The hip and often oversized glasses of the 100% brand have dominated the face of the pro peloton in recent years. Pushed in part by its collaboration with three-time world champion Peter Sagan, the homegrown motorbike eyewear brand has established itself in the cycling market. 100%, The company has been active in motocross since 1982 and from there it is also highly visible in baseball, running and other sports (including cycling). For CyclingReview, we took another look at the 100% Speedcraft as fine cycling glasses. How does it fit, can you see everything well and is it worth the investment? Here's the verdict.
Cool to see and have
The most important parts of sunglasses are the protection from bright light and, of course, how they sit on your head. This includes the width, the size of the lens, the UV filter in the lens and also the hardness of the legs, both on your nose and against your head. Not to be underestimated, however, is the first feeling when you get glasses. In that respect, 100% always does it right. Nice packaging with a stylish, sturdy box. Inside: two lenses (a sun lens and a transparent lens) plus a bag to put them in and a spare nose bridge.
A very fine sunshade
These glasses are big. You can rightly call these Speedcraft a sunshade. But with a big head like mine (I have a really big head), that's totally fine. These glasses fit my head well, with a circumference of 61 cm. On top of that, I also have an elongated head, but I don't look like silly eppo (in my opinion). So that's tops. The glasses may be big, but they only weigh less than 40 grams on the scales. So very light on your head, but nevertheless very sturdy! You can sit on them. (Not done, but it's possible...hypothetically speaking). The glasses have extra air holes at the bottom against condensation. The nose bridge is rubber and the legs too have a rubber finish with a bit of relief. The glasses sit comfortably on your nose.
Specs
100%'s marketing department is working overtime in praising this lens. According to 100%, these glasses have nothing to fear from the elements and the '5-base cylindrical' lens is scratch-free. Case in point: it is not. Although the glasses performed well for many years, the lens was scratched in year 4. The lens has also undergone HYDROILO processing which makes it water, dirt and oil repellent. The lens also offers 100% UV protection, which is very nice. I have the 'regular' variant, but if you came into the world smaller or are just young, there is an SL variant (for a narrower face) and an XS variant, especially aimed at ladies and youth. In terms of pricing, all 100%'s glasses are in the higher end (from €150 approximately, like this Off-White variant)
Put it to the test
Still, to write up something other than just the marketing story, I tested the glasses extensively. In fact, you could say that for years I have only ridden with these glasses. So I can answer the following questions (to the one about UV protection: I think so, but no 100% proof):
- Is it comfortable? And why is it comfortable?
- Can I see everything properly? Is there anything in the way?
- Do the glasses 'breathe' well? To what extent are the glasses water-repellent?
- Sweat. What do you do with it and does it have an impact?
- Is the transparent lens sufficiently transparent and does it do what it is supposed to do?
- Can it take a beating?
How does the 100% Speedcraft
First of all, the glasses on the nose: I can be very clear about this: they sit (or stand) like a house. The glasses hardly move at all. With some brands, you still sometimes have the feeling that they are 'too loose' and that they slowly slide towards the tip of your nose while climbing, for example. Not with these glasses. On all rides, in sun, shade, relative cold, rain and wind, the goggles stay perfectly in place. If in 10 rides I've had to adjust them once, it's a lot.
But what if you really tried your best? Well, I did. I have tried to shake off the glasses, but to no avail. Even as an accomplished headbanging rock lover, the glasses go up and down minimally. That's a real plus because that would mean you could also use the glasses for running or any other sport where your head moves more and that's a plus. I am happy with the large version of these glasses, because with an SL or XS I was guaranteed to run into the problem of pressure on the temples or the side of my head. Not now. Freedom, therefore enjoyment. Even when I was dealing with a concussion, these glasses did not sit uncomfortably (unlike one of my helmets).
180-degree view
What is also noticeable is that the large lens does indeed give clear vision and a 180-degree view of the world around you without obstructions, or edges. In the sun, the glasses give very good contrast, although I won't recommend anyone to look straight into the sun. Not with any glasses, for that matter. I tested the glasses in the Dolomites, among other places, and there they were a real breath of fresh air. Rest for the eyes and the bright sun was blocked well. Meanwhile, I could enjoy the surroundings to the max. The glasses also provide good contrast. I haven't been able to test them in the snow yet, but that would be the ultimate litmus test. For now, they score more than good in my experience.
Sweating in the sun
It may not be the most fun topic, but sweating and exercise go hand in hand. I sweat relatively quickly and a lot. Cycling round in a hot summer? Tie shirt wringing or salt stains. Longer days on the bike always make for the most beautiful patterns in my shirts. This, in turn, also influences my choice of glasses. Breathability, especially in sunshine in the mountains, is an important feature.
During climbs in the sun, I find that I like taking the goggles off at some point anyway. Although the goggles do not fog up and resist the drops that run in rays over my head for a long time, I eventually take them off.
Then comes the downside: no matter how dust-free, water- and moisture-resistant the glasses are, dried sweat drops are hard to prevent. You have to rinse them off under the tap or with your water bottle. Fine. Positive: no matter how much I sweat in the valley or on the descent, the goggles really have no problems with that. Downhill, the glasses are a winner. Nice clear vision, wind is not an issue and they stay on the nose just fine.
Suddenly standing still - does it fog up?
If you stand still suddenly, a moment that causes acutely fogged lenses in almost every pair of glasses, the 100% glasses fog up partially but then quickly become fully transparent again. That's fine, because otherwise you're constantly wiping and doing things. Not so now. On all terrains and in warmer conditions, the goggles and especially the ventilation (are those two holes useful after all) do a good job.
In light rain, the glasses also remain well transparent and the drops flow off. Just as the marketing department promised us! When it rains more heavily, it is wise to take off the glasses or use the transparent lens. Otherwise, visibility does diminish rapidly.
Transparent thingy
Talking about the translucent lens. Short and sweet: fine thing. Does what it's supposed to do. Clear, scratch-free, no weird frills. Same properties as the solar variant. Mind you, this lens is unusable at the slightest ray of sunlight, as it doesn't block anything at all. Changing the lenses is a snap. Within 30 seconds, you have changed the lens.
It can take a beating
The glasses are made to take a beating, as is the lens. You can bend the glasses and frame quite nicely, without feeling much back pressure. By bending I mean: turning the legs at an angle of at least 20 to 30 degrees from zero. You can also bend the glasses outwards relatively easily. Only pressure inwards, i.e. when you press against the outside of the legs, the frame doesn't like it. This is good, because otherwise, if you have a small fall, you'll have the goggles right in your head.
Although the glasses are sold as scratch-free, there is no guarantee on scratches in the lens. That it can be scratched, I have found out by now. However, the scratch does not affect visibility, so that's fine!
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