Shimano (SHIMANO) sunglasses have received great interest in 2021 as they have been completely changed from existing ones. This is because not only has it been transformed into a clean and sophisticated design, but also the Ridescape lens has been adopted that filters background color noise by adjusting ultra-precise color transmission curves to secure an optimized field of view.
This has increased the visual contrast and reduced eye fatigue, as well as changed the lens type to enable riding in various environmental conditions, increasing interest in Shimano sunglasses.
And this year, a new product with easy lens replacement and riding vision was newly released. 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 lens type, 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 transmittance 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 in blocking strong sunlight and reflected light. The visible light transmittance 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 transmittance of 21%, it is adjusted to suit the rainy weather, so there is no problem in recognizing road textures and obstacles at a distance.
GR is a lens targeting the gravel course, and its visible light transmittance 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 trail courses. With a visible light transmittance of 35%, it is suitable for securing 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 density of the lens depending on the amount of light, and is well suited for users who ride in situations where the intensity of light changes. It takes about 8 seconds to change from the brightest density to the darkest density, and about 35 seconds to change from the darkest density to the brightest density, so it quickly adapts to the change of time zone.
Since the light transmittance 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 transmittance of 82%, it is good to wear in cloudy weather or at night while blocking ultraviolet rays. At night, the surface is coated with an anti-reflective coating to reduce glare from vehicle headlights.
All lenses of Shimano sunglasses are made of polyamide or polycarbonate. It is lightweight, strong against impact, has little refraction, and secures a comfortable view. Multi-coating is applied to the surface of the lens, so it is not easily contaminated by water and dust.
There are various 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 transmittance of 21%.
OR is a lens for trail courses and has a visible light transmittance of 35%.
PH changes the lens density according to the amount of light, and the light transmittance is 17 to 85%.
All lenses of Shimano sunglasses are made of polyamide or polycarbonate.
It is not easily contaminated by water and dust due to multi-coating.
Easy to attach and detach with aspire and magnetic
The biggest feature of Aspire sunglasses, the top-of-the-line lineup of Shimano products, is that the lenses are magnetically detachable.
The frame is designed only on the top of the lens, and the lens edge is magnetically attached rather than inserted into the frame, so replacement is very easy.
With the structure that connects the lens and the frame to the exact location of the magnetic magnetism, there is no need to worry about the lens being separated while driving.
Aspire’s lens types are ES, RD, OR, and GR, which can be worn widely from road racing to gravel and trail courses, and a CL lens is included as standard.
The design is sleeker 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 and close-fitting temples, so the fit is stable.
The nose pad is interchangeable, includes two heights and is very easy to change.
Aspire 2nd generation with magnetic lens mounting method
Consumer price: KRW 210,000
Aspire’s lens types are ES, RD, OR, GR, and include clear lenses.
Lens type – RD
It is magnetically inserted into the left and right upper corner grooves.
Lens type – OR
With a structure that fits into a magnetic and precise groove, there is little to worry about the lens falling out while riding.
The lens can be easily removed by sliding it outward.
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 can be replaced.
Two height silicone pads are included.
The temples are flexible but firmly hold the hair.
Temples with long anti-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 block the field of view even if they slide slightly down the bridge of the nose due to shaking.
In addition, since there is no view blocked by the upper frame of the sunglasses even when riding a road with a low posture, a much cooler view is secured.
Aerolite also designed lens exchange to be relatively easy, and it is possible to change lenses by pulling the end of one corner and removing only the partially inserted clip. 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. A water clip can be mounted on the nose pad, which provides an optimized shape and size for the Aerolite.
Aerolight with lower frame for visibility
Consumer price: HC 85,000 won / PH 145,000 won
The upper frame of the sunglasses does not block the view while riding.
Clear Vision Lenses – HC
Photochromic lenses according to light intensity – PH
Indoor PH lenses change to clear, so you can wear them all day long.
lower half frame structure
The lens can be easily removed by slightly pulling the frame on the side.
Like full-frame sunglasses, you can change lenses without changing nose pads.
Equipped with a water clip on the nose pad
You can purchase 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 little interference with the helmet.
Temple design with inward curved tips and non-slip treatment
Updated convenience and attractive price
Just as you repeatedly put on and take off your clothes depending on the weather, there are times when you want to change the lenses of your sunglasses often. However, due to the cumbersome replacement work, most of them do not replace them or purchase sunglasses with different lenses separately.
Because of this, I was very sympathetic to Shimano’s method of replacing the 2nd generation Aspire sunglasses, which I did not even use properly 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 view due to the upper frame, so it is a very specialized design for bicycle riders. It can be used conveniently 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’s sunglasses are expected to be an attractive item for riders who are looking for new sunglasses because of their high-performance lenses, high-quality frame design, and yet reasonable price range.
Related website
Nanux Networks: https://bike.shimano.com/
