1) what kind(s) of tape do you use? Was trying to figure out what is best -
- here's the red: http://tinyurl.com/lz8z9j7
- here's the white (looks gray/silver in normal light) - http://tinyurl.com/l6wfop9

2) Do you add and remove the tape every year or leave it on permanently?
- leave it, even though it's a paper backing it holds up pretty well

3) Does the reflective tape last well and does it damage the pain, etc?
- yep but I'm a racer / roadie not an all weather commuter so ymmv

4) Does reflective tape stick well on other gear - clothes, arm warmers jackets, backpacks, panniers, shoes, etc? If so how long does it usually stick on? (I agree the small reflective bits are a joke)
- I made a safety triangle of red and white tape on the back of a plain cheap cloth "string backpack" like you see for giveaway's. It held up for about a year of use before cracking and peeling. 10 minutes to replace it, looks great again.
- I also added tape to my winter shoe covers, it was difficult with all the odd curves and the covers being put on / taken off frequently, but it lasted a winter ok and anyway, tape is cheap. Experiment.