Recommend a softshell hi-vis jacket

alcyst

Hi-vis jackets are very visible, but are usually of non-breathable material, so they are good for slow commuting/slow recovery rides but less good for higher intensity cycling.

Assos do the Airjack 851 (I think?) which is very yellow and in a breathable material, but is also Assos-price.

Any recommendations on something in-between?

Raam

No. You must get the Assos one.

smacl

I got this high viz gilet which works well for me. I'm sure you'll get something similar with sleeves if you do a search. A lot of the high viz options I looked at were no longer available, guess the cycling style gurus say no to high viz.

alcyst

Sugoi still do a Zap gilet, they do good stuff. But they are Canadian and it looks like distribution can be spotty.*

http://www.sugoi.com/can/eng/Products/Bike/Men/Outerwear/Details/1481-75774U.609-Zap-Vest

Current Zap costs C$90, about EUR63 ex tax. Sizing is north American. Might be over that way soon, thanks for the pointer.

I have the Assos, and it's great, but too warm once temp gets to 7+. Hmmm, I didn't say that first off.

smacl

Price for the Zap gilet on Wiggle is €43, which is a good bit cheaper. Also, by buying from outside the EU, you would be liable to get hit for an excise duty.

I'm in the market for something similar myself at the moment, but with sleeves this time. Given the dire state of the things here, I'm going to try to spend my money locally, once prices are within 10%-20% of internet outlets.

sean_d

Craft do a hi-viz gilet, with a mesh back. Light, breathable and plenty of reflective bits, just put it over your usual layers.
I think it was only about 20e.

Donie75

http://www.polaris-apparel.co.uk//category-6255/product-22130//RBS-GILET,-Small.html
I bought one of these for €30 in a shop in Athlone. It's a good fit and breathable. They do a jacket as well.

alcyst

smacl, when I look at the Wiggle link I get "Discontinued - no longer available", searching for Sugoi Zap gets a few odds & ends but no mens large gilet. ??

There is a Craft running vest. I struggled with their website but turned up;
Performance Light Vest in Yellow with " Reflective prints on Front and back". Which is on Wiggle and Chain Reaction, at 40 and 35.

thanks for the pointers

sean_d

alcyst wrote: »

There is a Craft running vest. I struggled with their website but turned up;
Performance Light Vest in Yellow with " Reflective prints on Front and back". Which is on Wiggle and Chain Reaction, at 40 and 35.

This is the one I was referencing, at 22e

kellyoncobbles

Came across this by accident this morn...

http://www.aldi.ie/ie/html/offers/special_buys3_14678.htm

Its aimed at runners, but I tried it on cos I've been looking out for one for those times when there's a chance of light showers. The pic in the link doesn't do it any favours - looks better in the flesh.
It's light, bright and fits pretty well. Has a gripper strip at the waist and an 'open' flap on the back for air. Its hard to get a high vis that doesn't want to drain every drop of water out of your body on a high tempo spin. Why not chance it for €16 and if you think its rubbish, just go with an Assos, Nalini or whatever?
Might have to rush though - this was a special on 14th Oct - they might be scarce. I was lucky to find a medium.

alcyst

It is a light cycling-fit gilet with mesh back. It is very bright yellow rather than that hi-vis yellow, but does the trick. Sizing is UK/North American rather than Swiss/Italian.