Commuting - Mounting Tail Lights to a Rack

I have a delta super sherpa rack (http://www.deltacycle.com/product.php?g=21) on the back of my bike that i'm looking to mount 2 blinkers on. I'm wondering if anyone could post pictures of how they have their lights mounted to their racks, seat post, fenders, etc. Please let me know if I have not provided enough information or if a similar thread exists. I have search but have not found exactly what I'm look for. Thanks

This works with Cateye blinkies.

Go to your LBS and ask for a reflector bracket like this.
http://img62.exs.cx/img62/5676/reflectorbracketlg.jpg
Take the piece that I've indicated and remove it from the rest of the bracket. You can use the screws and nuts from this bracket to attach it to your rack using the vertical holes. (you'll find that they'll line up beautifully)
http://img127.exs.cx/img127/6246/reflectorbracketholes.jpg
Remove the quick release portion of your light bracket and attach to the point shown in the diagram below.
http://img82.exs.cx/img82/3993/reflectorbracketmountinghole.jpg

This method works a LOT better than zip ties. I use this method on customer's bikes and have had no complaints Of course this is good for one center mount light, but with some ingenuity, a BiC pen and a long enough bolt w/ nut you can turn this into a two blinky holder.

Thats awesome thanks.

Thats awesome thanks.
No problem. I want to see how yours turns out. Now I was suggesting you to do it something like this.
http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/9564/bracketmount2xyd8.jpg
If you figure out another way I'd still love to see it

I have a delta super sherpa rack (http://www.deltacycle.com/product.php?g=21) on the back of my bike that i'm looking to mount 2 blinkers on. I'm wondering if anyone could post pictures of how they have their lights mounted to their racks, seat post, fenders, etc. Please let me know if I have not provided enough information or if a similar thread exists. I have search but have not found exactly what I'm look for. Thanks

The rack came with a reflector bracket (or should have). Many of the LED tail lights have a screw hole and pin like you'd find on a reflector. You can use the reflector bracket to attach the taillight to the rack.

You can attach it like this

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r181/cyccommute/IMG_0277.jpg

Then bolt to the rack

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r181/cyccommute/IMG_0275.jpg

I use a large o-ring to hold up the fender

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r181/cyccommute/IMG_0273.jpg

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r181/cyccommute/IMG_0271.jpg

so that it doesn't slap against the tire (no stays). Notice I also mounted the bracket on top of the rack to get a little extra clearance. If you don't have the bracket you might be able to get one from Delta.

I took the panniers and rack trunk off so this'd be a little easier to see.

http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/1583/bracketqw4.jpg

It's quite ugly, but it's very sturdy, and lets the lights stick out past the back of the panniers for side visibility.

I took the panniers and rack trunk off so this'd be a little easier to see.

http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/1583/bracketqw4.jpg

It's quite ugly, but it's very sturdy, and lets the lights stick out past the back of the panniers for side visibility.
Nothing ugly about it. Now if it was bolted to the rack instead of zip tied it would really kick ass

Nothing ugly about it. Now if it was bolted to the rack instead of zip tied it would really kick ass

A couple of small u-bolts would work nicely.

A couple of small u-bolts would work nicely.
Indeed

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/Chris_Lanctot/E-Bike/205e.jpg

Nice and clean install. The light even clips off if you want to remove it.

Nothing ugly about it. Now if it was bolted to the rack instead of zip tied it would really kick ass

The rack doesn't have any mounts or holes whatsoever for lights. I'd considered drilling some, but zipties are a lot more passive. :)


A couple of small u-bolts would work nicely.

Oooh, I hadn't thought about that. Good idea.

Nothing ugly about it. Now if it was bolted to the rack instead of zip tied it would really kick ass
The man said it's ugly..........it really is. But it does the job. Cover it with a rack pack and nobody will be the wiser.

The rack doesn't have any mounts or holes whatsoever for lights. I'd considered drilling some, but zipties are a lot more passive. :)



Oooh, I hadn't thought about that. Good idea.

One other suggestion. On the zip tie that holds the sides of the bracket together, you could replace them with a piece of all-thread between the two lights. Use a jam nut on each side to hold the thread in place. It would be heavier but it would also be stiffer.

Using stainless steel hose clamps, clamp a short length of 1/2 inch plumbing pipe under the rack (so it's out of the way. Clamp the blinkie around the pipe. Here is a photo of a short peace of pipe bolted to the reflector mount so you get the idea of how it would work. Instead of what I did just clamp a longer peace of pipe to the rack so it sticks out the back of the rack and you have a nice place to clamp your blinkie.
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/6694/pict0075qk6.jpg

And I suggest sending a friendly email to your favorite light manufacturer and ask them why mounting their lights to a rack has to be such a pain in the saddle.

I put a heavy zip-tie around the back of the rack where the brace joins the platform and attach the light using a belt clip.

If the blinkie came with a bracket sized to fit a seatstay, you can use that (your blinke will be turned 1/4 turn relative to seatstay mounting). The tubing on your rack is probably smaller than the diameter of a seatstay, wrap a piece of inner tube around the end of the rack to increase the diameter enough that the mounting bracket won't be loose.

I use a Delta Super Sherpa as well, but mine has a plate on the back with 2 holes for mounting a blinky/reflector. Does your's not have the plate? You could only mount one there, but you could make some bracketry to mount a second.

Thanks for all your suggestions. I should have mentioned that I'm trying to use two TL-LD600 (http://www.cateye.com/en/product_detail/267) It's still a work in progress and will post what I do when I get time.

Mchaz,
Yes, my delta has the reflector plate and I'm try to work with it to create something for a two blinkie light setup.

What is the diameter of a seatpost? I would check my bike but I'm not with my bike.

You could always mount one of these http://ecom1.planetbike.com/3108.html and then use a Superflash.

Take the piece that I've indicated and remove it from the rest of the bracket. You can use the screws and nuts from this bracket to attach it to your rack using the vertical holes. (you'll find that they'll line up beautifully)
Just did this last night with some spare parts. It's perfect. Keeps my rack out of the way of my light.

The rack came with a reflector bracket (or should have). Many of the LED tail lights have a screw hole and pin like you'd find on a reflector. You can use the reflector bracket to attach the taillight to the rack.

You can attach it like this

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r181/cyccommute/IMG_0277.jpg


Does you light have a threaded hole for the screw that mine doesn't??
The hole in my light is shallow plastic and unthreaded. I was going to
improvise a bracket similar to yours but am afraid of destroying the
plastic. Suggestions???

Does you light have a threaded hole for the screw that mine doesn't??
The hole in my light is shallow plastic and unthreaded. I was going to
improvise a bracket similar to yours but am afraid of destroying the
plastic. Suggestions???

Yes it had shallow unthreaded hole. Someone else has suggested drilling through so that the screw engages more and sealing with latex caulking. That would also affix the light to the bracket a bit better. The LD1000 has the screw as part of the parts package.

I know the pics are HORRIBLE.
But i will try to explain, i just used a long bolt and 2 nuts. and a stack of washers to space out the mount for the light.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/diff_lock_cr-v_awd/FG%20one/Image005.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/diff_lock_cr-v_awd/FG%20one/Image009.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/diff_lock_cr-v_awd/FG%20one/Image008.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/diff_lock_cr-v_awd/FG%20one/Image007.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/diff_lock_cr-v_awd/FG%20one/Image006.jpg

I think you need a camera with a better Macro mode. I can kinda see what you did with the washers, though. Next time use threaded standoffs for a cleaner look. ;)

That was with a phone cam... might as well take real pics since it really is just a blur...

(goes to take pics)

If the blinkie came with a bracket sized to fit a seatstay, you can use that (your blinke will be turned 1/4 turn relative to seatstay mounting). The tubing on your rack is probably smaller than the diameter of a seatstay, wrap a piece of inner tube around the end of the rack to increase the diameter enough that the mounting bracket won't be loose.

This is exactly how I mounted my SuperFlash. Used about 6 inches of cut tube and the seatstay mount. Works perfectly. Totally secure.

There ya go. Better?
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/diff_lock_cr-v_awd/Bigfeet/IMGP5908.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/diff_lock_cr-v_awd/Bigfeet/IMGP5909.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/diff_lock_cr-v_awd/Bigfeet/IMGP5910.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/diff_lock_cr-v_awd/Bigfeet/IMGP5911.jpg

Thanks raiyn good help and helped me to mount my light to rack (have no pics atm soz)

Thanks raiyn good help and helped me to mount my light to rack (have no pics atm soz)
No worries. Glad to have helped.

Yes it had shallow unthreaded hole. Someone else has suggested drilling through so that the screw engages more and sealing with latex caulking. That would also affix the light to the bracket a bit better. The LD1000 has the screw as part of the parts package.


Get a strong light and a big magnifiying glass, the hole is threaded. You can't see it because it's all black.
It's deep enough too. The interference fit helps keep the screw from backing out.

So i have finally produced a working light rack for my bike. And here it is:
[/URL]
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w61/Do7AN/Post2.jpg[URL="http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/mac19149/detail?.dir=85e0re2&.dnm=90c0re2.jpg&.src=ph"] (http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/mac19149/detail?.dir=85e0re2&.dnm=ea80re2.jpg&.src=ph)

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w61/Do7AN/Post3.jpg

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w61/Do7AN/Post1.jpg

This is not the permanent light configuration. I'm figuring on 2 Cateye LD600s.

This is my first time posting images let me know if they work. Thanks.

It works. Nice setup.

So i have finally produced a working light rack for my bike. And here it is:

This is not the permanent light configuration. I'm figuring on 2 Cateye LD600s.

This is my first time posting images let me know if they work. Thanks.

Not bad. I'd suggest you replace the iron pipe with a short piece of old seat post or old handlebar or even 1" pvc.

It's a 3/4 x 6" PVC riser, not iron. I wanted to go lightweight. Thanks for the suggestion.

So i have finally produced a working light rack for my bike. And here it is:
[/URL]
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w61/Do7AN/Post2.jpg[URL="http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/mac19149/detail?.dir=85e0re2&.dnm=90c0re2.jpg&.src=ph"] (http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/mac19149/detail?.dir=85e0re2&.dnm=ea80re2.jpg&.src=ph)

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w61/Do7AN/Post3.jpg

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w61/Do7AN/Post1.jpg

This is not the permanent light configuration. I'm figuring on 2 Cateye LD600s.

This is my first time posting images let me know if they work. Thanks.
Looking good :beer: Though if it were up to me I'd put one light above and one below the bracket and trim the pipe

This what I was talking about earlier with the zip-tie.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/182/473926579_308fe46281.jpg
Works pretty good.

So i have finally produced a working light rack for my bike. And here it is:
[/URL]
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w61/Do7AN/Post2.jpg[URL="http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/mac19149/detail?.dir=85e0re2&.dnm=90c0re2.jpg&.src=ph"] (http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/mac19149/detail?.dir=85e0re2&.dnm=ea80re2.jpg&.src=ph)

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w61/Do7AN/Post3.jpg

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w61/Do7AN/Post1.jpg

This is not the permanent light configuration. I'm figuring on 2 Cateye LD600s.

This is my first time posting images let me know if they work. Thanks.


Dang I like that setup. You have a full bike pic as well to see how it looks withthe rest of the bike? Also you have a full parts list for that build up? Like easy to get from say Home Depot?

Somehow that setup looks good with a trunk bag. I'm interested also in how it looks without a trunk bag for those days when you're riding lighter. How secure are the mounts? Any dropping of the lights? If you can work a brake light into that higher/longer light with say 3x1W LED's run off a 9v battery that would rock. Bright as heck to tell the cager to back off and because it's only a momentary use of light you don't drain much juice. The 9v idea is because you change smoke detectors batteries like 2 times a year and the batteries are often 80-90% full. Also because 3x1W draws about 9-10v.

It's a 3/4 x 6" PVC riser, not iron. I wanted to go lightweight. Thanks for the suggestion.

I see that now. I probably would have gone with nonthreaded PVC for a little cleaner look but it's not bad as is.

Dang I like that setup. You have a full bike pic as well to see how it looks withthe rest of the bike? Also you have a full parts list for that build up? Like easy to get from say Home Depot?

Somehow that setup looks good with a trunk bag. I'm interested also in how it looks without a trunk bag for those days when you're riding lighter. How secure are the mounts? Any dropping of the lights? If you can work a brake light into that higher/longer light with say 3x1W LED's run off a 9v battery that would rock. Bright as heck to tell the cager to back off and because it's only a momentary use of light you don't drain much juice. The 9v idea is because you change smoke detectors batteries like 2 times a year and the batteries are often 80-90% full. Also because 3x1W draws about 9-10v.


Working on more pictures and a detailed parts list. I will try to post them later today (Friday).

I had technical difficulty at work today and was unable to upload the new photos. I will try to get them up on the forum tonight.

This is how I setup my lights on the back of my Delta Mega Rack (Super Sherpa).

Parts list

Extra Delta Rack Nuts and Bolts
Front and Rear Reflector Bracket
Cat Eye LD600 (http://www.cateye.com/en/product_detail/267)
Night Rider TL 5.0 (http://www.niterider.com/prod_TL5.shtml)
Cut-off Riser (http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US/diy_main/pg_diy.jsp?CNTTYPE=PROD_META&CNTKEY=misc%2fsearchResults.jsp&BV_SessionID=@@@@2077055404.1177906637@@@@&BV_EngineID=cceeaddkklgifilcgelceffdfgidgin.0&MID=9876)

The rear reflector bracket can be attached to the bike rack and the Riser (from home depot). Front reflector loop can replace the mounting for the Cat Eye mounting loop for better grip. Nite Rider light can use parts provided.

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w61/Do7AN/IMG_0093.jpg

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w61/Do7AN/IMG_0094.jpg

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w61/Do7AN/IMG_0096.jpg

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w61/Do7AN/IMG_0073.jpg

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w61/Do7AN/IMG_0086.jpg