check them out here: Stash

So, next time you head out, don’t sweat the light changes. Let your sunglasses handle that. With Glade Optics' REVEAL™ photochromic lenses, you’re set to ride confidently no matter what the day throws at you.

See you out there,
- Tanner

Gear seen in this write-up: Ramble sunglasses, Ramble Speed sunglasses, Stash sunglasses,