Motorcycle gear for the commute
 

I have been looking into something more visible for the fall and winter commutes here as it gets real dark real early.

I found this:

http://images.motorcycle-superstore...._Mesh_Vest.jpg

Price is $55 but it comes in "Don't smear me yellow" and it appears to be very bright and reflective. I saw something similar on the road the other day being worn by a motorcyclist. I could see him very well.

I could care less about Mil-Spec as I am not riding to a military base. What is nice is the removable ID pocket on the left chest and the rear storage pocket. I can keep my ID up front and carry my lunch to work without a backpack.

Looks like it's pretty heavy. I prefer something lighter weight that I can throw over my fall/winter gear as well as use during the summer months when I'm riding after dark.

Construction-type ANSI Class-3 vests, reflective sashes or reflective harnesses are my favourites.

I have a neon lime parka with wide reflective stripes on body and sleeves.

typical safety gear for Flaggers and Roadside Workers. mine came from Carhartt .

It is heavy, but Dry in the winter storms.
North Pacific Coast is good at wet winter storms.

The vest is actually mesh and designed to be work over military blouses. The side elastics allow for good fit.

Icon is the maker.

For $35 bucks I get the vest and its a nice vest, but I have to pay for shipping and such. The Icon vest I can get local and it has pockets. Which is nice to have if you do not want to carry a pack. Right now I am using a Nathan running vest with front pocket. The Icon has front pockets and a rear pocket.

all of my motorcycle gear is too heavy for cycling , and trust me I have a lot of motorcycle gear
it is designed for a inactive person sitting on a bike, not a active pedling one. you would overheat quick
My Icon mesh stuff is still too weight heavy, even if it breaths

I have a lot of motorcycling gear too, and wouldn't want to wear most of it while bicycling due to heat.

I will at least go and try it on. I figured it wouldn't be as light as a running vest, but I thought I would give it a shot. Might still be good for winter commuting if it will also keep me warm.

Here ya go. ANSI certified reflective vests for as cheap as three bucks.
http://www.galls.com/search
type in ANSI vest

The problem with any kind of reflective or bright colored outer wear, is that it has to be the right temperature to wear it.

There is almost an endless number of options that will attach to your bike, your helmet, body, hands, feet, and all your limbs. They will work in the summer heat and the winter cold. It most cases it's cheaper too. And weighs less. Breathable fabrics don't let sweat out fast if you are working pedaling a bike. Possibly OK if you are not working much. There are all kinds of mesh reflective vests that will work great with just a jersey or a heavy jacket.

If you are considering reflective gear or lights, test them out at night by observing them from a distance. It's amazing how many people don't do that.

I find my motorcycle gear is designed to keep the rider warm in 50mph winds (i.e. riding on highways). I has actually been very useful bicycling - leather jacket, mittens, boots.

I used to find bicycling cold around 25-28 F, but after finding the motorcycling gear I had no trouble commuting to work on 8-11 F days. (20-40 minute commute). I wouldn't choose to wear much of this clothing in the summer.

I did find a reflective vest good for both the bicycle and motorcycle. It has very large reflective stripes, but is not heavy enough to block breeze.