http://www.02xs.com/index.php?cPath=54&oscsid=179a85ac9a317d15c41497543513372c

I resisted buying eye wear, 'til one ride I collected too many midges and assorted bugs in my eyes.

That was this summer.

Now in the winter they too prove to be invaluable. This is my choice, and clearly (pun!) they have an all year 'round application.

There are some very £££ glasses out there, and normally I never even consider eye wear unless it's glass, * but for mountain biking that's not a good policy, so I offer up my simple yet effective solution to bugs, your own bike's spray and the bike in front's detritus.

Tim

* how many quality optics do you know of that (even exist!) and that you'd willingly consider putting on your D/SLR camera? None.  That's why I never personally wear plastic lenses other than when doing sport - they're simply optically inferior and as likely to give you a headache over time through mild eye-strain as keep the sun at bay.

G'damn - spell check doesn't work on your title / heading in Edit mode!

I think Oakley RX lenses are plastic and I've not noticed them being in anyway inferior to my previous glasses.

As for essential winter kit, I'd choose a single speed.

Errmmm MUD GUARD or one of these when available Here

Doesn't protect from branche to eye contact though.

a poke in the eye, and that can mean the end of the ride.

Pah! They build them far tougher where I come from!

Poke in the eye, last week my leg fell off and I still rode the kids home from borstall that evening.

Tim

I find myself agreeing with Tim - I'm an all-year-round eyewear person. Although I wear contact lenses, so it's a double must. Not winter-specific, though, so I nominate, um, warm, dry gloves I think. Or maybe warm, dry socks/shoes. One of those or the other

First person to say "mud tyres" gets a poke in the eye

mud tires.

ouch!

My advice is free to ignore too. Poke. Ouch!

Never mind. Glass eyes can be such a hoot at parties. A pal of mine fakes a coughing fit, whereby step forward comic side-kick and a heft slap on the back. .... pop! You can imagine the rest.

Almost as fun as Parker and Lady Penelope as a 2x man gag.

Tim

(available for children's parties, funerals, Bar mitzvahs and weddings)