Road I'D - Compare & Contrast

Hi Road ID wearers.
With our friend's recent death and just the fact that DH and I are out there so often on our bikes, amongst the haters in cars, I'm starting to think that a Road ID would give us a little more piece of mind should something bad happen. So I wanted to query users....which one to get?
Wrist? Ankle? Dog tag? Elite? Sport? Interactive or not?
What have you found to be the pros/cons of your selection? What DID you get and why?
If you had to choose again, would you get the same one?
Thanks!

First, I'm sorry to hear about your friend.

I got the dogtag style for both my daughter and myself. It slips on easily, tucks into my sports bra, and doesn't leave a tanline. I put all of my contact info and brief medical info on the tag itself because someone here (I forget who, but she had something to do with EMT or ER or something) said that in an emergency situation, you don't want to have to rely on your personnel having an Internet connection, and they don't have time to go look it up anyway, especially if it could be right there for them to access easily.

And with the dogtags, you get to choose a graphic design to put on the back. I chose the female cyclist for myself, and a paw print for DD because she's an animal fan. I also got her the lime green silencer. She wears it every day, ride or not.

Roxy

I use the ankle strap; when I bought it the interactive version wasn't available.

I'm sorry about your loss. I got the non-interactive wristband version a couple of years ago. I remember reading about the same issue involving internet access, and decided to just get the regular one. I'd do the same thing again, but I'd get a medium instead of a small.

I have the interactive wrist id. It has my main health problems on the band, and then if they need to follow up with more detailed information at the hospital then they can do that as well.

Dog tag! DH and I both have them and we just keep them on most/all of the time. Mine is about 3 years old and still shiny.

I have the wrist ID elite and I would get the same thing, should I need to ever order another. Waterproof, adjustable to your particular wrist size, easy to see. It is great.

I got the ankle - anything around the wrist aggravates my wrist. I can use it to hold my pants away from the chain.

Sorry about your friend :(

If you have a medical condition - the other option is a Medic Alert tag. I've been wearing a dog tag when I ride for years. Tag has medical information, then medical people can phone in for your other info if you're unable to speak.

Just thought I'd mention it. ;)

I got the ones that fit on shoes (one on my riding shoes, one on sandals I tend to wear to kayak and such). BUT, I've heard that if things are really bad, the emergency folks take off your shoes. So I've been thinking about getting a dog tag one. But I don't like the feel of stuff around my neck or wrist or ankle, so maybe I wouldn't like it?

i have the dog tag kind. i generally hate jewelry type stuff but i never really notice it when i am wearing it. i have heard the bracelet ones are best because that is where they look first. i have a green silencer on mine and an pretty picture on the back.

I'm sorry for the loss of your friend. :( We lost a cyclist in my community today to a hit and run.
I have the wrist ID. A friend of mine who is a paramedic said it's the most visible spot for EMT's to look when someone is down. He also said the ankle would be his second choice, and the dog tags third. He said the shoe ID is not the most practical for running/cycling because shoes often get knocked off (in especially violent accidents). Just my thoughts. I think if you have one- any kind- it's a good thing.

I have the wrist Road ID. I'm planning to buy a new one so I have one for taking walks (including walking to the gym) and a second to keep in my bike bag so it's always there for bike rides. I'm planning to get the regular non-interactive kind again.

So my big decision is what inspirational words I should have on the last line. So far I'm considering:

Suitcase of courage
What would Stuey Do?
HTFU

I have the interactive and a bunch of the different color wrist ID bands and a couple of different colors of the ankle bands (Road ID was the presenting sponsor of Levi's GranFondo last year and everyone got gift certificates).

I chose the interactive because my medical info changes rather frequently, but there really isn't anything that I'm taking that should cause a severe allergic reaction so they don't need immediate access to my medical records. It's more so I can have more emergency contacts and update numbers as people change them.

The ankle ID is made of a more foamy material. The original wrist one is made of a nylon type material and isn't as soft. Depending on which one you like the look of more or which material is more comfortable, you can wear them wherever you want. Both Chris Horner and Levi Leipheimer are wearing ankle Road IDs on their wrists at the Tour de France (or have been that I've noticed, but I haven't noticed it every day). You may need a larger wrist one to fit on your ankle or a smaller ankle one for your wrist.

I have the wrist ID because in an accident the wrist is one of the first places the Medics are going to look for a medical ID/etc. I have the interactive bracelet since I use my bracelet for more then bike riding. I also use it when I go horseback riding alone and have additional information on my interactive page with who can be contacted to take care of the horse and what barn we are from.

The good thing about the interactive is that it can be accessed not just by internet but also by phone. So unless you are in a cell phone dead area, emergency personnel can access that information from just about anywhere.

On the front of my bracelet I have my full name and then I have my drivers license number listed. I went with my license number because any police department in the country can run that number and get my name, date of birth and current address off of that. As a 911 dispatcher, I can tell you that the first thing an officer is going to look for is an ID and run it so I figured I would make it easy for them! On mine it looks like this

CT Driv Lic#12345678

Pretty much any police officer will recognize that for what it is.

I have the wrist ID elite as well, and very happy with the security it provides.

I'm an ankle wearer. Agree with earlier comments that shoe ID's and Dog Tags are at risk of separation from your body in bad incidents.

I'll add one more comfort consideration:

• I developed a persistent ring worm where I typically wore mine
• Shame on me for not washing it ( I never thought to:eek:)
• So now I alternate ankles, wash it regularly, and try to wrap it around my sock rather than directly on my skin

I'm really sorry for the loss of your friend

Non-interactive Wrist ID Elite here, engraved with my Medic Alert account info. DH wears the non-interactive Wrist ID Sport.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Muirenn

HTFU?

All confused:)

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HTFU? HTFU = Harden The F**k Up

- often preceded by "take a cup of concrete and..."
- and the polite company alternate is TUP = Toughen Up Princess:p

I have a bunch of HTFU temporary tattoos I use on my forearm to look at during races to remind myself to put that extra bit in.

I've got the wrist one with a yellow strap. When I got hit by a car, a witness used my Road ID to contact my husband--then gave it to the police who also used it to tell my husband which hospital the ambulance was taking me to. Very glad I had it on.

Just this summer, I decided to get the ankle version (original, not 'interactive'), which I wear around my socks. I also use it while jogging. The tag can be affixed to an ankle band or a wristband, so you could get a spare band.

I went with the plain one because of (a) privacy reasons (leaving personal information on yet another server); and (b) there's nothing really special about my health profile.

About "HTFU", I believe Stuart O'Grady was wearing the "inspirational" wristband a few years ago, sold by an Aussie comedian: http://store.ronniejohns.com/?show_product=HTFU

I'm an ER doc. Here are my suggestions:

I'd go with the wrist band over the others. Anything attached to your clothing may be lost if the paramedics have to cut your clothes off. The dog tags may also be lost the same way. Honestly, your ankles don't get looked at until much later unless you have a leg injury. So we might miss the ankle band for a while.

If you don't have any serious medical problems then the regular type of Road ID is fine. Put your name and as many contact numbers as you can fit. Dont' worry about blood type. We'll type and cross you if you need it. Forget the pithy statements. Instead put in another contact number. DO put in any allergies you have.

If you do have serious/complicated medical problems or if you are on a bunch of medications, then get the interactive ID or a MedicAlert tag. The paramedics won't have time to contact them, but we will in the ER. Make sure you keep the MedicAlert or Road ID people updated if your meds/condition change. It doesn't help you if we can only access old info.

Remember, these id's are for a time when you can't speak for yourself. You want to be identified and you want us to know the most important stuff about you and who to get ahold of.

I have accessed MedicAlert for some of my patients. It's an invaluable resource. (As yet, I haven't had to do it with a Road ID.)

FWIW, I have a pacemaker. I wear a MedicAlert sports band when I swim, bike or run. I also have a regular wrist bracelet and a dog tag necklace. I wear one or the other when I'm out and about and especially when I'm out of the area where all of the cops and paramedics know me.

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Originally Posted by roadie gal

I'm an ER doc. Here are my suggestions:

I'd go with the wrist band over the others. Anything attached to your clothing may be lost if the paramedics have to cut your clothes off. The dog tags may also be lost the same way. Honestly, your ankles don't get looked at until much later unless you have a leg injury. So we might miss the ankle band for a while.

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Ordering the wrist band *right now*.

I have the ankle one because it has a reflective strip. It is also very comfortable,made from neoprene. I'm not sure if there is a wrist one made from neoprene, but I don't like to have things on my wrist anyway.

I have the plain old fashioned wrist band in yellow. I actually have 2, since I lost one and ordered another. Finally got DH to wear one, especially important for him, as he takes Plavix and has 2 stents. Now I have to get DS to buy one.
I bought the wrist band because I had read that emergency personnel usually look there first. I developed a new allergy since I got the band; I suppose I should get a new one...

Wow thanks all.
Very helpful. Fortunately, neither DH nor I have any serious, chronic issues and no allergies.
DH has already expressed "no dog tags" so I guess that one was ruled out right after I first posted!

First off, I just think wearing ID is such a good idea. I live alone and generally ride alone, so I really like the idea that I can be easily ID'ed. And I am so sorry about your friend.

I have the original style wrist ID. I initially bought the ankle strap but it bothered me because if I wore it loose, it moved up and down on my leg when I pedalled. And if I wore it tight, it felt like it was squeezing my ankle.

Only complaint about the wrist ID is the tan line. Other than that, I love it and I don't even notice that it's there. I have more detailed emergency info in my seat bag so I had them print "Emer Info in Seat Bag" on one of the lines.

I have the wrist sport ID in Red - wanted a color that was noticeable.

Sorry for the loss of your friend. I, too, lost a friend and co-worker last August when he was riding the trail into Georgetown (DC) and had a massive stroke. From what I heard, he didn't have any ID on him, so it took some time for identification, plus his family lives in CA. This prompted me to purchase my Road ID.

One hates to even mention it. And I keep putting my own off.

But you want a link to your Living Will there, too. It's as important as all the rest of the stuff. In Ohio, the County Recorder's Office in the state capital will record Living Wills and give you an ID card where anyone who needs it can access it. I'm not sure what other states do, but Ohio is rarely on the forefront of technological innovation. :rolleyes:


ETA: okay, that was unfair now that I think about it. Ohio was one of the first two or three states to let you tie next-of-kin contact information to your driver's license. But I think just about every state followed suit within a year. (You all do have that, right?)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by pinkbikes

I have a bunch of HTFU temporary tattoos I use on my forearm to look at during races to remind myself to put that extra bit in.

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Where can I find this item?

I've worn the standard wrist ID for the past five years... this is Arkansas, after all, and internet access and cell phone service is spotty to non-existent once you get away from the larger towns. My faithful old yellow one finally wore out last winter, and I replaced it with an updated red band (& updated the emergency contacts as well), with a new yellow band in my things box in reserve ;-)

Haven't had to really use it just yet, but it's a comfort having it there. I also wear it when I'm simply travelling out of town as well, so it serves double duty ;-)

I just ordered the wrist bands for DH and myself.
He got black (per his request). I got red.
Yellow seemed like it would get dingy and dirty really fast (judging from how quickly my Kindle's cover got dirtied up which is also yellow - actually closer to "buff".).

FWIW, I have the yellow wrist band. No dirty problems - I just give it a rinse wash now and then and it looks fine.

I know you've already ordered, but I'll add my two cents. I've moved a bunch of times since I got my first RoadID, so I've had opportunity to replace them often enough. I have no special medical conditions so mine has only my name, address and contact numbers.

I originally bought the wrist one because it seemed the smartest, but to be honest, I found it uncomfortable and often didn't wear it. Then I bought the shoe tag and just left it on my road shoes. That was fine except that it was pretty useless once I started running! Again, since mine didn't carry any critical health info, I wasn't worried about being 'separated' from my info in an accident as I assume that my bike would be searched for ID info on me anyway.

Now I have the neoprene ankle band. It's awesome. I wear it whenever I go anywhere (without my purse) alone. Perfect for biking, hiking, running...I never even know it's there. I'm even thinking that I ought to wear it on my ankle when I swim at the pool in case something happens. No one knows me, and with all my stuff in my locker, how would they ID me if I was unconscious?

I also like that it doubles as a timing chip strap for races AND that it's reflective.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ny biker

So my big decision is what inspirational words I should have on the last line. So far I'm considering:

Suitcase of courage
What would Stuey Do?
HTFU

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Took everything thing i had NOT to put HTFU. It would be my luck I would have to explain it to my mom. Or someone's kid. I really, REALLY wanted to do that one. :)

I have the RoadID Elite wrist band. I really like it, find it to be comfortable even in high heat. It gets in the way a bit with armwarmers/suncoolers, but worth it for peace of mind.

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Originally Posted by Pedal Wench

Took everything thing i had NOT to put HTFU. It would be my luck I would have to explain it to my mom. Or someone's kid. I really, REALLY wanted to do that one. :)

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:D:D I don't know why someone's kid would be looking at your RoadID.

As far as your mom... a few years ago my parents were visiting for the holidays and I dropped something in the kitchen and broke it, and the same word that's being abbreviated up there just FLEW out of my mouth. :o

My mom's an elementary school teacher, and that prompted a good discussion about how she keeps words from flying out of her mouth in similar situations. :D Your mom has probably heard that word before, too. :cool:

OTOH, I don't find the wristband to be at all uncomfortable. I wear it loose around my wrist.

I have the yellow one and it's probably not as bright as it was when it was new, but rinsing it under the tap keeps it clean enough.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Pedal Wench

Took everything thing i had NOT to put HTFU. It would be my luck I would have to explain it to my mom. Or someone's kid. I really, REALLY wanted to do that one. :)

I have the RoadID Elite wrist band. I really like it, find it to be comfortable even in high heat. It gets in the way a bit with armwarmers/suncoolers, but worth it for peace of mind.

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Good to hear the Elite is comfy, I have the regular one (interactive version) but it gets a little scratchy. May try it and risk the metal clasp.

HTFU....for the life of me I can't think of what this might mean. I assume that FU is obvious, it is the first two letters that I am wondering about - "hold the"? It is probably something very nice my warped brain is twisting it...

I have the dog tag one and I like it. When it's under your jersey you don't even feel it, so it's not annoying or restrictive. It's also pretty and shiny, and you can get a little saying on the front - I have the century creed, "There will be days when I don't know if I can ride a century. There will be a lifetime knowing that I have." On really hot days when I unzip my jersey, it does flap around a little bit, but I get used to that pretty quick and it doesn't bother me.

-Jessica

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Catrin

Good to hear the Elite is comfy, I have the regular one (interactive version) but it gets a little scratchy. May try it and risk the metal clasp.

HTFU....for the life of me I can't think of what this might mean. I assume that FU is obvious, it is the first two letters that I am wondering about - "hold the"? It is probably something very nice my warped brain is twisting it...

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http://velonews.competitor.com/2007/...rden-the_13347