Testing the Specs 02 photochromic cycling sunglasses from Dirtlej

Patrick Bardelli

16.12.2025

Translation: Natalie McKay

Pictures: Patrick Bardelli

Large field of vision and scratch-resistant, water- and grease-repellent lenses. These are just a few features of the Specs 02 photochromic cycling sunglasses from Dirtlej. I was impressed by them when I tested them – apart from one thing.

There are a few things I need to clear up when it comes to cycling sunglasses. Specifically, the question of why you need glasses at all on a road, gravel or mountain bike when there’s no sunshine. It’s a question I hear again and again. And here are the answers:

The sun always shines during the day, even when it’s cloudy. I’m talking about UV radiation. Glasses also protect you from the wind, preventing eye inflammation. And they ensure no dirt or worse, such as stones from the road or trail, injure your eyes. So the basic rule is: glasses on.

Dirtlej Specs 02

Let’s talk about the weather. If it’s sunny, glasses with category 2 or 3 (or, if necessary, category 4) lenses are used. If it’s cloudy, those with category 0 or 1 lenses are better. And what about when conditions are changeable, or there’s an often changing mix of light and shadow? Then a photochromic model could be the right choice. These lenses adapt to UV radiation and allow more or less light through accordingly.

Like the Specs 02 from Dirtlej. These colour-adaptive glasses are suitable for categories 1 to 3 and allow between 70 and 12.5 per cent of light to pass through. The lenses turn dark or clear accordingly. It’s nicely shown here:

Sporty yet elegant sunglasses

The Specs 02 from Dirtlej boast many impressive features, including a large field of vision and an elegant design. I’m also impressed by the scratch-proof and water-repellent lenses. The oil-repellent layer on the lenses, known as an oleophobic coating, is designed to prevent greasy fingerprints. It’s worked fine so far. There are slight marks, but they don’t bother me when cycling. The manufacturer also states on its website that the lenses take around 25 seconds to darken completely.

I think Dirtlej’s erring on the side of caution here, true to the motto «don’t promise too much». The glasses seem a lot faster when switching from shadow to light and back again. But not at the same speed as my beloved React model, of course. It does this in 0.1 seconds, but also uses a different technology than the colour-adaptive lenses from Dirtlej. And that comes at a price.

With a protection category of 1 to 3 and a light transmission of 70 to 12.5 per cent, the Specs 02 sunglasses really come into their own in changeable to sunny conditions. On a glacier or in bright light on water, however, they quickly reach their limits. This is evident, for example, when I’m cycling on a wet road against the light, and the sun’s rays are reflected on the ground. This doesn’t happen often, but it’s somewhat unpleasant. This is the glasses’ only weakness, plus the fact they have no mount for corrective lenses.

You can find all of Dirtlej’s sports glasses here and models from other brands here.

In a nutshell

Specs 02 from Dirtlej: these photochromic cycling sunglasses are the real deal

The Specs 02 from Dirtlej are almost perfect. They’re lightweight, fit very well and cover a good light spectrum thanks to the photochromic lenses. But they reach their limits when sunlight is reflected in puddles on roads and on paths after a downpour. That’s the only negative thing I have to say about these glasses.

Apart from that, I particularly like the simple design of the 32-gramme model and its wide field of vision. The purchase of these sunglasses also supports Eden: People+Planet, dedicated to causes including forest conservation. The glasses come with a case and a microfibre pouch that doubles as a cleaning cloth.

Pro

• Large field of vision
• Scratch-proof, water- and grease-repellent
• Colour-adaptive
• Simple and elegant design
• Good fit

Contra

• No mount for corrective lenses
• Not so good if there’s glare

Sports glasses

dirtlej Specs 02 Photochromic Cat. 1-3 VLT: 70-12.5%

Black, Black

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Patrick Bardelli

Senior Editor

Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.ch

From radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.

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