High viz or cool?

Backgound
Just started riding ss again after 30 years. Waiting for bike shop to get 18 tooth sprocket in (they had to order one!) then will go fgss. Used to commute from Clapham to Islington on fixed, so can ride.

Question is this. I can't decide if I should wear full on high-vis class3/class2 BS EN 471 clothing and look a bit of a prat or wear cool looking urban cycle gear, which seems to be pretty low viz.

What do the team think?

Apologies in advace if this has been done to death already: couldn't find much on search.

Start with proper lights if you're concerned about visibility.

Wear what you are comfortable in.

If a hi-vis (day time) covered in Scotchlite (night time) is what you feel safe in then wear it.

It's your call.

wear the hi viz and look like a twat

if the cap fits...

make little difference, if drivers don't watch out for you, they won't see you regardless of what you're wearing.

You can wear what you want. Perhaps buy a light fluo windproof/waterproof jacket? You don't want to look like a road sweeper, but at this time of the year safety is paramount ;-)

There's a thread - search for "waterproof jacket" as a topic name

You got heart, but you ride like a god-damn ape. The only thing special about you is ya never got your nose busted - well, leave it that way, nice and pretty, and what's left of your mind...Hey kid, did ya ever think about retirin'?...You think about it.

You got heart, but you ride like a god-damn ape. The only thing special about you is ya never got your nose busted - well, leave it that way, nice and pretty, and what's left of your mind...Hey kid, did ya ever think about retirin'?...You think about it.

you're a bum, rock!

You gotta be a moron... you gotta be a moron to wanna be a rider.

Go for something like Altura NightVision (in black) or if you're feeling flush a Gore jacket.

Both will look fine and both will have a touch of Scotchlite and will reflect well without looking too much like a fluro-nodder if that's what you're worried about.

But ultimately the choice is yours.

You got heart, but you ride like a god-damn ape.

Ha! :-) Not very subtle, though

+1 for the lights.

I use one of these... It'll burn a hole in your eyes.
http://www.parker-international.co.uk/13236/RSP-Astrum-Rear-Light.html?referrer=froogle&utm_source=google&utm_medium=froogle&utm_campaign=pid13236

if you want to be seen by motorised vehicle, cycle near the middle of the lane.

Ha! :-) Not very subtle, though

I think we make a real sharp couple of coconuts - I'm dumb, you're shy, whaddaya think, huh?

I think we make a real sharp couple of coconuts - I'm dumb, you're shy, whaddaya think, huh?

But I'd need a Bacardi Breezer first

if you want to be seen by motorised vehicle, cycle near the middle of the lane.

Oh, it's you who's blocking my way when I'm driving my van? Cheers, pal. Pay the road tax!

being alive is pretty cool, if that means chucking hi-viz on if its murky, so be it.

Lights are your best bet. Buy the best you can afford and use them, especially a flashing front, even in daytime. Constant lights and flouro jackets can be lost against a busy background especially if you are static relative to the background, as is the case when a driver is pulling out and looking left/right.
I use one of these front:http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/use-exposure-joystick-item120038.html
And one of these rear: http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.dotbike.com/A_Resources/ProductImages004/P4140_125.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.dotbike.com/blt.aspx&usg=__EXCVzeWDXLrpqtY4-2Hb7we6cSU=&h=125&w=125&sz=5&hl=en&start=1&um=1&tbnid=NqelkFfN7K8pVM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=90&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dblt%2Bfantom%2Bx9%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1

But whatever you choose remember: Drivers will fail to see you, but: All drivers that have seen you are a out to kill you. Especially bus and taxi drivers.

Be safe.

if you want to be seen by motorised vehicle, cycle near the middle of the lane.

+1

Lights are your best bet. Buy the best you can afford and use them, especially a flashing front, even in daytime. Constant lights and flouro jackets can be lost against a busy background especially if you are static relative to the background, as is the case when a driver is pulling out and looking left/right.
I use one of these front:http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/use-exposure-joystick-item120038.html
And one of these rear: http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.dotbike.com/A_Resources/ProductImages004/P4140_125.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.dotbike.com/blt.aspx&usg=__EXCVzeWDXLrpqtY4-2Hb7we6cSU=&h=125&w=125&sz=5&hl=en&start=1&um=1&tbnid=NqelkFfN7K8pVM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=90&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dblt%2Bfantom%2Bx9%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1

But whatever you choose remember: Drivers will fail to see you, but: All drivers that have seen you are a out to kill you. Especially bus and taxi drivers.

Be safe.

Good advice.

+1

My only concession to bike nerd accoutrements:

Respro ankle bands.

Get good lights but have both active and passive means of being seen. These ankle bands are great because your legs are constantly in motion and the Scotchlite is so wide it can be seen at great distance.

Rock approved - fact

In addition to lights, I have one of these http://www.evanscycles.com/products/exelite/lumipac-ec016417
And some if these http://www.theglowcompany.co.uk/acatalog/SPOKE-LIT-BICYCLE-LIGHT.html to aid side visibility. Can be a problem if you have tight frame clearance.

make little difference, if drivers don't watch out for you, they won't see you regardless of what you're wearing.

i want to dispute your claim, and say it does make a considerable difference at night on dark unlit lanes..... but ... ye...meh

I started wearing my road jacket this week, an Altura Night Vision in hi viz yella
all over and I fell like suddenly drivers are seeing me. My rides are a lot less
troublesome with the hi vis and tbh, I'm loving the easy ride. Anything that gives me a marginaly Less
chance of being run over rules.

good lights, ride defensively, those hi-vis backpack covers are alright

I wouldn't wear hi-vis on my pushbike but I did a lot on my motorbike. Maybe it was something to do with people not seeing my face, I don't know I can;t explain :)

Some people have covered their hybrids in reflective strips, it looks shit but maybe you could just do reflective parts, or reflective logos? I've seen people with lights on their valve caps, makes them look like they're in TRON. I'm lucky because 100% of my commute is well lit main roads

edit: actually I have kept a hi-vis vest from my motorbiking days, for when it's foggy