Respro Hi-viz Ankle Bands

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.

Measuring 25cm long by 5cm wide, these strips should fit the majority of adult ankles and children from around eight or so upwards thanks to simple, reversible Velcro closures that feature Scotchlite one side, neon yellow the other-perfect for scuttling to the office in the morning gloom before bowling back sporting the reflective side. Unlike the plastic coated types impregnated with LEDs, it takes ten seconds to achieve a smooth, seamless profile whereupon they're pretty much forgotten from the moment you hop in the saddle and the key to their effectiveness lays in the simple physics of revolving light. Rather like the ubiquitous blinky, cadence catches the eye and becomes more effective the faster you pedal - the reason pedal reflectors are also such effective visibility aids.

I almost never cycle in jeans but since a parcel had been left at my local post office and a friend wanted me to investigate an 'Interesting' squeak emanating from her bike's bottom bracket region, I donned the bands, leapt aboard her hybrid and whizzed elegantly through the village, collected said parcel and sprinted the mile or so home. Turning a steady seventy, the bottoms of my trousers never came close to catching in the chain and remained exactly where they should have been.

Waiting until dusk, I decided to head the 10 miles into town so got kitted up and gently woke the Univega. Cantering at close to 90 rpm, I found myself chuckling at how effective they were- visible to a good 400 yards along the lanes Scotchlite side up, although one irate Mondeo driver took offence at my lighting ensemble, screaming something about the twilight zone - you wouldn't think they'd scare so easily in Essex. Around town, their efficiency drops to a very respectable 300 yards but even the chav chariots with their lowered suspension and race-cans gave me a wide, albeit not entirely abuse-free berth.

Verdict

Brilliantly simple visibility aids that double as nifty trouser clips.