Rudy Project Tayo sunglasses

Reviewed by:

The Tayo sunglasses come in five different frame colors: black matte, metal yellow, silver, metal red, white pearl, and metal blue. Also available are replacement lenses in a wide selection of colors : laser black, laser blue, smoke black, racing brown, red, yellow, and transparent.

Our reviewers received the new Tayos with comments like "I'm excited to see if these glasses work as well as previous glasses from Rudy Project have done," "I'm curious to find out if sunglasses that seem more fashion-oriented can prove functional. Okay, they look cool - but how well do they work?".

The answer? Really well.

The Tayo glasses have nearly all the qualities you seek in a pair of cycling shades. These glasses stay put on your head. They wrap around your face allowing very little unfiltered light in. There are little vents on the top and bottom of each lens to help keep them fog-free. As one would expect from high-end glasses, the optics are distortion-free.

One reviewer puts it this way:

"The first reaction when putting them on was discovering the sharp clarity of the lenses. No doubt, Rudy Project used exceptional plastic for the lens. The rubberized, non-slip nosepiece was easy to bend to fit. It can be adjusted from narrow to wide noses and close or away from the face. Once adjusted, it stays put and does not slip when wet or dry. The lens and frame style provides significant protection from the elements (wind, rain, dirt, bugs, etc.)."

The stiff plastic frames help with being crammed into pockets and thrown around in soft luggage in a car, bus or on a motorcycle. The convenient, silk like carry bag protects them from dirt and scratches...

"No scratches have developed after a month. On one occasion, the glasses were wet after a ride in the rain and they were stuffed into a coat pocket. When retrieved, they had dirt stuck on them. They easily wiped clean using the jersey that was being worn (not recommended!)."

One reviewer found the ventilation to be more than adequate as the lenses never fogged up even during rain and also when heating up from climbing. Another reviewer had this comment though

"The only negative aspect of these fine glasses is the plastic frame against your forehead which can generate a lot of sweat on a real hot day that can roll down onto your eyelashes and onto the lenses. I think if Rudy Project added a brow pad, you would loose the excellent peripheral vision, so it's a good trade-off."

An additional complaint concerns the rearward view:

"The bottom of the frame blocks vision to the rear when glancing back. I found I had to sit up and turn my head substantially in order to look through the lens with an unobstructed view of the rear."

A major benefit from selecting Rudy Project Tayo sunglasses is the available assortment of replacement lenses. Rudy Project provides these replacement lenses in a wide range of colors for every type of weather:

Laser black and laser blue: The metal oxide "flash" coating transmits only 12% of the light, making the lenses ideal for very sunny days with strongly reflected light.

Smoke black: This type of lens transmits only 22% of the light and is ideal for moderately sunny days or winter days.

Racing brown: High optical quality lens recommended for wear in competition. Only 28% of the light is transmitted.

Red: This lens transmits 85% of the light and is recommended for variable weather.

Yellow: These lenses transmit 80% of the light and exalt contrast and depth. They are ideal for early morning light, overcast, sunset or rainy days.

Transparent: Designed for protection of the eyes from dust, bugs etc. Excellent protection for the eyes in very cold climates.

When replacing lenses, it takes significant force for the lenses to be pushed out of the frame from the backside. One reviewer thought he was going to break the frame or lenses when popping them out to replace. On the other hand though, the lenses are easily popped back into the frame.

Our reviewers had the following comments about the available selection of Tayo lenses:

"The smoke lenses were not too dark on a cloudy day. In very bright sunlight, darker lenses would be preferred."

"The yellow lenses are perfect for overcast weather. I like the laser blue lenses when riding in bright sunlight on summer days."

"The standard smoke gray lenses are plenty dark for bright mid-day sun, yet light enough to remain on in the late afternoon to keep bugs out of your eyes."

Overall, the 1999 Rudy Project Tayo sunglasses are a welcome addition to the available selection of sunglasses made specifically for cycling. The glasses are fitting with the latest contemporary design and style. Only downside is the lack of available frame colors. In this area, Rudy Project could learn from the company Fi:zi'k which is offering its saddles in a wide range of colors. We would like to see frames in orange and gold, plus a few extra colors for easier matching with the color of one's clothing. The price is competitive, and the one-year warranty against defects and workmanship is a good safeguard. Best of all, Rudy Project also provide a warranty against lens damage. The best testament to their comfort is forgetting you have them on.

The bottom line is this: If you like the way they look, you'll love the way they work.

Click here to buy Rudy Project Tayo sunglasses online.

Rudy Project Italy : www.rudyproject.it
Rudy Project USA : www.rudyprojectusa.com