Respro

Essentially two products in one, its easy to see why the Respro Hi Viz Vegas hump red could become something of an institution amongst urban warriors.

It boasts a hardy, weatherproof construction and eye catching designs. There's no denying the eye-scorching day glow orange, Scotchlite and LED strips are an extremely powerful combination but the latter precludes machine washing should winter sludge and grime start taking over.

My traditional indifference to stickers has been softened by this Respro Camo Sticker Kit, which deliver exactly what they promise on the packaging - reflective stickers in a camo stylee (other styles are available including plain).

Respro Hi-viz ankle bands are just brilliantly simple safety aids made from dual sided, washable neoprene that fit in a flash around the ankles, doubling as handy trouser-clips into the bargain. Lycra can induce slight slippage beyond ninety odd rpm but before you all start sniggering and picturing geography teachers, brown cords and three-speed sit up 'n' begs, they're fine with 3/4lengths, the latest generation of civilian styled cycling trews and can even be worn as arm bands should you prefer.

Don’t want to clutter expensive luggage with stickers, huge swathes of day glow ruinous to your street credibility? Then Respro’s clever, reversible bag tags might be the solution for greater nighttime and low light visibility alike.

Respro’s High Viz Super Waistcoat has all the practicality of the normal day-glow variety but with greater style. The black background and warm orange base are supported by large sections of uncluttered Scotchlite and the Sam Browne belt really commands driver attention.

The P15 is the deluxe version of Respro’s justly popular hump rucksack cover incorporating not only waterproof materials and retina burning Scotchlite detailing but integrated electro luminescent lighting strips for maximum visibility. However, electrics preclude machine washing so mud mariners would be better served by the less sophisticated model.

I’m not overly keen on sticker sets and costing close to a tenner, Respro’s Urban range seem extravagant. However, these Scotchlite decals provide welcome additional security on flat surfaces like wide section mudguards, rack-platforms and hard shell panniers. They’re also a very clever way of getting round the perception amongst teenage and younger riders that safety isn’t cool but I’d fight shy of applying them to helmets given there’s no way of knowing which adhesives affect a helmet shell’s integrity.

Designed for the heavily polluted urban Jungle, Respro’s techno mask might enjoy the most advanced filters but it needs better wicking to prevent sweaty cheeks on warmer days. While the neoprene feels very tactile against the skin, it rapidly becomes clammy (typically after twenty minutes exertion). Whilst this additional warmth is welcome on cold winter days it’s a different story come Spring or Summer.