BMX race and MTB goggles, replacement lenses

Why wear goggles for BMX and mountain biking?

At the start of a BMX race, riders set off in a bunch and the rear wheel of the rider in front throws dirt and stones up to face height. In downhill mountain biking, add branches, dust on dry trails and the tears that the wind brings on at high speed. Goggles answer all three threats: their foam hugs the face and keeps dust out, their lens covers the whole field of vision and their wide strap holds them on the helmet, even in a crash. Glasses, lighter and better ventilated, let more dust in from the sides.

The lens: tint, contrast and anti-fog

The lens, usually made of polycarbonate, resists impacts. Its tint is chosen according to the light:

• Clear lens: for woodland, floodlit tracks in the evening and rainy days, when a dark lens would hide roots and holes.
• Tinted or iridium lens: for bright sunshine, on an open BMX track or a high-altitude bike park; the mirror coating reflects some of the light.
• Contrast-enhancing lens: it brings out the relief of the ground when the light keeps changing, between shade and sun.

To fight fogging, look for a lens with an anti-fog treatment on its inner face, a vented frame and a foam that absorbs sweat. Some goggles refer to EN 1938, the European standard for motorcyclists' goggles. Many models come with a second lens, often clear, and accept replacement lenses sold individually.

Tear-offs and roll-offs: keeping your vision in the mud

A tear-off is a clear film hooked onto posts on each side of the lens. Several films are stacked and the rider pulls off the top one in one movement when mud blurs their vision: a simple solution, popular in racing. A roll-off system winds a continuous film from one canister to the other across the lens, using a pull cord: it suits soaking wet days, when you would otherwise have to clean the lens every lap. Check that your goggles have the posts or mounts needed before buying these accessories.

Choosing goggles to suit your helmet and face

With a full face helmet, the goggles slip into the opening provided under the peak: a frame that is too wide hits the edges and presses on the nose. With an open mountain bike helmet, the strap goes around the back of the shell; some goggles are designed for this use, with a frame that is more open at the top. A strap lined with silicone grips the helmet better, and multi-density foam seals without pressure points. If you wear prescription glasses, choose a model designed to fit over the frames. Young riders need a smaller frame, in proportion to a kids' helmet.

For care, rinse the lens with clean water and dry it by dabbing with a soft cloth: rubbing the inside wears away the anti-fog treatment.

The helmet and kit that go with your goggles

Goggles are chosen together with the BMX helmet, whose opening sets the width of the frame. BMX race jerseys, BMX race pants and BMX gloves complete the race kit, all found in BMX gear.

Which goggle brands should you choose?

Pit Viper, a Utah brand known for its sunglasses with bold colours and frames, has extended its style to goggles: the Brapstrap, designed for motocross and mountain biking, takes a removable nose guard.

Airflaps, a French invention by Serge Gisquière developed with motocross world champion Frédéric Bolley, sticks on each side of the opening of a full face helmet: a press of the finger lifts the goggles and lets air in to clear the fog.

Shot Race Gear, a French motocross and BMX kit maker, offers its Core, Lite, Iris 2.0 and Assault 2.0 goggles, the Iris taking tear-off films, as well as the Rocket 2.0 for kids.

POC, a Swedish protection brand, developed the lens of its Ora Clarity goggles with Carl Zeiss to bring out the browns and greens of the trails; the Zygon completes the range.

Giro, a Californian helmet and eyewear brand, fits the Dropline with a quick-change lens system, also offered in a roll-off version, and gives the Tazz a wider field of vision and cut-outs for prescription glasses.

Fox Racing, an American brand born in motocross, designed the Purevue for open mountain bike helmets: a frame widely open at the top, a removable nose guard and a silicone-lined strap; the Vue Max adds to the range.

Goggles on sale and new arrivals

Colours and lenses from previous ranges move to BMX clearance, and the latest goggles listed to new arrivals. Think of Black Friday to add a replacement lens or a second pair of goggles to your race bag.

Frequently asked questions

Goggles or glasses for BMX?

With a full face helmet, on a race track or on dirt jumps, goggles protect better: they keep dirt out and stay in place in a crash. Glasses suit freestyle BMX with a skate-style helmet, where flying debris is rare.

Can you wear goggles with an open mountain bike helmet?

Yes, many enduro riders do. The strap goes behind the shell and the goggles sit under the raised peak. Some models are designed for this use, with wider ventilation on top.

How do you stop goggles from fogging up?

Choose a lens with an anti-fog treatment and a breathable foam, do not rub the inside of the lens and avoid pushing the goggles up onto your forehead during breaks, where they build up heat and sweat. A vent kit fitted to the helmet helps clear them while riding.

Are there BMX goggles for kids?

Yes, several brands offer smaller frames, suited to young riders' full face helmets. Avoid adult goggles that are too wide: they move in the helmet opening and let dirt in.

Are ski goggles suitable for mountain biking or BMX?

They are not made for it: their thick foam and lens, designed for the cold, ventilate poorly, and fog appears quickly during effort. Their frame also rarely fits the opening of a full face bike helmet.