Review: Rudy Project Cycling Sunglasses 2018 New SINTRYX Series

       Renowned globally for designing sports glasses tailored for triathlon and road cycling, the top-tier professional sports equipment brand Rudy Project has shifted its focus to the mountain biking market, leading to the creation of the all-new SINTRYX series. Employing a suite of sports eyewear technologies, this series caters to the needs of mountain biking while maintaining road cycling performance. The full-frame design with a curved profile showcases a clear road cycling aesthetic, yet the deeper you delve into the SINTRYX, the more you’ll recognize its meticulous craftsmanship. Integrating advanced materials, safety, and comfort, along with an easy-to-use lens-swapping system, the SINTRYX’s high performance truly shines.

 

Its easily adjustable temple arms allow you to customize the fit according to head size, preventing pressure while ensuring a secure fit on your helmet. One of the biggest concerns during cycling is glasses shifting up and down as you move your head, but the SINTRYX’s fully adjustable nose pads can be tailored to your nose width, while also letting you adjust the height and distance of the frame from your face for a snug fit—this also helps reduce lens fogging. In short, with fully adjustable ear socks, temple arms, and nose pads, you can find your optimal setup to ensure comfort during rides.

I’ve used the SINTRYX across temperatures ranging from 20°C to -2°C, in both rainy and sunny conditions, with polarized or photochromic lenses. Even in damp, low-light weather, the lenses maintain exceptionally clear vision. During rides, we often stop to check maps, and standard sports glasses quickly fog up—but the SINTRYX’s superior “AirFlow” system completely prevents fogging, thanks to ventilation slots at the top of the frame and bottom of the lenses. Compared to most other glasses I’ve tried, Rudy Project’s eyewear maintains clarity even at low speeds, such as during climbs.

 

Rudy Project lenses come with some impressive features, so I selected three: the RP Smoke Black lens (standard with the SINTRYX), the ImpactX2 photochromic Red lens, and the 3FX/HDR polarized multi-coated Orange lens. After comparing all three for cycling, the latter two proved significantly more functional. On bright days, the 3FX/HDR polarized multi-coated Orange lens is your go-to—even with its lengthy name, it performs exceptionally well. At sunset, outdoor and polarized lenses really shine: eliminating glare, sharpening visibility, reducing eye strain, and making for a more enjoyable ride.

The SINTRYX paired with the ImpactX2 photochromic Red lens is a great choice. In low UV conditions, the lens remains nearly clear with just a hint of color. When moving from shade into bright sunlight, the color intensifies to a vibrant red. In forested or dimly lit trails, the lens performs outstandingly, with color transition speed far exceeding the advertised 10-second claim. Additionally, the Impact lenses come with an “unbreakable” durability guarantee—though I haven’t had the chance to test this, if I had to trust a brand, Rudy Project would be my pick.

Lens variety is a major highlight of Rudy Project glasses—you can swap them out as needed, even daily if you wish. The SINTRYX frame holds another clever feature that isn’t immediately obvious. The logo on the bridge is actually a quick-release button that unlocks the lens beneath the frame. Combined with the highly flexible Grilamid (nylon resin) thermoplastic frame, switching lenses becomes incredibly quick and easy. You won’t have to worry about whether the lenses are securely fitted, as the built-in spring retainers keep any cycling-specific lenses firmly in place.

Press the button

Open the front

You can bend the frame significantly to easily insert the replacement lens

Push the frame until it clicks into place

As an Italian brand, the Rudy Project SINTRYX carries a slightly retro European vibe. Aside from the glossy teal blue I chose, the SINTRYX is also available in fiery red, black, ice graphite, yellow, white, and other colors. The versatile black option, in particular, boasts a rich design aesthetic.

Using Rudy Project’s most advanced custom-cutting technology, you can also order prescription sport lenses for the SINTRYX—a top solution for cyclists with vision needs. The optical lenses are crafted into curved, custom shapes, combining the protective, streamlined, anti-fog, and ventilated features of sports glasses with the corrective functionality of prescription lenses. The result is comfortable, lightweight wear that meets both needs.

The SINTRYX may not be the most budget-friendly option on the market, especially with its premium spare lenses and support for custom prescription lenses—but if you take the plunge, you definitely won’t be disappointed by Rudy Project’s quality. Put on the Rudy Project SINTRYX and hit the trails, because despite the higher price, it’s worth every penny: versatile, functional, and supremely comfortable.