The S-Phyre and Aerolite models receive a re-design and gain a terrain specific lens system
(Image credit: Frank Martinez)
Shimano has redesigned two of the sunglasses models in its range for 2023, giving the range-topping S-Phyre and Aerolite models an update and a host of new lens options.
Shimano has adhered to this trend by overhauling and re-releasing two of its premium road offerings, with the models already seeing action in professional riders' winter cyclocross campaigns.
Michael Vanthourenhout takes victory at the Val Di Sole world cup in the new Shimano S-Phyre sunglasses (Image credit: Frank Martinez)
The S-Phyre sunglasses are Shimano's top-tier model and the second generation has received further refinement. The frames themselves feature a straight upper rim with a nod to aerodynamics. The temples also feature a non-slip pattern which Shimano say will provide a snug and comfortable fit.
What's more, the S-Phyre sunglasses are designed with a magnetic lens system, which allows users to easily pop the lens out for cleaning and replacement.
They are available in five colours, including Matte Black, Matte Extra White, Metallic Red, Metallic Orange, and Metallic Blue. They weigh in at 29 grams and will retail for $220.00 / €189.95 / £199.99.
They get Shimano's Ridescape lens technology, which comprises six different lens options that are terrain and condition-specific for the following conditions: bright vision, daylight vision, road vision, trail vision, dark vision, and as our headline points out, gravel vision, meaning gravel-specific sunglass lenses are now a thing.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
The new S-Phyre sunglasses employ magnetic lenses for easy removal (Image credit: Frank Martinez)
If the S-Phyres are a little too rich for you, then worry not, as Shimano has covered the budget cycling sunglasses category with an update to the more affordable Aerolite model; a still-high-performance but more affordable alternative. This model uses the Ridescape HC lens that Shimano says will boost contrasts and sharpen surface details, with an upgrade to a Photochromic Gray lens available too.
Weighing in a little lighter than the S-Phyre at 26 grams, the Aerolite features a half-rim frame design, with the top edge uncovered and the frame covering the bottom edge of the lens and the nose bridge.
The Aerolite also features RX-Clip compatibility which will allow riders to add a prescription lens to the frame, over the top of the original nose piece.
This model is available in Black, White, Metallic Red, Matte Metallic Blue and Moss Green. The retail price will be $70.00 / €64.95 / £69.99 for the Ridescape HC lens, with a premium added for a photochromic lens.
The Aerolite model features a half-rim frame and will allow wearers to their own attach prescription lenses. (Image credit: Frank Martinez)
Tom joined the Cyclingnews team in late 2022 as a tech writer. Despite having a degree in English Literature he has spent his entire working life in the cycling industry in one form or another. He has over 10 years of experience as a qualified mechanic, with the last five years before joining Cyclingnews being spent running an independent workshop. This means he is just as happy tinkering away in the garage as he is out on the road bike, and he isn’t afraid to pull a bike apart or get hands-on with it when testing to really see what it’s made of.
He has ridden and raced bikes from an early age up to a national level on the road and track, and has ridden and competed in most disciplines. He has a keen eye for pro-team tech and enjoys spotting new or interesting components in the wild. During his time at Cyclingnews, Tom has already interviewed some of the sport's biggest names including Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Pogačar and Alberto Contador. He's also covered various launches from brands such as Pinarello, Ridley, Specialized and more, tackled the Roubaix Challenge sportive aboard his own rim-brake Cannondale SuperSix Evo, tested over 20 aero helmets in the wind tunnel, and has created helpful in-depth buying advice relating to countless categories from torque wrenches to winter clothing.
