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27 Jun 2011
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Reading glasses
I've now got to the point in life where I always have to use my reading glasses, the problem is reading my GPS (GPS60map).
I was thinking about bifocal with the perscription in the lower part and clear glass above.
Any thoughts guys? And can anybody recommend a good frame for wearing with a helmet? Oakley are favourite at the moment but $$$$
Cheers
Pete
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27 Jun 2011
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Pete, Hi.
I long ago passed that point !
I have always used/needed distance glasses. Oddly, my eyes need them less these days but for close reading (and GPS) they do need assistance.
I use varifocal lenses (instead of straight bifocal) which has the advantage of a small 'transition' zone between the two areas, so by slightly tilting my head I can adjust to differering intermediate distances from my eyes. Bifocals are one or the other.
The problem I had with a closed face helmet (or flip front when down) was you have to tilt your head up to utilise the lower bifocal part of lenses and that can bring the faceguard section up and in the line of vision down to the GPS if fitted low down on handlebars.
If that is OK - consider plastic sooner than glass lenses for motorcycling. More expensive, more prone to surface scratching but safer for your eyes in the event of being struck by flying road dirt and stones!
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27 Jun 2011
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Hi Pete,
I fitted these :-
Optx 20/20 HydroTac Lenses Stick-on Reading Bifocal
..to the lower inside of my visor, they slide on with moisture (as you would with transfers), must admit they take trial and error to find the best position.
I bought mine on fleebay from the States for about £20 - could not locate cheaper in UK.
I purchased the same strength as my reading glasses.
As a trial (before purchase), I taped a pair of old lenses on the inside of visor.
To view my G660 I just tilt my head a little backwards.
Maybe an answer - Alec
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28 Jun 2011
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An idea
Hey, i don't know if this will help, but www.gogglemans.com.au might give you abit of choice. I don't wear prescription lens' thus dont know much about them. Worth a look though its a aussie company, outside melbourne.
jessedylan
Bifocal in "lens" tab section thing of page.
Last edited by jessedylan; 28 Jun 2011 at 06:53.
Reason: add info
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28 Jun 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mcgiggle
I've now got to the point in life where I always have to use my reading glasses, the problem is reading my GPS (GPS60map).
I was thinking about bifocal with the perscription in the lower part and clear glass above.
Any thoughts guys? And can anybody recommend a good frame for wearing with a helmet? Oakley are favourite at the moment but $$$$
Cheers
Pete
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I have worn a few different frames for glasses with a helmet; when getting a new pair of glasses I just get the thinnest frame that I can find and "force" them down the side of the helmet lining; currently I am using vari-focal lens. Certainly, bi-focal are an option.
I also use contact lens, which you don't mention - they are ideal for me. Well, the ideal would be 20/20 eyesight but that is not going to happen. I use the 30 day type but take them out after about 2 weeks for cleaning. One eye is good for distance vision and the other is used for reading - it works!! My brain makes the adjustment, according to the optician 
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Cheers guys, I'm off to do practical homework 
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28 Jun 2011
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I have had this probelm for the last 10 years and it is getting progressively worse. There are no easy answers I am afraid.
1. Magnifying sheets need to be held above the item to be magnified - therefore no good.
2. Bifocals are a struggle and I really only use them for watching TV in bed (long distance section to see the pictures and reading section to read the subtitles - weird isn't it?)
3. I don't use a visor so that won't work either.
Even if I could see the GPS screen properly withour assistance it becomes irrelevant in bright sunlit conditons as the screen completely washes out. The only real answer for me is to use a GPS with an headset jack and plug in my helmet mounted speakers to hear the spoken instructions - either that or stop regularly and pull out the reading glasses to see where you are / how far to the next turn, etc..
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28 Jun 2011
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I agree totally, this is a new problem for me and it's already driving me insane, the headset is no use i'm affaid as I don't have satnav it's just line of site and compass readings, I can see the compass (sort of) but when I stop to add the next town/city or read what's on the screen on the move I can't.
It's something I need to get my head around obviously but no less frustrating.
I'm pretty fit in my mid 40's, cycle 150 miles a week (London to Brighton last week), eat well and look after myself but the eyes I have to live with it seems!
Cheers for the replies
Pete
Quote:
Originally Posted by farqhuar
I have had this probelm for the last 10 years and it is getting progressively worse. There are no easy answers I am afraid.
1. Magnifying sheets need to be held above the item to be magnified - therefore no good.
2. Bifocals are a struggle and I really only use them for watching TV in bed (long distance section to see the pictures and reading section to read the subtitles - weird isn't it?)
3. I don't use a visor so that won't work either.
Even if I could see the GPS screen properly withour assistance it becomes irrelevant in bright sunlit conditons as the screen completely washes out. The only real answer for me is to use a GPS with an headset jack and plug in my helmet mounted speakers to hear the spoken instructions - either that or stop regularly and pull out the reading glasses to see where you are / how far to the next turn, etc..
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29 Jun 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mcgiggle
I've now got to the point in life where I always have to use my reading glasses, the problem is reading my GPS (GPS60map).
... ...
Any thoughts guys?
... ...
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having the same troubles myself, Pete. 
I almost have too sit on the top-box, to see any detail on the satnav.
I have seen these RamMount attachments, and they look the business ... maybe ?
here in £
RAM Mount UK
or here in $
Gps Magnifier For Ram Mounts P/n Ram-mag-1u - Sport and Outdoor - Shopping.com
looks like a fancy magnifying glass, but just might do the job.
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29 Jun 2011
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29 Jun 2011
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Liking this set up but not the price, i'll try and cobble something together to see if it works for me before I shell out £35!
Some of the perspex sheet mentioned in previous post at a couple of quid and some gaffer tape should get me a similar setup to try for a few miles.
Nice one chaps 
Pete
Quote:
Originally Posted by super10
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30 Jun 2011
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I want to see clearly but also to have both sun and wind protection.
Have a look on eBay for bifocal sunglasses such as these. I've bought a couple of pairs from eBay at less than £20 including p&p. Cheap as chips, wrap around sports glass style.
The other alternative is to use expensive prescription bifocal/varifocal glasses but mount flip-up sunglasses on the front (from Decathlon). Not the most stylish solution but effective.
However... depending upon where the SatNav is mounted you probably won't want a reading glass prescription. I need +2.5 for reading but my Zumo is mounted above the dials and I only need +1.5 for that distance.
Tim
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I recently bought a pair of bifocal shades from boots, very light tint and 2+ for reading my zumo. worked really well on a rcecent 3wk trip. £13
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30 Jun 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Cullis
I want to see clearly but also to have both sun and wind protection.
Have a look on eBay for bifocal sunglasses such as these. I've bought a couple of pairs from eBay at less than £20 including p&p. Cheap as chips, wrap around sports glass style.
Tim |
How do you find the sunglasses work Tim? My experience is that in poor light conditions (such as when wearing sunglasses) my close range vision becomes even worse due to the lack of contrast.
If they worked for you I may well invest in a pair.
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