For 2025, Shimano has introduced a new collection of sunglasses that use Shimano’s RIDESCAPE lens technology. The S-PHYRE SL are the latest light-weight S-PHYRE sunglasses that use a one-piece lens with a rimless design to optimize weight and visibility. Despite the S-PHYRE name, the sunglasses have a relatively affordable $140 retail price and have a compact fit. The sunglasses have a frameless design with a large single piece lens that’s available in RIDESCAPE Road, Gravel and Off-Road lens options. Shimano has utilized an aerodynamic design with soft curves, a hidden nose pad and flush temple arms. The nose pad also has a simple hook design that allows them to easily be reversed to accommodate different nose shapes.
The Shimano SL CE-SPSL2 sunglasses combine Shimano’s excellent RIDESCAPE lenses with a lightweight frameless design for a wide field of view.
| Retail Price | $140 |
| Rating | 9.4 / 10 |
| Measured weight (in g) | 22 |
| Likes | + Lightweight construction + Frameless design provides a wide field of view + Sleek design with nose pad completely hidden behind lens |
| Dislikes | – No zippered carrying case |
| Where to Buy (US) | Shimano |
UNBOXING
The Shimano S-PHYRE SL CE-SPSL2 comes in a simple cardboard box with blue Shimano logos printed on it. It’s a two piece box design with an outer sleeve that slides off, and a box inside it. Inside the box you’ll find:
- SL sunglasses
- Branded fabric carrying bag
- Additional nose pad
- Quick guide for lens / nose pad instructions for Shimano’s full sunglass lineup
- Lens info pamphlet
Shimano does not include a zippered carrying case with the sunglasses which is a bit surprising for a top-of-the-line model.
FIT & FINISH
Shimano’s S-PHYRE products are Shimano’s top-of-the-line lineup and are known for their high quality and performance. These S-PHYRE SL CE-SPSL2 sunglasses are no exception as they have a super lightweight construction and the latest lens technology. Shimano offers the sunglasses in seven variations with RIDESCAPE Road, Gravel and Off-Road lens options. All the variations have clear Rilsan polyamide frames which have a semi-transparent appearance with different color combinations. For this review, we have the Purple Sapphire frame with the RIDESCAPE RD lens which has a red mirrored effect. It’s an attractive design with thin temple arms and a one-piece rimless lens.
Shimano has gone with smooth curves to give the sunglasses a sporty but not overly aggressive appearance. There is a slight raised section on the top brow and subtle curves around the sides of the oversized lens. One of the interesting features is the streamlined design that completely hides the nose pad attachment behind the lens. The sunglasses also feature Shimano’s proprietary RIDESCAPE lens technology. It’s Shimano’s lens design that uses specially tuned lenses to optimize them for either road cycling, gravel cycling or off-road. Each lens is tuned to specific colors such as the gray of asphalt for road cycling or the dirt and rock for gravel and mountain biking. All the lenses have a polyamide construction and different coatings to maximize clarity.
We have the RIDESCAPE RD lens which has a 21% VLT which is a category 2 lens that works in sunny or cloudy conditions. It’s not as dark as other lenses on the market though which can be as low as 15% VLT but it has a nice mirrored finish. These are a one-piece lens with a non-interchangeable design so you need to purchase the correct version. The lens is surprisingly thick as well which gives the sunglasses a rigid feel despite the lack of a frame. There is also a center vent below the S-PHYRE logo and attractive machined edges to protect the lens.
Shimano has designed the S-PHYRE lenses with a streamlined design with straight temple arms that smoothly transition out of the lens. The arms have a triangle-like cross section with a wide and thin profile to provide stiffness while maintaining a sleek appearance. Both arms have simple friction hinges that feel smooth but do not have an AutoLock feature. The tips of the temple arms are rubber with a thin design that allow them to flex and prevent any pressure points. Shimano has also designed the sunglasses with a reversible nose pad design that can be slid off the hooks and flipped. The two sides of the nose pads have unique profiles to accommodate different nose shapes.
ON THE ROAD
Having reviewed the previous Shimano S-PHYRE CE-SPHYR2 sunglasses we were excited to try the lightweight SL version. Visually, the sunglasses have a similar lens shape with smooth corners that give it a premium look. Wearing the sunglasses it’s clear the SL has a more compact design that wraps around your face. At only 22 grams they are also extremely light and comfortable with flexible tips that eliminate any pressure points. The frameless design also provides a wide field of view that makes you forget you are even wearing sunglasses. While the lenses aren’t as dark as other mirrored lenses like we’ve worn on the ROKA Torino 2.0, the RIDESCAPE lens works well in sunny and mixed conditions. Our RD version helped increase contrast to spot potholes and debris on the road and amps up colors while still preserving natural colors. Thanks to the subtle design, the S-PHYRE SL also look great around town or for other high intensity activities like running.
THE VERDICT
Overall, we found the Shimano S-PHYRE SL sunglasses offer great optics and comfort for any type of activity. Shimano has taken their sleek S-PHYRE lens design and created the frameless SL sunglasses that are light and have a wide-field-of-view that lets you forget you are wearing them. The flexible temple tips and reversible nosepads ensure the sunglasses stay in place over any terrain without creating pressure points. We were impressed with the oversized single piece lens which eliminates any obstructions. The RIDESCAPE lenses also have nice contrast and clarity with no distortions or color variation. As far as negatives, the only thing we would have liked to see a zippered hard case for storing the sunglasses in. That said, the S-PHYRE SL combine a sleek design and great optics at a surprisingly affordable price point.
Disclaimer: The product for this review was provided by Shimano. The views expressed on this website are solely those of the authors and are here to help people make an informed choice before a purchase. The authors or the blog itself does not get any monetary compensation from the product manufacturer or third-party websites/vendor links that are posted here.