Bolle 6th Sense Cycling Sunglasses

Aerodynamic fairings on a pair of sunglasses? Yep, the Bollé 6th Sense are about as pro as you can get, especially with our test set being in AG2R La Mondiale colours. It isn't all about gimmicks, though, as these glasses are seriously good.

The big lens of the 6th Sense has a retro look to it, harking back to visors of the Nineties, but as far as technology goes they are bang up to date.

The frame is practically non-existent, which is something I like. There is nothing worse than crouching down in the drops or doing a quick shoulder check to find that there is a piece of plastic in your line of sight. The 6th Sense offer a massive field of vision without you even moving your head.

Find your nearest dealer here 

Buy these online here 

The 6th Sense are basically a set of components clipped to the lens: arms, nosepiece, top clip and aero fairings all detach with a simple twist. You can buy additional lenses to go with your frame, varying shades and even photochromic ones. The AG2R versions here come with 'neutral grey with a blue violet mirror for bright conditions'.

>> Check out our guide to the best cycling sunglasses here

Those fairings clip onto the arms to create a streamlined helmet/glasses combo, plus they stop air or sunlight coming in through the side – almost like blinkers on a racehorse – yet they are far enough back to not restrict vision.

While we are on the subject of the lens, there are a couple of coatings to take a look at. Its Hydrophobic/Olephobic treatment basically repels water and oil, making it bead off the lens. It works well too, preventing water marks and even sweat and fingerprint marks. Well, they're still there, but just a lot less smeary than some with lenses, something you really notice when you ride into low sun typical of this time of year.

The lens also comes with an anti-fog coating on the inside to stop it misting up in humid conditions, and there are vents near each arm, which help keep air circulating so you don't get any visibility issues. The only problem you might have is if you suffer from hayfever – the breeze can really whip in once you pick up speed and you can feel it blowing over your eyes.

>> Too expensive? Check out our guide to the best cheap sunglasses here

As far as fit goes, you certainly don't get any issues with slippage when the going gets a little bit sweaty. Both the nosegrip and temple grips are made of a hydrophilic polymer designed to absorb moisture; on a particularly hot day things can get overwhelmed, but they do continue to grip your face without any irritation.

The nosepad is adjustable too. You either squeeze or expand the grip and it stays put.

Overall, at 28g they are unbelievably light and you barely know you are wearing them. The arms apply enough pressure to keep a grip even when you're looking down, without being uncomfortable, the nose grip the same. They do feel a little flimsy in your hand in comparison to some – my Oakley Radars or the RH+ ones I tested a while back, anyway – but in practice I never felt I had to be careful with them.

Sunglasses have always been a fashion item and that can drive prices just as much as the technology, but while the Bollé are expensive, they are quite reasonably priced against the opposition.

Verdict

Super-lightweight glasses which basically come in kit form, with excellent field of vision and lens clarity