Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Commuting
Reload this Page >

Reflective vest - please recommend

Notices
Commuting Bicycle commuting is easier than you think, before you know it, you'll be hooked. Learn the tips, hints, equipment, safety requirements for safely riding your bike to work.

Reflective vest - please recommend

Old 12-16-11, 04:53 AM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,365
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 286 Post(s)
Liked 125 Times in 58 Posts
Reflective vest - please recommend

Looking for a vest for my wife, and will prob pick one up for me as well. She walks/runs at night and in the morning before the sun comes up, and will wear it riding as well.

I've searched, but haven't found anything that seems like a clear standout.
billyymc is offline  
Old 12-16-11, 05:28 AM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 61
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Ikea has them for 2-3 dollars. That cheap you can cut the reflective stripes and make your thang.
jjermzz is offline  
Old 12-16-11, 08:52 AM
  #3  
commuter
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Columbus,Ohio
Posts: 62

Bikes: Trek 520, Giant Iguana

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I found one I like at a construction supply and emergency equipment company.(D & M Distributors Inc in Columbus,Ohio) It has 4 pockets on the front, a mesh back and is bright yellow with reflective stripes. It also came in sizes from XS-XXXXL. I bought on that was large enough to fit a jacket under.
zirger726 is offline  
Old 12-16-11, 09:19 AM
  #4  
Randomhead
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Happy Valley, Pennsylvania
Posts: 24,363
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 3,664 Times in 2,497 Posts
the Ikea ones meet the European standard required of motorists and pedestrians. It's a pretty good standard, although not the highest standard available
unterhausen is offline  
Old 12-16-11, 09:41 AM
  #5  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 58
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I got this: https://www.amazon.com/Sona-Enterpris...4049868&sr=8-4 off amazon. The LEDs help cars seem me even if their headlights aren't shining directly on me.

I've stopped using it, though, since I bought reflective tape and basically outlined my bike, with mulitiple strips in the front and back, and have two front and two rear lights (planet bike super blinky lights in the back)
usndoc2011 is offline  
Old 12-16-11, 10:21 AM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 782
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Amphipod makes some nicer, slightly more expensive ones that are more minimalist which look great for running, and probably biking as well. I don't have one, but do have some of their other products, which have been great.
MK313 is offline  
Old 12-16-11, 10:34 AM
  #7  
Banned
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: NW,Oregon Coast
Posts: 43,598

Bikes: 8

Mentioned: 197 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7607 Post(s)
Liked 1,354 Times in 861 Posts
There are shops for people that work out doors and they would include safety equipment.

We have a Retail shop like that here ..
and those for running , there is also adding reflective tape to what you have.

Q? whats wrong with shopping locally?
fietsbob is offline  
Old 12-16-11, 11:17 AM
  #8  
Senior Member
 
mechBgon's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 6,957
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times in 5 Posts
A pair of good reflective legbands would also be a great add-on. They're down low where the low-beam headlights are aimed, and the motion gets noticed. The Jog-a-lite ones at REI are felt-lined so they won't chafe.
mechBgon is offline  
Old 12-16-11, 11:49 AM
  #9  
Senior Member
 
Cassave's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Woodland Hills, Calif.
Posts: 1,671
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 34 Post(s)
Liked 18 Times in 11 Posts
Linky..........https://www.safetyglassesusa.com/hi-v...ety-vests.html

Purchased stuff there many times, good outfit.
Cassave is offline  
Old 12-16-11, 11:57 AM
  #10  
It's MY mountain
 
DiabloScott's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Mt.Diablo
Posts: 9,991

Bikes: Klein, Merckx, Trek

Mentioned: 70 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4311 Post(s)
Liked 2,953 Times in 1,601 Posts
Most versatile and least restrictive is one of these strap things - they can go over a bulky jacket or a thin T-shirt and they don't flap in the breeze like a vest.

DiabloScott is offline  
Old 12-16-11, 12:03 PM
  #11  
No, not really.
 
Mr. Cranky's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Kirkland, WA
Posts: 231

Bikes: 2010 Cannondale Synapse Carbon 5, ~2006 Specialized Sequoia, 1999 Specialized Rockhopper

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I've got a vest from Illuminite that I'm happy with.

+1 on the Jog-a-Lite legbands too.
Mr. Cranky is offline  
Old 12-16-11, 02:15 PM
  #12  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: North of Boston
Posts: 5,721

Bikes: Kona Dawg, Surly 1x1, Karate Monkey, Rockhopper, Crosscheck , Burley Runabout,

Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 854 Post(s)
Liked 111 Times in 66 Posts
Who makes that strap/ vest/ crazy suspender thing?
Leebo is offline  
Old 12-16-11, 02:24 PM
  #13  
It's MY mountain
 
DiabloScott's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Mt.Diablo
Posts: 9,991

Bikes: Klein, Merckx, Trek

Mentioned: 70 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4311 Post(s)
Liked 2,953 Times in 1,601 Posts
Originally Posted by Leebo
Who makes that strap/ vest/ crazy suspender thing?
The photo's from REI where I got mine - I forget who makes it. It does tend to "ride up" a bit if you have the belt part too tight so it's better just to keep it loose around the waist.
DiabloScott is offline  
Old 12-16-11, 02:34 PM
  #14  
Papaya King
 
waynesworld's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Columbus, Ohio (Grandview area)
Posts: 1,640

Bikes: 2009 Felt X City D, 1985 (?) Trek 400, 1995 (?) Specialized Rockhopper, 1995 Trek 850

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Originally Posted by zirger726
I found one I like at a construction supply and emergency equipment company.(D & M Distributors Inc in Columbus,Ohio) It has 4 pockets on the front, a mesh back and is bright yellow with reflective stripes. It also came in sizes from XS-XXXXL. I bought on that was large enough to fit a jacket under.
I might have to check that out. How much, if I may ask?
waynesworld is offline  
Old 12-16-11, 02:36 PM
  #15  
Papaya King
 
waynesworld's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Columbus, Ohio (Grandview area)
Posts: 1,640

Bikes: 2009 Felt X City D, 1985 (?) Trek 400, 1995 (?) Specialized Rockhopper, 1995 Trek 850

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Originally Posted by mechBgon
A pair of good reflective legbands would also be a great add-on. They're down low where the low-beam headlights are aimed, and the motion gets noticed. The Jog-a-lite ones at REI are felt-lined so they won't chafe.
Funny you say that. I often notice pedal reflectors before the usual front/rear ones, probably for the reasons you mention.
waynesworld is offline  
Old 12-16-11, 03:22 PM
  #16  
Thunder Whisperer
 
no1mad's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: NE OK
Posts: 8,847

Bikes: '06 Kona Smoke

Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 275 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times in 2 Posts
Originally Posted by DiabloScott
The photo's from REI where I got mine - I forget who makes it. It does tend to "ride up" a bit if you have the belt part too tight so it's better just to keep it loose around the waist.
Linky to the Amphipod Xinglet at REI.
__________________
Community guidelines
no1mad is offline  
Old 12-16-11, 06:51 PM
  #17  
Full Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Seattle
Posts: 327

Bikes: Litespeed, O'Brien, Specialized, Fuji

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 15 Times in 9 Posts
What are your priorities?
I went to a local safety store, and found a line made right in my city in the USA, but it was $25. It had an ANSI 2 rating, genuine 3M reflective bands, many pockets and a zipper. You pick your features and pay your price. Cheaper ones (Ikea, Harbor Freight, Home Depot) tend to have velcro instead of a zipper, and fewer or no pockets. Many pockets usually goes as a "surveyor's" model for more money. You also pick mesh or solid fabrics, orange or yellow. They tend to size very roomy, so local try-on is a good idea. Amazon has several models if you like interweb shopping.
Litespeedlouie is online now  
Old 12-16-11, 07:11 PM
  #18  
Mirror slap survivor
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Sunny Florida
Posts: 1,297

Bikes: Gunnar Sport, Surly Pacer, Access MTB, Ibex Corrida, one day a Simple City

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I have one with LEDs. Multiple motorists have mentioned how visible it makes me.
Schwinnrider is offline  
Old 12-16-11, 07:22 PM
  #19  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 7,143
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 261 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times in 10 Posts
Originally Posted by no1mad
I'm getting one of these for the summer. However, for the winter, I still prefer my Class 3 Vest and it gets noticed! An ANSI Class Three vest will have the reflectors on the arms making you visible on the side instead of just front and back.
Dahon.Steve is offline  
Old 12-16-11, 10:32 PM
  #20  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Oxnard, CA
Posts: 4,571

Bikes: 2009 Fuji Roubaix RC; 2011 Fuji Cross 2.0; '92 Diamond Back Ascent EX

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Liked 16 Times in 12 Posts
My wife an I both have Nathan Streak vests. They are very light and have quite a bit of reflective material on them.
CACycling is offline  
Old 12-17-11, 06:57 AM
  #21  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 550
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
REI or Nashbar are good places. I may have to look into the surveyor's style. I use a vest mainly for visibility but pockets are good.
Blues Frog is offline  
Old 12-17-11, 07:28 AM
  #22  
Senior Member
 
bassjones's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Fort Wayne, IN
Posts: 1,690

Bikes: Cannondale CAAD9-4

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I just use a cheapo mesh one I picked up at a work safety store. I got it big enough to wear over my motorcycle leather so it's a bit big over my cycling jersey, but it works.
bassjones is offline  
Old 12-17-11, 07:56 AM
  #23  
Senior Member
 
irwin7638's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Kalamazoo, Mi.
Posts: 3,097

Bikes: Sam, The Hunq and that Old Guy, Soma Buena Vista, Giant Talon 2, Brompton

Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 101 Post(s)
Liked 104 Times in 47 Posts
I recently got this "yield sign"and really like it. Ot just buckles around you or a saddlebag and is convenient to position anywhere on the body that's visible.



Marc
irwin7638 is offline  
Old 12-17-11, 08:40 AM
  #24  
It's MY mountain
 
DiabloScott's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Mt.Diablo
Posts: 9,991

Bikes: Klein, Merckx, Trek

Mentioned: 70 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4311 Post(s)
Liked 2,953 Times in 1,601 Posts
Originally Posted by irwin7638
I recently got this "yield sign"and really like it. Ot just buckles around you or a saddlebag and is convenient to position anywhere on the body that's visible.



Marc
That's actually the "slow moving vehicle" sign. Gets the job done, but it's not the message I want to send...



DiabloScott is offline  
Old 12-17-11, 12:16 PM
  #25  
SE Wis
 
dedhed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 10,516

Bikes: '68 Raleigh Sprite, '02 Raleigh C500, '84 Raleigh Gran Prix, '91 Trek 400, 2013 Novara Randonee, 1990 Trek 970

Mentioned: 40 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2731 Post(s)
Liked 3,359 Times in 2,034 Posts
I grab one of these off the shelf at work.
https://www.workinggear.com/gc/custom...55029&cat=1124
dedhed is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.