We strolled the halls of Interbike in the search of the latest gear to keep us safe on the roads
Pearl Izumi’s new BioViz clothing takes a different approach to visibility than straight up reflectivity. Firstly, they use fluorescent colours which are said to be three-times brighter than the brightest white. Secondly, the brand places highly reflective markers in areas that will be seen effectively when in motion so that motorists know its a human out in front. Finally, the brand states that high contrast colours help to grab attention
Not just for jackets and jerseys, BioViz technology will be found on Pearl Izumi’s riding accesories too
Sugoi’s Zap jacket was one of the first highly reflective, yet performance-focused accesories on the market. It looks normal during the day, but shine light directly onto it and it lights up like a disco ball. The brand is expanding the ZAP range with helmet covers, hats, gloves and even trialling leg warmers
The Sugoi ZAP jackets are now available in a variety of colours too
Topeak‘s iGlow range offers saddlebags, fenders and even bottle cages that feature LED lighting. Pictured is the iGlow Cage B that shines a colour-changing LED light into a translucent bottle
Lazer Z1 helmet owners can now upgrade their helmets with this US$24 ‘Z1 LED Mudcap’ safety light. It simply clips in place instead of the stock Rollsys plastic cover
Perhaps a safety feature if you’ve got heart problems, LifeBeam is a heart rate monitor that sits seamlessly within your Lazer helmet. For 2016, the brand will offer a kit to upgrade any Lazer Z1 helmet to the system. Unfortunately it’s either this or the light before, you can’t use both at the same time
Lazer will soon offer its Aeroshell covers in High-Vis and reflective options for its common models including the Z1, Helium and Genesis. Perfect for being seen and staying warm on the cold, dark wintery rides
Louis Garneau jons a mass of brands to integrate MIPS technology into its performance road helmets. Additionally, the new Héros MIPS RTR helmet gains some stealthy glass-bead print reflective panels that light up the entire bottom half of the helmet at night. Expect to pay $230 for this lid
Joining the helmet, Garneau’s new RTR range stands for ‘Reclaim the Road’. Pictured is the $180 Elite M-2 RTR jersey (Stunner RTR for women) which features everything you’d look for in a performance-focused jersey, but with the addition of printed reflective dots for low light visibility
Currently in a concept phase, POC is working with ‘Light Flex Technology’ to bring even greater safety to clothing. This prototype vest offers flexible LED lighting built straight into the rear, powered by a rechargable battery that sits in its own pocket
POC’s AVIP road collection has helped set a trend for brighter, safer road clothing. For 2016, the range is bolstered with more options, including long sleeve jerseys and thermal tights
Everything Proviz does is about safety. The brand’s original Reflect360 gilet continues to be a popular choice for being seen in low light, although the brand does now offer a range of more performance-oriented pieces
Lupine’s insanely bright and smart Lotlicht rear light gets an optional saddle-rail mount
Like many shoe brands, Vittora has a range of bright, fluro kicks to help you be seen
For 2016, Serfas will update some of its more popular safety lights with audible sounds. This way you’ll know when you’ve turned on your rear light, or if the battery is running out
A total of five Serfas lights will be available with the sound upgrade
Prologo is set to offer its OneTouch and OneTouch Gel bar tapes in a variety of fluro colours. Though we’re most excited about this new reflective option
Not so new, Catlike continues to offers its helmets in a range of bright and visible colours
Hoping to get back to the top of the lighting game, Cateye’s new Rapid X3 lights are designed for daytime visibility. The front packs an intense 200 lumens, with the rear offering 100 lumens. Expect to pay $60 per light
And more for the daily commuter, Cateye’s Orbit 2 sits in the place of a wheel reflector for effective side-on visibility. These are priced at approximately $15 a piece
Another one for the commuter. Priced at US$20 a pair, the Nite Ize Griplit stretches over the outside of a handlebar (26-32mm in diameter)
We couldn’t have a road safety product round-up without including Giro’s new Empire ACC Reflective shoes. These are certainly going to be popular in 2016
Australian-based Cycliq own the patent for combining a safety light and video camera into a single device for use in cycling. The Fly12 pumps out a 400 lumen white light and features a Full HD camera. We’re currently testing a beta version of the product
Giordana is another brand with a whole new range of bright and visible clothing
Capo has integrated reflective elements into the arm and legs bands of some of its clothing
Many of us may deny it to ourselves and loved ones, but sharing the road on our bikes with other motorists is a dangerous activity. In the name of aesthetics, far too many of us wear potentially dangerous dark clothing and commonly deem the traditional fluorescent yellows as unfashionable.
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As our US editor Ben Delaney pointed out in his column last week, hi-vis clothing and associated accessories are very much on trend for 2016. With this, our gallery rounds up a few of the best roadie-friendly safety products from Interbike. Check out the massive gallery above for detailed looks, and read on for some of the, um, ‘highlights’ of this growing category.
Pearl Izumi’s BioViz
Pearl izumi’s new bioviz clothing takes a different approach to visibility than straight up reflectivity. firstly, they use fluorescent colours which are said to be three-times brighter than the brightest white. secondly, the brand places highly reflective markers in areas that will be seen effectively when in motion so that motorists know its a human out in front. finally, the brand states that high contrast colours help to grab attention:
BioViz from Pearl Izumi (a little too bright for our camera)
Where most brands are treating their road safety-focused clothing from a reflective point of view, Pearl Izumi says it’s not so simple and that such designs aren’t so effective under daytime conditions or at telling motorists that it’s another human in front.
Instead, the brand’s new ‘BioViz’ range looks at visibility from three points. Firstly, the clothing range uses fluorescent colours that are said to be up to three times brighter than the brightest white. Next is the placement of highly reflective markers placed in strategic positions to work noticeably with a cyclist’s movement. Finally, the brand is using contrasting hues in order to gain further attention.
Lazer accessorizes
Lazer z1 helmet owners can now upgrade their helmets with this us$24 led safety light. it simply clips in place instead of the stock rollsys plastic guard :
Neatly integrated light for the Lazer Z1 helmet
Perhaps the best helmet brand when it comes to offering aftermarket accessories, Lazer has a few more tricks up its sleeve for 2016.
Those using the brand’s Z1 road helmet will now be able to replace the Rollsys plastic protection with the small ‘Z1 LED Mudcap’ rear light. Or perhaps you’re needing visibility because its cold and dark out. For this, Lazer will now offer its Aeroshell covers in a range of hi-vis colours.
Reflective printing
Joining the helmet, garneau’s new rtr range stands for ‘reclaim the road’. pictured is the $180 elite m-2 rtr jersey (stunner rtr for women) which features everything you’d look for in a performance-focused jersey, but with the addition of printed reflective dots for low light visibility:
Louis Garneau is just one brand going big in this market. Those printed grey dots will shine when hit with light
Going against Pearl Izumi’s beliefs, there are many brands doing highly reflective clothing options that truly shine when hit by light at night. A key trend is printed reflective panels allowing brands to keep with their technical materials and cuts while adding night-time visibility.
Daytime lighting
Hoping to get back to the top of the lighting game, cateye’s new rapid x3 lights are designed for daytime visibility. the front packs an intense 200 lumens, with the rear offering 100 lumens. expect to pay $60 per light :
CatEye has an expansive range of day-time friendly safety lights, but so do many other brands
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First making waves last year, many brands are now promoting the use of safety lights during the day. With this, the best lights have optimized optics that hit harder in the daytime. Not seen at Interbike, the likes of Specialized and Bontrager have been strong advocates in this market.
