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Hi all,
Me and the Mrs have decided we are going to drop to just one car and I'm going to commute by bike. Been doing it a bit recently but the days are now getting shorter.
Could I get some recommendations on decent hi vis commuting jackets?
I've bought an Endura Illuminate one and it's like a tent so it's going back, no where near fitted enough!
Trying then isn't really an option for me due to work commitments at the minute so need to purchase online.
P.S. on another note I'll be selling a nice BMW 535D tourer for peanuts in the next month or so. Great bike transporter that will give a few sports cars a run for their money!
Proviz reflective jackets, bit sweaty but they light up like nothing else. They catch the daylight even, the office complain when I hang it up. I noticed I was given a decent berth by cars.
Also put some stuff on your rucksack or one of those Hump covers.
Hi Viz yellow is for daytime, reflective for night.
Karrimor do a cheap hi viz running rucksack using the proviz super reflective type material. That's what i use on my occaisional cycle commutes. Plus a Planet X hi viz wind jacket with removeable arms.
Cheers guys. Any more recommendations? Would really like a top end jacket that's waterproof and breathable but reflective and hi vis
Maddison stellar waterproof jackets is going strong. Cheap too.
I'd get an Endura FS260 pro sl shell jacket in green
+1 for proviz
Breathable waterproof jackets are a bit hens teeth but the proviz is just insane on its nighttime visibility..and worth the boil in bag.
Hi viz is overrated IMHO better getting some blinky lights on bike for daytime running.
How far do you have to cycle? I've given up with waterproofs for commuting to hot and too flappy. Windproofs and soft-shells are better IME.
I got this, cant fault it to be honest...
http://www.dare2b.com/reverence-waterproof-jacket-fiery-red-0-16.html
I commuted right through last winter, and found myself reverting more to my MTB gear often than road gear.
Advice:
- Mudguards - uncool, but essential.
- Good quality lights, on back, one constant light and one flashing (tests show that flashing draws vehicles attention to you, but drivers find it difficult to judge distance to a flashing light, so i have both).
- I found overshoes great for first 10 minutes of rain, but after a while they all end up letting water in, better to wear quality thick merino socks so your feet stay warm and just the toe covers to cold air doesnt get in the vents.
- Decent puncture proof tyres, so much more rubbish on road in winter, Conti 4 Seasons being my favourite
Actually answering your original question, best jacket i found for most of the year is an old Altura Night Vision softshell, much more comfortable than actual rain jacket, windproof, shower proof so you don't over heat, coupled this with a good merino base layer and a Buff round neck, that you can up higher if needed and could face most weathers.
Proviz reflective jackets
A colleague has one of these. When he walks through the toilets he sets off all of the automatic flushes 🙂
I gave up on high viz for commuting*. They seem less well specced for the price, compared to MTB waterproofs, look dorky, and seem to show the dirt really easily. I just buy a red MTB waterproof which is either lightweight and breathable or very well vented.
I'd echo the above advice on good full-length mudguards, and on-bike carrying. Also, ride a bit slower so you get less sweaty.
*only 3 miles each way, mostly on separated bike paths, all street-lit.
Avoid AlturA if you found the endura to be poorly fitting.
I really like Gore stuff. It's not as closely fitted as full on race stuff but it does fit fairly close and for me it does *feel* good, really comfortable. Nice one for getting rid of a car btw! 🙂
I have a soft-shell I only use for commuting. As it doesn't get muddy like my mtb stuff, it keeps its water repellency really well and breaths so much better. Big bright constant lights for me, day or night on busier routes.
If you're feeling flush (and want road kit) try the stolen goat orkaan range (like the Castelli Gabba). Reflectives in the arm and leg warmers, and a large area on the back pockets.
Looking forwards to the temp dropping so that I can use mine again.
Don't personally use waterproofs on the commute as we have a drying cabinet and showers at work, so can get sorted out reasonably easily if the weather is less than ideal. Also can't tolerate the boil in the bag effect.
As scud says get good lights and mix flashing/pulsing (Exposure flare) and static (Moon comet) on the rear. I've just received a front light that I backed on kickstarter (Ding Lights) that illuminates the ground as well as ahead, to give drivers a better frame of reference. I commute on both rural and city streets, so will be interesting to see how well they work.
Ive got a DHB Classic rain shell. I've only worn it once so far, it's still too warm for waterproofs.
It's toight (like a tiger), a bit stretchy with a nice long back. It's red, I'd prefer brighter, but working on the assumption it will only be won when it's cold and shitty then I'll have my lights on anyway. It's well reflective too.
I can't remember the specific model name, but the Rapha one is excellent (I think its circa £270?). It's not cheap by any stretch, but its super comfy, hard wearing, warm (but not too warm), keeps you dry and its nicely cut so fits well. Easily the best bit of cycling clothing I've bought.
+1 provis - you really are SEEN by all 🙂 but warm.
Castelli Muur also warm but not too bad.
the gore ones were also quite good.
The go to jacket currently ... Hoy Vulpine Portixol. Waterproof and
pretty breathable (i do get quite warm even at "tourist pace")
Proviz jackets are the only ones that can be seen from space.
For commuting in winter on wet days I use a rapha hardsheel. Its the only water proof I've had that keeps me completely dry, it's also very breathable, but also very expensive.
Not high viz though, although I have the bright orange one.
https://www.showerspass.com/products/mens-elite-21-jacket
awesome commuting jacket - 7 years and still doing the trick!
Gore Element AS comes in Hi-Viz colour option and has a non bin bag cut.
Another one of seemingly endless quandaries regarding bike stuff!
My ~10 year old Endura waterproof, that can convert to a gillet, is really showing its age now... Loads of the waterproof inner lining has worn off. can't even remember the model name, yet alone the price, but probably cost me less than £40 at the time.
Wondering whether to pay ~£20 for the PX convertible, or splash on something "fancy" that will be ~£50-75, such as the PX Hydrosphere/Ecostorm or even the Altura Nightvision Evo 360.
Confused.com strikes again! 😕
Based on 22 years of riding to work, these will get you home
Merino anything
Windproof anything
Sudacrem and baby wipes
Waterproof socks; sealskinz etc
Hi Viz, scotchlite, Proviz
A woolly hat
Windproofshell gloves;
Specialised gloves
Spare pair of gloves
A headtorch for punctures etc.
Two tubes and a puncture kit
Chaintool and links
Money for chips/pub/6 pack of beer/ bacon roll and tea
Burning desire to get home for bath, beer and sofa