Reflective tape on wheels

AidanR
AidanR Posts: 1,142
edited November 2007 in Commuting chat
I'm thinking about putting strips of 3M's Diamond Grade reflective tape onto the rims of my wheels (between the spokes, and the down onto the sides of the rim - I'm using discs!), and possibly the hubs too. I figure with the movement it'd be very visible. Is this a good idea?

Also, I'm thinking colours - perhaps white for the front and red for the rear, or yellow on both (particularly as the bike is black with bits of gold).

Opinions?
Bike lover and part-time cyclist.

Comments

  • el_presidente
    el_presidente Posts: 1,963
    you should have white or yellow for side on refelctives, red will be confusing
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  • El Capitano
    El Capitano Posts: 6,401
    TBH, I have been seriously considering getting one of those "Rainbow Racer" light up things that are advertised on the TV (kids channels...) and are for sale in Argos.

    Granted it's going to look a bit naff, but will certainly light up the wheel from the side.
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  • t4tomo
    t4tomo Posts: 2,643
    A less extreme / naff alternative is tyre fly valve caps that light up when you cycle (motion sensitive). Gives you the same side on visibility without the multicoloured light show.
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  • marchant
    marchant Posts: 362
    Try these http://www.hokeyspokes.com/
  • palinurus
    palinurus Posts: 836
    Tyres with reflective sidewalls.
  • fossyant
    fossyant Posts: 2,549
    The 3m stuff on the rims does work - I had some years ago - allow plenty of time for them to adhere to the rim.
  • AidanR
    AidanR Posts: 1,142
    I've got tyres with reflective sidewalls too :)

    Those spoke things look interesting, but 3 AA batteries per one? They must weigh a ton!

    I think I'll go with yellow on the rims - thanks for the tip about leaving it a while.
    Bike lover and part-time cyclist.
  • prj45
    prj45 Posts: 2,208
    marchant wrote:
    Try these http://www.hokeyspokes.com/

    hmm, I'm not sure I want people approaching me from the side trying to work out what my spokes say...
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  • tardington
    tardington Posts: 1,379
    "Don't run me over please, I really don't like it!" doesn't work?

    Maybe a swear word?

    Oh - Just "Police" should do you! 8)
  • Yellow Cliff
    Yellow Cliff Posts: 231
    I saw some pictures last year of rims with black reflective tape on them (it was on a US bike forum) - it looks white in lights. It looked great because in day time the rims looked pretty much as normal.

    I have seen it advertised as stealth reflective tape in the past.
  • AidanR
    AidanR Posts: 1,142
    Yeah, I've got some of that stuff for my frame, but although it's definitely pretty cool it's nowhere near as reflective as the diamond grade stuff. It's a hell of a lot better than nothing though, but get it from US eBay - it's absurdly expensive over here.
    Bike lover and part-time cyclist.

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