Stay updated on our latest promotions by subscribing to our email list. Get exclusive offers straight to your inbox!
If you’re over 40 and noticing it’s harder to read your cycling computer, phone, or GPS while riding — you’re not alone. As our eyes age, near vision becomes harder to maintain, a condition known as presbyopia.
The good news? There are two great options for correcting this while cycling: bifocal and progressive lenses. But which one is right for you?
Let’s break it down.
Bifocal cycling glasses have two distinct optical zones:
Top section: for distance vision (road, traffic, trail)
Small lower segment: for near tasks (reading a bike computer, map, or phone)
At cyclingglasses.com.au, we use round-segment bifocals that are discreet, sport-specific, and placed low enough to stay out of the way while riding, but close enough to glance through when needed.
✅ Simple and functional
✅ Easy to use — no adjustment period
✅ Affordable and durable
✅ Great for occasional near vision needs
➖ Visible lens segment
➖ Fixed focal zones (no smooth transition between near/intermediate/distance)
Progressive lenses, also known as multifocals, offer a smooth gradient of power from top to bottom:
Top: distance
Middle: intermediate (e.g., dash, mid-range vision)
Bottom: near (reading)
They don’t have visible segments, which gives them a more modern look and feel — but this comes with trade-offs when cycling.
✅ Seamless vision across all distances
✅ No visible lens lines
✅ Useful for all-day wear (on and off the bike)
➖ Can take time to adapt
➖ Peripheral distortion at the edges (not ideal for dynamic head movements)
➖ Not always optimised for an aggressive riding posture
Here’s the reality: bifocals tend to be better suited for on-bike use, especially if you:
Just need to read your Garmin, phone, or map occasionally
Want something simple and effective
Prefer quick adaptation and minimal distortion
Progressives, on the other hand, are better if you:
Also want to use your glasses off the bike
Are already used to wearing progressives
Need more intermediate correction (e.g., touring, slower-paced cycling)
For most of our customers, especially those over 40 who just need occasional near-vision help while riding, round-segment bifocals (like our XplorRx® range) strike the perfect balance between clarity, comfort, and performance.
They pair beautifully with photochromic lenses, so they adapt to changing light while offering vision correction exactly where you need it — and stay out of your way when you don’t.
If you're after a true progressive (multifocal) option with prescription, check out our sister store at Eyesports.com.au. We offer custom-built XplorRx® multifocal cycling glasses, crafted for performance and clarity across all distances — perfect for riders who need tailored correction both on and off the bike.
Both lens types have their place — it all depends on how you ride and what kind of correction you need.
🚴 Ready to find your perfect match? Explore our photochromic bifocal cycling glasses or get in touch for personalised advice on your next ride-ready setup.
