As much as we’d like to deny it, our shifting seasons mean not only colder temperatures, but shorter days, as well. Early morning and evening rides are often in dusk or darkness. If you’re instincts for self-preservation are in tact, lights and brightly-colored apparel are smart choices. As pioneers in technical apparel, Assos and Rapha each offer a wide variety of High Visibility (“HiViz”, in industry-speak) articles for cycling, and Signature Cycles is excited to offer the best from both this Fall and Winter season.
Read on to learn about a few of our favorite HiVis pieces!
Assos iJ.haBu5
The first ASSOS Campionissimo insulator jacket, was introduced in 2010 and the feedback was overwhelming! The iJ.haBu5 is the ultimate, high performance early Winter insulator jacket. Features new stratagonLight and RXQ fabrics. More performance, less fabric volume. A future ASSOS icon. Created for riders who test their limits. In addition to the standard Black colorway, we were also able to receive a limited run of the Volt LTD colorway. This time around LTD means LIMITED! Assos will offer it only as a one-time item for Winter 2012, making it a potential collector’s item. The Volt Yellow scheme will ensure great visibility during the shorter daylight hours.
Rapha Pro Team Jacket
First launched in 2011, the Pro Team Jacket is designed for high-tempo interval training in cold weather. When you are riding on the limit in low temperatures, breathability and protection from the elements is essential. Using an innovative windproof Polartec® softshell with a perforated membrane and water-repellent treatment on the leading panels, the rear panels are made using Super-Roubaix for insulation and wicking where it matters. The jacket has a higher-cut waist at the front and lower hem at the back for an ‘aero’ fit, while the high collar offers greater protection in cold and wet conditions. Scientific research shows the Chartreuse colorway offers exceptional visibility in low light. Though not
technically fluorescent, studies have found that the rods in the retina – the part of the eye that work best in low light – are particularly receptive to the yellow/green color. As a result, chartreuse is increasingly used around the world for emergency vehicles.
Rapha Long Sleeve Brevet Jersey
Based on the short-sleeve jersey rigorously tested by Rapha riders at Paris-Brest-Paris, the long-sleeve version has been created for endurance rides where additional visibility and storage are important but where extra insulation is required. It has three large cargo pockets, as well as a zipped ballast pocket for carrying a complementary hi-vis Brevet Gilet and/ or an extra jacket. The front of the jersey also has a water resistant chest pocket for carrying items that may need protection from the elements. Designed specifically for riding in low light, the jersey has two high-visibility stripes around the chest, one in pink, another in a perforated white Schoeller fabric. Other visibility details include a reflective
armband on the right arm and reflective tab on the back of the jersey. The jersey is highly breathable and versatile enough to be used from autumn through to spring. This jersey also comes with a packable complementary Brevet Gilet, which is perfect for commuting year round, or any situation where safetyis important.
Rapha High-Viz Gilet
The Hi-Vis Gilet has been created for riding in low winter light and at night. A more robust version of a product originally designed to complement the Brevet Jersey, the Hi-Vis Gilet is made from a fabric that is durable enough to withstand the demands of the daily commute but has a slim cut for a racing feel. The gilet is intended to be worn for the duration of a ride however it make a great saftey item that can be carried as emergency protection. It is also the perfect outer shell on night or low-light rides through the city.
