Hello! It’s Da.
Last month, after work, we Circles staff went on an overnight ride to Kyoto.
I was really looking forward to it—so much so that I had all my gear packed and ready to go on my day off last week. I felt exactly like a child before a school field trip🎒
The ride from Nagoya to Kyoto is about 150km.
I’ve done rides of the same distance before, but once the day arrived, the midnight hour and the cold air started making me feel anxious about whether I could really make it.
To help lift my spirits, I decided to buy an item I’d had my eye on for a while and put it to the test on this ride.
SMITH Sliders
SMITH Sliders
Colors: Matte Olive Oil / Matte Black / Snowburst / Electric Supernova
Frame: Evolve™ bio-based frame material
Lens: Chromapop™ Lens
Included: 3 sets of lenses, 2 types of nose rubber, dedicated soft case
Price: 28,600 yen (tax included)
I’d been looking for oval-shaped sunglasses with that 90s vibe for a long time, but I couldn’t find any that matched my budget or nose pad preferences, and I was about to give up. That’s when I came across the "SMITH Sliders," and I knew right away they were the ones.
The original "Slider 01" model is said to have changed the world of sunglasses in the 90s. Its patented "dual lens exchange system" was revolutionary, allowing you to swap out multiple lenses in a single pair of sunglasses, and it quickly became a hit with outdoor enthusiasts.
Now, to commemorate Smith’s 60th anniversary, this legendary pair of sunglasses has been updated with modern technology and design, making its way back to us.
Available in four frame colors, they come with two additional CHROMAPOP™ lenses (CP Low Light Copper and Clear) so you can handle any environment. The frames are made from lightweight, durable Evolve™ bio-based material.
Also, two types of Asian-fit nose pads are included. (Cool-looking frames often don’t fit me because the nose bridge is too low, so being able to adjust the fit with the pads is a really great feature for me personally.)
With all these accessories, it feels like a great deal, but how are they in practice?
I’ll share my review of how they performed during my midnight ride to Kyoto using these fresh-out-of-the-box sunglasses👇
Starting from Circles. The time is midnight.
Sunglasses purchased and ready to go.
Everyone was starving, so we set off in search of a late-night meal!
Since it was night, I started with the "Low Light Copper" lens.
I was torn between that and the Clear lens, but I figured the Low Light Copper would protect my eyes from bright lights like car headlights while still keeping the visibility clear enough without being too dark.
It feels slightly dark because it cuts out excess light, but since we were riding tens of kilometers until sunrise, I actually felt less fatigued and more comfortable with it on. (It even gives streetlights a kind of mellow, dreamy vibe.)
6:00 AM. Changing lenses at sunrise🌅
We rolled into Maibara City, Shiga, and everyone was starting to show signs of sleepiness and exhaustion. Just as our energy levels were peaking, we took a long break and the sun began to rise, so I swapped to the other lenses💫
The morning sun is brutal when you haven't slept... so I swapped to the Brown lenses. They protect my eyes from the sunlight, of course, but the wrap-around design also shields my face from dust and tiny insects that fly toward me. It’s a huge help since I often get debris in my eyes while riding.
The sun was up, and the sunglasses were a lifesaver☀️
Also, we were so grateful for the warmth of the sun hitting our chilled bodies.
From here on out, I was incredibly sleepy…
Secret Technique: "Cycle Train"
By the time we reached Hikone, everyone was pretty much out of steam, so we decided to use the cycle train to save some energy🪄
As it turns out, the Ohmi Railway has a cycle train service, and this time we used it from Hikone-Serikawa Station to Kibukawa Station (about a 1-hour ride).
(Personally, this was a massive recovery point for me.)
I don't remember much after boarding, so I assume I was asleep the whole time...
When we got to Kibukawa Station, we started pedaling our hearts out again. My energy was decently restored, and I was so glad we took the cycle train… lol
About 30km after leaving the station, we saw the Omi Ohashi Bridge!
This was finally our first real look at Lake Biwa.
My body and soul are absolutely crushed. I just want a hot bath...
Lake Biwa is beautiful even without sunglasses, but for my exhausted eyes, this view was just right.
Now that we’re this far, Kyoto is right in front of us! Just need to power through that final climb!
This atmospheric tunnel we passed through just before hitting the heart of Kyoto lifted our spirits one last time after the grueling climb.
And finally, we arrived... Kyoto!
It was just about 5:00 PM. We were exhausted, but having made it there together as a group, I felt a massive sense of accomplishment.
This ride was all about supporting each other through every moment. It felt like such a unified experience and became a really special memory.
And it really hit home that no matter how tough a ride is, having an item that shifts your mood in a positive direction makes all the difference.
Do you all have a favorite piece of gear that makes your rides a little bit better? If you haven't found it yet, searching for it is part of the fun.
When you enjoy a ride and have the gear that fits you, even a tough journey can feel strangely fun.
Why not find your new favorite item at Circles and get even more excited for your next ride?
Let's go on another long-distance ride together soon!
