With its performance fit and refined design cues, the Rudy Project Defender is still one the best-looking cycling eye-protection options in the segment
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Despite losing its crown to the new Cutline model as the brand's best cycling glasses, the Rudy Project Defender sunglasses are still a popular choice among competitive cyclists. As the official eyewear supplier to the then Bahrain-Merida WorldTour team, the Defender model was popularised by riders such as Vincenzo Nibali, Domenico Pozzovivo and Rohan Dennis.
The Defender sunglasses will still be used by Bahrain McLaren for the duration of the season and beyond where they will form part of a two-prong product offering together with the Cutline.
Having spent the past two months testing the Defenders in what's been purported as the UK's hottest spring in over a century, we set out to establish how it stacks up against its rivals.
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While the bronze colourway may not appeal to all, there is a selection of six other distinct hues to choose from(Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
A subtle yet tasteful Rudy Project logo takes pride of place on the upper frame(Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
A closer look at the bronze-fade-to-black colour scheme(Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
The Rudy Project Defender and its Cutline sibling(Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
Design and aesthetics
The Defenders are a classy-looking package, no question. While it's available in seven different colour options, our test pair is kitted out in a refined and complementing bronze-fade-to-black colour scheme.
Inspired by the 1990s Aggressor model the Rudy Project Defender's lens is fairly sizeable but not as goggle-like as some of the models that dominate the segment. As a result, they take on a more traditional appearance yet still offer enough coverage and visual clout to keep them relevant and appealing.
Closer inspection reveals a series of tasteful design details such as the chrome Rudy Project logo on the upper frame and the cutouts in the arms and lower bumpers.
The RP Optics smoke-black lens is standard but other options - such as the ImpactX2 photochromic lens - are also available(Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
The lens pictured here is the ImpactX2 photochromic laser black option(Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
Like most of the players in this highly competitive space, the lens is interchangeable. While our test pair came standard with an RP Optics smoke-black lens, we also managed to get our hands on the ImpactX2 photochromic lens - an aftermarket option. It's naturally the more superior of the two owing to its ability to stave off ultraviolet radiation completely up to 400 nanometers (UV 400 protection).
For those, however, who prefer flashier colour combinations, the Defenders can be customised by way of swapping out the interchangeable bumpers, of which there are six different colour options.
The Defenders work seamlessly with most helmet makes thanks to the zig-zag-shaped arms (Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
Specification
At 34g they're just one gram lighter than the Cutlines but offer more protection around the glass and substantially better ventilation. Four ports span the entire top section of the lens - this helps minimise fogging caused by heat and sweat, together with strategically positioned cutouts in the lower bumper.
Removing the lens and bumpers is a fairly straightforward exercise requiring a deliberate pull to unclick it from each side of the frame before pulling down gently to release it.
The manipulatable nosepad and arm tips help ensure one of the best fits around (Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
Riding experience
I've found myself reaching for the Rudy Project Defender sunglasses more than any of the pairs I have in for testing based purely on how well they fit. There's little to no movement when secured to the face thanks to the manipulatable nosepad and arm tips - a trademark feature on many of Rudy Project's products. You'll need to spend some time setting them up to match the contours of your nose and head but once you've found what works for you they shouldn't bounce or move around.
Like its Cutline sibling, the Defenders work seamlessly with most helmet makes thanks to the zig-zag, tapered arm design. The arms have been designed to shape away from the helmet flanks minimising any interference with the retention system. Ventilation is also up there with the very best. I'm yet to experience any fogging or misting to date, even at full-bore, out-the-saddle interval sessions thanks to the 'PowerFlow' ventilation system. Sure, the lower bumpers can be seen just out of shot but they can be removed if that is an annoyance.
In terms of performance, the lens supplies an unobstructed and commanding view of the road ahead. Of the two supplied lens options it's the ImpactX2 photochromic laser black glass that I find myself using the most - based purely on its clarity and the way it transitions from low- to high-frequency light. The standard RP Optics smoke-black lens, on the other hand, is perfect for cloudless, sunny days.
The aftermarket ImpactX2 photochromic lens boasts impressive levels of clarity and effortlessly transitions from low- to high-frequency light (Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
Verdict
As far as eye protection, field of view and fit are concerned the Rudy Project Defender cycling sunglasses are difficult to fault. While it's not as flashy as its rivals, it still possesses a large enough lens - not to mention customisable frame options - to pique the interest of the contemporary cyclist, be it the coffee rider or competitive racer.
What the Defenders possess in spades, however, is functionality - as far as on-the-bike performance is concerned there aren't many options out there that can match it, particularly when it comes to retention.
The kicker here, however, is the price: at £121.99 (static RP Optic lens), the Defenders are not only a fair whack cheaper than when they first dropped last year but they're also significantly cheaper than Rudy Project's halo model, the Cutline.
Tech spec: Rudy Project Defender sunglasses
RRP: £121.99 / US$184.99 / AU$264
Weight: 34g (actual)
Lens technology: ImpactX 2 Photochromic Black
Frame type: Full frame, with interchangeable bumpers
Aaron was the Tech Editor Cyclingnews between July 2019 and June 2022. He was born and raised in South Africa, where he completed his BA honours at the University of Cape Town before embarking on a career in journalism. Throughout this career, Aaron has spent almost two decades writing about bikes, cars, and anything else with wheels. Prior to joining the Cyclingnews team, his experience spanned a stint as Gear & Digital editor of Bicycling magazine, as well as a time at TopCar as Associate Editor.
Now based in the UK's Surrey Hills, Aaron's life revolves around bikes. He's a competitive racer, Stravaholic, and Zwift enthusiast. He’s twice ridden the Cape Epic, completed the Haute Route Alps, and represented South Africa in the 2022 Zwift eSports World Championships.
