Galibier's Surveillance Precision Optics glasses offer excellent all-round vision for a full-framed pair of shades. They're lightweight and very comfortable to wear, and they're flipping cheap too!
- Pros: Quality optics; look great on and off the bike
- Cons: Large design might not suit smaller faces
On test we've had two of the three available options of Surveillance glasses, the Matt Black with Smoke Plasma Mirror lens (£37), and the TortoiseShell frame with a Gold Plasma Lens (£42). If you want a polarised lens then this is available in a Gloss White frame, also £42.
Both Plasma lenses are designed to be used in medium to bright light, with the black framed option offering truer colour perception in sunny conditions, while the Gold version on the TortoiseShell has a coating to increase contrast by filtering blue light and reduce glare. Both work brilliantly with really clear optics and no distortion whatsoever.
What I like the most, though (aside from the price), is that the slim frame provides such a close and secure fit without restricting your vision at all. With some full frame glasses you can easily lose a car behind the edge of the frame when giving a quick glance over your shoulder, but you get none of that here. The frame is never in your line of vision.
With no rubber nose grip or ear tabs on the glasses, I was initially worried they would slip off my face when things were getting really hot and sweaty, but that proved unfounded as the curve of the arms hold them perfectly in place, and without any unnecessary pressure above the ears.
On really rough surfaces like gravel they can bounce about a bit on your nose, but only when you are absolutely flying so I didn't find it too much of a distraction.
Another thing I'm a fan of is how close they fit to your face. If you are a hayfever sufferer you'll be thankful that no pollen-carrying wind is able to whip around the side of the frame or down from above.
The lenses do have cutouts at the top to stop any fogging, but you don't feel any air flowing over your face.
As I've mentioned, the price is impressive and for your money, aside from the glasses themselves, you are getting a soft case which can be used for cleaning them and a hard case for protection.
The similarly styled Oakley Sutro glasses don't look to be bringing much more to the table than a few more technical frame materials for their £130 price tag.
> Buyer's Guide: 24 of the best cycling sunglasses
Galibier isn't the only company able to knock out decent specs for sensible money, though. Tifosi often impresses us with its offerings like the Swick Onyx for £30. I'd argue that the Galibiers are a little more on-trend, though, and to my mind look better when you're off the bike too.
> Buyer's Guide: 11 of the best cheap cycling glasses
Overall, I can't really criticise the Galibiers for the way they perform on the bike, whether you are out for a bimble or blasting along in a chain gang.
Verdict
Brilliantly performing shades that prove that you don't need to spend a fortune
If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website
road.cc test report
Make and model: Galibier Surveillance Precision Optics glasses
Size tested: One size
Tell us what the product is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
Galibier says, "Evoking the stylish eye shades of the 1950's; Our Surveillance glasses are constructed with modern lens technology and advanced, ergonomic frame design.
"Tested and proven Category 3 eyewear. Superb optical clarity and protection in a wide range of conditions.
"The ultra fine, polycarbonate lens presents the rider with the maximum, available field of vision for full framed sunglasses. It also protects from 100% of UV rays and incorporates a bespoke anti-fog system, which directs a stream of air from the forehead, to the back of the lens. The simple frame design is the result of 50 years of experience by our partner factory, leaving them totally secure on the head via effective ergonomics, without feeling tight."
I think they are simple glasses that do an excellent job on the bike.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
From Galibier:
UV PROTECTION
The first consideration in performance sunwear- all Plasma lenses offer 100% protection from Ultraviolet (UV) light.
BLUE LIGHT
Plasma lenses reduce the amount of Blue Light that enters the eye, resulting in greater contrast between colors and a more pronounced brightness of objects.
HEV LIGHT
HEV light has been implicated as a cause of age-related macular degeneration. Plasma lenses block these harmful rays, effectively managing HEV light and offering further protection to the eye. Revo lenses block all harmful rays between 280 and 400 nm, managing HEV light and controlling the critical area of 380-455nm.
They are cheaper than most we've reviewed and great value considering how well they perform.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
They work brilliantly on the bike, keeping out the wind and letting you see everywhere you want to without restricting your vision.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Excellent field of vision.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Can bounce a little at speed when off-road.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your overall score
Great glasses for riding and not riding, and a bit of a bargain.
About the tester
Age: 40
I usually ride: This month's test bike My best bike is: B'Twin Ultra CF draped in the latest bling test components
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed
With 20 years of road cycling and over 150,000 miles in his legs it's safe to say Stu is happiest when on the bike whatever the weather. Since writing his first review for road.cc back in 2009 he has also had a career in engineering including 3D-CAD design and product development, so has a real passion for all of the latest technology coming through in the industry but is also a sucker for a classic steel frame, skinny tyres, rim brakes and a damn good paintjob.
His fascination with gravel bikes is getting out of control too!
4 comments
Fully agree. I bought these in May and they have been on my face, in the car, on the bike and on the London-Paris spin last month. You don't feel like they should be removed after cycling, yet they perform as good, with superior clarity than my old Oakleys.
Sure this is just mighty.
I own the white framed version of these. They are brilliant, couldn't agree more with the review, they are comfortable, give clear vision and look the nuts as well. You could buy all three pairs for the price of the Oakley's mentioned and still have change for a couple of decent espressos.
Bought them on a bit of a whim, but they're absolutely excellent.
Not really much of a surprise. So are the mitts, the skinsuit, the caps, the firefeet socks (the absolute solution to Winter, accept no substitutes), the shorts, the rain jacket and those lovely indestructible black socks.