Rudy Project Tralyx Glasses Review

There are many very good eyewear brands out there – but just a few who occupy the high end of the performance market.  Rudy Project has been part of this top tier since the late 1980’s when cool looking shades first appeared in the pro bunch.  Lucky for us Rudy began adding in top level tech to their huge line, like the newest release for road cyclists – the Tralyx.

 

Rudy Project Tralyx Glasses: $225 – 275 US (varies with lens)
I’ve been riding Rudy Project’s newest eyewear frame for a few months now, and must admit it’s become my favorite of all time from the Rudy line, and has even replaced some older model Smith’s as my daily go to.

Acknowledging ego as my driving force, first up I think the frame shape is boss, and eyewear (above all other cycling gear) must look cool before it can even be considered for use.

With that out of the way, the Tralyx’s technical features make it worthy of ProTour status (see ‘em on the Etixx – Quick-Step team – that’s Niki Terpstra above), and should be good enough for your rides too.

I first started testing these as winter transitioned into Spring, which meant constantly changing light conditions, and found Rudy’s Impact X2 adaptive lens to be a perfect fit – eliminating the need to choose which lens I’ll need for each ride.  Photo chromatic particles are embedded in the lens (vs applied as a film) which means they can never be scratched off, so the lens will continue adapting to changing light conditions forever. The polyurethane lens is also unbreakable (you can fold it in half and it will not break) which makes it even more useful as legitimate eye protection for cycling.

The lens comes in two heights to offer slightly different amounts of face coverage, and Rudy will also soon offer custom RX lenses for the Tralyx as well – nice for anyone who rides with prescription specs. The non-polarized Impact 2X adaptive lenses are currently offered in a clear to black casting, but coming soon are clear to brown and clear to red.

The Grilamid frame styling is typically Italian (ie: let’s call it fashion forward), small vents in the brow add some airflow where it’s needed to keep the lenses from fogging in damp and humid conditions, and there are even vents added to the arms to channel some air around the temples (useful for people who can notice it).

The back ends of the arms are universally adjustable, and covered in a rubber coating that helps ‘em stick to your head to secure the frames, and feature flexible tips to they won’t jam your noggin’ when slipping ‘em into your helmet for that post-ride coffee.  The nose piece is almost universally adjustable, and coated with rubber so it grips well.

My set weighed just 26 grams – that’s less than 1 oz.

• See more info or order some online at E-RUDY.com
• Check Rudy Project prices at Amazon.com here.