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review
Glasses
Tifosi Stelvio glassesTifosi Stelvio glasses

Tifosi Stelvio glasses

8
by Shaun Audane
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Aug 28, 2009

0
£49.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Proves good quality eyewear needn’t mean spending a fortune
Weight: 
23g
Contact: 
www.todayscyclist.co.uk
How we test

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Interchangeable lens sets have been falling in price for many years now to the point where it’s almost hard to find a duff set. Bristling with style and practicality, Tifosi’s Stelvio three lens glasses prove even prescription lens users needn’t spend a fortune thanks to compatibility with RX adaptors.

Stylish gunmetal frames look classy on or off the bike and are made from Griland TR90- a UV and damage resistant nylon composite incorporating hydrophilic temple and adjustable nose grippers. This sounds little more than marketing speak but actually means improved grip on the nose and temples when soaked in sweat or riding in wet weather.

Secure, yet tactile all conditions grip is a godsend for day long riding and even spirited green-laning failed to dislodge them suggesting they’re as good a choice for cross and trail use as road duties. However, some report they’re best suited to riders with small to medium heads. Easily changeable lenses comprise of smoke, red and clear providing excellent defence against sun and airborne particles while giving a more accurate view of conditions ahead thanks to improved light filtration. The smoke are a notable improvement over mirror designs because they allow 20% light transmission, shielding strong sunlight without necessitating lens changes should conditions turn overcast. Allowing an additional ten percent of light, the red lenses were ideal for general riding-especially near sunset where glare can be most distracting while the clear are spot on for night.

Good design prevents annoying misting, especially on damp, early morning rides and a comprehensive sturdy carry case with soft wipe completes the package nicely. If I had to be critical, yellow lenses would’ve been nice for dull, mid winter days but I’m being picky, particularly as these offer so much bang for such modest buck.

Verdict

Proves good quality eyewear needn’t mean spending a fortune.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Tifosi Stelvio glasses

Size tested: n/a

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?

The Stelvio are a triple lens eyewear for all seasons and riding styles and come complete with sturdy carry case, lens wipe and RX prescription lens adaptors are a boon at this price too.

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

Griland TR90 nylon frames with hydrophilic nose and temple strips keep them firmly, yet comfortable in position at all times. Three lenses with UV filtration smoke allows 20% light, red 30% and clear is for night and lower light.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10

Seem generally robust.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10

23g complete set.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10

Secure but extremely comfortable (at least for small to medium head shapes).

Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

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

For the money, these are probably the best of the breed-everything feels right and while exchanging lenses is marginally trickier compared with one piece designs it doesn't take long to master. Thanks to good optics, the red were my default option for general riding. Understated design means they look fine off the bike and are very, very comfortable in all conditions.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Classic, stylish design, very high levels of comfort and sensible lenses.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 35  Height: 1m 81  Weight: 70 kilos

I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

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: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

Tifosi Stelvio glasses
Eyewear
cycling glasses
Cycling eyewear
budget cycling glasses
Shaun Audane

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

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