All this chat of the Tour de France coming to these noble
shores seems to have gotten everyone in a tizzy. And so, ever ready to buck the
trend and strike out on our own... we went cycling. But, although bikes these
days are pretty hi-tech, we still needed something gadgety to test while out
burning rubber. And so we turned to Proviz and their range of high visibility
clothing and bike lights to satisfy our lust.
Proviz Nightrider High Visibility Cycling Jacket
The name of this
jacket - Nightrider - isn't the only cool thing about it. While out cycling at
night we found it was not just essential to be seen (and by Christ will you be
seen in this!) but also to be warm and protected. The Nightrider provides all
three needs with aplomb.
Unlike other hi-vis
jackets we've tested in the past, the Proviz Nightrider is actually suitable
for use as a jacket, providing lots of insulation and comfort. The bright
luminous green that we tested was incredible at making us stand out at all
times of the day, even in bright sunshine.
There are reflective
panels on every angel of the jacket, meaning you'll be seen by traffic and
pedestrians all the way around. There is also a reflective triangle on the back
which is attached with Velcro, which when removed... actually we'll save that
for the next item.
£59.99
Proviz Triviz Light Pack
Clothing that lights
up would, of course, solve a lot of visibility problems for cyclists. But until
the day when we're all living inside a Tron movie, we have to make do with the
Triviz from Proviz, an award-winning illumination solution.
Like we said, once
you remove the Velcro reflector from the back of the Nightrider jacket you can
stick one of these there - and boy does it do a million times better than merely
reflecting light! The Triviz is a small battery-powered triangle that glows,
flashes or strobes from a thin-as-paper membrane.
Those awards were
certainly well given, as the Triviz is probably the best thing we've so far
seen for making cyclists visible on the road in darkness. Because it is up on
your back (it can also fit some Proviz backpacks, which makes sense) the light
shines at eye-level and is therefore more effective that standard bikes lights
which tend to be lower.
The glowing triangle
is powered by a small battery in the zip-close pouch which hangs just below.
This is recharged via USB and, depending on use, has a great life. We've been
testing it most nights for a week now without the need to recharge.
Clever design and perfect
application, the Proviz Triviz is right up our street.
£29.99
Proviz Supernova Bike Lights
Available in both
red (rear) and white (front) versions, the Supernova Bike Lights are absolutely
must-have. The unit itself is completely waterproof and wrapped in soft
rubberised silicone that stretches onto any tube or part of your bike. Fitting
the Supernova (and, later, removing it) is as easy as pie. Points there -
especially if you're parking your bike in a dodgy area.
Each of the
Supernova lights (and we recommend getting both a white one and red one)
feature four bright LEDs which cycle through a sequence of flashing, blinking
and constant, at the push of an easy to reach button. Add to all that batteries
that last an age and are easy to change and you're onto a winner.
£13.59 each
Proviz Sirius Bike Lights
If cash-flow is
tight, or if you're looking for a set of lights to add further attention to
yourself, we recommend the Sirius. Unlike the Supernova lights these come as a
pair at a very respectable price. Each of the Sirius is wrapped in silicone and
attaches by stretching it around your handle bars, seat, frame or wherever,
then locking into place via the included plastic clip.
Each feature a
single bright LED and just like their bigger brothers are completely water
tight and simple to open to change the batteries. We found that, after using
the Supernova lights as our main bike lights, the Sirius were best suited to places
it is usually hard to as lights to. And so we popped one onto the back of our
bike helmets, and the other on the front wheel fork. Get creative where you put
them - it all helps to make you safe.
£10.39 a pair.
We really love Proviz and were chuffed as cheese to be sent all this awesome kit. Check out their website for other products and brands. After all, we're here right now writing this review after dicing with death on the mean night-time streets - so they must work.
Visit www.provizsports.com