Riding glasses are a key part of any mountain biker’s kit, arguably one of the most important. After all, it’s pretty hard to ride without clear vision!
Coast Optics is based in Whistler, BC, and is fully dedicated to designing and producing cycling-specific eyewear. While its products aren’t widely known in Australia just yet, spend any time riding in BC, Canada, and you’ll spot them on the faces of both pros and local riders alike.
There are plenty of options out there, from high-tech, high-price models like the Smith Shift Split Mag ($355 AUD), to low-tech budget picks like classic Bunnings safety glasses (under $5). Coast Optics have found a sweet spot in the middle with its Nita 2 glasses. They pack in solid tech features at a more accessible price point: $127 AUD with just a clear lens, $162 AUD for 1 x clear and 1 x tinted lenses, or $185 AUD for the photochromatic lens option.
Key Features
Coast Optics has focused all its time and energy on a single sunglasses model, but with multiple configurations and two sizes to choose from, there’s plenty of flexibility to dial in both fit and style.
- Colours | Alpen (Tested), Black & Driftwood
- Lens Options | Clear – Filter Cat 0 / VLT 85%, Pink Crystal – Filter Cat 1 / VLT 70%, Black Sun – Filter Cat 3 / VLT 17%, Gold Sun – Filter Cat 3 / VLT 15%, Photochromatic – Filter Cat 0 / VLT 83% & Filter Cat 3 / VLT 15%
- Nose Support | Single position
- Frame | Regular (lens height – 60mm, frame width – 138mm, arm length – 120mm) & XL ( lens height – 70mm, frame width – 140mm, arm length – 120mm)
- Weight | 37g
Lens Options
The Nita 2 glasses are compatible with five different lens options, including a photochromatic lens that automatically adjusts to changing light conditions. All lenses are high definition, cylindrically shaped, anti-fog, scratch resistant and provide 100% UV protection. For our testing, we primarily used the Pink Crystal lens (Filter Cat 1 / VLT 70%) and the photochromatic lens (Filter Cat 0 / VLT 83% in shade, Filter Cat 3 / VLT 15% in full sun). The Pink Crystal was a solid choice for darker settings, similar to a clear lens but with a subtle tint that added a bit of style.
The photochromatic lens, however, really stood out. This type of tech can be hit or miss; if the transition between light settings is too slow or inaccurate, you’re left with the wrong tint at the wrong time.
Fortunately, both on the bike and using our very scientific method, running from a dark room into bright backyard sunlight, the transition proved smooth and seamless. In fact, we had to take the glasses off a couple of times to double-check if they’d actually changed… and they had, every time.
Lens changes are also a breeze despite the full-frame design. It doesn’t take much force to pop the lens out, and the replacements slot in with ease. We’d have no hesitation swapping lenses on the fly before a ride. Which is a big plus, since there’s no point owning multiple lenses if you avoid switching them.
Frame Design and Features
The Nita 2 frame is sleek, well constructed, and as an added bonus, environmentally friendly. It’s made from Bio-TR90, an advanced thermoplastic material that features a 50% bio-based composition. This aligns with Coast Optics’ conscious effort to reduce waste, also reflected in their use of plastic-free packaging. Despite its bio-based build, the frame doesn’t feel flimsy or fragile in the slightest. If we hadn’t mentioned it, you likely wouldn’t even notice it’s not made from more traditional materials.
Even with a full-frame design, Coast Optics has engineered the Nita 2 to avoid any blind spots. The frame doesn’t interfere with your field of vision at all. The viewing area is wide and unobstructed. The arms provide a snug, secure fit that strikes a great balance. Not too tight, not too loose. A real Goldilocks fit. That said, it would be great to see some added adjustability in the arms, similar to what you get with 100% Speedcraft glasses, which feature a flexible section at the ends that can be moulded to fine-tune the fit.
We tested the Nita 2 with the TLD Flowline SL helmet, and the arms slotted neatly into the front vents. In fact, we were even able to descend with the glasses securely mounted on the helmet with no fear of them flying off mid-run.
As for the nose bridge, it comes in a single size that should suit most faces. The rubber is soft and comfortable, and it’s removable and replaceable if needed down the track.
Flow’s Verdict
The Nita 2 glasses offer an impressive range of lens options and frame colours. The tech features areon par with what you’d expect from a high-end, cycling-specific pair of specs, and the pricing is refreshingly reasonable. We really rate that Coast Optics offers multiple packages at different price points, with the most budget-friendly option starting at $127 AUD. They also look great. The bold Alpen (purple) colourway is a bit of an oxymoron, bold, yet somehow still subtle. We’re into it!
