Reflexite Frame Tape Test, plus vest and lights

Reflectivity test of my Surly Long Haul Trucker bicycle with Reflexite FD1403 "Daybright" conspicuity tape applied to the frame. In this test, I'm also using my front and rear Planet Bike Superflash/Blaze lights, my helmet-mounted lights, and a construction/police reflective vest.

The video was shot from the dashboard of a car, just above the steering wheel, for approximately the same view the driver would have. The intersection is approximately 4 car lengths away from the camera.

You can find more information about this project at http://www.elsewhere.org/journal/archives/2009/01/17/retroreflective-bicycle-...

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• reflexite
• retroreflective
• safety
• visibility
• cycling
• bicycling
• bicycle
• reflector

[Porgot138]

NiteRider CherryBomb

Not much first hand experience with the cherrybomb to be found online yet, so I had to test it out in the store before I bought it. Compared it with the Planet Bike Superflash in the store and the cherrybomb is equally bright (1/2watt led strobe) and has a wider beam pattern. I had a friend hold them both up from the middle of the store and as I walked from side to side the cherrybomb was consistently bright while the planet bike superflash faded.

[ElsewhereDotOrg]

Cool; I'll pick one of those up and see which I like better.

[Porgot138]

Nice, cost?

[ElsewhereDotOrg]

The tape costs around 50 cents per foot in the 1-inch width. So, probably $5 - $7 worth of tape on the frame.

[Cassiedaddy]

Great job - INCREDIBLY visible!!!

How much tape did you use in total? (how many feet, how wide?). Did you apply the tape full-width or slit it?

I want to do the same to my bike.

Also, what helmet light do you use?

[ElsewhereDotOrg]

I used about 10 feet of 1-inch-wide tape, pre-cut to that width. I didn't cover the entire frame, just applied stripes, so I didn't need more than 1 inch width.

The helmet light I'm using there is a DiNotte, one of their older models. I think the ones they sell now are a little better.

[WombatHarness]

If you light your tires on fire you'll be more visible.

[Porgot138]

Both are really bright and awesome lights, but the cherrybomb beat it out in my opinion.