Winter cycling, visibility or reflective?

[Jack Lloyd]

With the summer over, at me heading off to university soon, I'm looking to get my clothing for the winter sorted!

I'm new to cycling, have been cycling from the middle of July, using padded shorts & a jersey (on the longer rides I use some fingerless gloves), but these won't do it for the colder months.

Saying that, in Newcastle it doesn't get too cold, maybe -5/-8 min, I was thinking a getting some under armour, the jersey I have, and they a jacket.

The problem arises when I try to find a jacket, hi visibility or reflective ?

The under armour I'm looking at: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/helly-hansen-dry-stripe-crew-neck-base-layer/
The jersey I have: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00KGSHHPM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The jacket I'm looking at: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/gore-bike-wear-oxygen-gore-tex-active-shell-jacket/#itemtop

I'm not sure if that jacket will be good enough to be 'seen' or should I go for a more hi vis jacket?

 

[ScotiaLass]

With the summer over, at me heading off to university soon, I'm looking to get my clothing for the winter sorted!

I'm new to cycling, have been cycling from the middle of July, using padded shorts & a jersey (on the longer rides I use some fingerless gloves), but these won't do it for the colder months.

Saying that, in Newcastle it doesn't get too cold, maybe -5/-8 min, I was thinking a getting some under armour, the jersey I have, and they a jacket.

The problem arises when I try to find a jacket, hi visibility or reflective ?

The under armour I'm looking at: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/helly-hansen-dry-stripe-crew-neck-base-layer/
The jersey I have: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00KGSHHPM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The jacket I'm looking at: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/gore-bike-wear-oxygen-gore-tex-active-shell-jacket/#itemtop

I'm not sure if that jacket will be good enough to be 'seen' or should I go for a more hi vis jacket?

You can always get a reflective/hi-vis vest to wear on top, or if using a backpack, a reflective/hi-vis cover for it.
Also, lights - both on the bike and clipped on to your backpack etc.

Don't forget your feet! Thermal socks and overshoes (for the wet) and full gloves will be needed.
remember, the temp may be -1 or whatever, but with windchill and the speed you're cycling at, it may feel a lot colder!

 

[BrynCP]

For night/dark riding reflective is more important than hi-vis (it won't be hi-vis in the dark without reflective elements)

Although saying that I rode during winter in the dark in a yellow jacket, with just tiny reflective logos, and never had a problem. That was all lit, city roads though.

 

[Saluki]

I have a Altura Night Vision, it's 'council worker orange' with lots of reflective bits. Hubster says that he can see me from a quarter of a mile away at night as the reflective bits are so bright. I'd go for reflective every time. My shoes have reflective bits on and I have flashing hi-viz and reflective arm and leg bands (an Aldi purchase I think).
Hi-viz is great for the daylight but reflective is better for the night time.

 

[cyberknight]

Both .

 

[the_mikey]

Fluoro colours only work when there is some daylight, utilising the ultra violet light from the sun to achieve fluorescence. Retro-reflectives are needed at night or very low light conditions, these however will only work when the light source is from the thing that you want to see you, ie a vehicle. Street lighting does nothing for Hi visibility clothing. Make sure you have working lights, no matter what you're wearing, lights are most effective.

 

[Jack Lloyd]

Fluoro colours only work when there is some daylight, utilising the ultra violet light from the sun to achieve fluorescence. Retro-reflectives are needed at night or very low light conditions, these however will only work when the light source is from the thing that you want to see you, ie a vehicle. Street lighting does nothing for Hi visibility clothing. Make sure you have working lights, no matter what you're wearing, lights are most effective.

I know lights are important, I've just ordered some.

 

[theclaud]

Saying that, in Newcastle it doesn't get too cold,

Brrrrrrrrr.

 

[Jack Lloyd]

Brrrrrrrrr.

Doesn't apply here I'm not a geordie, just go university, just use to the cold etc, working on local farms etc during the winter months.

 

[summerdays]

Think about when you will be cycling. I'm usually cycling in daylight or gloaming in wintertime, so I like having a bright jacket especially when it's wet or foggy. I also use lights during the day sometimes in winter especially on either very dull days or those with bright sunlight when you alternate between sun and shade. But most jackets usually have a bit of reflective material.

 

[Accy cyclist]

A high viz jacket or winter fleecy jersey with reflective bits like the Altura one
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Altura-Nigh...aign=Adwords&gclid=COOm0evWr8ACFY_ItAodsAIAnw
will keep you safe(er).

 

[david k]

reflective is better - a lot of cycling gear has it on anyway - good imo

 

[Drago]

Sam Browne belt. Not only is it both hi vis and reflective, but it instantly marks you as a 2 wheeled road user.

 

[Arthur]

Good lighting (in winter months I have a rear LED flashing during the day unless it's really bright) and reflective all the way for me. There's no such thing as too much Scotchlite.
Then it's mainly a matter of hoping that other road users have eyes and brain engaged.

 

[summerdays]

You can also get reflective sides on your tyres, though they do dull down over time.

It was the thing that showed up last night on a cyclist in the night wearing dark clothing and no lights. Though in his case it was made significantly worse as we were following a highways truck with an enormous flashing arrow (the sort you normally see on the motorway), for a mile or more that was ruining our vision. He finally switched it off when he stopped to put out another road sign.