Reflective Clothing; Jackets/Jerseys Etc (Warm Weather)

[Rooty]

Was wondering if anyone has any preferences on reflective cycling clothing?  I found a site called Proviz and that stuff seemed pretty good, but is there something else I should look at?  I don't plan on riding in the cold or rain, but "cool" will happen since it's nighttime.

Love to hear what you folks are using.

Thanks,

Rooty

[DaveB]

Reflective clothing is a good idea but it is "passive" and relies on the other vehicles having lights and having those lights located to reflect the rider's position.  Active lights, battery, dynamo or whatever powered tail lights/flashers and headlights, are far better as they can be seen by other vehicles no matter their  lighting or position.

[RussSeaton]

I like the vest shown below.  Yellow with reflective stripes.  Mesh.  Great for visibility.  But as stated, lights are essential too for night riding.  The yellow vest helps in daytime because its very visible.  Unless you are huge, the S/M size is best.

http://www.occunomix.com/products/ok-1-dual-stripe-surveyor-vest-mesh-lime.html

[Rooty]

I didn't mention lights because I just thought that was SOP.  I wouldn't dream of not riding without them.  It's way too dangerous and most drivers never think there would be a cyclist on the road.    As a minimum (I have used more depending on where I am cycling) I use a Fenix BC30R for a headlamp and a Cygolite Hotshot for the rear.  Both seem to do their jobs very well.  Especially the taillight.  I have people tell me they could see me for miles back and wondered what was making that light.  One guy said he told his wife that couldn't be a bike light. 

Thanks for the vest info and link.

[LucyM]

I have a friend who uses a Provis jacket and swears by it - really lights up when car lights are on it - very tempted to get one myself but not sure how breathable they are.

[canalligators]

HiVis+reflective vests are effective and inexpensive, but offer no insulation.  You can buy them at Wal Mart and the like.

[Pat Lamb]

Depends on where, when, and how warm you're riding.  (If you're talking about touring vs. commuting, how much do you plan to ride at night?  You can see a lot more in the daytime!)

I don't bother with a jacket if it's over 70F with rain, or somewhat less if it's not raining.  I get too hot, even with jackets that aren't breathable enough to keep up with my sweating (and that's everything I've tried).  For warmer weather you might look at a Sam Browne belt, or a mesh vest with reflective bits.

In cooler weather, take your pick.  I like the Showers Pass jackets with lots of reflective pieces, lots of zippers, etc., but they're not overwhelmingly better or worse than what you'll find in a LBS.  Or the big box stores.

[walks.in2.trees]

My only preference is that I prefer reflective gear that I can remove if for some reason I need to not be found... Not because I do anything illegal, but because I've had thugs try to grab my bike before as I rode past during a late night commute, and there's been times when I've heard what sounded like gun shots nearby... never did see the source, and I whipped my reflective vest off so as not to be an easy target in the dark. These events are very rare, but still, you never know what might happen.

Sent from my SM-T817V using Tapatalk

[RussSeaton]

My only preference is that I prefer reflective gear that I can remove    but because I've had thugs try to grab my bike before as I rode past during a late night commute, and there's been times when I've heard what sounded like gun shots nearby.

Not sure how having removable high visibility clothing would help.  If the thugs trying to steal your bike see you with the high vis clothing, removing the clothing is not going to make you instantly invisible.  They will still know where you are at unless they are 100 yards away.  And if they are 100 yards away, then you really aren't in much danger.  And if you stop to take off the clothing, the thugs would catch up to you.  With the gun shots it does make sense to be less visible with removable clothing.  Assume the gun shots are not right next to you but are a ways away.  If the gun shots are right beside you, then trying to become invisible by removing the clothing probably is useless.

[dancingcyclist]

I have a Canari jacket with ripoff long sleeves to make a vest I got at REI a few years ago. Don't remember the price but it wasn't much. It's very lightweight and can be stuffed into its own back pocket that also has its own strap to fasten around your waist. I've used it in light rain and temps down to 35 and stayed dry except for my own sweating. Very bright yellowish/greenish.

[Ddanny]

I like the vest shown below.  Yellow with reflective stripes.  Mesh.  Great for visibility.  But as stated, lights are essential too for night riding.  The yellow vest helps in daytime because its very visible.  Unless you are huge, the S/M size is best.

http://www.occunomix.com/products/ok-1-dual-stripe-surveyor-vest-mesh-lime.html

Agreed that is what you want to be wearing!