Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - How do you mount blinky to your helmet?

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heyjaffy
04-12-08, 03:58 PM
I just picked up a Cateye TL-LD1100 (http://www.cateye.com/en/product_detail/550) for my commuter and want to move my PB Superflash to my helmet. I've found two spots on the back of my Bell helmet that look like they could work - one upper position that I created by looping 4 zip ties through a couple of vent holes:

http://www.canigogreen.com/lighthigh.jpg

and a lower position that I get by attaching to the rear tension strap:

http://www.canigogreen.com/lightlow.jpg

Both seem to work, but the high position seems to angle a bit upwards, and the tension strap angles a bit down. Here's an example of the upper mounting position from the side:

http://www.canigogreen.com/lightside.jpg

Is there a better solution that any of your are using that might provide some more flexible options with regard to height and angle? Is this less of a concern as this is an secondary rear light?


znomit
04-12-08, 04:44 PM
The beam from the superflash is pretty narrow, so you need to ensure that it is angled correctly when your head is in the normal riding position. Good luck with that.
Personally I use cateye ld100s (http://www.cateye.com/en/product_detail/273), built in mounting ties, not very directional, very very lightweight. Nowhere near as bright as the superflash but its not the primary light.

arcticbiker
04-12-08, 04:53 PM
I just picked up a Cateye TL-LD1100 (http://www.cateye.com/en/product_detail/550) for my commuter and want to move my PB Superflash to my helmet. I've found two spots on the back of my Bell helmet that look like they could work - one upper position that I created by looping 4 zip ties through a couple of vent holes:


Is there a better solution that any of your are using that might provide some more flexible options with regard to height and angle? Is this less of a concern as this is an secondary rear light?

I mount one one directly to my helmet as you have pictured. It's so dark here when I ride the superflash can't be missed regardless of the angle. Also, since it's at head height, it's obvious to drivers.


andrewjh
04-12-08, 05:16 PM
I use two Knog Frogs. Their construction makes it easy to mount them on the vents without zipties. They're not superbright, but the look is streamlined - almost like the lights are built-into the helmet - and I get compliments (and that's what's important, right?)
Oh, and my Superflash is on my bag.

ericy
04-12-08, 05:16 PM
FWIW, Planet Bike also has a light that has a self-leveling holder that is designed to be mounted on a helmet:

http://ecom1.planetbike.com/3010.html

http://ecom1.planetbike.com/planetbike/media/3010.jpg

I have one of these in addition to the superflash that I mounted on the bike itself.

seeker333
04-12-08, 05:23 PM
The beam from the superflash is pretty narrow, so you need to ensure that it is angled correctly when your head is in the normal riding position. Good luck with that.

True. Angle is critical. Since it's constantly changing, I rely on helmet taillight as backup/supplemental only, and employ carefully aimed seatpost-mounted PBSF as primary taillights.

I use a single zip tie to hold mine on helmet (i want it to break off immediately in a crash, as opposed to having it embedded in my skull). I set angle by sitting on bike in normal riding postion in darkened garage, and using helmet mounted mirror to observe light, try to set rough angle accordingly.

Duct tape and plastic tie straps, while not very slick looking, do hold lights, etc onto helmet pretty good.

Nachoman
04-12-08, 05:55 PM
Put two on your helmet!

dekindy
04-13-08, 08:21 AM
FWIW, Planet Bike also has a light that has a self-leveling holder that is designed to be mounted on a helmet:

http://ecom1.planetbike.com/3010.html

http://ecom1.planetbike.com/planetbike/media/3010.jpg

I have one of these in addition to the superflash that I mounted on the bike itself.

This is the only good solution imho. I have tried mounting knog frogs and regular blinkies. They are too directional.

Litespeedlouie
04-13-08, 02:02 PM
I've been doing like photo 2, SF clipped to the tension band. I may die if the light gets smashed in the base of my skull.