Be seen in the dark this autumn with Ride Velo's selection of the most innovative reflective and light-up products.
Last year our pick of the crop of new reflective products to the market was the ProViz 360 jacket. This year the team have gone one better and launched a whole new range of jackets for men and women that not only shine out when light is reflected on them, but stand out from the crowd with their bright and cheery colours. The world's first all-colour 100% reflective cycling jacket has recently launched on Kickstarter and is already 500% funded! You can pick up a red, green, blue, yellow, or black jacket from ProViz for £129.99.
The ProViz Reflect360 CRS Cycling Jacket
It takes balls to cycle in the dark. So say the makers of Bike Balls! "As cyclists who regularly ride in the city, we are vulnerable to distracted and neglectful drivers. We wanted to do something to change that and have some fun while doing so." Bike Balls are more visible and noticeable than the average bike light, making you safer and more confident as you ride through the city streets. Bring some humour to your daily commute and a smile to even the most disgruntled driver with your illuminated light-sack.
Bike Balls available from Amazon uk for £17.50
Bike Balls naturally bob-around while you ride, boosting your visibility and safety in a hilarious way. Bike Balls mount effortlessly on the back of your bike seat. Gently squeeze the Balls to turn the light on and switch between the solid/flashing modes. Gently squeeze again to turn the Bike Balls off.
From balls to helmets; last year we discovered the Torch light-up urban helmet, this year a road cycling version from Lumos, which comes complete with indicators! Mount the wireless indicator switch on your handlebars, and your helmet will flash with left or right arrows to show unobservant drivers that you mean business. This shiny helmet will also catch drivers' attention with its super bright white and red LED lights front and back. Just make sure you put it on the right way round. It's available to pre-order from the USA for $149 and comes in white, black and blue.
Lumos to Lumo now - a British company we're big fans of - have just launched their latest products on Kickstarter. We love the Brixton messenger bag which features clever LED light strips built into the fabric. They're totally unobtrusive when switched off but bloody bright when on and easily visible from 400 metres away. You can snap one up for the early bird price of £99 saving you £51 on the RRP.
We couldn't write an article about illuminating without featuring a front bike light. The absolute best on the market has to be the new Blaze light which has been proven to be such a benefit to cycle safely that Santander is fitting them to all of their 11,500 "Boris Bikes" in London. The light works by projecting the image of a bicycle 6 metres ahead of your bike, protecting you against the infamous blind spot of left hand turning vehicles. It also gives a pedestrian about to step off the pavement a 'heads up' warning of an approaching cycle. It costs a little more than a regular bike light, of course, but it could just save your life. £125 from Blaze.cc
Ride Velo first spotted these gorgeous lace up cycling shoes at the Rouleur Classic show last year. But they're not just beautifully crafted, shoes with traditional styling, they're also reflective when light shines on them much like the ProViz jacket. Made by Giro, they are wonderfully light and feature "high traction walking pads" which presumably stop you skidding around when you're off your bike too. We love them and desire them. Buy them through Chain Reaction for £186.99. Also available in fiery red.
These were on show at Spin London earlier this year: something for the stylish ladies out there who like to ride around town. These Geek Derby reflective shoes are by Tracy Neul and were designed in collaboration with cool urban cycling brand, Hackney St Cloud. Mary Portas described going into Tracey Neul''s shop as, "like walking straight into the artist's imagination." Minimal design, maximum impact. The grey sheen is subtle in appearance but reflects the light with an incredible high-vis impact. Brilliantly illuminating.
So from your toes to your helmet, and not forgetting your balls, brighten up your dreary autumn commute with some great products that will light up your life with a bit of style, innovation and humour.
