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Other Resources => Component Deals & Selection => Topic started by: Rajmundx on September 18, 2025, 03:32:51 AM

Title: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: Rajmundx on September 18, 2025, 03:32:51 AM
Hello,
Does anyone own or can recommend — or maybe advise against — cycling sunglasses available on AliExpress?
Are they worth considering, or is it better to go for branded ones?
Or is it basically the same product, just with a logo, and you end up paying several times more for the brand name compared to a "no-name" version from AliExpress?
What are your opinions or experiences on this topic?
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: Smokemachine on September 18, 2025, 06:18:57 AM
I have tested some SCVCN glasses and found most of them to be a narrow fit. In terms of price they are extremely competitive. I haven’t been able myself to validate whether they really protect against UV rays (across the various spectrums) but the price versus bigger western brands makes them compelling. If you review the Aliexpress brand stores you’ll find the same models sold at different prices so open lots of tabs and compare, I’ve literally seen the same glasses sold 5x the price by the same store, just using a slightly different item description.

My advice is to look at the tips of the frames, and whether they curve inward a lot. One model I tried had a quite aggressive curve at the tips which essentially poked the back of my head, behind the ears  ;D there are models with slightly “gentler” curvature which essentially means comfier on most heads. Just to caveat I don’t have a massive head lol and use M/L sized helmets.

Hope this helps

Edit:

Narrow curvature at the tips, https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006959417507.html?spm=a2g0n.productlist.0.0.7ff6266fXhI1jT&browser_id=c2b58e7082e0424db10b35d1d11a195f&aff_trace_key=25110ec4882f44c590a0bdd22047fcd8-1758172958267-01445-_Dlppdsf&aff_platform=msite&m_page_id=smbvhxsdgocavhtc1995c91517acc9da9e71a1d00d&gclid=&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22order%22%3A%2226091%22%2C%22eval%22%3A%221%22%2C%22fromPage%22%3A%22search%22%7D&pdp_npi=6%40dis%21SEK%2198.58%2135.68%21%21%2173.35%2126.55%21%4021038e1e17581946514552937e0576%2112000038864215525%21sea%21SE%212073604492%21X%211%210%21n_tag%3A-29919%3Bd%3Ac856972e%3Bm03_new_user%3A-29895%3BpisId%3A5000000186414483&algo_pvid=f999877b-4ba5-45cb-86d7-be91be8dfd32&search_p4p_id=202509180424112489074397024750003467365_1

Gentler curvature at the tips (feeling ok for up to 2-3 hours), https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007403730039.html?spm=a2g0n.productlist.0.0.7ff6266fXhI1jT&browser_id=c2b58e7082e0424db10b35d1d11a195f&aff_trace_key=25110ec4882f44c590a0bdd22047fcd8-1758172958267-01445-_Dlppdsf&aff_platform=msite&m_page_id=smbvhxsdgocavhtc1995c91517acc9da9e71a1d00d&gclid=&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22order%22%3A%222630%22%2C%22eval%22%3A%221%22%2C%22fromPage%22%3A%22search%22%7D&pdp_npi=6%40dis%21SEK%2190.87%2140.89%21%21%2167.61%2130.42%21%4021038e1e17581946514552937e0576%2112000040597823765%21sea%21SE%212073604492%21X%211%210%21n_tag%3A-29919%3Bd%3Ac856972e%3Bm03_new_user%3A-29895&algo_pvid=f999877b-4ba5-45cb-86d7-be91be8dfd32&search_p4p_id=202509180424112489074397024750003467365_2
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: sh on September 18, 2025, 06:46:22 AM
Has anyone tried those knock-off clone scicon glasses?

Currently the owner of 2 pairs of SCVCN glasses, and for the price they are quite good. They fit pretty well and I am a large for helmets
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: gribs on September 18, 2025, 06:52:07 AM
Years ago I had some decent Oakley copies but more recent ones (not copies, just random brands) have felt cheap and not lasted long. As long as they've got polycarbonate lens you don't need to worry about UV transmission and every pair I've had has blocked UV. I do UV calibration work so it's easy to check transmission.

I've had a pair of Melon Optics glasses for a few years now which were fairly expensive but are lasting well, possibly because as they were more expensive I actually look after them.
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: Dan S. on September 18, 2025, 06:54:29 AM
Does anyone own or can recommend — or maybe advise against — cycling sunglasses available on AliExpress?
Are they worth considering, or is it better to go for branded ones?

I am now using KAPVOE sunglasses. It’s a knock-off version of Oakley Sutro Lite. I can recommend, they are pretty good and very very affordable. My favorites are the photochromic ones, check them out (https://a.aliexpress.com/_EvQCWoa).
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: kubackje on September 18, 2025, 07:01:54 AM
I am now using KAPVOE sunglasses. It’s a knock-off version of Oakley Sutro Lite. I can recommend, they are pretty good and very very affordable. My favorites are the photochromic ones, check them out (https://a.aliexpress.com/_EvQCWoa).

Best glasses ever. I have like 10 pairs
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: Rajmundx on September 18, 2025, 07:24:37 AM
Did someone bought POC sunglasses? I buy copy of POC Devour on aliexpress with myopia frame and few glasses once and then I order original to compare. They look practically similar.
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: Dan S. on September 18, 2025, 07:40:21 AM
Best glasses ever. I have like 10 pairs

Haha, indeed, I am currently at 6 pairs. xD
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: Smokemachine on September 18, 2025, 08:19:13 AM
As long as they've got polycarbonate lens you don't need to worry about UV transmission and every pair I've had has blocked UV. I do UV calibration work so it's easy to check transmission.

I have no clue about polycarbonate per se, how do you verify the material composition and in extension their UV properties? Cheers
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: glepore on September 18, 2025, 08:22:47 AM
Did someone bought POC sunglasses? I buy copy of POC Devour on aliexpress with myopia frame and few glasses once and then I order original to compare. They look practically similar.

I have a couple pair of Elicit clones. Really like these, crazy light, frameless, high contrast tint. The originals have Zeiss lenses, and I doubt these are anywhere near as good, but they work great for me.
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: crazyravr on September 18, 2025, 08:38:27 AM
I am now using KAPVOE sunglasses. It’s a knock-off version of Oakley Sutro Lite. I can recommend, they are pretty good and very very affordable. My favorites are the photochromic ones, check them out (https://a.aliexpress.com/_EvQCWoa).

I have both the photochromes and normal. Great fitting.
I also got same of Alba optics. Different fit but equally as good.
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: Rajmundx on September 18, 2025, 08:54:57 AM
I have both the photochromes and normal. Great fitting.
I also got same of Alba optics. Different fit but equally as good.

Can you send link to normal Kapvoe?
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: jhearrtot on September 18, 2025, 09:09:35 AM
I mainly use this one for running. I tested it for cycling, but it feels a bit low on the face. I just realized, though, that the temples can be adjusted/tilted, so I might give it another try:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008972931446.html

This is one of my go-to sunnies for cycling — fits perfectly and is wide enough to give great frontal visibility:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006099987981.html

My favorite one is from BBB. I grabbed it off Amazon when it went on sale from CAD $160 down to $62 + $3 shipping from the UK, so it took a while to arrive. I look like Cyclops from X-Men when I wear it 😄 — which is awesome:
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08QZ44ZVG
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: Tijoe on September 18, 2025, 09:40:24 AM
Don't laugh, but I purchased 25 of these sun glasses for $1.24 each on sale a year and 1/2 ago.   I figured they would be disposable sun glasses.  Amazingly they have held up very well.  Almost 2 riding seasons per pair.  (I color coordinate with the helmet color I wear.)
They tend to get very small scratches during cleaning, and if you don't store them carefully, the ends of the ear pieces will contact the inside of the lens and rub the inside of the lens.   
I believe I have enough to last me for the rest of my life at the rate I am using them. (LOL)

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804951693613.html
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: amacal1 on September 18, 2025, 10:58:20 AM
I have a couple pair of Elicit clones. Really like these, crazy light, frameless, high contrast tint. The originals have Zeiss lenses, and I doubt these are anywhere near as good, but they work great for me.

Yup, I have 2 or 3 pair of those Elicit ones and they're great. The frameless thing means that they don't channel sweat that well, but I don't care because the fit is so good and they're crazy light, and they look pretty cool since they're both photochromic but with nice looking reflective colors. They're my favorite glasses for evening riding, but I prefer polarized for late-morning and midday riding.


My favorite thing about cheap AliX glasses is that I don't have to worry about them. I take sunscreen pretty seriously so I can't help but occasionally (maybe more than occasionally) get some sunscreen or sunscreen/sweat mix in or on my glasses. I don't worry about how I wash or wipe my glasses, and I don't freak out if I drop them, and I don't worry about where I place them when I'm done riding, etc. etc. Even still, every single one of my AliX glasses has been doing great for at least 1-2 full seasons of riding. I overbought assuming that I'd fly through them, but they've held up just fine. I assume that most overpriced glasses are made to similar spec with similar materials and coatings but get away with lifetime replacement guarantees by building 3x, 4x, 10x pricing into the sales price to cover replacement.
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: gribs on September 18, 2025, 11:24:45 AM
I have no clue about polycarbonate per se, how do you verify the material composition and in extension their UV properties? Cheers

You can go off the description but even the most basic clear plastic lens will stop ~90% of UV. Polycarbonate will do 99.9%, is cheap, strong and shatter resistant so normally used for sports glasses. All the ones I bothered testing took a 5mw/cm² UVA light level down to registering 0.00mw/cm², UVB & C also registered zero. The only advantage of the more expensive lenses is that they in theory should offer less distortion, but I can't tell the difference.
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: GSoroos on September 18, 2025, 12:36:15 PM
Been using Kapvoe exclusively for riding (and some lawn mowing) this year.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806674116919.html

01 multicolor w/5 lenses. Only use the photochromic lens.

Very good glasses. Feel a bit big on my face, but gives full protection.
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: crazyravr on September 18, 2025, 12:39:07 PM
Can you send link to normal Kapvoe?

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005952551178.html
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: Tijoe on September 18, 2025, 12:46:14 PM
FYI;   EssilorLuxottica own 80% of the global, yes Global glasses industry!   Some of their product lines have mark-ups of 1000% to 2000%!   The sunglass market has higher mark-ups than the jewelry industry.  (For many consumers sunglasses are jewelery.)

The sunglass industry is one of the Biggest consumer ripoff markets around.
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: Pedaldancer on September 18, 2025, 01:08:41 PM
You can go off the description but even the most basic clear plastic lens will stop ~90% of UV. Polycarbonate will do 99.9%, is cheap, strong and shatter resistant so normally used for sports glasses. All the ones I bothered testing took a 5mw/cm² UVA light level down to registering 0.00mw/cm², UVB & C also registered zero. The only advantage of the more expensive lenses is that they in theory should offer less distortion, but I can't tell the difference.

Thanks for this post ! Usually the discussion drifts into "what's about UV? You will definitely get blind with this glasses!"
 Additionally IF someone won't trust the fact, that Polycarbonate is super cheap and just brings the UV filtering naturally..... there's always the option of checking that in a store.


For the glasses:
Kapvoe and SCVCN are by the way the same company.
I have glasses from both,  they are very comparable ,despite the designs are different.
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: Hualicopter on September 18, 2025, 05:41:46 PM
Been using Kapvoe exclusively for riding (and some lawn mowing) this year.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806674116919.html

01 multicolor w/5 lenses. Only use the photochromic lens.

Very good glasses. Feel a bit big on my face, but gives full protection.

Do these fog up at all when you stop moving? I have another of similar Rockbros glasses that have great wind protection but fog up immediately as soon as I stop moving.
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: crazyravr on September 19, 2025, 08:30:30 AM
Do these fog up at all when you stop moving? I have another of similar Rockbros glasses that have great wind protection but fog up immediately as soon as I stop moving.

When cleaning, apply a tiny amount of dishwashing liquid. Its what we used scuba diving and snorkeling. works like a charm. You can also just buy "anti-fog" cleaners that do the same. Never have an issue with fogging up.
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: GSoroos on September 19, 2025, 09:22:41 AM
When cleaning, apply a tiny amount of dishwashing liquid. Its what we used scuba diving and snorkeling. works like a charm. You can also just buy "anti-fog" cleaners that do the same. Never have an issue with fogging up.

I haven't had an issue with fogging (yet). If I do I'll try the dishwashing trick. Thanks for that.
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: ricchirock on September 19, 2025, 09:27:53 AM
Kapvoe sunglasses have a good quality for the price and good fitting.
Tried also SCVCN that are ridicoulous cheaper but fitting seems more thight (very thight).
Anyway I saw lately sunglasses from Kapvoe at 45€ selling price (around) and even more. I would not spend so much on it. I would choose some more cool brand for this price (Van Rysel)
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: pushpush on September 19, 2025, 12:47:51 PM
I'm looking for yellow COLORED glasses, not tinted, for riding at night. Any recommendations? I like the Alba frameless but they are all tinted and a bit too dark at night.
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: GSoroos on September 19, 2025, 12:54:34 PM
I'm looking for yellow COLORED glasses, not tinted, for riding at night. Any recommendations? I like the Alba frameless but they are all tinted and a bit too dark at night.
Not sure if the frames are what you're looking for, but the set I posted above came with yellow lenses along with the photochromic, 'Irridium' and clear.
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: pushpush on September 19, 2025, 01:09:13 PM
Not sure if the frames are what you're looking for, but the set I posted above came with yellow lenses along with the photochromic, 'Irridium' and clear.

Thanks for the idea but I'm looking for minimal frame bezel.
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: amacal1 on September 19, 2025, 01:37:48 PM
Thanks for the idea but I'm looking for minimal frame bezel.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807359565993.html

You want something like these (not the first item, but one of the 4 colors that don't have a bezel).

These are the "Elicit" branded ones me and someone else were talking about before. They have a subtle color prism effect, but are otherwise fairly clear except for being photochromic so they darken under UV. I use these for late evening rides because they darken very very little in low light. Not sure if you like any of the colors (red, purple, blue, clear) because they don't seem to have yellow, but I like them quite a bit and they have almost zero bezel.
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: pushpush on September 19, 2025, 01:58:04 PM
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807359565993.html

You want something like these (not the first item, but one of the 4 colors that don't have a bezel).

These are the "Elicit" branded ones me and someone else were talking about before. They have a subtle color prism effect, but are otherwise fairly clear except for being photochromic so they darken under UV. I use these for late evening rides because they darken very very little in low light. Not sure if you like any of the colors (red, purple, blue, clear) because they don't seem to have yellow, but I like them quite a bit and they have almost zero bezel.

I see the 5 lens model includes a yellow lens. Of course that is the one with a different frame. :P I'll give them a try. Thanks.
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: amacal1 on September 19, 2025, 02:17:50 PM
I see the 5 lens model includes a yellow lens. Of course that is the one with a different frame. :P I'll give them a try. Thanks.

Not sure about the 5-lens model. I might have this one (or something nearly identical by a different brand), but I've never used it. I prefer the frame-less one with the photochromic + reflective coated lens.
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: glepore on September 19, 2025, 03:42:37 PM
Not sure about the 5-lens model. I might have this one (or something nearly identical by a different brand), but I've never used it. I prefer the frame-less one with the photochromic + reflective coated lens.

Mine aren't photochromic, I should probably try them-mine have a red lens that similar to Oakley's "Prizm", a smoke grey reflective, and a clear.
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: amacal1 on September 19, 2025, 09:12:28 PM
I see the 5 lens model includes a yellow lens. Of course that is the one with a different frame. :P I'll give them a try. Thanks.

Check these out. These are photochromic, and - if you believe the picture - may have a chance of being relatively "clear" in low-light. They're gold (yellow?), but they do have a frame.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256809760404120.html
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: peterpanpeter on September 20, 2025, 03:10:42 PM
I have a couple pair of Elicit clones. Really like these, crazy light, frameless, high contrast tint. The originals have Zeiss lenses, and I doubt these are anywhere near as good, but they work great for me.

Do you have a link to these? Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: glepore on September 20, 2025, 04:54:16 PM
Do you have a link to these? Thanks in advance.
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256808306346278.html

My most recent. But just search Elicit. You'll find some with 3 lenses, some with photochromatic, yada. The hardware is all the same.
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: Pedaldancer on September 20, 2025, 05:39:58 PM
Check these out. These are photochromic, and - if you believe the picture - may have a chance of being relatively "clear" in low-light. They're gold (yellow?), but they do have a frame.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256809760404120.html

Kapvoe & SCVCN photochromic effect indeed gets clear. The only thing which remains is the slight color glare from the mirror coat.
Important for me is the fact, that they stay clear when it gets cold.  Some photochromic molecules darken when it's cold, my Alpina glasses did that.
That's..... less than optimal. Riding when it's dark to me is bound to the winter time.

I

Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: 00Garza on September 20, 2025, 06:35:31 PM
I’ve been using these over my regular glasses. My prescription is changing often enough that I don’t bother buying rx riding glasses. And I hate contacts.
They’re a bit pricier now than when I first got them, but still worth it imo.

I have found they don’t fit well over glasses with thicker frames. It feels ridiculous at first, but then you forget they’re even there.

I just found this on AliExpress: $10.45 | WEST BIKING Polarized Square Sunglasses Men Photochromic Cycling Fit Over Myopic Glasses Driving Fishing UV400 Bicycle Goggles
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mNlWNtL
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: fhold on September 22, 2025, 05:52:56 AM
Any recommendations for smaller faces? I need something of the size of a Oakley Sutro S
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: ZacItaly15 on September 22, 2025, 07:58:45 AM
i love the Oakley Jawbreaker clone that I pair with original Oakley Prizm lens.
I have an affordable frame with hi quality lens
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: crazyravr on September 22, 2025, 07:59:29 AM
Any recommendations for smaller faces? I need something of the size of a Oakley Sutro S

I got these for my wife. And then got her 2 more different pairs (colour). Fit is great for small faces.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005924636967.html
Title: Re: Sunglasses on Aliexpress
Post by: Wet Noodle on September 22, 2025, 03:09:15 PM
Any recommendations for smaller faces? I need something of the size of a Oakley Sutro S

SCVCN (sometimes as Kapvoe, pretty much same thing for more money) X62/S62, X63/S63 ...
(https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/S666d9e7ce5b44b3e873971bf3261fedbv.jpg)(https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/S4910782464484677beb4ffd7c99a816dz.jpg)

They're not super specialised cycling glasses but rather fashiony glasses that you can also use for cycling. Suuuper cheap (usually around 5 bucks, often less in combo blast), but they look pretty good in real life. Quite a selection of different frame and glass colours/treatments (including photochromic and polarised). Had a bunch of them, but now I pretty much exclusively wear blue mirror polarised for sun and clear yellow when it gets darker.