The next generation of Shimano sunglasses with RIDESCAPE is here, and there are some interesting additions. From the ultra-light S-PHYRE SL to the versatile PULSAR, roadies, mountain bikers, and gravel specialists alike should all find something to suit their needs.
RIDESCAPE Lens Technology
Most sunglass companies that offer cycling-focused sunglasses have their own lens technology that is supposed to help you see things better, and Shimano is no different. Their RIDESCAPE Lens Technology includes three different options that are ideal for road (RD), gravel (GR), or trail (OR for off-road). Shimano claims these lens shades transmit the right amount of light to boost visibility and enhance details that might be washed out, dull, or flat.
All of the lenses are made from “premium-grade polyamide” and are tuned for optical clarity to reduce eye strain and provide adequate eye protection.
S-PHYRE SL
The name probably gives it away, but the S-PHYRE SL is their super lightweight model which checks in at 23.7g. The one piece lens has a rimless design with an invisible frame and nose piece for the least obstruction to your vision. The frames offer a sleek fit with crystal color temple options, and all three lens options.
- Super lightweight 23.0g with secure and stable fit
- Compact fit to target small faces and women
- Same lens curve(6×3.5C) as S-PHYRE 2
- Low distortion lens by ultrasonic welding connection
- RIDESCAPE RD / OR / GR lens options
- Pebax bio-based polyamide elastomer temple tips
- RIDESCAPE RD: Black Sapphire, Matte Crystal, Purple Sapphire, and Pink Sapphire
- RIDESCAPE OR: Black Sapphire, and Yellow Sapphire
- RIDESCAPE GR: Green Sapphire
- Frame: Rilsan® clear G850 Rnew® bio-based polyamide materials
- Weight: 23.7 grams
- MSRP: $150.00 USD, €149.95 EUR
EQUINOX
The EQUINOX is somewhere in the middle of the three new frames, with features borrowed from the S-PHYRE, but a half-rim frame with a unique temple cutout to better fit more helmets. The EQUINOX has a one-piece cylindrical lens for unobstructed view and wraparound protection.
- Original design with S-PHYRE2 DNA
- RIDESCAPE RD / OR / GR lens options
- Spare clear lens included
- Optional PH Gray lens (no spare lens)
- Pebax bio-based polyamide elastomer nose-pad and temple tips
- RIDESCAPE RD: Matte Black, Matte White, Smokey Pink
- RIDESCAPE OR: Matte White, Teal
- RIDESCAPE GR: Teal, Transparent Gray
- Frame: Rilsan® clear G850 Rnew® bio-based polyamide materials
- Spare Lens: Clear (not included with PH)
- Weight: 25.2 grams
- MSRP: $125.00 USD, €119.95 EUR
PULSAR
Finally, the PULSAR is designed with the trails in mind, and is the only model with a full frame. However, its most interesting feature is the ability to remove the lower half of the frame to convert it into a half-frame if that’s preferred. Personally, a half-frame works better for me since sweat isn’t able to pool at the bottom of the frame, so I’m happy for the versatility.
The PULSAR also features an adjustable nose piece and like the rest of the line, featuresRilsan G850 New bio-based polyamide frames and lenses as well as Pentax bio-based polyamide elastomer temple tips. Shimano doesn’t go into detail on the bio-based aspect of the material, but it’s assumed that this is a greener approach to creating plastic sunglasses.
The PULSAR also includes a spare lens, though the swapping process takes some time to figure out. Once you do it the first time, it’s not that complicated, but definitely not as fast as some other glasses. The sunglasses do not include a hard case, but include a soft bag with a spot for the spare lens.
- Large lens for better visibility and eye protection
- Bold design to match MTB helmet and clothing
- TRAIL riding specific RIDESCAPE OR, GR, and spare clear lens
- Optional PH Gray lens for all-day riding on varied terrain
- Rilsan® Clear G850 Rnew bio-based polyamide frames and lenses
- Pebax bio-based polyamide elastomer temple tips
- RIDESCAPE OR: Matte Black, Forest Gray, Lilac, Tealberry, and Teal
- RIDESCAPE GR: Sage Green
- Photochromic Gray: Matte Black, and Ivory
- Weight: 29.8 grams
- MSRP: $100.00 USD, €89.95 EUR, $149.99 Photochromic
