Digger Goreman

And, yet, cagers are able to avoid black cars at night....

Cyclist0108

I think she would prefer email. Less disruption.

Cyclist0108

Yup. I have two. One is also a radar.

livedarklions

I actually tracked down his tirade against me, and it was even weirder than I remembered it. I couldn't remember the thread topic, but of course it was Di2. https://www.bikeforums.net/general-c...y-luddite.html

I still have no idea what set him off. I felt bad about it because up to that point I had enjoyed talking with him even when we disagreed. I don't think I did anything wrong, however.

Koyote

I have one of these new Specialized helmets with a little device that senses a crash, and then automatically sends my wife a message. That way, she can immediately start creating her eHarmony profile. Umm, and call 911 for me.

Cougrrcj

IF I'm not wearing a hi-vis yellow or orange wicking/performance T-shirt (sorry guys, I don't wear cycling jerseys - tried 'em multiple times, and don't like 'em), I'll put the cheap safety hi-vis reflective mesh vest from Harbor Freight... Less that $5!

https://www.harborfreight.com/reflec...vest-3604.html




.

Cyclist0108

He had some stuff happen that I don't think anyone could emerge from completely unscathed. I'm not making excuses, but I think there is an explanation in there somewhere.

Cyclist0108

I actually had one of those for awhile (and used it) when I lived in England. My bike was my only ride.

Koyote

If I was wearing that, I would feel compelled to climb off my bike and help out every time I came upon a road construction crew.

Cyclist0108

If only that were true. This afternoon was spent with a friend of mine who I used to ride with all the time. His house was destroyed. We were putting together a bike for him to ride (although he did managed to get his out). I live in one little sliver that didn't burn, and it must have been tough for him coming back here seeing that. Five min into the (test) ride and we were back into the burn area.

So he is now riding a Sirrus with WTB nano tires and butterfly handlebars (with matching tape).

Cougrrcj

Laugh or mock if you like, but I commute in the dimly-lit dawn... I know for a fact that the reflective stripes WORK!! I want to be SEEN!!! That vest is in addition to my very bright (100 lum) LED rear blinky light. Very attention-grabbing to those drivers that are still half-asleep!

Darth Lefty 

I see. Sorry for going glib but the topic seemed to call for it
Now all he needs is a high viz hi vis jersey

stevel610 

Yup, very fred. But also very well seen. Since I started wearing this type I've noticed cars giving more clearance and slowing when passing. Wife approved.

Cyclist0108

It did. No worries.

I gave him one of mine. (I swear to god this is true.)

TiHabanero

I don't have the best vision in the world and am over 60. From my perspective high vis clothing is fairly worthless, however seriously bright flashing lights work very well as I can see them much easier and they don't blend in with shadows.. Do not count on the high vis clothing exclusively, couple it with top quality (means bright, very bright) flashing lights.

Cyclist0108

I run this, along with a Garmin Viagra radar tail-light:



I've had people complain about how bright it is.

livedarklions

That was my read as well. My reaction at the time was that I hoped he was okay because that post just screamed inner demons. It was so out of left field, I didn't take it personally. I hope he's doing well.

livedarklions

I tried that once. Gave it to my son.

Mulberry20

Studies have shown high visibility on the torso doesn’t help as much with being identified as a cyclist as high visibility colors on the legs.

Makes a lot sense when you think about it. Also contrast on your clothes is as important as the colors themselves. An alternating pattern of black and white is the most effective.

Cougrrcj

Better than going stealth by wearing all black! And I can wear whatever I want under it - no need to change out of MAMIL-wear to walk into a store. Just one quick clasp, and I stuff it into my bag or roll it up and bungee it to my rack. I also keep a change of clothes in my locker at work so that I can ride to work in my hiking shorts... and I prefer to wear a golf shirt/polo at work.

But as I said earlier, if I'm out for a just a ride I normally wear either a long or shortsleeve hi-vis wicking shirt. Even those don't look out of place when walking into a store or restaurant any more...

Cougrrcj

Agreed - That's why I also have reflective leg bands.



The old yellow pedal reflectors also draw attention and immediately identify a cyclist ahead!









Or if you think those are too 'Fred', how about reflective running/cycling socks?




.

sovende

I lived in Italy when I was on the steepest portion of my "cycling enthusiasm" curve! EVERYBODY (almost) rode bikes of some sort. I acquired several stylish (wanna be ) jerseys and wore them most of the time. IIRC, NO ONE wore "hi-vis" anything or used blinky lights . Most drivers were also cyclists of one kind or another and respected cyclists!
Fast forward to the present. Inattentive driving is a a peak and I'm guessing most of the "inattentive" folks aren't cyclists!
My stylish Italian jerseys mostly stay hanging in the closet or packed in a "sports stuff" bin. Depending on the season, the WalMart near me usually marks their "hi-vis" stuff down and puts it on the clearance rack. I have several hi-vis shirts (long and short sleeved) made of wicking fabric. I've paid as little as $1 but not more than $3, for them! I don't always wear the hi-vis stuff but usually will if I know that I'll be riding in high traffic areas or know that low light may be an issue.
I'm a little distressed with the posts that challenge the effectiveness of hi-vis" clothing . Fortunately, I don't have a lot of investment! I do have the blinky red lights that I mount up in low light situations but I may ramp up to front and rear strobes .
Im frequently admonished by my wife for NOT wearing the stylish Italian cycling jerseys but she does understand the benefit of visibility .

Kapusta

What I learned from that thread (which I started) was that no matter how hard you stress “This is not a this-vs-that thread”, it will become a this-vs-that thread.

rsbob 

It might be the Viagra part that people find the most disturbing. (yes, I had to go there)

As a matter of personal preference, I just don’t care for USB rechargeable accessories (lights, computer, cigarette lighter) because I am so used to batteries lasting months, but USB charged devices require cords and frequent recharging. But then I am lazy and forgetful.

rsbob 

The ankle bands, which I own and have worn during my commuter days, makes perfect sense. Having seen other cyclists with their up and down motion does grab your attention. But there is not enough duct tape to attach those reflectors to my clipless pedals.