Ryders Tallcan Goggle - Review

The Tallcan goggle is of the no-frills variety, with a focus more on functionality than flashy graphics. At $74.99 USD, they are in the middle of the range, and when you consider that they’re developed specifically for mountain bike use and feature a double layer lens, they actually offer more value than some others at a similar price. But what have Ryders done to make them bike specific? For the most part, they focused on how the goggle vents, noting that our goggles need to move air differently to that of an MX goggle. To do this, Ryders have designed the venting to be larger across the top and sides, but none around the underside of the nosebridge of the goggle. This is said to prevent them from fogging caused by a rider's heavy breathing but still allow for heat from the face to escape from the sides and top. Adding to this are directional air intakes (within the bottom of the outriggers) which are claimed to prevent a negative effect from our heavy breathing at slower speeds, but draw in fresh air to aid with fog prevention.

Additional to the venting, the goggle also features a double layer lens in an effort to further resist fogging. This is said to help by keeping the hot, humid air from our face away from the cooler, fresher air contacting the front, outer lens, something that we commonly see on snow goggles but for some reason not so much in those meant to be worn in the dirt. Another smaller detail is the removal of tear-off posts that make for an uninhibited view. Besides, no one likes seeing old tear-offs on the trail.




Performance

My first day out in the Tallcan goggle was during a photoshoot in the Whistler Bike Park. Conditions were perfect for testing their fog-fighting capabilities: cold, raining, and I was overdressed while lugging around an extra 30lbs of camera gear. The goggle was left on intentionally during numerous occasions as I clambered back up the hill to look at angles and while unpacking the camera, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that they didn’t fog. I also left them on for extended periods after coming to a stop, all while sweating in the damp, humid PNW conditions, and still got no fogging.

I was eventually able to get the slightest start of a fog but only after large efforts in hot conditions - those where any other goggle would have fogged right out. The combination of the double layered lens and plenty of ventilation do a great job to keep the rider's vision clear whether riding or heckling on the side of the trail. The flexible frame makes for a very comfortable fit, and the lack of tear-off posts provide a clearer view - I’ve since found goggles with posts to bug me for the first little bit riding.




While the lack of tear-off posts does remove a small distraction, it’s no doubt a downside for riders that race in wet or muddy conditions where stopping on the trail to clean the lens is not an option. Then again, how many people still use tear-offs? I’ve also found that the field of view through the Tallcan is smaller in the vertical plane than others I've worn (Spy Klutch, Magneto, and the Oakley Airbrake). The peripheral vision with the Tallcan is better than with the Spy goggles, however, which have a narrower lens wrap, but the lack of vertical plane available is something that I’ve found to make the view feel constricted, despite the wider peripheral than some others.



Pinkbike's Take:

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Reviews and Tech Reviews Goggles Ryders