Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - Planet Bike Super Flash

This morning a co-worker said he could see me a mile away, he was impressed that I was lit up so well. He said particularly the one on my helmet. I have the yellow 12v zenon strobe & a Mars 3.0 on the bike and the Planet Bike Super Flash on the helmet. He said there was just something about that one on my helmet that stood out. I'm thinking the flash - blink light sequence and flash brightness.

Go figure, I thought it would be the zenon strobe that was brightest or most noticeable.

It depends upon the lighting conditions. Several forumites have agreed that the Superflash is the best for total darkness but the Mars 3.0 is better for dusk, daytime, and is less directional than the Superflash. My conclusion is that the best combination is exactly what you have, a PBSF and Mars 3.0 for best visibility in any condition and for redundancy.

It also could be because the PBSF was mounted higher or that you do not have the Mars 3.0 aligned well for maximum rear visibility.

It depends upon the lighting conditions. Several forumites have agreed that the Superflash is the best for total darkness but the Mars 3.0 is better for dusk, daytime, and is less directional than the Superflash. My conclusion is that the best combination is exactly what you have, a PBSF and Mars 3.0 for best visibility in any condition and for redundancy.

It also could be because the PBSF was mounted higher or that you do not have the Mars 3.0 aligned well for maximum rear visibility.

The new Cateye TL-1100 trumps both the SF and the Mars 3.

The new Cateye TL-1100 trumps both the SF and the Mars 3.

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The new Cateye TL-1100 trumps both the SF and the Mars 3.

Does it provide any side visibility like the Blackburns do?

From the Cateye website (http://www.cateye.com/en/product_detail/550)

The TL-LD1100 is the latest and brightest tail light from CatEye. It is highly water resistant, has 4 different modes, and offers side visibility. With 10 super bright LEDs and CatEye OptiCube™ lens technology, the TL-LD1000 is designed to be bright enough to be used even during the day.

They have removed the TL-LD1000 from their product list, and simply changed most of the 1000's to 1100's on the old 1000 page. Note how they forgot to change the second 1000 to 1100 in the quoted section :). My guess is they just put slightly brighter LEDs in, and kept everything else the same. The 1000 had 6 rear-facing LEDs, and 2 side-facing LEDs on each side (for a total of 10 LEDs); the 1100 is probably the same configuration.

The new Cateye TL-1100 trumps both the SF and the Mars 3.

The Dinotte 140L tail light rules them all. ;)

The Dinotte 140L tail light rules them all. ;)


Yeah I was proud of my superflash at first.


But once I got the Dinotte, cars started giving me ---serious-- room. You know it as
the 'Dinotte effect'. nothing made for bikes beats the dinotte 140L. sorry...

way off up the street with a bunch of cars, a superflash still gets hidden in the clutter.
a dinotte ALWAYS stands out no matter how far ahead or how many cars taillights are
washing things out. One light will stand out, the dinotte. always.

I do always carry a PBSF spare, switched off, if my dinotte ever quits.

I just got a Superflash, to augment my TL-LD1000, and I was surprised to notice the Superflash has a much wider beam. It's better in every way, even from the side. Does the 1100 improve the beam width too I wonder?

I don't like the way the LD1?00 has 2 separate controllers, meaning that its flashing drifts in and out of sync, so sometimes it appears to flash, sometimes it doesn't - I've observed this first hand on another commuter. My new setup is the 1000 on steady so they can work out how far I am, and the SuperFlash flashing so they notice me.

Does it provide any side visibility like the Blackburns do?

It has separate LEDs on the sides for side visibility like the Mars 3 does.

The Dinotte 140L tail light rules them all. ;)

For urban riding the Dinotte is overkill. I also prefer a self contained light with a longer run time.

For urban riding the Dinotte is overkill. I also prefer a self contained light with a longer run time.

It's not overkill for me! Plus the low setting is quite nice if you're worried about being rude to other traffic.

For urban riding the Dinotte is overkill. I also prefer a self contained light with a longer run time.

I was a bit concerned of the side visibility of the Dinotte so I put my two old Superflashes on the sides. Now I think I have enough visibility. Anyone else concerned about the Dinotte's side visibility?

It's not overkill for me! Plus the low setting is quite nice if you're worried about being rude to other traffic.

I'm glad you are happy with your light, but it's not something I feel I need nor want.

I was a bit concerned of the side visibility of the Dinotte so I put my two old Superflashes on the sides. Now I think I have enough visibility. Anyone else concerned about the Dinotte's side visibility?

The Dinotte tail light has a frosted head which gives off side visibility but not really sharp brightness. I too am concerned about the side visibility of the Dinotte so I used the PB Superflash on flash mode which catches the eyes on the side as well. Granted it's not as direct as the Cateye 1000 I saw at a bike show and what everyone else is talking about. The Cateye 1000 (yes I know the 1100 is out now) has 2 LED's on both sides pointed on clear optics which makes the side visibility of that light stand out. The downside is the side of the unit. It's like a pickle thus why it's nicknamed the 'cateye pickle'.

I have a PB Superflash as well and like it. currently running flash mode but might get some rechargeables & run in constant mode, & start a battery-switching habit 1x week or so to keep them fresh.

The Cateye 1100 looks like a good one. They rate it at 100 candlepower.

I also own the LD500 and LD 130. The LD 500 is cool because it's pretty big, it's a great reflector & can be seen by headlights from a long way off, and batteries last forever. It amazes me they rate it at 2cp - in person it's "ok" brighness, so the LD1100 must be a monster, since it's 50 times as bright!

my wife uses the LD 130 and it's a nice bright solid little blinky.

I will admit that I also run a SuperFlash to overcome the Dinotte's weaknesses...

I will admit that I also run a SuperFlash to overcome the Dinotte's weaknesses...
I run 2 superflashes at slight angles in the back to cover for the dinotte. I also use some el-wire to enhance side visibility. (along with reflective tape etc etc)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2233/2123432139_af596abee3.jpg?v=0

I run 2 superflashes at slight angles in the back to cover for the dinotte. I also use some el-wire to enhance side visibility. (along with reflective tape etc etc)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2233/2123432139_af596abee3.jpg?v=0

For a minute there I thought that was some light 'porn'. ;)

I think I'll try to put a little more side reflection to a degree on the bike. I mean, I don't want to already want to ride a reflectomobike in rainbow colors. I think I'll just be strategic on where I place my reflecto tape and more wear some clothes with reflecto piping and keep that helmet light on so I can swap the area left-right.

I have a PB Superflash as well and like it. currently running flash mode but might get some rechargeables & run in constant mode, & start a battery-switching habit 1x week or so to keep them fresh.

The Cateye 1100 looks like a good one. They rate it at 100 candlepower.

I also own the LD500 and LD 130. The LD 500 is cool because it's pretty big, it's a great reflector & can be seen by headlights from a long way off, and batteries last forever. It amazes me they rate it at 2cp - in person it's "ok" brighness, so the LD1100 must be a monster, since it's 50 times as bright!

my wife uses the LD 130 and it's a nice bright solid little blinky.

You might want to get a spare PBSF and get 1-2 packs of Maha 2100 Hybrid NIMH which are Low-Self-Discharge (LSD) batteries much like the Sanyo Eneloops. Keep a pack of 2xAAA's on you as spare and use the first PBSF on the bike then when it's low on power change the cells or put it at home if you're in a rush then pull outthe spare PBSF and keep riding.

I have a PB Superflash as well and like it. currently running flash mode but might get some rechargeables & run in constant mode, & start a battery-switching habit 1x week or so to keep them fresh.

The Cateye 1100 looks like a good one. They rate it at 100 candlepower.



my wife uses the LD 130 and it's a nice bright solid little blinky.

I don' think Cateye updated thier USA site yet. Last time I checked it was still LD 1100

EDIT: Spoke too soon. Cateye did update thier site. http://cateye.com/en/product_listing/57

It has separate LEDs on the sides for side visibility like the Mars 3 does.

True, although I think the Mars's amber side LEDs stand out more than the LD1100's red ones.

The side spill of the Dinotte is really good, too.

I'm not sure that side lighting is quite as important as good front lighting, though. You're not going to be cross in front of anybody for more than one or two seconds at a time.

Anyway -- I'm a fan of the PBSF's main LED and its pa-pow flashing pattern.

You might want to get a spare PBSF and get 1-2 packs of Maha 2100 Hybrid NIMH which are Low-Self-Discharge (LSD) batteries much like the Sanyo Eneloops. Keep a pack of 2xAAA's on you as spare and use the first PBSF on the bike then when it's low on power change the cells or put it at home if you're in a rush then pull outthe spare PBSF and keep riding.

Thanks for the suggestions - one thing i dislike about most nimh is how fast they discharge themselves.

I'm already in a daily habit of swapping the rechargeable cr123a's in my Fenix p3d's so i might just add a Monday routine to the PBSF, & carry a spare set of aaa's

I'm not sure that side lighting is quite as important as good front lighting, though. You're not going to be cross in front of anybody for more than one or two seconds at a time

crossroads-traffic lights or not-are the notorious city killers, so side visibility is sth to take seriously though not so impressive lumen-wise

crossroads-traffic lights or not-are the notorious city killers, so side visibility is sth to take seriously though not so impressive lumen-wise

I know what you mean, but then again, a cyclist shouldn't be crossing a road for very long anyway, and not too close to the front of an oncoming vehicle, either.

I've begun to feel that a strong headlight might be more important. When I've got mine on, even in the daytime, I don't get nearly as many people (drivers, pedestrians, or fellow cyclists) jumping out right in front of me.

But, anyway -- I've been able to spot other riders with Mars taillights pretty instantly. I think there's a valid reason for it having amber LEDs for the side -- it makes it easier to tell the cyclist's direction of travel.

crossroads-traffic lights or not-are the notorious city killers, so side visibility is sth to take seriously though not so impressive lumen-wise

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As a rider and driver I know side visibility is very important. For those that don't drive, sit in a car and have someone else drive around an area that is often populated with bikes and you'll see what I mean by side visiblity is very important. Not always can the cars see you. It's about the angles.

Currently my bike has 360 degree visibility via lights and reflectors. However I am thinking of building a simple on/off 2 high power LED setup that runs off 2xAA NIMH/Alkaline or 1xAA Llithium with a either a on/off switch or a momentary switch. That way when entering the intersection on a green light I can press the on switch and the side lights come on while I ride through the intersection then turn it off when I'm done.

I wished the PBSF had a white LED model. I love that cop-light flashing pattern.

I know what you mean, but then again, a cyclist shouldn't be crossing a road for very long anyway, and not too close to the front of an oncoming vehicle, either.

I've begun to feel that a strong headlight might be more important. When I've got mine on, even in the daytime, I don't get nearly as many people (drivers, pedestrians, or fellow cyclists) jumping out right in front

lately i've been using my helmet fenix L2D in strobe mode as a means of scaring side traffic by turning my head-thus the strobe beam too-to aim at the invader's windscreen, seconds before he lines up. It's a pleasure to see them hit the brakes.. It's a live and let die thing i suppose, don't give a second thought about instantly blinding someone

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I wished the PBSF had a white LED model. I love that cop-light flashing pattern.

They do! See here: http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=21229

What are the downsides to having a clear tail light though? Are they even legal?

They do! See here: http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=21229

What are the downsides to having a clear tail light though? Are they even legal?

The downsides of having a white taillight come from confusing already-confused motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. That's why rearward-facing white lights are almost always illegal.

It'd make a neat front flasher, though.'

*edit* Ah, so that one still has red LEDs. Best reason for the clear housing would be an assurance that no dye is blocking the LED light (the main PBSF LED has clear optics in the standard model anyway). Second best reason would be for style. ;)

I was a bit concerned of the side visibility of the Dinotte so I put my two old Superflashes on the sides. Now I think I have enough visibility. Anyone else concerned about the Dinotte's side visibility?

When you say 'side visibility,' I assume you're talking about being noticed when someone is approaching perpendicular to you. Is this correct? As opposed to you riding on the shoulder and someone approaching parallel to you from behind.

With my DiNotte 140L I have no concerns about someone approaching me from the rear. The DiNotte would not provide any perpendicular visibility, however. For that, one would need an entirely separate light. I have a Superflash as well, and I wouldn't even consider using it in place of the DiNotte due to any perceived lack of perpendicular visibility. I might use it, as mentioned by rmac, on the side, in conjunction with the DiNotte, but not in place of. That being said, I don't even use my PBSF on my bikes anymore. Where I ride, perpendicular visibility isn't critical.

When you say 'side visibility,' I assume you're talking about being noticed when someone is approaching perpendicular to you. Is this correct? As opposed to you riding on the shoulder and someone approaching parallel to you from behind.

With my DiNotte 140L I have no concerns about someone approaching me from the rear. The DiNotte would not provide any perpendicular visibility, however. For that, one would need an entirely separate light. I have a Superflash as well, and I wouldn't even consider using it in place of the DiNotte due to any perceived lack of perpendicular visibility. I might use it, as mentioned by rmac, on the side, in conjunction with the DiNotte, but not in place of. That being said, I don't even use my PBSF on my bikes anymore. Where I ride, perpendicular visibility isn't critical.


I have strapped my dinotte 140l to a post and drove around the neighborhood looking at it from
my 4runner. I can see it from 90 degrees. hell I can see it's red light from 165 degrees. it has fine
side visiblity.

When you say 'side visibility,' I assume you're talking about being noticed when someone is approaching perpendicular to you. Is this correct?

Yes, that is correct. My commute is almost totally on small, residential streets. My main concerns are people pulling out of driveways, parking spaces, and getting doored.

haha yet another ata boy for the super flash, I think I'm gonna put one on my helmet as well as my bike.

Yes, that is correct. My commute is almost totally on small, residential streets. My main concerns are people pulling out of driveways, parking spaces, and getting doored.

That's when front visibility is more important than side visibility, though. They may be next to you when it happens, but just a couple seconds earlier, they were in front of you instead.

I have strapped my dinotte 140l to a post and drove around the neighborhood looking at it from
my 4runner. I can see it from 90 degrees. hell I can see it's red light from 165 degrees. it has fine
side visiblity.

My mistake... I made the assumption, based on what others have said in BF, that the DiNotte 140L side conspicuity is poor. It sounds like this was a mistake. Don't get me wrong, I like my PBSF. However, it is not an adequate substitute for my DiNotte.

That's when front visibility is more important than side visibility, though. They may be next to you when it happens, but just a couple seconds earlier, they were in front of you instead.

My main problem is people who do not look up and down the street (or whose vision is blocked) when they back out of their driveways. I'm hoping that they will stop if they see a bright, flashing light behind them. Maybe I'm too optimistic.

My main problem is people who do not look up and down the street (or whose vision is blocked) when they back out of their driveways. I'm hoping that they will stop if they see a bright, flashing light behind them. Maybe I'm too optimistic.

Eh, you're not being too optimistic -- it's just too late for them to react by the time you're actually behind them. They'd have to see you sooner, so adding visibility to your front and riding further away from parked cars will help more.