Conference noted::bicycle

     I own a pair of BLADES and FACTORY PILOT EYESHADES. I like 'em.
    Cost? Too expensive. Benefits? They are 100% UV protection, are
    supposed to have optical quality (low distortion), parts are
    replaceable (if you break something) and you'll adhere to the
    "trendy" requirements of outdoor sports! Got to do that!
    
     There are several "IN" sunglasses on the market. They're all over-
    priced and basically provide the same qualities and benefits. Very
    subjective area. But hey, bite the bullet and waste some big bucks
    Almost everyone does. (you're looking down the barrel of $60.00
    - even more for iridium coating ($90+). So dig in. And be cool.
    
    Chip

I agree with JD the more expensive sunglasses don't scratch as easily.
I have a pair of I SKI's that I use as every day sunglasses, and they are over
two years old. No scratches. Now they where only $25, but still more than
cheapies.

< Note 1149.0 by ASPEN2::BOIKO >
                      -< Oakley Sunglasses - Opinions.. >-

Mike,

I've been using Oakley Factory Pilots for years and wouldn't ride without 
them.  The visability in unmatched, wind protection superb.  And the U-V 
protection is such that when I first got them, I immediately noticed I could 
relax my eyes and face, as I no longer had to squint.  And my eyes are VERY 
sensitive to light (I have to wear sunglasses on a cloudy day).  Color 
rendition is very good, too, esp compared to Vuarnet's (or the like) that make 
everything look green/yellow.

So I'd recommend them.  Or something of similar style.  You definitely need 
the wraparound style with unobstructed peripheral vision for biking.  (I got 
hit by a gust of wind yesterday that blew a ton of sand into my face.  Without 
the Oakleys I'm sure I'd have had a serious problem.  With then, all I had to 
do was pick the sand out from between my teeth 8^) 

Kevin

ps. I have popped the earpieces of my Oakleys enough so that they would stay 
on.  I had to put a pin in them (where the hinge wasn't).

    
     I'm also interested in some quality sunglasses to use with my
    contacts. Would you recommend the Factory Pilot's for this ?
    Is there a big difference between retail and mailorder prices ?
    
    Thanks,
        George

< Note 1149.4 by USMFG::GHIGGINS >
                        -< Another Oakley Question... >-

    
>     I'm also interested in some quality sunglasses to use with my
>    contacts. Would you recommend the Factory Pilot's for this ?

Yes.  Superior wind protection (keeps your eyes from drying out).  Tho any 
full wraparound glasses should do.

>    Is there a big difference between retail and mailorder prices ?

I've never seen them advertised at a reduces price.  However, if you check 
some small shops, you may be able to find a deal, since they're pricing and 
don't sell all that well in those shops.  I've gotten several pairs from btw
$25-$39.  Sorry, I've cleaned out my sources.

Kevin

To clarify .2's reference to "agree with JD"  I have a band-aid on my mouse 
trigger finger (run in with a sharp uni-glide) and double-clicked a note 
into-then out of the conference....

Good glasses are only too expensive if:

You scratch them.

You lose them.

If you take care of good glasses, they'll outlast many cheap ones.  Factory 
Pilots are very scratch resistant.   I just throw mine in the back of the car
until the next ride.  No scratches yet.

Razor blades have the same lenses, but are mostly for show.  I've found that 
bugs get sucked into them, and then walked around on the inside of the lens!

I'm not fast enough for Iridiums...

    Re: .5
    
      Thanks, Kevin....

    
    
    When I first saw the price of Oakley's, I thought to myself, "I'd have
    to be NUTS to spend that kind of money on sunglasses"......Last summer
    I went NUTS. I bought a pair of the factory pilot Oakley's. I am VERY
    happy with them, Mostly because all of the parts are replaceable. The
    lenses get scratched (mine havent in a year) you can replace them!
    
    About a month ago, I had them sitting on the front seat of my truck,
    when I gave a large woman a ride home, after she got out, I remembered
    my Oakleys were on the seat......I looked down, and she had sat right
    on THEM!!!!   :-(   the ear piece was busted right off from the lens
    Frame!!!! I was FURIOUS......BUT....8*)...I took a closer look, and I
    could see that the earpiece snaps right back into the lens frame!!!!!
    
    Nobody was happier than me.
    
    They are over-priced, but they are great for cycling, and EXTREMELY
    durable, plus they make anybody look 100 times cooler, dude!!
    
    Albert                                                    

    	I am a contact wearer and own the Oakley SHADES.  These are
    the largest of the Oakleys.  I have no problems with tearing (as
    in dripping eyes) or having my contacts dry out.  The brow pad also
    keeps sweat from running into my eyes.  Good peripheral vision and
    easily interchangeable lenses (for yellow or grey landscape).
    
    
    						Norm

    	Thanks everyone for the advice....
    
    						-mike-

    I justed placed an order with Bike Nashbar and was told the have
    Rhode Gear  sun glasses for $3.00. And a Bell helmet for $23.95,
    I don't remember which Bell since I don't need a helmet.
    Well, I don't need a new one. I do ride wearing a helmet.
     

    Hey wait a minute.....we forgot the Oakley "Frogskins".  I have
    a pair of razor blades for the race and a pair of frogskins for
    after the race.
    
    Actually, I've been racing and training with my Frogskins lately.
     I love 'em.  I also X-C ski race in the winter.  I prefer my blades
    for that.  Seems to have better airflow though them.  You occasionaly
    have a fogging problem on the uphills.
    
    Jim

    
    
    
    Can someone please tell me how to change the lenses on the Blades?
    I got a pair for x-mas and can't figure it out.
    
    Dell-Roy

Hold the frame in the middle at the top and between the nose pieces on the
bottom.  Pull with increasing force until the bottom frame pulls away then work
the lens free from the bottom part first.  Do carefully to prevent scratching.

    
    Thanks for the reply but for some reason I think we're thinking 
    of two different types of Oakley Blades....
    
    Maybe the ones I have are the Razor Blades cause mine don't 
    have a bottom frame. The lens is stuck somehow into the top
    and the nose piece goes on to the lens.
                          
                         [===========]  <- frame
                         |____/ \____|  <- lens
                         
    Can you help with these?
    
    
    
    

Believe it or not they are snap in snap out. The trick is not to break the lens
getting a good grip on it when you snap out the old lens.

Grab the frame at the end where the temple connects and try to pull to the side
and up as you push the lens away and down.    
    
                          <-- =========
                              !___^___!-->

This will help unhook the lens from the frame. It will POP off, so be prepared
to have your hands hit what ever they're aimed at.

I think they made it this hard to swap the lens of theses buggers so you would
by more frames instead.

Also, you could take the Blades to where you got them and have them do it. Then
if it breaks, they can fix it.

Tom