Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => Audax => PBP => Topic started by: phil dubya on 27 August, 2019, 09:21:48 pm

Title: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: phil dubya on 27 August, 2019, 09:21:48 pm
So in the end who wore the ACP supplied Hi-Viz vest or used their own alternative? Did you find the vest uncomfortable and difficult to ride in 2019 conditions or was it ok?

I wore the ACP vest for nearly the whole ride myself. Apart for a 2 hour window on Monday morning when I took the vest off otherwise I wore the vest for the whole time.
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: JonBuoy on 27 August, 2019, 09:28:15 pm
I wore it when it was dark, when I was told it was dark (even though it wasn't) and when I needed an extra layer.  It was fine.
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: veloboy on 27 August, 2019, 09:31:07 pm
Too heavy, too thick, (almost) non-breathable, a neck that constrained like a python equalled a non-starter for me.
My own mesh vest was just so much better!
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 27 August, 2019, 09:34:39 pm
Marko Baloh had a very worn 2015 PBP gilet, which had clearly seen a lot of use, to the extent the the PBP branding had almost worn off. But he feels the cold, and is very safety conscious, given the fate of other ultra riders over the years.

(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/69283063_2503533673017561_3622798690768388096_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&_nc_oc=AQlmO9v3Ptf_beAdnGNKOpyhtO1jKjD0qVfpGGj6iiSQe6wCZBo4QWSU-cRgO1KqPkw&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr3-1.xx&oh=7ed4730a9eb134fc20420424f74b6b96&oe=5E0ED618)
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: orejas on 27 August, 2019, 09:39:42 pm
I wore it at night, felt it was a good size, clearly pretty reflective looking at others that were wearing it and not any more sweaty than i expecred it. Given the cold at night/,early morning Inwas glad i had it
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: clasher on 27 August, 2019, 09:57:12 pm
I thought it was perfect for the cool nights. Took it off when the sun came out... would probably find it too much if it the nights were warmer.
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: postie on 27 August, 2019, 09:59:32 pm
Found mine great for the chilly evening /mornings , it was fine.
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: Zed43 on 27 August, 2019, 10:00:23 pm
Did wear it from a little before sunset until it got warm (around 11am?). It wasn't too bad, though I prefer my Wowow vest (https://www.raceviz.be/p/dark-jacket-1-1-yellow/). Which, while EN1150 certified, does not have a label showing compliance :(
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: Ivo on 27 August, 2019, 10:47:59 pm
I only used it when it was a bit colder, during the first night I used the lighter one which I took with me from home.
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: Martyn Wheeler on 27 August, 2019, 10:48:15 pm
I wore mine but the zipper gave in at Brest, one of the marshals shrugged and said it was made in France . Anyone know how to get a replacement?

Sent from my LLD-L31 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: zigzag on 27 August, 2019, 11:06:41 pm
i have worn my own vest for the whole time*, the acp one is poorly made imo (needs alterations to fit better) and would have been too hot during the day.

*one less faff putting it on/off and folding/unfolding/stowing away
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: Paul Rainbow on 27 August, 2019, 11:24:48 pm
I wore my own vest, I just find the official vests too hot and bulky. Got two brand new in packaging if anyone wants any! I used a rapha Brevet Gilet in Orange, its got two high vis strips and had no issues with Marshall's on the road or at controls.
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: Feanor on 28 August, 2019, 06:54:17 am
I did, during the hours of darkness or when I was told.
And so did the vast majority of people.

I just didnt want to risk standing out as being non compliant.
In the end, I dont think the marshals were being very strict about enforcing very much, but there was one marshal who insisted on it being worn at the exit of the bike parking area at one control, even though it was still broad daylight!

It was fine.
It was not very well cut, so I didnt have it fully ziped up.
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: Davef on 28 August, 2019, 08:35:17 am
After trying it on I decided not to take my own gilet or hivis vest. Pbp one was fine. I wore it when chilly or dark which were pretty much the same thing. Marshall on motorbike was clearly in two minds hovering for a while by a rider wearing just a sam brown reflector strap thingy but then went off.

On the car deck of the ferry home, despite the Lycra, it was sufficient for one car driver to think I was part of the crew.


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Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: Tomsk on 28 August, 2019, 08:53:53 am
I wore mine but the zipper gave in at Brest, one of the marshals shrugged and said it was made in France . Anyone know how to get a replacement?

Sent from my LLD-L31 using Tapatalk

They were selling the gilets at the start, maybe ACP has some left? French manufacturer L2S sell through Am@£*n, amongst others ... I know one CC Sudbury rider who has one in club kit-matching hi-viz orange.

I like the PBP gilets, [but as some know, I don't breath or sweat] and the new one will be getting an ACME badge added soon, for year-round use.
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: Dtcman on 28 August, 2019, 09:02:59 am
I took a mesh one but decided not to carry it in the end. Wore the PBP one and the nights were so cold at some points I was wearing everything I had! 
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 28 August, 2019, 09:22:59 am
I think the official gilet functions well for the organisation. It's immediately possible to tell who is an 'official' volunteer. One surprise was that the Le Ribay crossing was policed by volunteers from the local community, as they had non-PBP Gilets, and 'Le Ribay PBP 2019' T shirts. They were occasionally augmented by ANEC moto riders.
That was a significant contribution to volunteer organisation. Just imagine working out a rota to police that very dangerous crossing from 'pool' volunteers, for about 60 hours.

There was a big pile of gilets, volunteer T shirts and specialist service armbands at the HQ, tending to suggest a shortfall in volunteers, which was offset by quasi-formal community support.

I wore my 2015 gilet while I was filming next to the Cafe Patton at Meen Le Grand. The route was very well signposted, but many were unsure, and needed directing. The sight of the gilet was a big reassurance. There were others directing; local club members with a rider in the event, but that was very informal.
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: SR Steve on 28 August, 2019, 09:45:59 am
I wore the official 2019 gilet and found it was fine. Overheating wasn’t an issue this time and I had everything on at night, including my spare shorts on my head on the last night.
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: tomj on 28 August, 2019, 09:52:41 am
2011 Gillet - worn on the event and many times since.

2015 Gillet - too big, not worn, still in the bag, all sensible offers considered.

2019 Gillet - a bit floppy, but fine, worn every night.

Steve: We need pictures of your head gear!
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: Nick Firth on 28 August, 2019, 09:56:31 am
I remember picking up my Hi-Vis at the bike check & thinking it was way too thick/heavy so I put it in my bag until it came dark on the Sunday night, it proved to be a good piece of kit & I was glad I had it at 1.00 AM, I had forgot how cold it gets, especially nearer the coast, the night section from Carhaix to Brest with the long down hills was next to freezing in the valleys, it worked for me.
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 28 August, 2019, 10:00:34 am
It's worth knowing that you paid extra for the 2011 official gilet. In 2015 and 2019 it was included in the entry. The 2011 is relatively rare item, as most were for volunteer use.

It's a useful piece of kit to keep in the car, but I'm glad that some nationalities opted for different colours, as it brightens up the night shots.
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: vorsprung on 28 August, 2019, 10:35:22 am
It's worth knowing that you paid extra for the 2011 official gilet. In 2015 and 2019 it was included in the entry. The 2011 is relatively rare item, as most were for volunteer use.

It's a useful piece of kit to keep in the car, but I'm glad that some nationalities opted for different colours, as it brightens up the night shots.

I had a 2011 one but it fell to bits after a few weeks of normal use when I got home
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: Paul D on 28 August, 2019, 10:54:08 am
Swapped my medium one for a small (I'm 6'2"!) at the bike check sign on and thought it fit pretty well; wore it all three nights but then I feel the cold and am usually in an extra layer to many so the thickness was a pro not a con for me.

However, the stitching has completely failed in many places after three days of use. I don't plan on wearing it again anyway, and maybe complete disintegration after 90 hours was the quality level the manufacturers were going for? ::-)
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: Paul D on 28 August, 2019, 10:55:23 am
It's worth knowing that you paid extra for the 2011 official gilet...The 2011 is relatively rare item

I have a 2011 one in reasonable condition, unworn after the event itself. Let the bidding commence!
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: eddum on 28 August, 2019, 10:55:57 am
Yes.. used it... lost it somewhere on the road on last day .. bought a castelli one at control ... bought a new one at the end cos I quite liked it.
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: alex4alex on 28 August, 2019, 10:57:37 am
Ordered M in 2015 (it was fine)
Ordered M in 2019 - it was about 2 cm wider than the one from 2015, so decided to use the one from 2015.

It was fine though, kept me warm during chilly evenings and mornings.
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: john jackson on 28 August, 2019, 12:26:23 pm
The ACP provided vest was fine. I saw riders with other vests, often they were not as visible as the official vest and suspect they were not to the EN spec. I saw several riders with poor or non working lights with poor reflective vests, this puts riders in front of them in danger.
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 28 August, 2019, 12:44:52 pm
I used the official gilet as it was cool enough at night for me to cope with it. Most nights I wore LS summer jersey and the gilet. One night it was cold enough for me to wear a thin wool undershirt as well.
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: madcow on 28 August, 2019, 01:09:31 pm
One night it was cold enough for me to wear a thin wool undershirt as well.

Guess which item of clothing I left behind?
I was thinning down my kit pre-departure and chose a Helly Hansen base layer over the lightweight merino. :facepalm:
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: Dtcman on 28 August, 2019, 01:10:13 pm
It always amazes me how poor some people's rear lights are!
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 28 August, 2019, 01:36:50 pm
It always amazes me how some folk like to burn out the eyes of anybody on their wheel. There were a lot of those folk at PBP.
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: zigzag on 28 August, 2019, 01:54:53 pm
i wore the same kit from the start until the end - ss base layer, ss road suit, arm sleeves, hi-viz vest, mitts, socks, shoes, lycra overshoes, skull cap, helmet, photochromic sunglasses.

the only other kit i took with me was audax uk buff and a waterproof jacket. i wore both on the second night and was wishing i had something over my legs.
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: Dtcman on 28 August, 2019, 02:03:58 pm
It always amazes me how some folk like to burn out the eyes of anybody on their wheel. There were a lot of those folk at PBP.

Agree, there were some very poorly positioned lights as well. What amazes me is that everyone in the event must be experienced night riders but to look at some of them, it's the first time they've ever put lights on their bike. 
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 28 August, 2019, 02:05:52 pm
Only wore the PBP one when it got cold, my mesh style EN certified Orange one outwith the dark hours of chill.

so first night never wore it, too warm.
second night put my mesh one over it.
third and 4th nights I took a lesson from Rab C and put the PBP one over the mesh one.
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: Hofnar on 28 August, 2019, 06:01:29 pm


Agree, there were some very poorly positioned lights as well. What amazes me is that everyone in the event must be experienced night riders but to look at some of them, it's the first time they've ever put lights on their bike.

I wouldn't expect that. I rode 1h at night during my 600 and we could easily have skipped that, No one would have pointed me anything as there was only two of us. Barely done any group riding at night, do ride my MTB often at night but thats a whole different experience was baffled by how annoying crossing lights and tail lights can be. Until I read about it on the forum a few weeks prior I didn't understand my you couldn't put an intermittend tail light.
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: Feanor on 28 August, 2019, 06:07:25 pm
I noticed most of the Japanese riders had triangular things hanging from the back of their bikes.
I *think* they may have been reflective things, with the intention of improving their visibility.

However, several of them had these positioned so as to totally occlude their rear light, rendering them near invisible in the night!
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 28 August, 2019, 08:00:57 pm
I noticed most of the Japanese riders had triangular things hanging from the back of their bikes.
I *think* they may have been reflective things, with the intention of improving their visibility.

However, several of them had these positioned so as to totally occlude their rear light, rendering them near invisible in the night!

Noticed that too, some of the Americans had the same but not blocking their lights.
It's a nice idea but the problem with them is, under the Vienna conventions on road traffic a triangle is a mark reserved for identifying a trailer.

Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: JohnL on 28 August, 2019, 08:36:24 pm
It’s mainly a US thing that the Japanese have adopted. I believe in the US it’s the sign for a slow moving vehicle.
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: Feanor on 28 August, 2019, 09:33:51 pm
I also noticed that almost all of the American riders had mirrors attached to their hellmutts...
Must be A Thing in the USA.
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: phil dubya on 28 August, 2019, 10:11:29 pm
I didn't find the ACP gilet too hot but I was wearing an altura wicking base layer, which keeps me cooler in the hot weather and warmer in the cooler weather.
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: phil dubya on 28 August, 2019, 10:15:33 pm


However, several of them had these positioned so as to totally occlude their rear light, rendering them near invisible in the night!

I thought the Americans had excellent lighting and reflectives.  The Seattle Randonneurs where a great bunch, all that I chatted too were friendly and really into the international Randonneurring spirit.

Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 28 August, 2019, 10:41:54 pm
I wore it when it was dark, when I was told it was dark (even though it wasn't) and when I needed an extra layer.  It was fine.
Same, found it was fine. Generally it was not warm once it got dark, so lack of ventilation was not an issue.
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: Tomsk on 29 August, 2019, 08:33:47 am
I also noticed that almost all of the American riders had mirrors attached to their hellmutts...
Must be A Thing in the USA.

Yes - USAnians are very attached to their mirrors, on helmet, glasses and bike. Trouble is they tend not to look behind, then [if you're lucky] flick a quick signal and go without warning! International Bycycle Tours of Essex, Connecticut [of which I have some experience leading tour groups] ban them on European trips for that reason.
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: marlan on 29 August, 2019, 05:43:08 pm
Had no problems with gilet during ride, and glad to have it as an extra layer. My mate was trying to find me at the start, I said you’ll find me easily as I’m the one in Hi-Viz!

Hung it out on washing line and noticed the stitching under the arms has come away.


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Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: bludger on 04 September, 2019, 10:31:24 pm
Interesting looking gilet worn by this Japanese rider with all the gizmos

https://www.instagram.com/p/B184ONwl2LU/?igshid=1df9lhx4rhewn
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: Greenbank on 05 September, 2019, 08:09:51 am
It's worth knowing that you paid extra for the 2011 official gilet...The 2011 is relatively rare item

I have a 2011 one in reasonable condition, unworn after the event itself. Let the bidding commence!

First dibs!

What size?

I liked my 2011 gilet and continue to use it to this day (most of the PBP branding fell off after the first 10 washes.)
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 05 September, 2019, 11:25:58 am
It's worth knowing that you paid extra for the 2011 official gilet...The 2011 is relatively rare item

I have a 2011 one in reasonable condition, unworn after the event itself. Let the bidding commence!

First dibs!

What size?

I liked my 2011 gilet and continue to use it to this day (most of the PBP branding fell off after the first 10 washes.)

You do know the certification only covers 20 washes?  :P
and usage expectation is that they never get washed...
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: Greenbank on 05 September, 2019, 11:38:47 am
I sweat thinking about exercise. I used to wash it once a week when my cycle commute was 5h/week.
Title: Re: So who wore the ACP PBP Hi-Viz vest then?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 05 September, 2019, 01:07:12 pm
I sweat thinking about exercise. I used to wash it once a week when my cycle commute was 5h/week.

aye, it would get pretty manky after awhile if a cyclist never washed it even though it's not meant as a kin contacting layer, but really they're designed with forms of activity with lower CV components in mind, like standing about on a building site.