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review
Glasses
RSP Membrane clear lens glassesRSP Membrane clear Lens Glasses

RSP Membrane clear lens glasses

7
by David Arthur @davearthur
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Sep 28, 2013

7
£15.99

VERDICT:

7
10
Inexpensive eyewear with a clear lens ideal for night-time and low light cycling.
Weight: 
23g
Contact: 
www.raleigh.co.uk/rsp
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These inexpensive RSP Membrane glasses offer very good optics ideal for low light autumn/winter cycling and even a spot of cyclo-cross riding, only slightly let down for me by their fit.

You can spend a small fortune on cycling-specific eyewear. These Membranes prove you really don't need to. They're a simple design with a half frame construction, a one-piece curved lens and a soft rubber nose piece attached directly to the lens.

The arms have soft flexible end sections, but despite this they exerted just a bit too much pressure. After a couple of hours left me a little sore. Those with a big head might want to check the fit first. However, their tight grip does ensure they don't shift about on your face, they cling firmly to your head even on rough roads or bumpy trails on the cyclo-cross bike.

I had some compatibility issues with the Giro helmet I was testing them with, but trying a few other helmet brands reveals it seems to be an isolated issue. It's not a big concern, I'm just really fussy about how well glasses fit and interact with helmet straps and retention systems.

As a contact lens wearer, I always don cycling eyewear when cycling. At this time of year, with very low light levels common and early morning and late evening rides rendering nearly all lens tints useless, the clear lens has been a huge bonus.

You don't get a hard case to keep them in, just the clear plastic packaging they're sold in. At this price such an omission can be excused.

Verdict

Inexpensive eyewear with a clear lens ideal for night-time and low light cycling.

road.cc test report

Make and model: RSP Membrane clear Lens Glasses

Size tested: xx

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Designed for UK winters, the Membrane provides the defensive layer you need to avoid the grit and dirt of the winter roads and lanes.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Colour: Black.

Lenses: Clear.

Membrane.

RSP Premium Innovative Design.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10

Very good construction.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

The fit isn't quite perfect, but that aside the optics are very good with decent coverage, an ideal choice for low light and night-time riding.

Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10

They're not supplied with a hardcase so you have to look after them carefully, on the bike durability has been just fine so far.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10

Yes they're very light.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
6/10

The arms apply a little too much pressure to my head and on longer riders left me a bit sore.

Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

Despite their not-quite-perfect fit, the clear lens has seen them getting a lot of use at this time of year, and because they don't cost much, you're not worried about scratching them.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

The fit needs a bit of improvement, otherwise they're an excellent choice for those people who can't leave the house without some sort of eyewear.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The clear lens is fantastic for early morning and late evening rides, where even the lightest tinted lenses are too dark.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

The arms proved a bit too small for me.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes mostly.

Would you consider buying the product? Possibly.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Maybe.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 31  Height: 180  Weight: 67

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, touring, mtb,

 

RSP Membrane clear lens glasses
David Arthur @davearthur

David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes. 

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7 comments

Avatar
paulfg42 | 11 years ago
0 likes

Cheers, guys. Under £6 on amazon so duly purchased!

Avatar
gthornton101 | 11 years ago
0 likes

+1 for Bolle too! Cheap, very lightweight, and a good fit (for my face anyway!). I have a pair with smoked lenses and a pair in clear for this time of year.

Avatar
banzicyclist2 | 11 years ago
0 likes

I get mine from the stores at work for nowt 4

Avatar
Dr_Lex | 11 years ago
0 likes

Let me complete the triumvirate of Bollé recommendations; even if one pays full price for the dry similar Contours, that's half the price of RSPs. If they scratch, break or get lost, then it's no great loss. Available clear, tinted or even yellow - essential kit, IMO.

Avatar
localsurfer replied to Dr_Lex | 11 years ago
0 likes

Another vote for bollé. At work we use them as safety glasses, and wear them all day. Comfortable and high quality, and cheap.

Avatar
Simon E | 11 years ago
0 likes

ebay user wiwuk has loads of the Bolle eyewear from about £2! I have previously bookmarked them after reading a number of recommendations but not got round to buying any yet.

Avatar
jacknorell | 11 years ago
0 likes

Another cheap options is something like the Bolle safety glasses. Even cheaper, and the ESP coating helps with both contrast and glare for low light conditions. Lots of sellers on eBay.

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