Sunglasses Review: Spy Optics Meteor

While a pair of sunglasses has been a staple accessory to the style conscious for as long as we can remember its place in the world of mountain biking is a bit more purposeful. As a part of our riding uniform, we take sunglass selection very seriously, after all, the best bike modifications and training regimens don't equate to much without the ability to see the trail ahead clearly. We could argue a good case that there are few who go through more pairs of sunglasses per season then the MBT test crew so when we find something that works, we stick with it.

Enter the Meteor from Spy Optic, a clean looking pair of specs that our test riders fell in love with at first sight (no pun intended). When it comes to top of the line Italian crafted eye-ware, you would be hard pressed to locate a brand who delivers such quality for a better price than Spy. So why do we speak so highly about the Meteor? Let us count the ways.

1) Interchangeable Lenses. No need to fear scratching or scuffing the lenses on a ride. With the Meteor a lens swap is as simple as popping the old lens out and pressing the new one in.

2) Scoops. On both outside corners of the lenses Spy integrates a subtle yet very functional air intake that channels oncoming air flow down the inside of the arms. While this may be more of a style plus for the casual wearer, mountain bike riders will immediately notice its benefit in the form of direct air flow into the helmet where it is needed most. These glasses refuse to fog up on even the chilliest of morning rides.

3) Durability. When people hear the words "handcrafted in Italy" it is immediately assumed that the sunglasses are too fragile or expensive to take into the rough and tumble off-road world. Our Spy Meteors have been dropped, flung, rag dolled, and sat on more times then we care to count and yet the frames still look factory fresh.

4) Materials. The frame is built from shatter-resistant Grilamid (a lightweight composite material that remains pliable in all weather conditions). The Polycarbonate lenses are very resistant to scratching and Spy goes the extra mile with comfortable rubber tips where the glasses come in contact with the temples. Best of all the rubber is actually a hydrophilic compound that increases in tackiness when wet so sweating doesn't mean sunglass slipping.

5) Style. While we realize that style is a relative thing, there is no denying the positive attention Spy's clean crisp design brings to the table. Spend enough time around the trail head and you're bound to encounter everything from Blue Blockers to shades off of Agent Smith from the Matrix. We know because we've worn such devises and then some. The Spy Meteor is a gorgeous looking accessory both on the bike and off.
We are confident that the Meteor will excite the rider on your shopping list and the small classy packaging makes it a wickedly cool stocking stuffer to boot. In fact we're so certain that any rider will instantly fall under the Meteor's charm that we've become a little paranoid about leaving them lying around.

Bottom Line: They are about middle of the road in terms of sunglasses cost but they perform like those in the top-tier.

Available Colors: Black Fade, Matte Black, Matte Black Polarized, Gold Fade, Red Rust and Smoking Gunmetal Fade.

MSRP: $84.95
Spy Optics: www.spyoptic.com