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The Scicon Aeroshade 2.0 Titanium glasses launched back in March, and Tadej Pogačar is currently wearing them at the Tour de France.
The previous Aeroshades, launched back in 2020, clocked up more than 500 pro wins. But beyond the pro endorsement, I was intrigued by some of the new model's details.
So I got my hands on the cycling sunglasses, and I’ve been using them through the recent hot, bright weather we’ve experienced here in the UK.
I haven’t been using them for long, but my Oakleys have ended up languishing on my desk.
Titanium temples
One of the selling points of the Aeroshade 2.0 Titanium glasses is the titanium temples.
Scicon says it chose the 'medical-grade' material for its strength and flexibility. As proponents of titanium road bikes like to say, the material resists corrosion. Added to that, it won’t deform, which Scicon says helps the glasses maintain a consistent fit.
The use of titanium contributes to the Aeroshades' weight. The glasses weigh 4g more than their predecessors, but that’s nothing in the scheme of things.
Unlike the €950 Rudy Project Performance 40 glasses, which use 3D-printed titanium for the entire frame, the Aeroad 2.0 Titanium glasses have a frame made from the Grilamid TR90. This polyamide is used in protective eyewear and is said to be lightweight and crack resistant. It also means the glasses can come in a variety of colours – 20, in fact.
And also unlike Rudy Project’s limited-edition glasses, Scicon’s specs won’t cost you an absolute fortune at £192 / $265 / €220.
Sorry Oakleys
This price is part of the reason I’m leaning towards the Aeroshades over my Oakley Velo Kato glasses.
Oakley sunglasses are often lauded for their lens quality, but I’ve found that Scicon’s lens stands up to established brands.
The lens in the Aeroshades has fared well in the recent bright weather. The high-contrast lens also helped me pick out details on the road surface.
I was also concerned that the Aeroshade lens wouldn't provide the same wrap-around effect as the Velo Katos. But despite the smaller lens shape, the wind didn’t whip around and into my eyes too much and they still protected my peripheral vision from sunlight.
Added to all this, the Aeroshades come with a spare low-light lens included for the price, which would save you from buying a whole new pair of specs. They also come with a carrying case that doubles as a saddle bag, a microfibre sleeve and two wipes – one for cleaning and one that provides an ‘anti-fog’ finish.
The glasses, then, offer good value for money over the £271 Oakley Velo Katos. But I would say the lens in the Oakleys is slightly better suited to general riding in the UK. It lets through slightly more light, which is rarely as blinding as it has been in recent weeks here.
When I headed out for a ride in more typical UK conditions, I found myself wishing I’d either switched the Aeroshades' lens to the low-light option, or – more practically – stuck to the Oakleys.
But either way, the Scicon Aeroshade 2.0 Titanium glasses are a compelling alternative to top-price cycling glasses, especially with the extras thrown in and £79 left in your pocket.
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