Making Myself Side-Reflective

[kfergos]

Thursday night I almost got hit by a left-turner who didn't see me as I passed in front of him, in spite of my 2-watt front light and blindingly bright rear blinky light (my down low glow has passed on; it couldn't handle the 8-degree weather, I guess). This near-miss made me realize I have nothing marking me from the side in the dark. My solution:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3104/3104990895_a053095861.jpg

3M Scotch Reflective Tape, applied in inch-long sections, to the rim of the front wheel. I'm so pleased with how bright this is! Unfortunately, the front wheel used up the entire roll I bought, and the hardware store won't get more until Tuesday. This only worked because I have disc brakes, so I have rims I don't have to use for braking. Still, I wanted to share how incredible the tape is -- super sticky, super reflective. Probably not good on clothes, but definitely a good find for on-bike applications.

[7rider]

Interesting.
You could also get some tires with reflective sidewalls. They work great and won't put anything on the wheel.
I took some of that 3M reflective tape and "pin-striped" my commuter. I wrapped it around the fork legs, the crank arms, and the top tube (not sure you'd want to ugly up your beautiful Seven that way, tho').

[kfergos]

I actually have a reflective Armadillo that I love, so I guess I'll be double-reflective when I put that back on. But right now it's studded tire season, and I already own a pair of really great non-reflective Nokian Hakkapeliitta W240 studded tires that I didn't want to replace.

I figured the rims were the least pretty part of my bike already, and as you say, tape would not be getting anywhere near the gorgeous ti frame. That would be desecration! :p

[7rider]

Just as an FYI
Peter White Cycles claims to have Schwalbe Marathon Winter - reflective sidewall studded tires in 700 c in stock: http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/studdedtires.asp

"700c version: ETRTO 35-622, 240 studs, 40 psi to 70 psi, our part number SWL11126448 Out of stock. May be available again in January, 2009.

700c version: ETRTO 42-622, 240 studs, 35 psi to 60 psi, our part number SWL11156448In Stock!

All sizes, $74.00 each"

[wackyjacky1]

I added some of the reflective stickers that TE sells to boost my visibility from the side:

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc71/wackyjacky1/DSCN0062.jpg http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc71/wackyjacky1/DSCN0060.jpg

I also added them to my helmet:

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc71/wackyjacky1/DSCN0063.jpg

[CommuterChick]

I got Spokelits (http://www.niteize.com/productdetail.php?category_id=26&product_id=163), and I'm giving these as Christmas presents, they're great -- come in a variety of colors, and make you very, very visible from the side. I jumped on them after I ALMOST turned into a rider -- dark bike, dark clothes, dark but busy road, rider had front and rear lights, good ones, but couldn't be seen at all square on from the side.
Spokelits have a steady and a blinky setting. And they cost $10 at my absolutely wonderful LBS (http://sportsgarage.net/)

[Tri Girl]

The spokelits are pretty cool. I also like the reflective tape on the rims (and the TE stickers are really cute). I've also pinstriped my bike, like 7rider.
My main way to stay seen at night during the cold winters: stay in my car. :D

[lph]

:)
I got Spokelits (http://www.niteize.com/productdetail.php?category_id=26&product_id=163), and I'm giving these as Christmas presents, they're great -- come in a variety of colors, and make you very, very visible from the side. I jumped on them after I ALMOST turned into a rider -- dark bike, dark clothes, dark but busy road, rider had front and rear lights, good ones, but couldn't be seen at all square on from the side.
Spokelits have a steady and a blinky setting. And they cost $10 at my absolutely wonderful LBS (http://sportsgarage.net/)

Oh, I SO want some of these for myself, or some of those TireSparx thingies that screw onto the valve, for myself and as presents for some winter biking buddies but I can't find them anywhere in the country :(

If anyone feels like sending me some I'll reimburse you and add some excellent Norwegian chocolate. :D

[redrhodie]

lph, I sent you a pm. I'd be happy to send you some!

[Eden]

I have TireSparx and I love them. I got a set for the hubby as well and several people have commented about how visible they are.

[alpinerabbit]

I have little 3m reflective sticks (http://www.bike-x-perts.com/en/product_info.php/products_id/133959) that go on the spokes. With the turning wheel, they should look like a wide reflective circle. I have about 8 on each wheel.

[Thorn]

I have little 3m reflective sticks (http://www.bike-x-perts.com/en/product_info.php/products_id/133959) that go on the spokes. With the turning wheel, they should look like a wide reflective circle. I have about 8 on each wheel.

Synchornicity....I'd never seen those before today (and I've been looking for a simple solution). I found those at the local bike swap this afternnon (packaged as Relective Chop Spokes). Simple, effective and should work well.

[kfergos]

There are so many good (and often incredibly creative) ways to make yourself visible! I did look into the Schwalbe tires, but they were both back-ordered and unlikely to fit on my bike. Hence this solution.

Opinion question: Should I mark the back wheel with alternating red and white reflective tape, or should I just do all white for both wheels? (I found a roll of red reflective tape at a hardware store and I can't decide if it would look stupid and not be worth it; look stupid and be worth it; or look OK.)

[SouthernBelle]

The Schwalbes are available at Biketiresdirect.com. Ordered them this weekend.

Although they were for the 27" wheels.

[PscyclePath]

All sorts of good ideas here...

My DLG bit the dust awhile back when I got in a hurry hooking it up and the power cable got hooked up in the chainring... haven't gotten around to replacing it just yet... ;-(

I use TireFlys on my valve stems, and get good side visibility with them... and wear a reflective vest that I found at Gander Mountain back the end of the summer. We taped the night ride at the LCI seminar held up in north Arkansas the weekend before last, where pairs of riders went up a stretch of dark road for a couple hundred yards then turned around and came back, while we watched them in the dark, then in the low and high beams of a car positioned there for that purpose. I was surprised to see how bright one rider looked -- sort of like the mothership from Close Encounters -- and when he turned around at the end I saw the TireFlys... it was me!

I still have light lust for a set of Dinottes, though...

[Pedal Wench]

One of the tech blogs i write for had a blog about a new bike paint that's reflective -- it's right under my Sirius XM story, so read that too! www.dvice.com

[Tri Girl]

One of the tech blogs i write for had a blog about a new bike paint that's reflective -- it's right under my Sirius XM story, so read that too! www.dvice.com

That is really cool! I wonder where you get it??

[lph]

lph, I sent you a pm. I'd be happy to send you some!

W00t! I got a package in the mail today! 2 each blue, green and red Spokelits, woohoo :D My 11yr-old son was very impressed, and envious. And redrhodie, bless her, added some chocolate that looks locally made. Yummy!

In exchange I went handicraft shopping. You said you liked the mittens called Selbuvotter, and as chance had it I was in Røros for the post-Christmas holidays. One of my closest friends grew up there and her family still has a cabin there. Røros is an old mining town, very picturesque, and it can get really, really cold there, so even to Osloites it's a bit exotic. When I came across some locally made mittens at Husfliden I had to get them. Husfliden is an organization devoted to preserving old handicraft traditions. In fact they're almost infamous for their opinions on how to wear the folk costume called "bunad" - no make-up, hair down, no sunglasses, and above all, no umbrellas :rolleyes:

Sorry, I'm wandering here. I shall have to recommend this form of internet shopping to my friends, it's a lot of fun :D Mittens are in the mail!

[kfergos]

No umbrellas?!!

[redrhodie]

W00t! I got a package in the mail today! 2 each blue, green and red Spokelits, woohoo :D My 11yr-old son was very impressed, and envious. And redrhodie, bless her, added some chocolate that looks locally made. Yummy!

In exchange I went handicraft shopping. You said you liked the mittens called Selbuvotter, and as chance had it I was in Røros for the post-Christmas holidays. One of my closest friends grew up there and her family still has a cabin there. Røros is an old mining town, very picturesque, and it can get really, really cold there, so even to Osloites it's a bit exotic. When I came across some locally made mittens at Husfliden I had to get them. Husfliden is an organization devoted to preserving old handicraft traditions. In fact they're almost infamous for their opinions on how to wear the folk costume called "bunad" - no make-up, hair down, no sunglasses, and above all, no umbrellas :rolleyes:

Sorry, I'm wandering here. I shall have to recommend this form of internet shopping to my friends, it's a lot of fun :D Mittens are in the mail!

Wow, that was pretty fast! 2 weeks to Norway. I've had packages go slower to the west coast.

Oh, I'm so excited! I'll be sure to wear the Selbuvotter without umbrellas. Hair down, no makeup, that's easy! The sunglasses will be a problem, though. I wear transitions lenses :cool:

Thanks lph! That was fun!

[Aggie_Ama]

I bought DH some green Spokelits for Christmas, he should install them tonight. I am pretty eager to see them on they are sure bright just to play with! I may order myself some blue ones to leave on my Cannondale, I think they would be extremely helpful on those weird overcast days as well? I found them online with super speedy shipping, cost me just at $20 for a pair.

He needs new tires shortly and we found some Michelin City tires with side reflection. Going to pick those up for replacements. I run Armadillos on my bike and will spring for the reflective ones next time, can't hurt even if I normally ride in daylight.

[lph]

No umbrellas?!!

I kid you not. Here a link to a story of a couple of tv-reporters who got disapproving comments from the bunad police for wearing their bunads the wrong way on the 17th of May (our 4th of July) - make-up, sunglasses, and *gasp* pale shoes!
http://www.dagbladet.no/kultur/2003/05/11/368464.html
Here pictures of the proper way to wear your bunad:
http://www.dagbladet.no/magasinet/2005/05/10/431406.html
And here a link to newfangled "bunad-umbrellas", frowned upon by the oldtimers, as the only possibly accepted alternative to standing around in soaking wool is a plain black umbrella:
http://www.bunadrosen.no/maalskjema.htm

I don't own a bunad, since I'm old-fashioned enough to feel I should have one from where I grew up, and it's a really ugly one. ;)

[KathiCville]

[QUOTE=lph;393320]W00t! I got a package in the mail today! 2 each blue, green and red Spokelits, woohoo :D My 11yr-old son was very impressed, and envious.

I just bought a couple of Spokelits, too---one green, one blue. I've only used the green one a couple of times at dusk on my back wheel, but woooweee, it's eye-catching! Perfect for when I'm out riding earlier or later than usual....GREAT idea!

[Aggie_Ama]

I just bought a couple of Spokelits, too---one green, one blue. I've only used the green one a couple of times at dusk on my back wheel, but woooweee, it's eye-catching! Perfect for when I'm out riding earlier or later than usual....GREAT idea!


I watched DH's as he trucked off up the street, it was the last thing I could see. Those were worth every penny! ;)

[LilBolt]

Love them. Put two on the front wheel. Mine are alien green. I have a certain morning glow about me now during my commute. ;)
"Dorking out" my commuter is so much fun. If it wasn't for all the weight I keep adding to the bike, I'd have it looking like a Mardi Gras float. It's all about safety, of course.

[wackyjacky1]

"Dorking out" my commuter is so much fun. If it wasn't for all the weight I keep adding to the bike, I'd have it looking like a Mardi Gras float. It's all about safety, of course.

Oh, man, me too! :D

I only have one Spokelit. Any thoughts as to which would be better to mount it on, front wheel or rear?

[LilBolt]

The reason I put mine on the front is because I figured the panniers would obscure too much of the 'circle of light'. And I can watch 'em go round & round on the front. :)

[Aggie_Ama]

Oh, man, me too! :D

I only have one Spokelit. Any thoughts as to which would be better to mount it on, front wheel or rear?

DH has two and put them both on the rear. The suckers are bright and really alert cars coming up. We tested them going up the street and it was the last thing I saw from behind, this alien green glow. He rides with an REI Novara bag with fold out panniers, not super big but he does have panniers.

He thought you could feel the wheel being unbalanced with one but he is hypersensitive to feel. I other hand am relatively clueless.

[wackyjacky1]

He thought you could feel the wheel being unbalanced with one but he is hypersensitive to feel. I other hand am relatively clueless.
Yeah, there's no way I'd notice something like that unless it was majorly unbalanced (i.e., the wheel would have to be shaped like a Pringles potato chip before I would notice there's a problem :D ).

I have a Superflash light attached to the left-hand strut of my rear rack, so I figured I'm pretty visible from the rear with that. I put the Spokelit on my front wheel. It's very impressive, as far as how attention-getting it is. I liked having it on there for my 3:30 a.m. commute.

[smurfalicious]

I have 3M reflective tape on my rims. I got them from my old roommate and he does it to all his wheels. I hate it, personally, but I guess maybe it helps?

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g50/hillbillary/crappybike/002.jpg

Old picture of Miss Candice but you get the idea. Probably sticks better to rims than tires for sure. And there are reflective tires, too. I was halfway into an intersection when some gal tried to plow me over so I can't see it makes a difference when dealing with idiots.

[Kryn]

Anyone seen a down low glow? I have this and think it is the coolest thing ever, but I'm kind of a dork :)

http://www.rockthebike.com/down-low-glow

[kfergos]

Anyone seen a down low glow? I have this and think it is the coolest thing ever, but I'm kind of a dork :)

http://www.rockthebike.com/down-low-glowOh yes. If you do a search of threads you'll find quite a discussion on the dlg. I bought one because I thought it was super cool, too, and found that it doesn't work reliably in rain or cold weather. When it does work it's dazzlingly bright, but ultimately I ended up disappointed with it because it broke 3 or 4 times, and each time I sent it back, they "fixed" it, and it broke again later. I eventually gave up using it because pretty much all I ride in when I need a bright light is rainy, wet, or cold weather.