The Rudy Project Tralyx glasses, here in Gold Velvet, Rp Optics Multilaser Orange guise, are a great set of cycling goggles. This is helped by a decent look, excellent venting and strong customisation – but they don't come cheap.
Rudy Project sent across the Tralyx Gold Velvets alongside the Racemaster Gold Velvet Helmet, which I also reviewed, the same colourway used by the Bahrain Merida team. It makes for a striking all-gold look you may or may not like; I have to admit I looked more like Cee Lo Green than Vincenzo Nibali – but don't let my inability to pull it off put you off (it's not me in the pics, by the way).
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Their striking appearance isn't only about the colour, but also the venting, which in addition to helping with heat management gives them a really aggressive look. All in, I count 16 vents throughout the lenses and frame. These haven't simply been drilled in at random like a 1970s Cat 4 racer trying to save a few grams on their frame, but Rudy Project has instead used what it refers to as 'Powerflow'.
The idea behind this is to provide heat dissipation alongside increased aerodynamic efficiency without impacting vision. I noticed a bit of a difference to heat dissipation, and they certainly didn't really condense, but I can't say I noticed any kind of aero-bonus, but then again I couldn't really test it.
Vision on the glasses is really strong, as you might expect from a half-frame model. I can just about see the tops of the frames, but I really have to try, and there is no impact on peripheral vision whatsoever.
Ours came with the Rp Optics Multilaser Orange lens, which produces an effect similar to Oakley's Prizm lens, by intensifying specific colours to help reduce glare and allow you to see more. They work really well and I used them in some intense Italian sunlight with impressive results (i.e. not being blinded). They aren't good in low light conditions, but our glasses also came with a clear lens (£34.99), which was really quick to replace by just pulling out the orange one and pushing the clear back in. (There are numerous frame colours and other lens tints available, including photochromic.)
There is also a high level of customisation in the glasses, with not only the nose-pads being adjustable to fit individual noses, but also arms that can be bent into place. I really like this touch, as having tried out 20-30 sets of glasses the differences can be big in both curvature and length, which makes a big difference to comfort. The rubber used on both the nose and arms helps too, providing decent grip so there is little movement that could cause discomfort. They are also a relatively light 28g according to the road.cc Scales of Truth, so there isn't too much pressure from their weight either.
> Buyers Guide: 21 of the best cycling sunglasses
For the safety conscious among us, they also provide a good amount of coverage to protect the eyes, and I can say from experience that the lens can survive a stone thrown up from the road. Rudy Project has also included integrated hinges and a 'Grilamid' frame, which means they are unlikely to break in a fall. I didn't test them for that, but from my intensely scientific 'bend the frame around a bit' I believe this to be accurate.
A fairly steep RRP of £135.99 broadly brings them into the Oakley/POC price range, which is probably about where they belong. Yes the price is steep, but they justify their place among esteemed company (and are still cheaper than some).
> Too much? Read our guide to the best cheap cycling sunnies
Overall, I was really impressed with the Tralyx Gold Velvet glasses. They are comfortable, adjustable, tough and striking. Perhaps the price may be high for some, but if you're in the market for a pair of high performance glasses and you can afford them, they're very good.
Verdict
A strong performing set of glasses with an impressive level of adjustability and durability
Make and model: Rudy Project Tralyx Sunglasses
Size tested: Adult Unisex
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?
A pair of high performance cycling glasses that look good and perform well.
Rudy Project says: 'Literally sculpted by the wind, the Tralyx™ redefines the pinnacle of eyewear bike technology. With its entirely new geometry package, unique and powerful dynamic design language.'
Although the language may be a little hyperbolic, they are certainly a strong performing pair of glasses that are more than a match for many established brands.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
ADJUSTABLE NOSE PIECE
Adjustable nose pieces are outstandingly comfortable and offer an exceptional fit for any shape of face. This system can also be used to adjust the glasses' height and their distance from the face to prevent misting.
ADJUSTABLE TEMPLES
Create a fully-customised fit and a perfect grip. Simply apply a gentle pressure to adjust these terminals in any direction.
GRILAMID FRAME
Rudy Project uses Grilamid®, a shock-resistant, hypoallergenic, high-quality, light thermoplastic for its stability, flexibility and durability.
LENS SHAPES
The quest for the perfect fit has always been a distinguishing feature of our sunglasses. The new lens shapes clearly demonstrate this continuing process. We offer the regular, SX and XL sizes to fit different face shapes and ensure you an optimal vision.
POWERFLOW
The all-new PowerFlow System provides you unparalleled heat dissipation. Vents have been scientifically incorporated through the entire chassis to enhance air circulation while ensuring maximum aerodynamic efficiency and without disturbing vision.
QUICK CHANGE SYSTEM
Change your lenses to manage any light condition and your visual comfort.
The Quick Change System allows to choose the size of lenses that suits you better. And it ensures perfect light management because you can mount different kind of lenses according to the weather conditions.
SAFETY PROJECT
Rudy Project is a leading name in research and development in fully advanced helmets and sunglasses for complete fall protections.
We are committed to providing superior safety through integrated hinges and soft, thermoplastic elastomers, which prevent injuries in the event of falls, impact and collisions.
ULTRALIGHT
The extreme lightness of our products is the result of a combination of advanced design technology and revolutionary, exclusive materials.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
Really well made, decent flex in the frame, good firm hinges and lenses that protect from most things.
Rate the product for performance:
9/10
Performed really well, good ventilation, nice fit and excellent adjustability.
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
Well made and designed not to break in a crash, so likely to last a long time.
Rate the product for weight (if applicable)
7/10
28g is a decent weight for a pair of glasses.
Rate the product for comfort (if applicable)
8/10
Really comfortable thanks to good choice of rubber used and adjustability for fit.
Rate the product for value:
5/10
They are expensive, but about in line with what their main rivals cost.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Really well, I was really impressed with them – comfortable on the face with decent ventilation plus a good field of vision.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The adjustability meant it was easy to make them fit snugly.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
They are expensive.
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 score
They're very good glasses that perform really well, tempered by the price and the fact that you have to buy spare lenses separately – a high 8.
Age: 29 Height: 6 ft Weight:
I usually ride: Cannondale Supersix Evo 6 My best bike is:
I've been riding for: 5-10 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mountain biking
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