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review

BZ Optics RST Mirrored Glasses

7
£79.99

VERDICT:

7
10
Well-designed, nicely featured glasses that are comfortable and adjustable
Tilt-adjustable arms
Adjustable nose piece
Secure, comfortable fit
Weight: 
32g

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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The BZ Optics RST Mirrored Glasses are cost-effective, bike-focused shades which offer good performance and innovative features aplenty at a competitive price.

The RST Mirrored Glasses have some really neat features. For a start, the arms adjust up and down by up to 15 degrees, thanks to a ratchet system, meaning that no matter what your riding position the lenses can be angled for maximum comfort and protection.

The nose piece is adjustable too, and can be bent into shape to fit 'just so'. All the relevant parts are non-slip.

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The lens is non-removeable is a cool-looking Red 'Revo' mirror, which changes from yellow through to red depending on the angle you see it. They are aimed at bright light use, with 12% light transmission.

2021 BZ Optics RST Mirrored Glasses - frame inside.jpg

They're light and comfortable, and the adjustable nose bridge is easy to use and very secure, even if you're getting sweaty. The size of the lenses is generous but not over-large, so they are a good unisex option.

2021 BZ Optics RST Mirrored Glasses - hinge.jpg

The lenses do a decent enough job of reducing glare on bright days, but they're not quite as dark or relaxing for my eyes as some others I've worn.

> 31 of the best cycling sunglasses — protect your eyes from sun, crud and flying bugs

I found them just a little too light, but then I do have quite photosensitive eyes. I found best on less ferociously sunny days. The graduated tint isn't particularly noticeable either.

2021 BZ Optics RST Mirrored Glasses - front.jpg

I did experience some fogging of the lens between my eyebrows on a particularly hot and sweaty ride, but on the whole the glasses stay pretty clear.

Value

At £79.99 it's hard to find fault, given their decent lenses and impressive adjustability. Sure, you can get cheaper ones – the Madison Stealth glasses are particularly good value at £34.99 – but it's easy to spend more without getting appreciably more performance.

The Koo Demos glasses are £129, for instance, while the Roka Matador Ultralight Performance Sunglasses are £200 and only actually 6g lighter than these.

The BZ Optics RST Mirrored Glasses are perhaps a little too light for the very brightest days, but their adjustability, comfort and performance are impressive.

Verdict

Well-designed, nicely featured glasses that are comfortable and adjustable

road.cc test report

Make and model: BZ Optics RST Mirrored 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?

BZ Optics says these are: 'Non-powered glasses with adjustable frame and high impact single wrap Red 'Revo' mirrored lens which changes colour when viewed from different angles, Red to Orange to Yellow.'

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

12% visible light transmission

Black, lightweight, hybrid frame with red dual moulded, non-slip, flexible temples and adjustable nose piece.

The ratcheting temple at the hinge allows 15 degrees adjustment (up and down) for varying riding positions.

Comes with lightweight hard case and soft drawstring bag

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10

These are well made and should last.

Rate the product for weight (if applicable)
 
7/10
Rate the product for comfort (if applicable)
 
8/10

Nicely adjustable and fit well with helmets.

Rate the product for value:
 
5/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Very well.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Tilt-adjustable arms, graduated lens tint and adjustable nose piece.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Non-changeable lenses.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

At £79.99 it's hard to find fault, given their decent lenses and impressive adjustability. Sure, you can get cheaper ones – the Madison Stealth glasses are top value at £34.99 but it's easier to spend more without getting appreciably more performance. The Koo Demos glasses are £129, for instance, while the Roka Matador Ultralight Performance Sunglasses are £200.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Probably

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

These are secure, easy to adjust, good-looking and effective. They're not the darkest tint, but that can be a good thing. They do everything you want, really, and for a fair price. They're good.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 48  Height: 1.65m  Weight: 77kg

I usually ride: Liv Invite  My best bike is: Specialized Ruby Elite

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, touring, sportives, general fitness riding, mtb,

Lara has been riding bikes for longer than she'd care to admit, and writing about them nearly as long. Since 2009 she has been working as part of the road.cc review team whilst championing women's cycling on the side, most notably via two years as editor of the, sadly now defunct, UK's first and only women's cycling mag, erm, Women's Cycling. 

Believing fervently that cycling will save the world, she wishes that more people would just ride a bike and be pleasant to each other. 

She will ride anything with two wheels, occasionally likes to go fast, definitely likes to go far and is always up for a bit of exploring somewhere new and exciting. 

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1 comments

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OnTheRopes | 2 years ago
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I have a pair of BZ Optics bi-focals, great cycling glasses if you struggle to read your computer.

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