Cycling in camoflage
05-29-10, 07:57 AM
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Cycling in camoflage
An interesting observation.
My last road bike had a screaming red aero frame, in other words, a lot of bright red. I tended to wear muted clothing and had what I would consider a normal number of close encounters with vehicles.
Last month I bought a white/silver Cannondale and am wearing the same muted clothing. I've found the number of incidents where drivers don't seem to notice me has gone up dramatically. Last weekend on an 18 mile ride I had to take evasive action three times, which did demonstrate the extra sweet stoppers on the Ultegra 6700
Obviously this also coincides with the arrival of warmer weather, more cars and the hatching of nitwits.
Sure brighter colors are easier to notice, but could the color of the frame make that much of a difference? I'm already thinking I need to get a few bright jerseys.
My last road bike had a screaming red aero frame, in other words, a lot of bright red. I tended to wear muted clothing and had what I would consider a normal number of close encounters with vehicles.
Last month I bought a white/silver Cannondale and am wearing the same muted clothing. I've found the number of incidents where drivers don't seem to notice me has gone up dramatically. Last weekend on an 18 mile ride I had to take evasive action three times, which did demonstrate the extra sweet stoppers on the Ultegra 6700
Obviously this also coincides with the arrival of warmer weather, more cars and the hatching of nitwits.
Sure brighter colors are easier to notice, but could the color of the frame make that much of a difference? I'm already thinking I need to get a few bright jerseys.
05-29-10, 07:59 AM
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The frame areas are so small I don't think they make much of difference.
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Fred "The Real Fred"
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05-29-10, 08:17 AM
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You're having an unlucky week, and the easiest scapegoat is the bike's color. It isn't the cause.
Run a BF search, and you'll read many anecdotes posted by riders wearing neon-yellow jerseys. It doesn't keep motorists from cutting you off.
-Kurt
Run a BF search, and you'll read many anecdotes posted by riders wearing neon-yellow jerseys. It doesn't keep motorists from cutting you off.
-Kurt
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05-29-10, 06:50 PM
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Your new Cannondale is just attracting drivers like moths -- albeit big hard moths -- to the flame.
05-29-10, 06:53 PM
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I've found that cycling gear in general seems to be a secret cloaking device. I seem to be visible any other time but when I wear cycling gear. Doesn't matter the brightness.
05-29-10, 07:15 PM
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