We’re the first to admit the aesthetic of goggles with the half shell helmet isn’t our favorite, but being able to see when you’re descending at high speeds is worth it. Especially with today’s bikes that are so capable, and at home going really, really fast. Large sunglasses aren’t always enough, so I’ve taken to rocking the Shore Goggle from Ryders. Designed specifically for mountain biking, they’re quite possibly the best riding goggles I’ve had the pleasure to wear.
When initially sliding them on, my first thought was how comfortable they were. Most goggles marketed to cyclists are designed for moto, and fit can be a hit or miss depending on your helmet. Moto-specific goggles tend to be larger, and designed for a much larger helmet. Although they offer good visibility, when paired with smaller mountain bike specific helmets, they can get get pushed down on your nose or worse, float just off of your face, letting dirt and dust get though. With many of my other goggles, I’m constantly moving them around to try and find a comfortable spot.
When Ryders set out to develop goggles for the cycling market, they took a different approach from other manufacturers and designed them specifically to address the needs of aggressive riding mountain bikers and compatibility with MTB helmets. The R&D is apparent as the Shore is a well made product that not only fits well, but resists fogging. Obviously more of a consideration for us, as we’re pedaling and sweating to make our bikes go.
Designed to play well with mountain bike full face helmets, the Shore features a higher nose bridge. They also work quite well with half shells. I’ve been running them with the Bell Super, which features an adjustable visor that slides up so you can rest goggles there. The two products pair extremely well, and I’ve taken to packing the Shore on any ride that features a good descent.
It’s nice to support a company that caters to the needs of cycling* as opposed to focusing on moto, then marketing the same product with new packing to us in the guise of cycling specific use. It’s even more of a pleasure to use a product that has been thought out and developed as well as the Shore. The fit is solid, and the quality materials, specifically the foam make them comfortable against your skin, even when covered in sweat.
Wearing them feels natural, and I was amazed at how much better I was able to see the trail and read terrain, especially compared to wearing sunglasses. I initially stopped wearing eye protection due to constant fogging of my eye wear. A bad call in hindsight. After a few seasons of not wearing eye protection at all, I’ve paid the price, as my eyes are now extremely sensitive to wind and irritation. In some cases I’ve needed prescription eye drops to deal with it.
Take it from me, you’re better off running goggles.
I need to contact the good folks at Ryders and find out what they treat their lenses with, because I’m a few solid months of use in, and the Shore is still doing a good job resisting fogging. Their marketing copy states the lack of fog is attributed to well placed ventilation. I’m sold.
All I care is that I can see, and they do a fine job at that.
My only request to Ryders? Makes these in more colors, (I’ll take one in red and black please— UPDATE: red and black is now available, and I’m so ordering up some…) because I’m hooked, and bringing these babies with me on every ride that qualifies.
The Shore Goggles list for $54.99. Check them out at RydersEyewear.com
*Ryders also offers a goggle intended for snowboarders and skiers, and although they serve a similar function— eye protection and aiding with vision while riding— they have a completely different design and aesthetic.
