Reading glasses while riding

[Gryphon Rider]

For my whole riding career, when I'm on a trip, I've used road maps behind the clear plastic of the map pocket of my tank bag.  I'm now getting to be of an age when I can see the gauges and the road ahead well enough, but not the fine print on my maps.  Has anyone used half-rim reading glasses while riding?  How has that worked out for you?  I wear a full-face helmet with a Transitions shield, so wind or sun aren't issues.

[G-Man]

For my whole riding career, when I'm on a trip, I've used road maps behind the clear plastic of the map pocket of my tank bag.  I'm now getting to be of an age when I can see the gauges and the road ahead well enough, but not the fine print on my maps.  Has anyone used half-rim reading glasses while riding?  How has that worked out for you?  I wear a full-face helmet with a Transitions shield, so wind or sun aren't issues.

I'm good during the day but at night, I can't see the gauges. 

Transparency:  Been wearing corrective lenses (glasses-contacts) since age 3.  Even wore glasses over contacts for a while.  About 7 or 8 years ago I developed a cataract and I had the inner lens of both eyes swapped out for corrective ones and had radial keratotomy done at the same time.  I can now function through daily life with no glasses.  My vision does decrease a little in low light, near is affected more than far.

I found a company called Pantoptx, now 7EYE, that sells great eyewear for riding.  I had lenses made for them so I can see crystal clear at night whether near or far as they are "bifocal" (for distance and gauges (computer length) and they are also transitions.   

[DIGGER]

when riding I usually wear sunglasses.   I go to a welding supply shop and buy some sunglasses/safety glasses that have a small bifocal area at the bottom.    They have them in boxes with different strength bifocals   I get the 250 strength bifocal     They work great and are very good sunglasses to boot.  and they are only $10 a pair

[hubcapsc]

I need reading glasses. I hate to wear them to the kitchen,
I'd really hate to wear them while riding...

I study my whacky complex backroads routes ahead of time,
and add them to my BFGPS... I don't have to read any
little words, just look down often enough to see that
the "you are here" icon is still on the blue line   ...



-Mike

[DIGGER]

at the welding shop they probly have clear safety glasses with bifocal also. 

[Jess from VA]

Gryph, you didn't say, do you wear regular glasses (like for distance only).

I do, but I need bi/tri focals for close up.  But I don't like driving/riding with them (esp at night).

I've always used maps like you do (on trips), but now I make my own, and make them eye friendly larger.

But I rely more on turn-point notes, than the map (L US 50, 37miles; R 12, 3miles,)  On the IS, you can reset your #2 tripmeter at turns, so you know when the 37 miles turn on Route 12 is coming up.  

But if I hit reserve, I reset my #2 trip so I have a gas gauge for 30+ miles, instead of the blinky thing.  

Those cheater magnifiers aren't expensive, you could try looking over them riding.

[scooperhsd]

Couple of solutions depending on what you want.
Disclosure - I've been using distance vision glasses since age 11, and bifocals since age 45 (I'm now 60).

Daylight on the bike - I have a pair of prescription straight bifocal sunglasses, and for night / not so bright / inside, progressive bifocals that are clear. I do have some clipon sunglass that will fit these if I would prefer. I used to use Transitions, but they don't work inside cars with UV protection on the windows , so I ended up with what I use now.

Honestly - get a pair of prescription bifocals, even if the distance correction is nearly zero.

Something else - hubcapsc touched on - maybe its time to consider a motorcycle GPS . One that is truly designed for motorcycle use IS waterproof. You can of course find solutions that will let you use a car GPS on the bike in wet weather, but you would still need to run power cable (ideally to the accessory terminal). But you will probably spend as much on getting this properly setup as you would for a motorcycle GPS. And Motorcycle GPS has features you can't get with the car GPS - I can use Bluetooth to listen to audio programming and road instructions, and even take  / make phone calls with my cell phone with my Sena series 10 headset.

[J.Mencalice]

Get thee to an ophthalmologist.

[SCain]

Walmart, in the fishing section, they have polarized sunglasses with readers. That is all I wear while I am riding, the polarized keep me from getting my eyes sunburned and the readers help me see my GPS.
Man is sucks getting older.

I think Smokin Joe turned me on to these many years ago.

[Daniel Meyer]

I get ANSI rated wrap-around safety glasses (not goggles) in clear or tinted, with my selection of readers in an insert/bifocal. 2.0 for me....

They're cheap, effective, and last fairly long time...

[Daniel Meyer]

My last order...
Encon Veratti 2000 Bifocal Safety Glasses With Clear Lens (Bifocal Strength: +2.00) 5777003   $6.05
Encon Veratti 2000 Bifocal Safety Glasses With Gray Lens (Bifocal Strength: +2.00) 5777013   $6.20

https://www.safetyglassesusa.com/

[scooperhsd]

Man is sucks getting older.

It beats the alternative ....

[carolinarider09]

I know its not a direct answer to your question but here is what I do.

I had to start using glasses some 20 years ago.  Not a lot of correction but some was needed I was told after a trip to the ophthalmologist.  I also needed some help reading fine print.  

So, I got a pair or standard bifocals.  They were ok for normal stuff but on the bike, with the bifocals set for 7 - 8 " (not exactly sure but that's what I remember from the last trip) I could no longer easily read the GPS which was about 20" away.

I went back to the ophthalmologist and, he being the guy he was, we discussed my needs. What we did was have the lower part of the bifocals set for about 20" which means I can easily read the GPS and see the gauges and see the road clearly.  

The next step was to handle issues at work which meant reading a computer screen and then looking at text in a book or document.  The solution was to get a pair of glasses just for that purpose.  I call them my "computer glasses".  Main part set for 20 inches, lower part set for 7 - 8 " for reading text.  

Works fine.  Cost more but I have not been really thrilled about trying progressive lanes.  

[scooperhsd]

I know its not a direct answer to your question but here is what I do.

I had to start using glasses some 20 years ago.  Not a lot of correction but some was needed I was told after a trip to the ophthalmologist.  I also needed some help reading fine print. 

So, I got a pair or standard bifocals.  They were ok for normal stuff but on the bike, with the bifocals set for 7 - 8 " (not exactly sure but that's what I remember from the last trip) I could no longer easily read the GPS which was about 20" away.

I went back to the ophthalmologist and, he being the guy he was, we discussed my needs. What we did was have the lower part of the bifocals set for about 20" which means I can easily read the GPS and see the gauges and see the road clearly. 

The next step was to handle issues at work which meant reading a computer screen and then looking at text in a book or document.  The solution was to get a pair of glasses just for that purpose.  I call them my "computer glasses".  Main part set for 20 inches, lower part set for 7 - 8 " for reading text. 

Works find.  Cost more but I have not been really thrilled about trying progressive lanes. 

God yes - I forgot about my "computer glasses". When I was working fulltime doing IT support, I had a set of glasses made up that were perfect at the end of my arms (where I usually put monitors / display devices), 6 inches closer and maybe 12-18 inches past. Really only good for work at a cubicle. Could not drive with them on (safely). But they were a perfect tool for what I bought them for.

[pais]

I've been using a paper map in my tank bags since '83. Low and behold over the last 5-6 yrs. its become impossible to see said map. I go to the local print shop and have map enlarged then cut layers of the map to fit the tank bag.
You can find sunglasses with readers quite easily these days. The fishing glasses in WallyWorld I've been buying for years. Quite a bargain for being Polarized. Just last year I realized they are available with readers. Top it off they are not the stick on magnifiers, which many are and those are annoying. This combo works well for me.

[Jersey mike]

Thanks for this post. I never thought they made sunglasses with reader built in, this could be a game changer for sure. My up close vision has been going down hill the past few years but I can see see for miles without any help.

Nighttime vision is another issue, it isn’t what it was either but I don’t ride too much at night.

[Gryphon Rider]

I had my eyes lasered about 15 years ago, so I had excellent uncorrected vision then, and my vision is still sharp at a distance of three feet or farther.  I don't want sunglasses because with my Transitions shield everything would be too dark unless the landscape around me were snow-covered on a sunny day.  I'd like to not have to be looking through another lens as I look ahead, and I'd rather not have to have my reading glasses on the tip of my nose or have to tilt my head down in order to be able to see over them.  I want to be able to shift my eyes down, read my map, and shift my eyes up without looking through the top of the lens.

[G-Man]

I had my eyes lasered about 15 years ago, so I had excellent uncorrected vision then, and my vision is still sharp at a distance of three feet or farther.  I don't want sunglasses because with my Transitions shield everything would be too dark unless the landscape around me were snow-covered on a sunny day.  I'd like to not have to be looking through another lens as I look ahead, and I'd rather not have to have my reading glasses on the tip of my nose or have to tilt my head down in order to be able to see over them.  I want to be able to shift my eyes down, read my map, and shift my eyes up without looking through the top of the lens.

Sounds like you just need riding glasses with no correction up top and readers, or computer distance on the bottom.

Get a pair of glasses that are large and you won't have to move your head or eyes any more than usual. The "looking over" the reader part will become natural after a while unless you ride with your head tilted back.

[Toledo Mark]

I buy safety glasses with readers.


https://www.amazon.com/DeWalt-DPG59-120D-Reinforcer-SAFETY-Glasses/dp/B071KQFV39/ref=sr_1_15?crid=S1DW8UHI4SNQ&dchild=1&keywords=safety+glasses+with+readers+2.0&qid=1614369007&sprefix=safety+glasses+with+readers%2Caps%2C201&sr=8-15

[msb]

I want to be able to shift my eyes down, read my map, and shift my eyes up without looking through the top of the lens.

GR...since your general eyesight for seeing the road is good, like someone else here mentioned... perhaps a proper bluetooth GPS is your answer? "shifting eyes down...then up" to read your maps with an increasing lack of focus or through bifocals sounds kinda scary. If you make Valhalla this year, please don't ride behind me  

Or you can just do what I do...don't use any maps or GPS and just hope you're on the right route. After realizing you've been on the wrong one for 3 or 4 hours, turn around and expereince that road from the other lane

[hubcapsc]

on the wrong one for 3 or 4 hours, turn around and expereince that road from the other lane

Never turn around, keep going and start trying to correct by taking the next right or left,
whichever is appropriate!

-Mike

[msb]

on the wrong one for 3 or 4 hours, turn around and expereince that road from the other lane

Never turn around, keep going and start trying to correct by taking the next right or left,
whichever is appropriate!

-Mike

lol... ya, except up here once you get out of town, in many cases the next Right or Left turn may be further than the 3 - 4 hours down the road, and then it wouldn't connect either.

Seriously though, without GPS or following routes on a tank bag map, my John Hartford "here I go... down that wrong road again..." approach over the years has led to some wonderful roads and places however unintentional they may have been, that we never would have discovered otherwise.

[Jess from VA]

I've done that a few times where the road becomes gravel, then rutted and potholed dirt and mud, then a field where you are lucky if you can even turn around.

It's not so bad by yourself, but it you have guys with you they are liable to get animated and express strong opinions about your ancestry. 

I'm pretty good on a dirt bike, and pretty good on a Valk, but I'm still working on my ability to motocross my Valks.

[3fan4life]

on the wrong one for 3 or 4 hours, turn around and expereince that road from the other lane

Never turn around, keep going and start trying to correct by taking the next right or left,
whichever is appropriate!

-Mike

That explains a lot! 


Following you around is always an adventure.

But what fun is life without adventures?

[3fan4life]

I've done that a few times where the road becomes gravel, then rutted and potholed dirt and mud, then a field where you are lucky if you can even turn around.

It's not so bad by yourself, but it you have guys with you they are liable to get animated and express strong opinions about your ancestry. 

I'm pretty good on a dirt bike, and pretty good on a Valk, but I'm still working on my ability to motocross my Valks.

When we've had a bunch of rain (like we have recently) it can be a dirt bike experience getting mine out of the backyard.

I've always been pretty good with a dirt bike too.

Dirt biking with a 900lb bike certainly gets your attention though.

[F6BANGER]

I wear transition progressive lens. They work great for me. Im blind in one eye and cant see out the other... HA

[Jess from VA]

I've done that a few times where the road becomes gravel, then rutted and potholed dirt and mud, then a field where you are lucky if you can even turn around.

It's not so bad by yourself, but it you have guys with you they are liable to get animated and express strong opinions about your ancestry.  

I'm pretty good on a dirt bike, and pretty good on a Valk, but I'm still working on my ability to motocross my Valks.

When we've had a bunch of rain (like we have recently) it can be a dirt bike experience getting mine out of the backyard.

I've always been pretty good with a dirt bike too.

Dirt biking with a 900lb bike certainly gets your attention though.

Says the guy who lead 50 of us up and down a rutted muddy road in the woods for 20 miles.  

This thing has to come out on some paved road somewhere..... eventually.  

Maybe we should stop and ask for directions.  Who we gonna ask, a squirrel?  


(EDIT: Mark, you know I'm just kidding around here, and mean no offense.)

[Jess from VA]

On a related eyeglass subject, I just got done doing some minor surgery on my everyday Varilux progressive trifocals.

The nose pieces (on wire rims) no longer apparently just push in, they screw in.  With the freekin tiniest screws known to man.  One of the nose pieces on my everyday pair fell off, and I've been wearing them without it.  It works OK, except the fit is subpar and my eyelashes on that side keep rubbing greasy streaks on that side's lens.  So I decided to cannibalize a nose piece from my backup pair to the everyday pair.  

First I find my tiny watch tools, but the screws are so tiny I can't even see if they are flat or phillips heads, wearing my backup pair.  So then I have to find my big magnifying glass, which takes awhile.  So they're flat heads and need the tiniest screwdriver I have.  And even with one pair of current prescription Varilux on under direct light, I can't see well enough detail to work.  So I need three hands to do the work and hold the magnifying glass.  

All done, and only a half hour to do a one minute job.   

Remember the forger in The Great Escape?  (he went blind)

[msb]

Remember the forger in The Great Escape?  (he went blind)

Still one of the Greatest movies ever...I thought him and James Garner were gonna make it for sure...they had the best plan

[Jess from VA]

Yes, my all time favorite movie.    (though really I have a top 10 or so; like Ben Hur)

Except that shtick where the German plane suddenly won't fly and an experienced pilot (Garner) is clueless was ..... shtick.   And he was flying at very low altitude, which he wouldn't have been.

And when McQueen is running back and forth from the German army on his German Triumph TR6 as they close in..... if he'd got off sooner, he'd had time to make it through the wire.  But then no famous jump.  

My favorite bit is Bronson and Coburn hiding out with the Russian prisoners, and Bronson tells him about the Russian words for I love you.   Coburn is incredulous, and Bronson tells him.... well, I wasn't planning on using it myself.