buying a jacket for first time

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i was going to combat this with a hi-viz helmet. yes, all yellow solid helmet. Do you think that's dorky?

I wouldn't worry too much about looking dorky. Just do what feels comfortable to you.

For me, I was worried about looking dorky wearing a reflective vest (at night). But, I don't care anymore. Since wearing my vest, I noticed that cars stay further back from me on the road. And, I've had no more incidents of left turning cars trying to turn into me (as has happened to me before when I wasn't wearing a vest). Mind you, I've also been doing the SMIDSY ever since (so that probably helps a lot, too).

For your helmet, you might want to consider reflective tape (you'll be better seen at night than just a yellow coloured helmet). Something like this:

I have 3M's Solas tape on my helmet. Probably the most reflective of any of the tapes out there. Used for marine applications. I got mine on ebay.


PS-Oh, and I wouldn't think too much about being visible, although it does help. So, hopefully you don't go overboard with it. What probably helps more is to learn to predict what drivers will do, and to recognize (and minimize) hazards. But, that just comes with seat time. Good luck!

 

[krrakt]

I don't know how you ride, but generally I find that I can't rely on being seen at all, so I don't.

I like black and jeans because I might ride a bit aggressive on open roads and if I happen to be spotted I may want to be even more aggressive.

If my bike and gear are plain (black) I'm not as likely to be recognized later.

If you are a conservative rider then who cares, wear what style you like.

As I said, I doubt what you wear makes any difference in being noticed by distracted drivers.

JMO

 

[frugalman]

So i got the jacket today, but i noticed that the elbow pads are sitting a bit low.
They're almost like forearm pads.
The elbow pointy bone is right at the edge of the pad.
The shoulder pads are perfect position though.
The rest of the jacket fits perfect. Not too big, not too tight.

Any insight about the elbow pads?

 

[Type17]

I'd get the white and black. My gear is all black and I regret it. My bike's black too so at night I'd probably be invisible.

All black is boring IMO.

So i got the jacket today, but i noticed that the elbow pads are sitting a bit low.
They're almost like forearm pads.
The elbow pointy bone is right at the edge of the pad.
The shoulder pads are perfect position though.
The rest of the jacket fits perfect. Not too big, not too tight.

Any insight about the elbow pads?

I think the idea is that when you bend at the elbow, the guard slides up and covers you. If you're just casually standing, the pads sag... This is the same for any jacket as far as I know.

 

[frugalman]

So i got the jacket today, but i noticed that the elbow pads are sitting a bit low.
They're almost like forearm pads.
The elbow pointy bone is right at the edge of the pad.
The shoulder pads are perfect position though.
The rest of the jacket fits perfect. Not too big, not too tight.

Any insight about the elbow pads?

this is where i am talking about, the red line is basically where the pads are literally.
it's where the alpinestar word is on the sleeve.

 

[onecartel]

For what it's worth, I have the same jacket in perf leather and my elbows are covered while standing and in riding position. How far down your arm are the sleeve cuffs?

 

[frugalman]

For what it's worth, I have the same jacket in perf leather and my elbows are covered while standing and in riding position. How far down your arm are the sleeve cuffs?

the sleeve cuffs are about in between the beginning of my thumb and my wrist.

i sat on my bike today, when sitting and arms on the handle bars, the pads are in the correct position.
Just when I stand up, they shift down.

 

[Type17]

the sleeve cuffs are about in between the beginning of my thumb and my wrist.

i sat on my bike today, when sitting and arms on the handle bars, the pads are in the correct position.
Just when I stand up, they shift down.

I think that's pretty normal... I would've assumed so anyway...

 

[onecartel]

I think that's pretty normal... I would've assumed so anyway...

+1

Normal.

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