Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Product Review: Rev'It Connector Hi-Viz Vest




Pasted below is a slightly edited version of my review from Revzilla's website:

4 / 5
4 / 5
Not limited to Rev'It! jackets
May 19, 2014
Customer avatar
From Newark
State:DE
Rider Type:Road Warrior
Age:45-54
Gender:male
Bang for the Buck 
3 / 5
3 / 5
Style 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Comfort 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Protection & Durability 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Air Flow 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Features 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Fit
Small
1 Size Large
Large
I needed a hi-viz vest for my new Aerostich Transit jacket, but I couldn't use the Rev'It Athos vest I use on my Rev'It Ignition 2 jacket because the side panels would completely block the underarm vents on the Transit. After some searching, I decided to try the Connector vest. The Connector's side pieces only overlap the pit vents by maybe 10%, which I'm not sure actually blocks any airflow in actual use, and the mesh back panel doesn't seem to restrict air outflow from the Transit's large rear vent. The outer chest pocket is blocked (that pocket is fairly useless anyway), but the vertical "hand-warmer" pockets aren't. Rev'It needs to supply better product images: the fabric IS mesh (better!), not solid, and the color is more akin to the Athos' bright green-yellow (again, better!) the really "pops" against a black jacket. Also, be aware that the vest isn't as long as it may seem in the images; it only extends to about mid-chest/back. I don't think any "missing" length would be easily visible to other motorists, anyway, particularly on the front. Though made specifically for some of Rev'It's newer jacket models that incorporate connectors ("Connector," get it?) on their fronts, the vest also incorporates a simple secondary connection system using Velcro and a fabric loop, so it can be used on just about any jacket on the market. However, the non-Rev'It connection system won't prevent the vest from slipping off the shoulders when donning/doffing the jacket, although it falls off much less than a few other safety vests I've owned. The Connector's side pieces are made of elastic, and are adjustable. On the road, the vest stays in place, without buffeting or flapping, and I only know it's even there when I have to unfasten it to unzip my jacket. You'll want to cut off the tag at the top rear of the vest to prevent it from flapping in the breeze.  As for sizing, I took the advice of Revzilla's reviewers and ordered down, selecting a Medium for my US 42 (Euro 52) jacket, and it fits just fine. Coincidentally, today my secretary said she saw me in traffic yesterday, and without prompting, said she noticed the vest even before noticing my bright yellow motorcycle.  Yeah, that's why I wear hi-viz; it may be a nerdy look, but I can't imagine I'd look cool in a body cast, either.
Yes, I recommend this product.

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Monday, May 19, 2014

Adventure Motorcycle relaunches website


After more than three years of development, Adventure Motorcycle is happy to announce the re-launch of AdventureMotorcycle.comThe release of AdventureMotorcycle.com 2.0 signifies a turning point in the history of not only the publication, but we feel, the industry as well," says Parker. The new site includes many features which will appeal to riders and industry professionals alike.
  • More Categories – News, Reviews (Bike, Gear, Media) and Spotlights (Ride, Rider, Event)
  • Global Event Map   AdventureMotorcycle.com offers an International Events listing which can be interactively browsed on a map and/or selected by five regions (North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia/Australia). Feel free to submit your ADV related event at http://www.adventuremotorcycle.com/events/submit-an-event. Submission is quick and easy.
  • All Issues Online  AdventureMotorcycle.com plans to have all 79+ issues of AdventureMotorcycle/Dual-Sport News online by end of 2014. This would make it the most complete online adventure motorcycle web publication and the oldest English language Adventure/Dual-Sport specific publication still in circulation.
"This is just the tip of the iceberg." says ADVMoto publisher Carl Parker."With more sites and features lined up, AdventureMotorcycle.com is determined to raise the visibility of adventure riding to an all new level in North America and around the world."
To help kick off the new site, ADVMoto is offering 30% off new print and digital subscriptions through the end of May 2014 with coupon code: NSADV430

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Friday, May 16, 2014

Calendar Alert: Ride To Work Day

As Queen once said, "Get on your bikes and ride!" Monday, June 16th is the 20th annual Worldwide Ride to Work Day. Riding to work on this day highlights motorcycling as a social good.  Riding a motorcycle or scooter to work is an economical, efficient and socially responsible form of mobility that saves energy, helps the environment and provides a broad range of other public benefits. Don't tell anyone, but I do it because it's fun. This old post can help you with the challenges of riding to work.  Learn more at the RideToWork.org website.

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