Negotiating technical sections of road whilst checking a smart computer display can be difficult. Whilst smart bike computers are undoubtedly useful, the Zenith Pro HUD (Heads-up display) sports glasses display key ride metrics and information cyclists need on the inside face of the lenses.
These are a stylish, lightweight pair of sunglasses that are packed with tech. The high-end lenses use a HUD display, allowing riders to view their metrics directly through the lenses. Open-air speakers and a bone-conducting microphone also allow riders to communicate with each other using the system.
Subtly placing ride information into a cyclist's field of vision means less time looking down at a smart computer screen, and a safer, easier, more immersive ride experience. It goes without saying, riders need to see the road and what’s approaching. The display metrics are unobtrusive, appearing in the periphery, and can be customised to each cyclist's demands using the accompanying app.
A large amount of technology is packed into the lightweight and sleek HUD Sports Glasses. Their weight and overall styling belie the huge amount of tech built into them. Gone are the days of overly bulky HUD-style glasses; the Zenith Pro HUD sports glasses blend style and substance into a stylish package.
The Zenith Pro HUD sports glasses have an RRP of $459 and are compatible with systems from Garmin, Strava, Hammerhead and Shimano Di2, allowing data from them to be shown on the HUD display.
Riders can integrate the Zenith Pros into their existing road or gravel tech ecosystem; the sunglasses pair with existing hardware and add another layer of technical input for a rider. Assisting with navigational alerts, heart rate metrics, or rear vehicle alert information whilst the rider focuses on the road ahead.
The sunglasses use a tempered glass waveguide lens to project your metrics a distance into the field of vision when you ride. The information adds to the visual picture a rider already has, never distracting, but adding extra information to make a ride safer, more engaging and more enjoyable.
Over sixty data metrics can be added to the display, which can be customised in the Cybersight app or by connecting via Bluetooth to a bike computer. The HUD can also be toggled on and off if a rider wants to ride without it.
Time, speed, ascent, heart rate, and the route you are riding can all be displayed. Cyclists will be familiar with navigating an unknown descent that’s fast and technical. Glancing down at a computer to try to gauge an upcoming corner can be tricky; having an extra map route or alerts to view via your sunglasses can help keep you safer and more in control.
Garmin rear radar taillights can also be paired to the system and integrated with the Zenith Pro HUD sports glasses display. This feature provides riders with updates on the number of vehicles approaching from behind on the road as well as their distance from the rider.
This feature also means you can keep your eyes on the road, and not your computer, as you train, which will keep you safer on the open road as well as their distance from the rider. Whilst Zenith Pro can reduce the need to look down at a separate display, it does not replace rider awareness or road judgement.
The ‘Squad Comms’ feature also lets riders communicate with each other on the road by taking advantage of the built-in open-ear speakers and bone conduction microphone, which is located in the nose bridge of the glasses.
This combination means riders can speak to and hear each other at speeds of up to 40km/h. As well as being a downright fun feature, this tech will help keep riders safe and aware of hazards and incidents out on the road.
Before the high-end tech is added, cycling sunglasses need to look after the wearer. Aviation-grade magnesium alloy is used for the Zenith Pro frame, which helps achieve a superlight overall weight of just 39 grams per pair. Three lens options are available to provide riders with the perfect tool for every weather scenario. Purple, Silver and photochromic lenses deliver crystal clear optics every time. The photochromic lenses have been upgraded. They adapt from 75% VLT (Category 1) at dawn to 16% VLT (Category 3) at dusk. VLT refers to visible light transmission; a higher percentage allows more light through when needed; this number then reduces in brighter and more intense sunlight, making for an excellent pair of lenses for a wide range of conditions.
The lenses are interchangeable, and as high-end cycling optics, they are anti-scratch and fog-resistant, whilst offering high levels of impact and UV protection.
The HUD and audio tech are powered by a lithium battery, which is USB-C rechargeable. A full charge takes just 90 minutes, and total battery life is 8 hours. An IP54 rating also ensures the glasses are protected from dust and moisture.
Lens display information is shown in a monochrome green colour; display brightness can be adjusted to suit in the Zenith Pro app, where riders can also customise the metrics displayed on the heads-up display.
The system is compatible with iOS, Android, Strava, Garmin, Shimano Di2 and Hammerhead systems as well as smart radar and tail lights, which means riders will be alerted to potential hazards instantly. The tech integration on offer allows users to seamlessly incorporate the Zenith Pros with their cycling hardware.
Cycling technology is constantly evolving, and whilst efforts have been made to produce HUD glasses in years gone by, the Zenith Pro shades are ushering in a new era for the tech-focused performance cyclist.
