Commuting - Planet Bike Superflash: 'Public wants the blinky'

been seeing a funny consumer pattern down at the bike shop lately... people are coming in and asking for the Planet Bike SUPERFLASH tailight, without even knowing what it is. let me elaborate:

the Planet Bike "Superflash" 1/2 watt rear taillight has been on the market for a few months now. We've been pimping them pretty rightously down at our bike shop, and their reputation and efficacy has them proliferating rapidly among savvy Northwest riders.

its seems like one rider has one, and their friends come in and ask for one. i've seen roadies buying them for friends. theres a few out there on bicycles around Seattle.

So now, a lot of casual and commuter bicyclists are coming into the bike shop where I work, and there are riders coming in asking for the tailight they're seen out there that's "a lot brighter" than their current bike light,

and 'the light that goes "blink blink BLINK" ' :)


without even knowing the name of it or what it is specifically they are asking for, but it's unmistakable they are asking for the Planet Bike SUPERFLASH.

I've been using the Cateye TL-LD600. Maybe I'll have to take a look at the Plane Bike light. Which shop are you at ?

I wish Planet Bike would make one with an attacment so that it would stap that light to the back of the helmet.

Nice! :beer: We've sold through all the ones we had. So I put them on the stuff-to-order list. So what does the management get more of? Blinky 7's! :( grrrr....

Well, after all the posts on here, I want one too :D

I just need to find one in Canada, On line or other. No Local shops have it.

Well, after all the posts on here, I want one too :D

I just need to find one in Canada, On line or other. No Local shops have it.

Rumour is that some of the MECs in Canada have them now for a reasonable price.

Rumour is that some of the MECs in Canada have them now for a reasonable price.

Thanks, I'm waiting for them to show up on MEC's web site as I do not have a local MEC :(

Give them a call, the Calgary store has a whole bunch - they might be able to ship them to you..

Give them a call, the Calgary store has a whole bunch - they might be able to ship them to you..

Thanks! :beer:


If not, My Daughter lives in Calgary, I'll ask her to pick one up for me.

been seeing a funny consumer pattern down at the bike shop lately... people are coming in and asking for the Planet Bike SUPERFLASH tailight, without even knowing what it is. let me elaborate:

the Planet Bike "Superflash" 1/2 watt rear taillight has been on the market for a few months now. We've been pimping them pretty rightously down at our bike shop, and their reputation and efficacy has them proliferating rapidly among savvy Northwest riders.

its seems like one rider has one, and their friends come in and ask for one. i've seen roadies buying them for friends. theres a few out there on bicycles around Seattle.

So now, a lot of casual and commuter bicyclists are coming into the bike shop where I work, and there are riders coming in asking for the tailight they're seen out there that's "a lot brighter" than their current bike light,

and 'the light that goes "blink blink BLINK" ' :)


without even knowing the name of it or what it is specifically they are asking for, but it's unmistakable they are asking for the Planet Bike SUPERFLASH.

You spread the word way over here in Rhode Island. Roadies like the size and the fact that it is only about the width of the seatpost. And it does not look so big during the day.

Rumour is that some of the MECs in Canada have them now for a reasonable price.

I'm going to see if I can get to the Ottawa store this week and check their stock. I'll keep you posted.

I have two super flashes mounted on the rear of my bike and on one night ride I was stopped on the side of the road swapping out batteries in my headlight. Many cars that passed me on the rural highway slowed down and from their expressions I could tell they probably thought I was a cop or emergency vehicle from a distance.

I got mine at the Calgary MEC. Great lights.

I'm planning to get one. How is the battery life?

I ran, not walked, to MEC Toronto after reading this thread. $14.95 and in stock.

It also has a steady mode, but that probably warrants investing in some rechargeable AAAs to be economically viable.

I ran, not walked, to MEC Toronto after reading this thread. $14.95 and in stock.

It also has a steady mode, but that probably warrants investing in some rechargeable AAAs to be economically viable.

You should have biked there instead of running, would have been faster! ;)

I too bought the Planet Bike Superflash LED blikies yesterday from MEC in Montreal, and plan on going back to get a few more to outfit my other bike and my helmet! They're really cool...

I ran, not walked, to MEC Toronto after reading this thread. $14.95 and in stock. My first stop tomorrow is there!

And I already do have some rechargeable AAAs and a 15-minute charger. Woo-hoo, let's roll! :)

I've been using the Cateye TL-LD600. Maybe I'll have to take a look at the Plane Bike light. Which shop are you at ?

Riddle me this :) Me and Bekologist are at the biggest bike shop in the Northwest. Across from Greenlake. Now find out who we are :p

Hmm. that website puts out a big claim as being the "The brightest, most visible bicycle tail light on the planet!". Now I wonder if htey ever heard of Dinotte before. ;) :rolleyes:

Anyways, I'm interested to see which is brighter and more effective. Planet Bikes or the Dinotte. :D



Zero_Enigma

Hmm. that website puts out a big claim as being the "The brightest, most visible bicycle tail light on the planet!". Now I wonder if htey ever heard of Dinotte before. ;) :rolleyes:

Anyways, I'm interested to see which is brighter and more effective. Planet Bikes or the Dinotte. :D



Zero_Enigma
Does the Dinotte have a usable quick release for city use?

Riddle me this :) Me and Bekologist are at the biggest bike shop in the Northwest. Across from Greenlake. Now find out who we are :pGregg's? :)

Hmm. that website puts out a big claim as being the "The brightest, most visible bicycle tail light on the planet!". Now I wonder if htey ever heard of Dinotte before. ;) :rolleyes:

Anyways, I'm interested to see which is brighter and more effective. Planet Bikes or the Dinotte. :D



Zero_Enigma


Courtesy of Colorchange

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=240142

Hmm. that website puts out a big claim as being the "The brightest, most visible bicycle tail light on the planet!". Now I wonder if htey ever heard of Dinotte before. ;) :rolleyes:
What Web Site? Anyone able to post a picture or URL for this SuperDuper product? My first reaction is skepticism if only Roadies think it is the best light for bicycling. What makes it so special? Light weight or aerodynamics?:rolleyes:

I got one Saturday. My impressions...the blinky superflash is way more noticeable than my cateye LD1000. That hotspot in the strobe sure catches the eye. The superflash is also visible for a wider angle from the rear.

what websites are selling this light, no LBS's have them here in so cal..

what websites are selling this light, no LBS's have them here in so cal..
Seems like only the Real Cyclists with the Roadie Handshake know about the Super Duper light. Maybe one will break down and spill the secret.:eek:

planet bike doesn't even have the light on there online store..

Hmm. that website puts out a big claim as being the "The brightest, most visible bicycle tail light on the planet!". Now I wonder if htey ever heard of Dinotte before. ;) :rolleyes:

Anyways, I'm interested to see which is brighter and more effective. Planet Bikes or the Dinotte. :D



Zero_Enigma

That makes four tailights that I have claiming to be the brightest.

We all know the "Death Star" is the brightest this side of Pluto. :D



What Web Site? Anyone able to post a picture or URL for this SuperDuper product? My first reaction is skepticism if only Roadies think it is the best light for bicycling. What makes it so special? Light weight or aerodynamics?

A) It looks good at Starbucks.

B) It has no kickstand.

C) It matches red or white bar tape.


Seems like only the Real Cyclists with the Roadie Handshake know about the Super Duper light. Maybe one will break down and spill the secret.

This has not been declassified yet.

Good thing no one here has a computer, then they could order one in five minutes. Whew!

Seems like only the Real Cyclists with the Roadie Handshake....

Handshake? We don't even wave to each other. :D

Handshake? We don't even wave to each other. :D

:roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:

ohmigosh that is so funny.

Q:whats' the roadie 'secret handshake?' A: A sneer and a head nod.


the dinotte is a brighter light, but it is also a rechargable system with a battry pack, isn't it?

Like moths to the flame, the bicycling public wants the blinky.the dang thing is SUPERFLASH.

I'm planning to get one. How is the battery life?

I hadn't really noticed a decay in mine when I swapped out the batteries for Lithium AAAs on Friday, but boy is it brighter now. I can't remember how long I had it running on the stock batteries. At least a month. Basically as long as they've been discussed here in the commuter folder.

This has not been declassified yet.
Good thing no one here has a computer, then they could order one in five minutes. Whew!
How? Apparently, it is impossible to type the URL of any place that actually sells the magic lantern!

Handshake? We don't even wave to each other. :D
I'll have you know, I always wave at them!
http://www.orangemane.com/BB/images/smilies/smilie_130.gif

Sheesh...here you go:

http://www.biketiresdirect.com/productdetail.asp?p=PBBSF&tnum=3907558&c=5207048

FWIW - I have one mounted on the seat post, and will mount another on the left seat stay when it arrives in a day or two. They are very bright - "daylight visible", in fact. The secret to its brightness is the 1/2W LED (the top one).

I run mine on flash mode when commuting, regardless of whether it's light out or dark.

Sheesh...here you go:

http://www.biketiresdirect.com/productdetail.asp?p=PBBSF&tnum=3907558&c=5207048

FWIW - I have one mounted on the seat post, and will mount another on the left seat stay when it arrives in a day or two. They are very bright - "daylight visible", in fact. The secret to its brightness is the 1/2W LED (the top one).

I run mine on flash mode when commuting, regardless of whether it's light out or dark.
Thanks. Only took 34 posts on this thread

Im gonna get one.......After I get my next paycheck...

Thanks. Only took 34 posts on this thread

Here's another: http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=101&subcategory=1068&brand=&sku=18959&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Rear%20Lights

ILTB, here's some American cultural iconography for you.


James Brown: "Do you see the light?"

John Belushi: "I have SEEN THE LIGHT!"

Interesting to see Nashbar claims MSRP ~$29, biketiresdirect claims $25, both agree they sell for $19.95. If I order from btd today, I will get the light tomorrow, and lower shipping price to boot! I gather that is highly region-specific though, they are only 2 hrs from me.

FWIW - after a couple of months of use, I'm happy with the SuperFlash. Its light weight means it's less likely to break off at the bracket (something that's fairly common with heavier LED lights), and it puts out a serious amount of light.

My only quibble? It's not "infinitely adjustable" in the vertical plane. Like older "cogged" seat posts, you have to pick a specific "notch" - and if you're finicky about the up-down aiming of the light, you may find that it's pointed a little too high or a little too low depending on which notch you choose.

Handshake? We don't even wave to each other. :D

shh! that's the secret handshake.


How? Apparently, it is impossible to type the URL of any place that actually sells the magic lantern!

:roflmao: :roflmao:

Are we mean to think this is hilarious ? What's that white blank space in my browser ?
What's a google, is that like a goggle ? My dog wears goggles................

ILTB, here's some American cultural iconography for you.


James Brown: "Do you see the light?"

John Belushi: "I have SEEN THE LIGHT!"
You ain't kiddin'! Flesh it out!

Triple Rock Church

MC: And now, this weeks sermon is from our beloved the Reverend Cleophis James.

Reverend: And now people. And now people. When I woke up this morning, I heard a disturbing sound. I said, when I woke up this morning I heard a disturbing sound. What I heard was the jingle-jangle of a thousand lost souls. And I'm talking about the soul of modern men and women, departed from this life. Wait a minute, those lost jangle souls roamin' unseen over the earth, seek the divine light, they'll not find. Because it's too late... too late yeah, too late for them to ever see again, the light they once chose not to follow! Alright, alright, don't be lost when the time comes. For the day of the Lord cometh, as a thief in the night. Amen.

People: Amen!

Reverend Cleophis James

[Song: 'The Old Landmark']

(Dancing and singing, Jake is trembling)

Elwood: Jake, you alright?

(A ray of Light shines through the church onto Jake)

Jake sees the Light

Jake: The band... The band!

Reverend: Do you see the Light?

Jake: The band!

Reverend: Do you see the Light?

Elwood: What light?

Reverend: Have you seen the Light?

Jake: Yes, yes! Jesus H. tapdancin' Christ, I have seen the Light!

(Jake starts dancing)

Jake: The band, Elwood. The band!

Elwood: The band? ... the band. The band? The band!

Reverend: Praise God.

Elwood: And God bless the United States of America!

Biking Content:
Playlist of one of my favorite cycling mp3 CD's:
Ain't That A Groove
Bewildered 192
Bewildered 6min
Black and Proud
Body Heat
Bring it up
cold sweat
Cold Sweat_long
down and out in new york city
Entire Album CD - 20 All Time Greatest
Funky Drummer
Funky Good Time
Get On The Good Foot
Get on Up
Get Up Offa That Thing
Gonna Have A Funky Good Time
Hot Pants, Parts 1 & 2
I can't stand myself
I Feel Good
I Got That Feeling
I Lost Someone
I'll Go Crazy
It's A Man's World Apollo(160)
Its A Mans World -Live 8 min
It's A Mans World Original
Lickin Stick
Like a Sex Machine
Live at the Apollo - His best band and show p
Live At The Apollo Medley
Living in America
Lost Someone
Lost Someone (Apollo 68)
Lost Someone Apollo Long
maybe the last time
Money Won't Change You
Mother Popcorn
Night Train
Oh Baby Don't You Weep
Out Of Sight
Papa Don't Take No Mess
Papas Got A Brand New Bag
please please please
prisoner of love
Prisoner Of Love (live)
Sex Machine
Super Bad
Take Me Higher
The Payback
There Was A Time
think
tighten up
Try Me
Kansas City
Coldcut - The Payback Remix

shh! that's the secret handshake.



:roflmao: :roflmao:

Are we mean to think this is hilarious ? What's that white blank space in my browser ?
What's a google, is that like a goggle ? My dog wears goggles................
Yep, too hard to type just like all the other lazy butt careless posters on this thread.

Got to wonder about this hyped up Sudden Interest in the last day or so on selling a specific product. Is this a repeat of the scam the Electra salesmen pulled a couple of years ago on BF?

This is where I first heard of them:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=227770&highlight=superflash

I see they were on the board here a couple wks before that though.

I can't imagine it's a marketing blitz, but if it is, it's well-earned, the light kicks butt.

Got to wonder about this hyped up Sudden Interest in the last day or so on selling a specific product. Is this a repeat of the scam the Electra salesmen pulled a couple of years ago on BF?

LOL - now you're into conspiracy theories? That's pretty ironic. :rolleyes:

If you'll check, you'll see that the SuperFlash has been mentioned in several threads of late. Presumably this is because:

It's new.
It's inexpensive.
It's very bright.
With the days getting shorter, many of us are reviewing our night riding gear options.

i originally posted this because i found it interesting several people have been coming in the bike shop and asking for the uberflash, without knowing the name of it,

by saying things like "I saw this blinky out on a ride the other day, it was a lot brighter than their existing setup, and goes 'blink blink BLINK'"

Seattle does have the biggest cycling club in the USA, and i think they are proliferating in those ranks...


now, don't forget your CPSC certifed reflectors, people! which is something very few rear lights incorporate these days. the old vistalite was good for this, also the Cateye TL-LD500. and one of the SERFAS lights still on the market.

don't forget the CPSC 'fleccos.

don't forget the CPSC 'fleccos.

What are they? Do my orange reflective vest or burley raincoat cover that if my tail light doesn't?

legally, i think not. good question. we used to call Vistalites 'lawyer lights' because they kept your bike CPSC legal as sold. never heard of any case that was voided because of the lack of CPSC fleccos but never wanted to find out.

'the light that goes "blink blink BLINK" ' :)


That's actually my complaint with it;the .5W doesn't blink often enough. They need to increase the blink rate on the main light. From blink-blink-BLINK,to blink-BLINK-blink-BLINK. Otherwise I'm pretty happy with mine.

Interestingly,I asked at just about every LBS in Wash DC,and none of them had them. Most hadn't even heard of them,and a couple said they had no immediate plans to order any. I try to buy local,but in this case had to go to the web.

Toronto MEC still has them. But three fewer as of today's morning. ;)