Reflective Tape?
 

Does anyone have and recommendations for reflective tape? Preferably something that I can stick to a variety of materials without too much effort (gluing is ok, sewing is out). I want to put tape on a bike frame as well as the fabric of some bags I have.

3M Scotchlite reflective tape is commonly available in various colors including red, white and red/white striped. You can stick it about anywhere on a bike. Not so good for sticking to fabric.

Stuff for fabric:http://www.lightweights.org/store/home.php

Nice, thanks! I'm a little surprised that more cycling-oriented bags and such don't come with any kind of reflective anything beyond maybe a tiny little logo.

Check out Reflexite tape. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Se1OqJtNfuw

AFAIK, it's the same stuff you see on semi trailers & school busses.

I get mine from www.identi-tape.com.

The engineering grade stuff is pretty versatile, I've done whole bike wheels and frames with it.

Niiiiiice. I like the sounds of the engineering grade and SOLAS (Safety Of Life A Sea) tapes. Thanks!

Maybe the ones from Lightweights are better, but most fabric stick 'ems are just horrible. The SOLAS sew-on tape is far more reflective and you can use some safety pins to tack it onto a bag if you don't have a sewing machine. (Or you can bring it to a tailor or dry-cleaner who does alterations, and ask them to sew it on; probably cost you $5 - $10)
On the bike frame, Scotchlite 530 or 630 series coloured tape is really bright and comes in enough colours that you can get it to either match or complement your paintjob.

Sometimes, it's just some piping or stitching that's reflective. Doesn't sound like much, but taken together, a bag that doesn't have blatant reflective strips can actually be completely outlined in reflective material along its seams, edges, and straps.

It's one of those things where a little bit counts for a lot, like how running shoes have a small reflective logo on the heel but are still pretty visible.

Reflexite's V82 is nearly twice as reflective as the V92 "Daybright" stuff (in silver), and still is thin enough to conform to frame tubes without trying to peel itself off, so I recommend V82 and I found a source for it, too: http://www.night-gear.com/reflective.../Reflexite.htm Both the DOT Conspicuity Tape and the V82 listed in colors at the bottom of the page are V82. Naturally, silver reflects most strongly since it reflects all wavelengths.

Not all SOLAS is created equal, by the way. Reflexite's SOLAS is prismatic (micro cube-corner prism reflectors) whereas 3M's is encapsulated-lens (glass beads, not nearly as reflective).

Scotchlight Retroreflective film or Avery's product is quite useful...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2481/...4121234c29.jpg
The Giant is covered in 3M Scotchlight, the GT's covered in Avery films.

Got the 3M from FastSigns.

Got the Avery film from Multicraft Plastics.

7298 Southwest Tech Center Drive
Portland, OR 97223-8046
(503) 352-0970

That and alot of spare time can create stunning results. (Lightweights for wheels is on the spokes).

Abyssinia
K'Tesh

reflexite is by far the brightest but the 3m stuff is good for usually less money. depends on how much you want to do really.

I wear a Sam browne Reflexite belt + a (10$ / 11g / 1 meter long) strip of 60 tiny led lights powered by a very small rechargeable battery.
I used tape.
http://www.ed25.org/Divers/SV400232.JPG

It does not show on the picture but it is EXTREMELY BRIGHT.

I bought the strip here http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/s...idproduct=8942
I use this battery : http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/s...idProduct=6473
But a smaller battery (32g) would have been OK because the power consumption of these led lights is MAGIC :http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/s...idProduct=7302
(I have a lipo charger so I didn't need to buy one)

Regards,

Eric
http://www.dramaix.com

Thanks for that l.e.d. strip info, I've been looking for something like that.
They have white ones too!

This is what I use with success. Cheap, long rolls in a multitude of colors and sizes. For the frame and stickable parts.
http://www.streetglo.net/reflective.tape/

As for sewing, the fabric stuff is great. If you aren't handy with a sewing machine, go to the "notions" (sewing) section of walmart or target and get a tube of fabric glue. It is similar to elmers and works great. It doesn't hold up to many washings, but easy enough to reglue if you separate it.

I'm surprised this thread is still going. Thanks!

Don't get the cheap stuff; it's not nearly as reflective as something that's DOT-approved. The reflective power should be quantified somehow on the label. Be sure to compare products.

You can glue reflector strips to fabric with "Goop" (any version, plumbing, shoe, marine...). This is really adhesive stuff, and will take more washings than you can imagine.

Don't forget good lights. For front, MagicShine probably offers the best bang for buck. Very bright for seeing the road and getting drivers' attention in front of you. For rear, DiNotte still owns the market (for the time being) when it comes to alerting distracted drivers coming up on your a** in daytime-dusk-night, rain- snow-fog, all-conditions riding.

I'm given to understand that one can contact one's county department of transportation and ask for remainders from the reflective stuff used on signs.

http://www.bikerhiway.com/motorcycle...sive-p-79.html
got some of this stuff great with a black frame though it is pretty pricy probably find cheaper if you looked around.

this thread will live forever until someone starts a new one ... hahaha reflective tape is an addiction grasshopper

http://shop.reflectivestore.com/product.sc?productId=21

Reflexite R99 Railway/Rail Car Retroreflective Conspicuity Tape
 

Reflexite R99 Railway/Rail Car Retroreflective Conspicuity Tape. Ordered the white 4" x 15' from Amazon for about $40. WAY more than I need but super reflective, extremely sticky, and very flexible. Claims a 10 year warranty for rail car use. I'd say that's durable. I wrapped my front shocks on my converted-to-commuter MTB. When illuminated they glow like beacons and are visible from every angle. I'm planning on applying some to rims. I do think you get the most benefit from applying to moving parts, i.e cranks, wheels. Overall extremely reflective and durable (there are some comparisons and tech data out there if you have the time/urge to google away). Very happy with this stuff. Hint: Bike shops should carry.