How many of you put wheel reflectors on your training wheels? Even with expensive bikes and wheels, maybe its a good idea to put those schwinn varsity wheel reflectors on. Who cares if it looks strange, I’m doing it. I also saw a Jordan Rapp commercial on universal sports for the helmet light - I’m getting one of those too. These close calls are getting too close around here.
Are you talking about riding during the day? I’m not sure reflectors would do much to increase your visibility in that case since they’d only be visible from the side. At night though they would help, but only when a car’s lights were shining on it…usually too late at that point.
I put these on my commuter during the winter for when I’m riding at night:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qq5lKn__qkk
Possibly very dorky, (although I also was told “Rad!” by some kid and “That’s so cool!” by a chick going the other way. They make you very visible from the side, and even people from the front/back can see them and think “WTF is that?” which means they are aware that something is moving along. I also felt that the WTF factor resulted in people giving me a wider berth as they tried to figure out what it was.
As another benefit, the faster you go, the better it looks…
I also use a flashing front white LED all the time after seeing a couple of other people using them and realizing they really catch your attention even in daylight conditions.
Mavic has or had reflective decals on their wheels. It serves two useful purposes:
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It is safer at night, especially if you are caught out after dark.
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In a race photograph the fill-flash simply “ignites” the Mavic logo on the wheel, giving it some added “bling” and recognition.
Companies make adhesive reflective material that is highly visible. It’s a good idea.
Where can I find the Jordan Rapp helmet light? I haven’t seen this commercial (alright critics, I already tried a google search). I’m always looking for new and creative/economical ways to be seen. Too many close calls around here as well.
Are reflective sidewall tires worth anything? The idea has intrigued me as a way to stay slightly safer whilst maintaining the essential ‘always look like a racer’ look.
Where can I find the Jordan Rapp helmet light?
Jordan has been running a series of light reviews (accessible from the main page - I know… the what?) for a while now:
http://www.slowtwitch.com/Products/Lights/Stay_Safe._Be_Seen_Cygolite_MityCross_400_1834.html
http://www.slowtwitch.com/Products/Lights/Stay_Safe._Be_Seen_Lupine_Piko_3_1836.html
http://www.slowtwitch.com/Products/Lights/Stay_Safe._Be_Seen_Light_and_Motion_Vis360_and_Vis180_1852.html
http://www.slowtwitch.com/Products/Lights/Stay_Safe._Be_Seen_Exposure_Joystick_Strada_RedEye_Flash_and_Flare_1874.html
http://www.slowtwitch.com/Products/Lights/Stay_Safe._Be_Seen_Cyclops_Adventure_Sport_ADV_1910.html
He’s got a few really cool lights that he hasn’t reviewed yet, but that slacker is off on a beach vacation or some other such nonsense and has left us to waste away in the dark until his return from the sandbox.
Are reflective sidewall tires worth anything? The idea has intrigued me as a way to stay slightly safer whilst maintaining the essential ‘always look like a racer’ look.
reflective sidewalls DO work, but they need to be kept clean. On my commute bike I grew tired of cleaning them, some of my commute is on dirt.
Reflectors are best on things that spin, so your desire to use them on a wheel is a good one. I’ve done a 24 hour race and countless double-centuries in the dark, so I’ve seen my share of reflective products. My thoughts are…
I cut tiny bits of reflective NATHAN tape on the insides of my silver box rims. Works well but does need to be wiped clean now and then. I use silver NATHAN reflective tape so you can’t see it on the rim. Four pieces per rim.
I have one circle of tape around the middle of each crank arm. AWESOME place for reflectors.
And I use reflective tape on the back of my helmet.
For overnight and commute rides I use these as well, they work great: http://www.rivbike.com/products/show/spoke-reflector/31-371
The best $3 you will ever spend:
Buy a roll or two of 3M Scotchlite Reflective Tape (1" width) at any hardware store.Cut into evenly-size lengths short enough to be placed on the inside of your rims, between each pair of spoke nipples.
If you are incredibly anal-retentive about having everything exactly the same length, sneak into FedEx Kinko’s and use the self-service paper cutter.Remove adhesive backing on each piece, and place each piece. If the rim is not a total box shape and has some aero or other curvature, you might also consider orienting the pieces to wrap from one side to the other almost touching brake surface. This solution weighs next to nothing, and will stay on longer than you will own the rims.
Having done this, your bike rims will light up like two spinning Christmas trees by any automobile headlights that shine on it. The reflective tape is covered with retro-reflective beads which guarantees the light will go right back into every driver’s eyes. If there is any sort of curvature to your rims, you will be magnificently visible from the sides. In any case, when approached from behind, you will be dramatically visible, especially the front wheel which oscillates back and forth when you pedal.
I’ve done this for 20+ years and have lost track if the number of times drivers have pulled up next to me during night time rides and said “Hey! I can see you!”
$3 or your life. Easy choice.
How many of you put wheel reflectors on your training wheels? Even with expensive bikes and wheels, maybe its a good idea to put those schwinn varsity wheel reflectors on. Who cares if it looks strange, I’m doing it. I also saw a Jordan Rapp commercial on universal sports for the helmet light - I’m getting one of those too. These close calls are getting too close around here.
If money is no object, get a Light & Motion SECA . These things light up the night like a thousand suns. With the helmet mount, you can blind everyone around you as fast as you can turn your head. The batteries last 2.5-10 hours, so it expands your training “day” considerably.