Whistler-based start up Coast Optics’s Nita 2 glasses are the second generation of their understated eyewear designed in mecca of mountain biking.
Can a Canadian start up compete with the big dogs when it comes to mountain biking eyewear? Pete has been finding out as he puts the Coast Optics Nita 2 glasses through the ringer.
Photos by Pete Scullion.
Key features:
- Biodegradable Bio-TR90 frame
- Changeable high definition cylindrical, anti-fog and anti-scratch lens
- 100% UV Protection
- Ultra-Grip rubber nose and temple tips
- Black, Driftwood and Alpen colours
- Clear, Pink Crystal, Black Sun, Gold Sun and Photochromatic lenses available
- £61.00 RRP
- CoastOptics.ca
Even in the violet-blue ‘Alpen’ frames, the Coast Optics Nita 2 glasses are understated. The Whistler outfit choosing to focus on performance rather than go for gawdy looks. Made from recycled materials, they’re also not just another piece of plastic in the system either.
The Nita 2s sport a biodegradable thermoplastic frame made from Bio-TR90. This plastic is known for its flexibility, low weight and strength. Frames sit 138mm wide and are plenty wide enough for my massive loaf. The arms are relatively short at 120mm which means they’ll not get snarled up in your helmet, but they’re long enough to stay put. Rubberised arm tips and nose piece keep things snug and comfy.
With dappled light a regular occurrence here in Scotland, I opted quite quickly to swap the clear lens (Filter Cat 0 / VLT 85%) out for the Pink Crystal (Filter Cat 1 / VLT 70%) that helped ease the contrast between the light and dark spots without making me feel like I was in a coal mine. Changing lenses is easy with a quick pull apart of the upper and lower frame, pull the lens out of the slot and clip the new one in. All lens options bar the Photochromatic lens come with a spare clear lens.
Field of view is excellent despite the full frame, and anyone looking for more can opt for the Nita 2’s bigger brother, the Nita XL which has, as the name suggests, a much larger lens and front frame to suit larger heads or those looking for a larger field of view. They do come in at the same price and are otherwise identical to the Nita 2 in dimensions.
Out on the bike, regardless of the swathe of helmets the Nitas have experienced, I soon forgot I was wearing them. Usually a good sign. They’ve been stuffed in bags, left in the back of the van, been through a few winter storms and barely look like they’ve been out of the box. I have yet to find a situation where they steam up too, and unlike most glasses, they don’t direct the sweat straight into my eyes.
What do we think?
Coast Optics have designed an inexpensive, lightweight, durable, sustainable pair of riding glasses that don’t make you look like a gomper. Chicken dinner.
We love:
- Lightweight
- Great looks
- Will go the distance
- Sustainable
Could do better:
- Nowt
