Tifosi Pave shades

These Pave specs from US eyewear giant Tifosi come with a Night Light Fototec lense that will take you from daylight through to midnight in just a few seconds.

Photochromatic lenses have been around for ages and cycling specific versions are getting more affordable. The Paves aren't as cheap as the Endura Marlins that we tested a while back but they are high quality and feel pretty sturdy.

First off, a warning. If you have a big head, and I do, then these are probably not for you. Snugger than an Alien facehugger with a deathgrip, they cling tenaciously. The ear pieces can be bent to shape, but the narrow profile, combined with an acute curve from side to side means that they sat well clear of my face and were distinctly gappy round the edges. If I was in a shop and trying specs on, these would go straight on the reject pile. That isn't a reflection on their quality and performance though, I just have a very wide face. Despite the fit, and looking like a pea perched on a spacehopper, they were surprisingly comfortable. Go figure...

I'll admit to being quite excited about trying these. Apart from being a stumpy gobshite I share one other trait with Bono, I hate being outside without shades. That's a bit of a pain, swapping lenses from full smoke to clear depending on light conditions isn't my idea of fun, but the Night Light lenses fitted to the Paves will switch from 75% light transmission right through to 25%. That's a seriously wide spread and saves a whole load of hassle. At one end, 75% is enough to ride in full dark, at the other, 25% is *just* about enough to cope with bright sun. If I had my way I'd have them go down to 15%, but I do have quite sensitive eyes. As it is, 25% means a bit of squinting when riding right into the sun, but it's not a deal breaker.

If these came in a larger size and with a lower bottom end they'd be even better.

Verdict

Good quality shades with a versatile transmission range. Better suited to small or narrow heads.