PBP - Reflective vests?

[Jethro]

Being as I am going to need to buy myself one of these,  Any advice on where/what exactly I should get to avoid the "boil in the bag" effect.

Perhaps Audax UK (or Impsport) could come up with something if there is enough demand.

[MSeries]

You can cut holes in like the builders do for added ventilation. One can get runners tabbards which may count, they are mesh and very lightweight. (I saw one in the window of The Complete Runner Up & Running today) http://upandrunning.co.uk/websales/detail.php?id=300033 I don't know what the Frenchies will allow. I'll use my Gist one but will probably modify it in some way to make it lighter

[mattc]

We are British - we can wear string vests!

[Ian H]

I had a very useful string vest that I picked up in Portsmouth on the way to Paris in 99, and used again in 2007. Unfortunately it got lost towards the end of the last PBP (good job the ACP issue jersey was reflective), so I need to find another.

[ScumOfTheRoad]

I have a very nice reflective vest from a British company - it is a black mesh, with reflective stripes, plus pockets and hanging loops - can take a small Camelbak reservoir on the back too.
Can;t remember the name (sorry - will get it tonight).

I'm not sure if it counts as a full Highway-standard high viz though - it is not all-over yellow.

[Andrew]

These are a bit nice, if you want to splash out...

L2S, le spécialiste des vêtements sportswear haute visibilité pour la sécurité et la signalisation.

Personally, I make do with €2 hardware store cheapo that my wife took in and fitted a zip to.

[hellymedic]

These are a bit nice, if you want to splash out...

L2S, le spécialiste des vêtements sportswear haute visibilité pour la sécurité et la signalisation.

Personally, I make do with €2 hardware store cheapo that my wife took in and fitted a zip to.

I see their €5.90 vests are only available in XS fluo yellow...

[vorsprung]

The only details I could find were about the reflective vests that have to be used in cars.  These must have two reflective tapes.

However at least one place talked about a "vest with reflective tape (EN471 standard)" and being visible from 150m

AUK used to make reflective vests and during the last PBP it was rather cool being able to spot the AUK riders by their large reflective logos

[Tewdric]

Perhaps we should get some of these:

L2S-Shop.com

or these:


   Respro Hi-Viz Super Vest Only £26.99


made up with a YACF logo or two?

[Andrew]

As far as rules are concerned, I seem to recall that the law is not specific as to which EU regulation applies to a legal cycling vest. There's 2 regulations that are relevant, EN1150 which is for non-professional high-viz and EN471 which covers professional usage (e.g. road workers and the like).  I believe that if your high-viz conforms to either then it's legal in France.  

[Madcow]

I seem to recall a company selling a similar vest to the L2S  at last years Semaine Fed.They were very good but expensive and the yorkshire side of me took over.I shall have to have another look this year.If you have the French made gear there should be less room for argument

[Martin]

remember your support vehicle will need one too (per passenger)

the gilets JJB used to sell (for jogging) actually double as pretty decent thermal nightwear

[Ivo]

As far as I remember from de discussions when this law was introduced, the vest has to have a CE mark on the label.

[border-rider]

If this is relevant to me in a little over 18 months, I may start to consider it about then

[pcolbeck]

Has anyone actually seen a French rider complying with this law as yet ? I certainly didn't on my hols last summer.

[vorsprung]

Has anyone actually seen a French rider complying with this law as yet ? I certainly didn't on my hols last summer.

ok what you have to remember is that people will be doing PBP and if they come to the attention of the marshals and they don't have a vest then they will get a time penalty. 

[iddu]

Being as I am going to need to buy myself one of these,  Any advice on where/what exactly I should get to avoid the "boil in the bag" effect.

Perhaps Audax UK (or Impsport) could come up with something if there is enough demand.

Any 'poundland' type store. Generally thin and open enough for all ventilation needs.

[Andrew]

Has anyone actually seen a French rider complying with this law as yet ?

Yes, several of them, every Weds for the last few months! 

[frankly frankie]

Yup.  If you buy from Poundland, for, er, £1 - these have the triple advantage of being as thin, flimsy lightweight and compact as you'll find.

[mattc]

remember your support vehicle will need one too (per passenger)

Oh for goodness sake ... do we need a support vehicle this time?

[Regulator]

remember your support vehicle will need one too (per passenger)

Oh for goodness sake ... do we need a support vehicle this time?

Well, there has to be some way of transporting the Lord Mayor's robes and chain of office... 

[Panoramix]

remember your support vehicle will need one too (per passenger)

Oh for goodness sake ... do we need a support vehicle this time?

With drop bags there is no excuse to have one!!!

[ScumOfTheRoad]

Well, there has to be some way of transporting the Lord Mayor's robes and chain of office... 

Hi-viz robes with reflective chain? Kills two birds with one stone etc. etc.

[Martin]

remember your support vehicle will need one too (per passenger)

Oh for goodness sake ... do we need a support vehicle this time?

this time?

[mattc]

Bloody cheek