Pedla RideFLASH gilet/vest – Men’s version | Women’s version
Price: $213
Sizes: XS– 2XL (men’s); 2XS–XL (women’s)
Protection: Windproof and waterproof
Color: Reflective silver
Material: Vizlite
Availability: Online
How obtained: Company sample
RBR advertiser: No
Visibility, Protection, and Comfort for Commuters and eBikers
The RideFLASH Reflective Vest comes in men’s or women’s versions and is ideal for safety-conscious commuters. Designed by Pedla, this new design provides visibility, comfort, functionality, durability, and versatility.
One of the standout features of this vest is its exceptional visibility. Made with Vizlite material containing 26% retroreflective glass microspheres, the vest illuminates when light hits. According to the company, this innovative material ensures visibility from over a kilometer away, alerting drivers to cyclists on the road, especially during low-light conditions.
The Vizlite material contains 26% retroreflective glass microspheres, causing the vest to illuminate when hit by light.
In addition to internal bonded seams, the windproof and waterproof fabric offers protection from the elements, making it suitable for all seasons except summer. Unfortunately, I found the fabric lacked breathability and moisture management properties. While there’s excellent protection from wind and rain, I ended up all sweaty on a spirited road ride.
The two-way YKK Vislon zipper allowed some relief by ventilating from the top or bottom during rides. I recommend this vest for commuters and eBike users who are not planning to exert much energy on rides and prioritize protection, warmth, or visibility.
The two-way zipper allows unzipping from the bottom to access rear jersey pockets or ventilate.
Unzipping the RideFLASH vest from the bottom lets you easily reach jersey pockets. Concealed secure zip pockets at the chest and side of the body provide ample storage space for small essentials such as keys, money, or nutrition. The chest pocket didn’t fit my iPhone 14 in a case, but the side body worked just fine.
For added comfort, this vest is made with stretchable material, allowing for a comfortable fit that accommodates layering with jerseys and jackets. The flat elastic armholes and hem ensure that the vest provides unrestricted movement and comfort while riding.
Bottom line
For added visibility, the RideFLASH Reflective Vest is perfect for commuters and eBike riders who aren’t exerting much energy during their ride. A $213 price tag is a bit pricey, but the highly reflective material will get you noticed by drivers in low-light situations and provide more on-the-road safety.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
Mountain Warehouse sells reflective jackets and vests for much less. I have several and they are durable.
$215…why? For $15 I buy a safety vest from a home improvement place that is also a neon green that stands out instead of tan that blends in, they come in mesh or standard, I use the mesh so air can come through.
Sure, a neon green safety vest won’t win any fashion awards, but I’m trying to win motorists seeing me and not a fashion show.