Test: Named after Siri Tolander – a true legend of Stockholm's bike courier scene – CHPO's Siri Photochromic is a more compact, full-rim model. How does this stylish Swedish pair of sunglasses, with its red-tinted, photochromic lenses, perform on mountain bike trails amidst pine needles and sunbeams?
Dimensions, build quality & sustainability
CHPO is consistently pursuing its green approach with the Siri as well . The matte black frame is made from 100% recycled plastic , certified according to the Global Recycled Standard (GRS). Packaging and storage pouches also save unnecessary plastic and rely on recycled materials.
In terms of feel, the CHPO Siri presents a similar picture to its big brother Henrik : The matte black finish feels flat and simple – when you compare the material with the velvety soft-touch feel or the rubberized adjustment options of sinfully expensive competitors, the glasses seem somewhat cheap at first glance.
But that's nitpicking when you consider the price tag. The Siri is cleanly cast, has no sharp edges, and with dimensions of 57 mm lens height , 20 mm bridge width , and 150 mm temple length, it's ideally suited for medium-sized faces. Thanks to its slimmer design, it weighs a featherlight 28 grams .
Technical data at a glance:
- Frame material: 100% recycled polycarbonate (GRS certified), Matte Black
- Glass: Red Photochromic (self-tinting), UV400
- Protection category / light transmittance (VLT): Cat. 1 to 3 (approx. 84% to 14% VLT)
- Dimensions (glass height / bridge / temple): 57mm / 20mm / 150mm (Medium fit)
- Weight about 28 g
- Delivery: Glasses, microfiber pouch made from recycled PET
- RRP: EUR 49
The glass: Red photochromic for a striking contrast
The highlight of the Siri is the red photochromic lens . It covers a huge range of light transmission: from almost clear 84% VLT (category 1) at dusk or in dense clouds to dark 14% VLT (category 3) in bright sunlight.
When tinted, the lens takes on an extremely cool, reddish, reflective look. The red filter provides excellent brightness and contrast enhancement on the trail. Braking bumps, damp tree roots, and changing surfaces are detected instantly. Color perception remains remarkably natural and doesn't strain the eyes, even on rides lasting several hours.
Practical impression on the trail: High performance for very little money
The Siri performs well on the trail. Thanks to its slightly more compact design compared to the Henrik , it fits small to medium-sized faces very well and does not collide with the mounting points of common half-shell and enduro helmets.
The sturdy plastic temples provide sufficient tension, so the glasses sit surprisingly securely on the head even without rubberized contact surfaces. They only tend to slip slightly when sweating heavily. Naturally, there are no adjustment options for asymmetrical nose bridges – but those with a standard nose shape will find them perfectly adequate. Ventilation is solid thanks to the slightly open airflow at the sides; fogging only occurred during strenuous breaks in the test.
