A Roomier Fit with More Coverage for Riding and Everyday Wear.
The Tifosi Sanctum XL is the larger version of the original Sanctum, designed for riders who need more room through the frame or prefer the coverage of an oversized lens.
The lens is approximately 25% larger than the standard Sanctum, providing additional protection from sun, wind, dust and trail debris. Despite the increased size, the Sanctum XL weighs just 31g, keeping it comfortable for longer rides and everyday use.
Designed for Larger Faces
The larger frame and broader lens make the Sanctum XL a good option for riders who find standard cycling glasses too narrow. Its large-to-extra-large fit provides more space around the temples while maintaining a secure shape for active use.
If you have a narrow or smaller face, the standard Sanctum may provide a more secure fit. We also recommend checking that the arms sit comfortably beneath your helmet’s retention system.
More Lens Coverage
Compared with the original Sanctum, the XL lens is 7mm taller and 8mm wider. This provides over 25% more lens area, improving coverage around the eyes without turning the glasses into a heavy or bulky design.
The additional coverage is useful when cycling in exposed, windy conditions or on trails where dust, insects and loose debris can be a problem.
Lightweight Thrive Frame
The Thrive frame is made using a lightweight material containing 45% plant-based resources. It keeps the complete glasses down to approximately 31g while providing the durability needed for cycling, running and regular outdoor use.
Tifosi Glide technology helps the arms slide on smoothly and sit securely without unnecessary pressure. The integrated hinge is also less likely to catch on hair when putting the glasses on or taking them off.
Secure Fit When You Start Sweating
Hydrophilic rubber around the nose increases its grip as it becomes wet. This helps keep the glasses stable during harder rides without relying on an excessively tight frame.
The nosepiece is integrated rather than fully adjustable, so getting the right overall frame size remains important.
Polycarbonate Lens Protection
The shatter-resistant polycarbonate lens provides 100% UVA and UVB protection. Its optically decentred construction helps reduce distortion across the large lens, giving you a clearer view when looking ahead or checking your surroundings.
The lens colour and tint depend on the selected frame and lens combination.
Available Frame and Lens Options
- Midnight Vapor frame with Smoke lens and Cobalt Blue Mirror
- Satin Clear frame with Smoke lens and Silver Mirror
- Blackout frame with Smoke lens
Key Features
- Oversized sports sunglasses with a large-to-extra-large fit
- More than 25% greater lens area than the standard Sanctum
- Lens is 7mm taller and 8mm wider than the original model
- Broad coverage from sun, wind, dust and trail debris
- Lightweight Thrive frame made with 45% plant-based resources
- Tifosi Glide technology provides a smooth and secure fit
- Hydrophilic rubber nosepiece increases grip when wet
- Shatter-resistant polycarbonate lens
- Optically decentred lens helps reduce distortion
- 100% UVA and UVB protection
- Integrated hair-friendly hinge
- Approximate weight of 31g
Who Are These Glasses For?
The Sanctum XL suits cyclists and other active users who want an oversized lens or find regular sports glasses too narrow. They work well for road, gravel and mountain biking as well as running, hiking and everyday outdoor use.
Riders with smaller faces may find the frame more generous than they need. In that case, the standard Sanctum is likely to be the better option.
Our Thoughts
The Sanctum XL fills a useful gap for riders who struggle with narrow cycling glasses. The larger lens provides plenty of coverage, but the 31g weight means it does not feel as bulky as its size suggests.
These glasses also look less race-specific than many oversized cycling shields, making them easy to wear away from the bike. The fixed nosepiece means they do not offer the same level of adjustment as some performance models, so we would still check the fit carefully if you are buying for a particularly wide or narrow face.
Why Buy from Chain Reaction?
- Practical advice on eyewear fit and lens selection
- Help checking compatibility with your cycling helmet
- Independent Christchurch bike shop
- Nationwide New Zealand delivery
- Ongoing support from our Christchurch team
Specifications
- Brand: Tifosi Optics
- Model: Sanctum XL
- Fit: Large–extra large
- Frame material: Thrive plant-based frame material
- Plant-based content: 45%
- Lens material: Polycarbonate
- Lens construction: Optically decentred
- UV protection: 100% UVA and UVB
- Nosepiece: Integrated hydrophilic rubber
- Frame technology: Tifosi Glide
- Approximate weight: 31g
- Intended use: Cycling, running and general outdoor use
- Lens colour: Varies by selected option