If you’re over 45 and noticing it’s harder to read your cycling computer, phone, or even a café menu after a ride, you’re not alone. This is usually the first sign of presbyopia - the natural, age-related loss of near focusing ability. The good news? There are easy solutions for cyclists, but the key is knowing whether you need magnification (bifocal) cycling glasses or full prescription cycling glasses.

Let’s break it down.

🔎 What Are Magnification Cycling Glasses?

Magnification cycling glasses or bifocal readers have a built-in “reading” section at the bottom of the lens, while the top of the lens remains clear or tinted for distance vision.

They’re ideal if:

• You can still see well at a distance without glasses.

• You only need help with close-up tasks like checking your Garmin, fixing a chain, or reading a map.

• You want a cost-effective, ready-to-wear solution without needing a full prescription.

➡️ Example: A rider in their late 40s who sees the road perfectly fine but struggles to read their bike computer would benefit from bifocal cycling glasses.

👓 What Are Prescription Cycling Glasses?

Prescription cycling glasses are fully customised to your eyes. The entire lens is made to correct your exact prescription, whether that’s for distance, near, or multifocal use.

They’re the right choice if:

• You need distance correction (short-sightedness or long-sightedness).

• You wear prescription glasses day-to-day.

• You want progressive lenses that seamlessly correct both near and distance vision while riding.

➡️ Example: A cyclist who already wears prescription glasses for everyday life will need prescription cycling glasses to ensure clear vision both on and off the bike.

🛠 Which Option Should You Choose?

• Choose Magnification (Bifocal) Glasses if you only need help with close-up vision and otherwise see clearly at distance.

• Choose Prescription Cycling Glasses if you rely on glasses all the time, or if your optometrist has prescribed lenses for distance.

Many cyclists start with bifocal readers in their 40s, then move to prescription lenses later if distance vision also declines.

🚴 Where to Get the Right Pair

At cyclingglasses.com.au, we stock a wide range of bifocal cycling glasses designed for riders over 40.
👉 If you need multifocal or full prescription lenses, check out our sister site eyesports.com.au’s prescription cycling glasses range.

That way, whether you need a little magnification or a full prescription solution, you’ll always ride with clear, comfortable vision.