Tifosi makes sunglasses designed for a range of sports and active pursuits, including cycling, running, and other outdoor lifestyle wear. Known for pairing performance with value, glasses range from $20 to $80 for higher performance models. At $40, the Tifosi Sanctum XL Sunglasses fall somewhere in the middle of the lineup. Designed for larger faces or folks looking for broad eye coverage, like the rest of the line, the Sanctum offers some features at a fraction of the price of premium eyewear brands.
Though I’ve never tried a pair, the affordable price point (without feeling “cheap”) of Tifosi glasses holds appeal. However, I prefer more eye coverage for mountain biking, and until recently, I hadn’t seen anything in their lineup that fit the bill. They’ve since added several options that offer extended coverage area, including the Sanctum XL, so I was pleased to receive a review pair to try out.
Features of the Tifiosi Sanctum XL
- Polycarbonate scratch-resistant lenses
- 100% UVA/UVB protection from UV Rays
- Listed weight: 31 grams
- Hydrophilic nose pads for increased grip
- Includes microfiber cleaning bag
- Option tested: Blackout frame, smoke tint lens
- Lifetime warranty
- MSRP: $39.95
At $39.95, and with a handful of promising specs, the Tifosi Sanctum XL sunglasses make a strong case for “why spend more” if you don’t have to- especially if you’re hard on eyewear. So how are they on the bike?
On the trail
The Sanctum XL glasses I’m running have the “smoke” tinted lenses, which aren’t ideal for most of the riding I do in the PNW. While they’re useful around town and in sunny areas, most of the trails I ride are in and out of the trees. Some of our riding areas can be quite dark, making yellow lenses or photochromic lenses ideal.
Although Tifosi does offer models with lighter tints and even photochromic lenses on their upper-end models, the Sanctum XL doesn’t appear to be offered a PNW-friendly lens tint. The darker tint limited their use for mountain biking, but were useful for rides around town, and other activities on bright summer days.
The rubber nose pads do the work to keep them from sliding around, and overall the glasses fit me well, although that was dependent on which helmet I paired them with due to the arm length (and height), which goes back without curving around the ears.
Fit and Sizing
In terms of sizing, larger glasses may not be for everyone; the large fit can contact your helmet and be distracting on descents and rough terrain. Fortunately, you may recognize Tifosi glasses from your local bikeshop, where they’re often easily accessible, vs the models locked away in a case. If you’re buying a pair, it wouldn’t hurt to try them on while wearing a helmet if you have a smaller face. They’re also available on Amazon, which makes returns and exchanges easy enough.
If you have a smaller face, the standard Sanctum model may be a better option. My partner Amanda tried them for a ride and found that with her smaller face, they could sometimes contact her helmet, which was distracting, and a no-go for her.
After spending some time with the Sanctum XL, in hindsight, I’d go with the standard Sanctum model unless it was a lighter tint for my rides (note: they do offer a clear option in the smaller Sanctum), as they’d be a bit lighter (listed weight of 26g) and more versatile.
In all honestly though, I’d prefer one of the other models — like say, the Moab — in the lineup. $40 is a good price and all, but I’d rather grab one of the premium $300+ glasses I have in my rotation.
Final thoughts
A good pair of riding sunglasses can be pricey, especially if you’re the kind of rider who is tough on eyewear or often misplaces them. However, brands like Tifosi offer inexpensive options with many of the features found in top-level eyewear. They’ve carved themselves a niche as the sunglass brand on the counter at your local bike shop. Whereas premium eyewear is often locked away inside a lit case, Tifosi glasses are often positioned near the cash register.
With its lower price point, the Sanctum gives up premium features like auto-tinting photochromic lenses and anti-fog coatings. These make a nice backup pair of shades, but if you’re looking for performance, another model may suit your needs better.
It’s always nice to have another set of glasses handy, so if you pass by the Tifosi rack at your local shop, definitely take a sec to try a pair out.