Motorcycle gear for the commute
#1
Thread Starter
Fail Boat crewman
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 675
Likes: 0
From: PDX
Bikes: Reynolds 853 Jamis Quest 1990s
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:

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.
I found this:
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.
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 11,373
Likes: 8
From: Columbus, OH
Bikes: '08 Surly Cross-Check, 2011 Redline Conquest Pro, 2012 Spesh FSR Comp EVO, 2015 Trek Domane 6.2 disc
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.
Construction-type ANSI Class-3 vests, reflective sashes or reflective harnesses are my favourites.
__________________
"I feel like my world was classier before I found cyclocross."
- Mandi M.
"I feel like my world was classier before I found cyclocross."
- Mandi M.
#3
Ride the Santa Cruz Mtns!
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
Bikes: Felt Curbside, Cervelo R3 Rival, Specialized Tarmac Pro SL4 Ultegra Di2
#4
Banned
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 43,586
Likes: 1,380
From: NW,Oregon Coast
Bikes: 8
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.
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.
#6
Thread Starter
Fail Boat crewman
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 675
Likes: 0
From: PDX
Bikes: Reynolds 853 Jamis Quest 1990s
#7
Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Southern NH to wilmington commuter
Bikes: 1993 Merlin extralight road,1990 speciallized Allez Carbon,1994 Bianchi cyclocross, 1998 Klien Attitude Race,1998 Klien Mantra,1976 nishiki turned into a fixed
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
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
#8
Unlisted member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 435
From: Chicagoland
Bikes: Specialized Hardrock
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
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
#9
Thread Starter
Fail Boat crewman
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 675
Likes: 0
From: PDX
Bikes: Reynolds 853 Jamis Quest 1990s
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.
#10
Subjectively Insane
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 801
Likes: 0
From: Saint Louis, Missouri
Bikes: '09 Rodriguez Adventurer Custom, '08 Trek 7.3Fx
Here ya go. ANSI certified reflective vests for as cheap as three bucks.
https://www.galls.com/search
type in ANSI vest
https://www.galls.com/search
type in ANSI vest
Last edited by MilitantPotato; 08-01-11 at 07:05 PM.
#11
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 18,138
Likes: 324
Bikes: 2 many
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.
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.
#12
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 339
Likes: 9
From: Delaware
Bikes: Many English 3 Speeds
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.
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.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
UnsafeAlpine
Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg)
28
02-20-11 04:55 PM





