Reflectors

[Catrin]

I FINALLY got around to removing the reflectors from my mountain bike and LHT wheels. Whew, all of the roadies in my area can now rest and stop chastising me for their presence

Personally it doesn't matter to me either way, but what is it about this disdain for reflectors? I only took the 3 seconds to remove them from my mountain bike because I figure they would eventually wind up on the side of the trail anyway, and since I was at it also removed from from my LHT.

[luv2climb]

I can understand not wanting the reflectors on if the bike is never ridden at night, but for any bike ridden at night I think it's best to leave them on, especially if you live in a state like California that requires them by law.

I only take the reflectors off bikes that are never ridden at night. That means my road bike, mtb, and the folding bike I bought to take on climbing ride trips in rental cars. All my other bikes have the reflectors they came with, as they are ridden at night.

Here's an example of another kind of cyclist who should leave them on. His reflectors worked very well as he came towards me the wrong way in the bike lane! : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nT9pheWznY

[Velocivixen]

I leave my reflectors on. I know that Sheldon Brown's site has an article about why reflectors "don't work". I figure that anything that keeps me visible is helpful. I really don't care about the "cool factor". I'm more of an in town "commuter type" rider.

[jessmarimba]

Saw a couple cyclists (that might be too strong of a label...people who happened to be moving via bike) while driving last night only b/c they had reflectors. Granted, they were moving perpendicular to me, but they ran a stop sign, were dressed in all black, and were riding all over the road. Could've been a mess.

I left 'em on my commuter. Can't hurt! Someone else took them off of the rest of my bikes before I bought them.

[OakLeaf]

They're still on my commuter too. I took the front and rear reflectors off only because that was the only way to install actual lighting.

I don't ride the roadie after dark on purpose, but anyone can get caught out by flat tires or mechanicals. Leaving the reflectors on your bike is an easy way to ensure that you always have something reflective on. Gussying up your helmet with reflective tape is another way (just be sure you don't let the adhesive contact the EPS).


I have a feeling that the snob factor comes from two places: (1) front and rear reflectors usually are held by cheap, tacky looking brackets; and (2) wheel reflectors really can pull a lightweight wheel out of true, and by definition pull it out of balance.

[Catrin]

I don't ride the road after or before dark. Period. Others do and more power to them, but I do not feel safe doing that so refuse to put myself in the situation. I do have lights on my Gunnar should I get caught too close to sunset, but I try to prevent that.

Eventually I do want to try night riding, but on the trails, not on the roads Good point about mechanicals though, will have to think about that.

[indysteel]

I don't ride the road after or before dark. Period. Others do and more power to them, but I do not feel safe doing that so refuse to put myself in the situation. I do have lights on my Gunnar should I get caught too close to sunset, but I try to prevent that.

Eventually I do want to try night riding, but on the trails, not on the roads Good point about mechanicals though, will have to think about that.

I thought you wanted to do some night road riding and had done some pre-dawn rides last summer. I know I'd like to try it at some point considering that I have a light for it that I've never used. It seems to me that night road riding need not be dangerous with the right lights and on well chosen roads. IMO, some cyclists--if they have their bikes rigged right--are easier to see by night than by day. Frankly, I'd be more terrified to MTB at night. I think I need a lot more experience under my belt before I try it.