Shimano (SHIMANO) sunglasses have received great interest in 2021 as they have been completely changed from the current ones. This is because not only has it been transformed into a clean and sophisticated design, but also a Ridescape lens has been adopted that filters out background color noise by adjusting highly precise color transmission curves to ensure an optimized field of view .
This has increased the visual contrast and reduced eye fatigue, as well as changing the type of lens to enable riding in various environmental conditions, increasing interest in Shimano sunglasses.
And this year, a new product was released with easy lens replacement and riding vision. Introducing the second generation S-Phyre, which allows easy lens replacement with a magnetic mechanism, and the Aerolite, which provides a clear view while riding.
6 types of lenses
As for the type of lens, HC types have been added to the existing ES, RD, OR, GR, and PH, so you can choose more widely according to the riding environment, purpose and weather, and there is a clear lens, CL .
ES has a visible light transmission of 13% and blocks extreme glare caused by strong sunlight and reflected light. The high contrast provides sharp, clear vision with details.
The newly added HC, like the ES, is a high contrast lens that is effective at blocking strong sunlight and reflected light. The visible light transmission is the same at 13%, but the lens color is brown, unlike the red of the ES.
The RD was aimed at road riding enjoyed in normal sunny weather. With a visible light transmission of 21%, it is adjusted to suit the rainy weather, so there is no problem in recognizing road textures and obstacles from a distance.
GR is a lens that targets the gravel course, and its visible light transmission is 21%, the same as RD. However, the lens color is blue, so it shows a more natural color on unpaved roads with less reflected light than asphalt.
OR is a lens for pathway courses. With a visible light transmission of 35%, it is suitable for ensuring a clear view even in areas with severe differences in illumination, such as in the shade of trees.
PH is a photochromic lens that changes the intensity of the lens depending on the amount of light, and is very suitable for users who ride in situations where the intensity of the light changes. It takes about 8 seconds to change from the brightest intensity to the darkest intensity, and about 35 seconds to change from the darkest intensity to the brightest intensity, so it quickly adapts to the change time zone.
As the light transmission is very wide at 17-85%, it can be an item that can be worn all day.
CL is a clear lens that can be worn at night. With a visible light transmission of 82%, it is good to wear in cloudy weather or at night while blocking UV rays. At night, the surface is covered with an anti-reflective coating to reduce glare from vehicle lights.
All Shimano sunglass lenses are made of polyamide or polycarbonate. It is light, strong against impact, has little refraction, and ensures a comfortable view. A multi-coating is applied to the surface of the lens, so it is not easy to be contaminated by water and dust.
There are different lenses that can be selected for each model, such as ES, RD, OR, GR, PH, and HC.
RD is aimed at road riding enjoyed in normal sunny weather and has a visible light transmission of 21%.
OR is a lens for trail courses and has a visible light transmission of 35%.
PH changes the density of the lens according to the amount of light, and the light transmission is 17 to 85%.
All Shimano sunglass lenses are made of polyamide or polycarbonate.
It is not easy to be contaminated by water and dust due to multi-coating.
Easy to attach and detach with suction and magnetic
The biggest feature of Aspire sunglasses, Shimano’s flagship product range, is that the lenses are magnetically removable.
The frame is designed only on top of the lens, and the edge of the lens is magnetically attached rather than embedded in the frame, so it is very easy to replace.
With the structure that connects the lens and the frame to the exact position of the magnetic magnetism, there is no need to worry about the separation of the lens while driving.
Aspire lens types are ES, RD, OR, and GR, which can be worn widely from road racing to gravel courses and trails, and a CL lens is included as standard.
The design is smoother and simpler than before, and the aerodynamic performance is improved by applying the integrated design of the frame and lens. In addition, it is in harmony with the light temples and fits closely, so the fit is stable.
The nose pad is interchangeable, has two heights and is very easy to change.
Aspire 2nd generation with magnetic lens mounting method
Consumer price: KRW 210,000
Aspire lens types are ES, RD, OR, GR, and include clear lenses.
Lens type – RD
It is magnetically inserted into the top left and right corner grooves.
Type of lens – OR
With a magnetic and precise groove fitting structure, there is little to worry about the lens falling out while riding.
The lens can be easily removed by sliding it out.
Aspire comes with a clear lens as standard, so you can easily and conveniently replace it at any time.
Easy to fit nose pad
The pad part of the nose pad is replaceable.
Two height silicone pads are included.
The temples are flexible but hold the hair firmly.
Temples with long non-slip pads
Aerolight, lower half frame for clear vision
The Aerolite is a half frame structure with no frame at the top. It is characterized by frequent position changes and the fact that the sunglasses do not obstruct the field of view even if they slide slightly down the bridge of the nose due to shaking.
In addition, since no view is obstructed by the upper frame of the sunglasses even when riding a road with a low posture, a much cooler view is ensured.
Aerolite is also designed to make lens replacement relatively easy, and it is possible to change lenses by pulling the end of one corner and removing the clip that is only partially embedded. It is convenient because it has a structure that allows you to remove and insert the frame without straining your fingers.
There are two types of lenses that can be selected, a high contrast lens, HC, and a self-tinting lens, PH The CL lens is not included as standard.
The nose pad has an adjustable structure, so you can adjust the distance between the lens and the face to suit your fit. The nose pad can be fitted with a water clip, which provides an optimized shape and size for the Aerolite.
Aerolight with lower frame for visibility
Consumer price: HC won 85,000 / PH won 145,000
The upper frame of the sunglasses does not obstruct the view while riding.
Clear Vision Lenses – HC
Photochromic lenses by light intensity – PH
Indoor PH lenses change to clear, so you can wear them all day.
lower half frame structure
The lens can be easily removed by pulling the frame to the side slightly.
Like full frame sunglasses, you can change lenses without changing nose pads.
Equipped with a water clip on the nose pad
You can buy a power clip that is optimized for the Aerolite.
The nose pad is a way to freely adjust the height.
The length of the temple is short, so there is not much interference with the helmet.
Temple design with inner curved tips and anti-slip treatment
Updated convenience and an attractive price
Just as you put on and take off your clothes again and again depending on the weather, there are times when you want to change the lenses of your sunglasses often. However, due to the cumbersome renovation, most of them do not replace them or buy sunglasses with different lenses separately.
Because of this, I really sympathized with Shimano’s approach to replacing the 2nd generation Aspire sunglasses, which I didn’t even properly use even the clear lens included in the product, let alone prepare the desired lens for each color.
The design fully reflects the latest trends, and the fit is not uncomfortable even on a face with a low nose bridge.
In addition, Aerolite has no inconvenience in the field of vision due to the upper frame, so it is a very specialized design for bicycle riders. It can be conveniently used for everything from road riding to gravel riding where sunglasses shake on rough roads, and the short temple helmet and less interference are also satisfactory points.
Shimano sunglasses are expected to be an attractive item for riders looking for new sunglasses due to their high performance lenses, high quality frame design, yet reasonable price range.
Affiliated website
Nanux Networks: https://bike.shimano.com/
