Broad coverage, lightweight fit and easy to wear on and off the bike.
The Tifosi Sanctum combines the coverage of an oversized shield lens with a lightweight frame that works well for cycling and everyday wear. It is a practical option for riders wanting protection from sun, wind, insects and trail debris without the very large fit of the Sanctum XL.
Different frame and lens combinations are available, including standard tinted, mirrored and polarised options. Check the selected variant carefully to make sure the lens suits where and when you normally ride.
Lightweight Thrive Frame
The Sanctum uses Tifosi’s Thrive frame material, which contains 45% plant-based resources. It keeps the complete glasses down to approximately 26g while providing the durability needed for regular riding and outdoor use.
Tifosi Glide technology helps the arms slide on smoothly and sit securely without creating unnecessary pressure behind the ears. The integrated hinges are also designed to avoid catching on hair.
Secure Fit When You Start Sweating
Hydrophilic rubber around the nose increases its grip as it becomes wet, helping the glasses stay in place during harder efforts and warmer rides.
The nosepiece is integrated rather than fully adjustable, so the overall frame fit remains important. The standard Sanctum has a medium-to-large fit. Riders needing more room should consider the larger Sanctum XL.
Oversized Shield Coverage
The wide shield lens provides an open field of view and useful coverage around the eyes. This helps reduce exposure to wind, dust, insects and loose trail debris when riding.
The standard Sanctum is less oversized than the Sanctum XL, making it the better choice for riders who want broad coverage without moving to a particularly large frame.
Polycarbonate Lens Protection
The shatter-resistant polycarbonate lens provides 100% UVA and UVB protection. Available lens colours and treatments vary between models, with options suited to bright conditions and everyday use.
Polarised lenses are useful for reducing reflected glare, but they can make some bike computers and phone screens harder to read from certain angles. They are also not included with every variant.
Available Frame and Lens Options
- Matte Black frame with Smoke lens and Yellow Mirror
- Matte Gunmetal frame with Smoke lens and Cobalt Blue Mirror
- Blackout frame with Smoke lens
- Crystal Red Fade frame with Smoke lens and Red Mirror
- Crystal Smoke frame with Polarised Smoke lens and Green Mirror
- Ice Blue frame with Smoke lens and Cobalt Blue Mirror
Key Features
- Oversized shield lens provides broad eye coverage
- Medium-to-large fit
- Approximate weight of 26g
- 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
- 100% UVA and UVB protection
- Integrated hair-friendly hinges
- Suitable for cycling, running and everyday outdoor use
- Lens type and colour vary by selected option
- Microfibre cleaning bag included
Who Are These Glasses For?
The Sanctum suits road, gravel and mountain bike riders wanting plenty of coverage in a frame that does not look overly race-specific. They are also easy to use for running, walking and general outdoor wear.
If standard glasses normally feel too narrow, the Sanctum XL provides a wider frame and more lens coverage. Riders with smaller faces may prefer one of Tifosi’s small-to-medium models.
Our Thoughts
The Sanctum is a good middle ground between traditional sunglasses and a full cycling shield. There is enough coverage for windy road rides and dusty trails, but the shape still works well when you are off the bike.
The main decision is the lens. A mirrored or Smoke lens works well in bright conditions, while the polarised model makes sense if reducing reflected glare is a priority. If you use a bike computer, check that you can still read the display clearly through a polarised lens before heading out.
As with any cycling glasses, make sure the arms sit comfortably beneath your helmet’s retention system and that the upper edge of the frame does not obstruct your view when riding.
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
- Fit: Medium–large
- Frame material: Thrive plant-based frame material
- Plant-based content: 45%
- Lens style: Oversized shield
- Lens material: Polycarbonate
- UV protection: 100% UVA and UVB
- Nosepiece: Integrated hydrophilic rubber
- Frame technology: Tifosi Glide
- Approximate weight: 26g
- Lens colour and treatment: Vary by selected option
- Included accessory: Microfibre cleaning bag
- Intended use: Cycling, running and everyday outdoor use