Riding a motorcycle is one of the most freeing experiences I know. The open road, the wind in your face (or rather, against your helmet) – it's exhilarating! But as a glasses-wearer, I've definitely encountered my fair share of challenges, especially when it comes to fogging. There's nothing worse than your vision clouding up mid-ride, turning a fun adventure into a potentially dangerous situation. I’ve spent years trying different methods to keep my glasses fog-free, and I'm excited to share what's worked for me. Hopefully, these tips will help you enjoy clearer, safer rides!
I remember one particularly frustrating ride. It was a slightly chilly morning, perfect for a quick jaunt down the coast. But as soon as I pulled away from my house and closed my visor, my glasses immediately fogged up. I had to keep lifting my visor at stoplights, which was annoying and distracted me from the road. I knew there had to be a better way. It’s a problem I think most riders who wear glasses deal with at some point.
I found I wasn't alone in this struggle. Many fellow riders also shared their experiences with foggy glasses in different scenarios. Whether it's a cold morning, a rainy day, or even off-road adventures, the lack of airflow combined with temperature differences can quickly lead to a foggy mess.
Over time, I've experimented with several solutions, and some have been far more effective than others. Here's what I've found:
This was a game-changer. I invested in a flip-up helmet with a pinlock insert. The pinlock system creates a double-glazed effect on the visor, preventing it from fogging up in the first place. While it doesn't directly prevent my glasses from fogging, it ensures that I can at least see clearly through my visor. This is a huge step up from having both my visor and glasses completely fogged over.
I discovered that airflow is a major factor in preventing fog. When I'm riding at higher speeds (around 65 mph), the increased airflow usually keeps my glasses clear. However, at lower speeds, especially when stopped at traffic lights, the fog can quickly return. My solution is to crack my visor open a notch, especially when it's cold outside. This allows just enough air to circulate and prevent my glasses from fogging up. This also works well when I'm riding off-road in the mountains, where speeds are generally lower.
I've also tried anti-fog wipes, and they can be helpful in a pinch. They're easy to carry with me and provide a temporary solution to fogging. However, they're not a long-term fix, and I find that I need to reapply them frequently, especially in humid conditions.
I've also been exploring different eyewear options. I've always worn fairly standard sized glasses, but recently I discovered Shop Cinily and saw some interesting frames. Cinily Net offers a variety of styles, including smaller, more vintage-inspired designs. I was especially drawn to the Vintage Handmade Old Glasses. I thought maybe a smaller frame might sit differently on my face and allow for better airflow, possibly reducing fogging.
I considered the Vintage Handmade Old Glasses 30 32 34 36 38mm Small Round Myopia Optical Prescription Anti-Blu-ray Eyewear Frame Female Retro Photochromic Gray from Cinily Net. I liked the retro style and the smaller size, thinking they might be less prone to fogging up inside my helmet. I was also intrigued by the anti-blue light feature, which could be helpful for reducing eye strain on long rides.
I ended up ordering a pair, and while I haven't had a chance to test them extensively on a long ride yet, I've noticed a slight improvement in fogging, especially with increased airflow. The smaller frame does seem to make a difference, and the vintage style is a bonus! I encourage you to check out the options available at Cinily Net and see if a different style might work for you. Consider the frame size and how it fits within your helmet.
Based on my experiences, here are some practical tips to help you keep your glasses fog-free while riding: