View Full Version : Dinotte Tail Light Alternative
BarracksSi
06-29-08, 09:12 PM
Wow, in a perfect world we'd all have a clean windshield. But guess we should take that into account since it's not a perfect world......
Is it really that goddamned difficult to maintain reasonably fresh wiper blades and a supply of washer fluid? Is it, for some stupid reason, impossible to wipe down the inside of the windshield every once in a while?
Hell, I usually can't even SEE the glass of my car's windshield most of the time.
So it is blinding. Thanks for clearing that up.
Bright Dinotte on a pitch black MUP = blinding;
Bright Dinotte on Pennsylvania Ave. = visible.
Duh.
Is it really that goddamned difficult to maintain reasonably fresh wiper blades and a supply of washer fluid? Is it, for some stupid reason, impossible to wipe down the inside of the windshield every once in a while?
Hell, I usually can't even SEE the glass of my car's windshield most of the time.
Bright Dinotte on a pitch black MUP = blinding;
Bright Dinotte on Pennsylvania Ave. = visible.
Duh.
Why all the anger? Gezz, we're talking about bike lights.
For those of us that are less than pedantic, yes sometimes our windshields get dirty. Sometimes they are even full of bugs if one has been in the countryside.
I don't see how a light shined in ones eyes would be any different on an MUP or a street. That just doesn't wash.
BarracksSi
06-29-08, 09:35 PM
I don't see how a light shined in ones eyes would be any different on an MUP or a street. That just doesn't wash.
It's been mentioned already, but I guess that you've been too blinded by a taillight to be able to read anymore. Read mechBgon's post again, just a couple posts back.
When someone's on a dark MUP, they're pretty much completely reliant on their night vision. Of course, a bright red light will actually disturb someone's vision less than somewhat-bright white light, but it's still awfully bright.
On the streets around here, there isn't much left of anyone's night vision. Better to be at least equal to the stoplights, headlights, brake lights, storefront signs, ESPNZone marquee, flashing bus lights, flashing cop lights......
It's been mentioned already, but I guess that you've been too blinded by a taillight to be able to read anymore. Read mechBgon's post again, just a couple posts back.
When someone's on a dark MUP, they're pretty much completely reliant on their night vision. Of course, a bright red light will actually disturb someone's vision less than somewhat-bright white light, but it's still awfully bright.
On the streets around here, there isn't much left of anyone's night vision. Better to be at least equal to the stoplights, headlights, brake lights, storefront signs, ESPNZone marquee, flashing bus lights, flashing cop lights......
FFS, a 140l light directly pointed in someones eyes will blind them in broad daylight. Remember, we are talking about intentionally pointing the light directly into drivers eyes.
BarracksSi
06-29-08, 09:41 PM
:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:
I don't see why you're still posting here. You're not making any contributions to the thread.
You obviously hate lighting so much, you should do the "bike ninja mode" instead, unbolting all reflectors and dressing in black. You'll be so much safer.
Have your parents/spouse/dog come back and post when you're dead. :thumb:
:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:
I don't see why you're still posting here. You're not making any contributions to the thread.
You obviously hate lighting so much, you should do the "bike ninja mode" instead, unbolting all reflectors and dressing in black. You'll be so much safer.
Have your parents/spouse/dog come back and post when you're dead. :thumb:
Wow, wishing for my death, you've hit a new low in being a total prick. First you insult me for living in Latvia, now you wish me dead. Nice. You sure are a winner. Thanks for showing your true selfish and nasty nature. We're talking about bike lights, WTF?
I don't hate lighting, I use lights day and night. What I don't like is the selfish and irresponsible use of lighting, something that you clearly can't get your head around as you seem to think that it doesn't matter if your lights cause a problem for others.
Schwinnrider
06-29-08, 09:50 PM
Car headlights aren't aimed at the windshields of other cars; they're aimed at the ground. I've read posters on this very board discussing him they would aim their DiNotte taillights directly and intentionally into driver's eyes.
And here in America, the land of big trucks and SUVs, those headlights are often aimed directly at the windshields of other cars...
And here in America, the land of big trucks and SUVs, those headlights are often aimed directly at the windshields of other cars...
It's blinding isn't it when someone has improperly adjusted headlights. You can be ticketed for it too.
BarracksSi
06-29-08, 10:17 PM
Wow, wishing for my death, you've hit a new low in being a total prick. First you insult me for living in Latvia, now you wish me dead. Nice. You sure are a winner. Thanks for showing your true selfish and nasty nature. We're talking about bike lights, WTF?
I don't hate lighting, I use lights day and night. What I don't like is the selfish and irresponsible use of lighting, something that you clearly can't get your head around as you seem to think that it doesn't matter if your lights cause a problem for others.
What you can't seem to get your head around is that we actually have lights here.
What you can't seem to get your head around is that we actually have lights here.
Wow, we have lots of lights here in Riga, too. Sunlight also. What does that have to do with pointing your lights in people's eyes and blinding them? Absolutely nothing.
[QUOTE=Ziemas;6970370]What a paranoid delusion. I'm very happy that I don't need to deal with inconsiderate people like yourself who don't take others into account and somehow feel that they have the right not to respect others because of their own fears.
And you do not have to deal with them? "They" are the majority of people in your country, the country where "everyone is equal but some people are more equal than others". I've been there, I know. As far as your "knowledge" of lights goes, you can shove it pal. How is that for "setting a new low of being a prick"?
WTF are you talking about? I think you have somehow confused the Soviet Union with democratic Latvia. Of course when people have no other arguments they attack where I choose to live. Weak, really weak.
EDIT: Judging by your name (Roman Fomenko) I'm going to guess that you are a anti-Latvian Russian nationalist. I'll be happy to take the Russia/Latvia arument to P&R if you want.....
[QUOTE=Ziemas;6970973]
No, it's you are mistaking me with someone else. I'd lived in your "democratic my ass" Latvia for three years. Where else in Europe, where you geographically belong, the language of the 45% of the population is not an official language? Answer: you and your two neighbors. Even in Israel, Arabic is an official language. As far as the Dinotte goes, I do not remember arguing with you over it. I've been riding with it for last two month & it doesn't take to be Einstein to figure out the best ways to use it. Regards.
As I mentioned earlier, if you'd like to debate the Russian occupation of Latvia I'd be more than happy to over in P&R. Let's keep the conversation to bikes in the biking forums, okay?
As for the light, is the best way to use it to point it in drivers eyes?
[QUOTE=Ziemas;6971080]
Thank you for the offer but I'll pass on that. As far as the Dinotte goes, the answer is "yes" provided the light is used during the daytime with the sun out. Comprende?
There is no need to be condescending.
rfomenko
06-29-08, 11:19 PM
And by the way, this "blinding" issue is a solution waiting for a problem. I mean, if it was such a problem, then the helmet lights, some of which are quite powerful, would've been banned long ago, at least on public roads. G-d forbid you look the wrong way & blind some driver into a crash. Somehow I've not heard about such a crash, ever. Instead, I've been getting multiple compliments from the drives on my Fenix & not a single complaint. I've been using it on Turbo Flash mode day or night. When the common cycling lights start to approach the the intensity of ones on motorbikes we will have an issue. Just a thought.
BarracksSi
06-29-08, 11:20 PM
When the common cycling lights start to approach the the intensity of ones on motorbikes we will have an issue. Just a thought.
+1 Exactly. Never have gotten a complaint myself, either.
And by the way, this "blinding" issue is a solution waiting for a problem. I mean, if it was such a problem, then the helmet lights, some of which are quite powerful, would've been banned long ago, at least on public roads. G-d forbid you look the wrong way & blind some driver into a crash. Somehow I've not heard about such a crash, ever. Instead, I've been getting multiple compliments from the drives on my Fenix & not a single complaint. I've been using it on Turbo Flash mode day or night. When the common cycling lights start to approach the the intensity of ones on motorbikes we will have an issue. Just a thought.
I've actually been told be a friend that my helmet mounted Fenix blinded him. I adjusted it downward after that. They are great lights, aren't they? The difference is that with a helmet light the position isn't static like a taillight, and drivers aren't directly in front of and facing a headlight.
[QUOTE=Ziemas;6971151]
Sorry for giving you the impression of being condescending. I hope it was my Spanglish word, wasn't it?
Don't worry about it. :)
I'm loving this thread
:popcorn
:deadhorse2:
:trainwreck:
bryroth
06-30-08, 06:30 AM
Stop the madness! You know, when I originally posted this question a month ago I thought I was worried that the discussion of bike lights would inevitably become a discussion of Russia's occupation of Latvia.
As an update: I bought the PB SuperFlash after reading the replies here, and I am more than satisfied with it. I could fit up to three if I really wanted to on the back, but for my needs one is almost more than enough. I guess I would get the Dinotte if it were the same cost, just for the fun of it.
Sammyboy
06-30-08, 06:50 AM
I've never seen a Dinotte tail light other than my own, so I can't speak for those, but I have absolutely experienced personal danger when on my bike because of some clown who shone his light straight into my eyes. Whether or not you believe I was blinded, I certainly couldn't see the kerb of the on-pavement cycle path any more, and was at risk of dropping off it into a 50mph multiple lane road, and probably falling as I did (it's a high kerb, specially if you don't know it's coming). That's not safe.
bryroth
06-30-08, 07:54 AM
^^^Agree
Sounds like Dinotte might not be appropriate for a dark trail, but is appropriate if you bike down an unlit highway (for distance), or for commuting through NYC-style traffic and lights, or for daytime. Also appropriate if you are biking solo.
Of course if I bought it I wouldn't feel the need to justify it to anyone, even the irritated bikers who are riding behind me. Just like if I were "blinded" by a Dinotte while biking, I would either pass the guy or take a new route- but I wouldn't blame him for trying to be safe.
rfomenko
06-30-08, 07:59 AM
I've never seen a Dinotte tail light other than my own, so I can't speak for those, but I have absolutely experienced personal danger when on my bike because of some clown who shone his light straight into my eyes. Whether or not you believe I was blinded, I certainly couldn't see the kerb of the on-pavement cycle path any more, and was at risk of dropping off it into a 50mph multiple lane road, and probably falling as I did (it's a high kerb, specially if you don't know it's coming). That's not safe.
You've got a point there. The key word is the "clown". It's not possible to create products that are completley "foolproof" (i.e. a good light will always be blinding if misused).The only recourse we have is to constantly scan our surroundings for any signs of such people :)
Sammyboy
06-30-08, 08:15 AM
I quite agree. There are people right here on this very forum however who feel that aiming their lights into people's eyes is best for them. Those people should not be allowed bright lights. Or sharp objects. Or hot drinks.
I posted the very story above on BF, and got more than one person saying "I'm staying safe. I'll point my lights in people's eyes if that's what it takes. It's not my problem if that's dangerous to you". Those people, rather than the general mass of sensible sentient individuals, are who my post was aimed at.
I quite agree. There are people right here on this very forum however who feel that aiming their lights into people's eyes is best for them. Those people should not be allowed bright lights. Or sharp objects. Or hot drinks.
I posted the very story above on BF, and got more than one person saying "I'm staying safe. I'll point my lights in people's eyes if that's what it takes. It's not my problem if that's dangerous to you". Those people, rather than the general mass of sensible sentient individuals, are who my post was aimed at.
:beer:
Sir Bikesalot
06-30-08, 10:51 AM
Why don't you go set up your 140l light at eye level, back off 20 or 30 meters and tell me if it's blinding. :rolleyes:
A little late to the thread but I just did this test last night. Across the street at night (which is even less than 20m), it is most certainly NOT blinding. It is extremely bright and I wouldn't stare at it for hours. Of course if your windshield is dirty, you'll also get some glare. Probably time to wipe them dontcha think? Before something comes along and really does blind you...like an oncoming semi. In this way, the Dinotte might actually save countless lives serving as a gentle reminder to drivers to keep windshields clean, glasses unfogged and intentions pure ;)
BTW, I think a lot of the anti argument here is propogated by people who don't actually own a Dinotte or have never used it much. It's mostly envy isn't it? They can't or won't buy one, but are secretly envious; thus they manufacture arguments against it to make themselves feel better about not having one. For instance this ridiculous notion about the danger of "too much light." Really. From 140 lumens? Get real. Go out, beg borrow or steal one. Some of you may need to take out a bank loan because it's SO expensive. But really, get one, use it for a few weeks, and then see if your opinion changes any. Until then, no one will take you seriously anyway (but may find you amusing).
A little late to the thread but I just did this test last night. Across the street at night (which is even less than 20m), it is most certainly NOT blinding. It is extremely bright and I wouldn't stare at it for hours. Of course if your windshield is dirty, you'll also get some glare. Probably time to wipe them dontcha think? Before something comes along and really does blind you...like an oncoming semi. In this way, the Dinotte might actually save countless lives serving as a gentle reminder to drivers to keep windshields clean, glasses unfogged and intentions pure ;)
BTW, I think a lot of the anti argument here is propogated by people who don't actually own a Dinotte or have never used it much. It's mostly envy isn't it? They can't or won't buy one, but are secretly envious; thus they manufacture arguments against it to make themselves feel better about not having one. For instance this ridiculous notion about the danger of "too much light." Really. From 140 lumens? Get real. Go out, beg borrow or steal one. Some of you may need to take out a bank loan because it's SO expensive. But really, get one, use it for a few weeks, and then see if your opinion changes any. Until then, no one will take you seriously anyway (but may find you amusing).
For me money isn't the issue. If I wanted a DiNottle light I'd buy one, just like when I wanted a Colnago or a Phil Wood wheelset.
rfomenko
06-30-08, 11:27 AM
For me money isn't the issue. If I wanted a DiNottle light I'd buy one, just like when I wanted a Colnago or a Phil Wood wheelset.
Then do yourself a favor & get one. Preferably on sale for $100. With euro/$ at all time high this is no-brainer. What you'll get is the one and only day running rear light that might save you lots of trouble one day. Ever heard of motorcyclists rear-ended while just standing at an intersection waiting for the light to change? "Officer, I didn't see him", does this ring the bell? The bottom line is if you do lots of riding in traffic especially during the day, this is the light to have.
Then do yourself a favor & get one. Preferably on sale for $100. With euro/$ at all time high this is no-brainer. What you'll get is the one and only day running rear light that might save you lots of trouble one day. Ever heard of motorcyclists rear-ended while just standing at an intersection waiting for the light to change? "Officer, I didn't see him", does this ring the bell? The bottom line is if you do lots of riding in traffic especially during the day, this is the light to have.
I'm plenty visible during the day with my Cateye TL-1100. I have no need for such a bright light, especially one with such a short runtime and cumbersome mount.
sauerwald
06-30-08, 12:23 PM
I don't want to burst anyone's bubble, but the DiNotte is the best, brightest taillight money can buy. Period. Nothing else comes close.
+1 The OP asked for something that would compare with the Dinotte, and the short answer to that is that there is nothing else that compares. I have the Dinotte tail light, and two of their headlights - one mounted on the handlebars, and one on my helmet. The tail light especially has nothing else that comes close to it.
rfomenko
06-30-08, 01:09 PM
I'm plenty visible during the day with my Cateye TL-1100. I have no need for such a bright light, especially one with such a short runtime and cumbersome mount.
Well, to each his own according his needs, judgment & availability of funds. I never used Cateye TL but I doubt it's any better then the Superflash during the day when the sun is out (next to useless). As far as the short runtime goes, six hours is enough for my weekday rides & the batteries are charged on the weekends. The mount is certainly not elegant but it works fine on my seatpost & if you have a rear rack, then this is a non-issue. Of course, if your riding is on a bike path &/or at night on roads with low traffic, you do not need such a light. I do not use it on the weekends while riding my sport bike out of town on a bike path...
Well, to each his own according his needs, judgment & availability of funds. I never used Cateye TL but I doubt it's any better then the Superflash during the day when the sun is out (next to useless). As far as the short runtime goes, six hours is enough for my weekday rides & the batteries are charged on the weekends. The mount is certainly not elegant but it works fine on my seatpost & if you have a rear rack, then this is a non-issue. Of course, if your riding is on a bike path &/or at night on roads with low traffic, you do not need such a light. I do not use it on the weekends while riding my sport bike out of town on a bike path...
I've actually tested both the TL-1100 and the SuperFlash in daylight side by side. The TL-1100 is far more visible than the SuperFlash. There is really no contest between the two.
rfomenko
06-30-08, 02:03 PM
I've actually tested both the TL-1100 and the SuperFlash in daylight side by side. The TL-1100 is far more visible than the SuperFlash. There is really no contest between the two.
Well, it could be better but truth to be told, I do not think that the Cateye is any better for the daytime riding than their front blinkies that cost the same $30. Which are not that good. Otherwise I would get one of those instead of the Fenix. The point I am making is that I try to protect my rear as much as my front, even more so since I have two eyes upfront & no eyes down there, lol.
leamcorp
06-30-08, 02:47 PM
+1 The OP asked for something that would compare with the Dinotte, and the short answer to that is that there is nothing else that compares. I have the Dinotte tail light, and two of their headlights - one mounted on the handlebars, and one on my helmet. The tail light especially has nothing else that comes close to it.
Not sure if its comparable as I don't have a Dinotte Tail-light, but for a while, I had a Fenix L2D flashlight mounted on my seat post to do that function (with red cover). I believe Fenix is 200 lumen on Turbo?
This didn't last as people (on cars) told me to get rid of it as it was not only blinding, but also distracting. I knew this before I went out - but thinking that I'm protecting myself, I put it on anyway. Well, in hindsight, I was a jerk and I took it off after couple of outing.
Now I have a 3 Superflash in a custom mount and it seems to do the trick. By the way, I commute at night - around 11PM.
As for those who are worried about day time safety - try this. Instead of getting a $100 or $150 Dinotte light - go to your local Target department store and get a child carrier (one that you pull). I bought one on sale for $89.
With the child carrier - you would not believe how much room these cars will give you. But not to be a jerk again (they do look as they pass), I put a large sign saying its a "cargo" and not a child carrier. I don't want to ruin it for other riders with real child. Just a common courtesy.
Inthe10ring
06-30-08, 03:12 PM
+1 A dirty windshield is the sign of a stupid, ignorant, unsafe driver.
The good thing about Dinotte's taillight mount is that it's easy to tweak its aim while on the move. It's basically a friction mount rather than something you'd screw down, and it stays put unless you decide to move it. I've switched mine to its dim setting and aimed it nearly at the rear wheel, then swung it back to level once I got back onto the streets.
I was simply trying to make a point... The windshield was dirty because I was on my way home from camping for a week. The vehicle I was driving (1980 Toyota pickup) does not have a washer feature. The windshield was not that dirty, just a light layer of fine dust. There are many other cars with far more crap on the windscreen, just as an example.
The light was aimed right into the eyes of passing drivers... On a lightly traveled country road, no less... When is a blinded driver safe for ANYONE on the road? Bicyclists, pedestrians, oncoming traffic?
I believe that it's all about using your lights responsibly. I have an HID kit installed on my motorcycle. This is considered by some to be unsafe, as the housing was not designed for that kind of light. A combination of a sharp beam cut off and proper adjustment, and there has never been any problems. I have never had anyone flash their high-beams at me.
The point of having a tail light at all is to be noticed by traffic, and make it easy for them to spot you location in your bike lane, so they don't nail you; right? When the light is directed into your eyes, it's very difficult to judge distances. I think a dinotte taillight works best at night when aimed at the ground behind you. There is no chance of missing that huge red swath on the road surface. That combined with a cheap blinkie light of almost any variety, and you are set. Furthermore, that swath is visible on the ground and around the bike from 360 degrees! Statistically, more accidents happen to bike and motorcycles from the side than the rear. Now you don't have to worry about anyones night vision being impaired, and you still get the satisfaction of having the craziest taillight on the market. :thumb:
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j112/inthe10ring/IMG_0545.jpg
mrbubbles
06-30-08, 08:33 PM
I said it before and I'll say it again. Dinotte Taillight owners are diehard believers. There's no convincing them it's silly.
To all dinotte owners, would you like a taillight that is 5x the current Dinotte? I'll happily make one for you, at a cost. With that light, it's bright enough that the motorist wants to run you over, if they do, I'm not liable.
Thank you for saying it again prophet. Some of us are just practical people who want a good day running light. I tried Superflash for that purpose & it just doesn't cut the mustard while Dinotte does. And as far as I know after researching the subject, it's the only one practical mass-produced rear day running light. Can you name another one? And no, I do not want your 5x light because what I have now is enough (just like Fenix is enough for my helmet) & I'm planning to use it until it burns out.
Yes, the Cateye TL-1100. Seriously, it's bright enough for daytime visibility, and I notice a huge difference in the amount of rooms cars give me between when I use it and when I don't. It also is self-contained, has a long battery life, and a very quick and simple to use mount.
mechBgon
06-30-08, 10:52 PM
Not sure if its comparable as I don't have a Dinotte Tail-light, but for a while, I had a Fenix L2D flashlight mounted on my seat post to do that function (with red cover). I believe Fenix is 200 lumen on Turbo?
I have a Fenix L2D myself, and the Fenix's strobe mode is very aggressive, as you already know. Not only is it extremely bright (even brighter than steady Turbo), it also flashes very, very fast, and the beam is focused. I rarely use the Fenix's strobe feature, because the combination of tight beam focus, very fast strobe rate and high intensity is obnoxious. I save the Fenix's strobe mode for situations where I feel there's imminent danger (people pulling out into my path when I'm at full speed, for example).
The DiNotte strobe mode I prefer (5-pulse) is much less aggressive. The strobe is more of a paced blinking than an actual strobe, alternating 25%-100% output instead of 0%-100%. Since it's a flood beam, it's not as intense either (so aiming it straight back and aiming it downwards might make less difference than you think) ;) Now the Nova, yes, that has some actual strobe modes available, in addition to blinking modes. My favorite mode on the Nova is the triple-blink. One-two-three, one-two-three, just like a huge Cateye LD500 :)
Sounds like Dinotte might not be appropriate for a dark trail, but is appropriate if you bike down an unlit highway (for distance), or for commuting through NYC-style traffic and lights, or for daytime. Also appropriate if you are biking solo.
Bingo. To use an audio analogy... if you scream "I HAVE TO USE THE RESTROOM, I'LL BE RIGHT BACK" as loudly as you can, in a quiet library, it's not appropriate. But in the middle of a rock concert jammed with screaming teenagers, or when the only person who can hear you is 1500 meters away...? In that case, no problem :)
http://www.mechbgon.com/visibility/mechsworld.jpg
welcome to the rock concert. don't worry about your taillight being too "loud" in this environment ;)
Congratulations on getting the SuperFlash, though, it's a good all-around light. I suggest aiming it dead-level, because its beam's hotspot is very narrow compared to The Taillight We Do Not Name Aloud, or The Other Taillight We Do Not Name Aloud ;)
As for those who are worried about day time safety - try this. Instead of getting a $100 or $150 Dinotte light - go to your local Target department store and get a child carrier (one that you pull). I bought one on sale for $89.
Brilliant!!! :) But can you average 18mph+ with that? :p
I think a dinotte taillight works best at night when aimed at the ground behind you. There is no chance of missing that huge red swath on the road surface.
Actually, because the DiNotte's beam pattern is a broad flood, it casts a huge red swath on the road surface behind the bike even when it's aimed level. Try it for yourself :)
Riga traffic is very similar to NYC traffic. Why would I need such a bright light when the cars barely move?
Here is a short clip of cyclists in downtown Riga traffic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCJ09U1amNo
rfomenko
07-01-08, 11:52 AM
Riga traffic is very similar to NYC traffic. Why would I need such a bright light when the cars barely move?
Here is a short clip of cyclists in downtown Riga traffic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCJ09U1amNo
Then you do not need it. During the peak hours any light will do. When the cars are "bumper to bumper" the drivers actually pay attention. The traffic is indeed similar to the rush hours in Manhattan. But I do not live in Manhattan & usually do not ride during rush hours. Again, to each his own :)
rfomenko
07-02-08, 04:46 AM
In short, I'd like to minimize anything like that happening to me:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=355882
In short, I'd like to minimize anything like that happening to me:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=355882
Did you read the article fully? Look at the below quote from it and please tell me how a super bright light would have changed the situation.
Witnesses told police the driver of the Hummer lost control of her vehicle about 100 feet behind Howard.
The right wheels of the Hummer jumped the curb, but the left wheels were still on the road. The Hummer, which was then driving directly over the bike lane, hit Howard from behind.
Metaluna
07-02-08, 05:44 AM
Yes, the Cateye TL-1100. Seriously, it's bright enough for daytime visibility, and I notice a huge difference in the amount of rooms cars give me between when I use it and when I don't. It also is self-contained, has a long battery life, and a very quick and simple to use mount.
I had the previous version of this light (the TL-1000, iirc), and while it was very bright, I found the battery contacts to be weak and unreliable. Many times I'd return from a ride and realize that my taillight had cut out, or was running at low intensity (others have reported similar problems with this older version, especially when mounted vertically, or on a rack which seems to magnify bumps and vibration). Have you experienced any issues like that with the 1100? I really like the size and ease of mounting my PBSF, but wouldn't mind something with better side visibility.
I had the previous version of this light (the TL-1000, iirc), and while it was very bright, I found the battery contacts to be weak and unreliable. Many times I'd return from a ride and realize that my taillight had cut out, or was running at low intensity (others have reported similar problems with this older version, especially when mounted vertically, or on a rack which seems to magnify bumps and vibration). Have you experienced any issues like that with the 1100? I really like the size and ease of mounting my PBSF, but wouldn't mind something with better side visibility.
I've used both the TL-1000 and TL-1100 and have had no problems with the contacts, even going over cobblestone streets.
Were you using Energizer rechargeable batteries?
10 Wheels
07-02-08, 06:06 AM
Dinotte on 90 mile ride. This one mounted on a GreenSpeed Trike. that sits 9 inches above the road surface.
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/10wheels/DinotteDayLightTraffic.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/10wheels/Non6.jpg
Is it Too Bright?
Dinotte on 90 mile ride. This one mounted on a GreenSpeed Trike. that sits 9 inches above the road surface.
Is it Too Bright?
How can anyone tell from your photo? :rolleyes:
10 Wheels
07-02-08, 08:03 AM
How can anyone tell from your photo? :rolleyes:
Waiting for Your tail light photos.
Waiting for Your tail light photos.
Well, you'll be waiting a long time. :rolleyes:
...TL-1000,..., I found the battery contacts to be weak and unreliable. Many times I'd return from a ride and realize that my taillight had cut out, or was running at low intensity ....
Had this happen once with the TL1100 early on(still on original batteries), no problems since, Im now on energizer rechargables if that makes a difference.
I've heard people complain about the dinotte battery pack as well.
The lesson is one light is not enough. Personal favorite is two ld600s on seat stays. Currently I run the 1100 and a small cateye 100 on helmet.
And do you read the article fully?
1. "The incident happened at 9:55 a.m. when Howard was stopped in the bike lane headed east on Overland Road at the Eagle Road intersection waiting for the red light to change, according to eyewitness accounts and the police investigation."
2. "Witnesses told police they did not see Janzen talking on a cell phone prior to the accident, Stoy said."
Translation: 1. Her velocity was zero in BROAD DAYLIGHT. 2. The driver likely was on the cell phone.
Now a quote from my previous post on June 30:
"I bought Dinotte to be used as a day running light where the SuperFlash is pretty much useless. And as such, Dinotte really "shines". The cars give me much more room than before which means less probability for accidents. And if it only saves my butt ONCE from being rammed from behind, it'll be $100 VERY well spent"
and this one about the Fenex:
"Yes, they are great light indeed. Mine is directed toward wherever I look. Usually towards those pesky cars pulling out of the driveways or the drivers with CELLPHONES & especially women doing both while applying their makeup."
I can't count how many times I "woke up" the drivers from the on-coming traffic that were talking on the phone or applying makeup or just not paying attention & unwittingly trying to run me off the road. And it's a fact that my Dinotte tail light does the same job protecting my rear.
The epilogue: I agree like the majority of people that you do not need this light for the type of riding you do. I do not use mine for that type of riding either. And if you do not understand that Dinotte is a serious light for serious people doing a lot of highway riding in the daylight in particular (just like the people on the photos above), then I am sorry. On the other hand since you never used one, your opinion on it is pretty much useless. End of story.
Why yes, I did fully read the story. The woman lost control of her car and hit and killed a cyclist. A very sad happening, but not one that a super bright tail light would have avoided. She lost control of her car, it's not like she just didn't see the cyclist. Are you a driver as well?
Um, why would you think she was on her mobile when we have witnesses stating that they didn't see her on her mobile? That makes absolutely no sense at all.
Also, there is no evidence that only a DiNotte light will get the attention of drivers. My Cateye seems to do the job just fine.
I get the attention of drivers all the time with my helmet mounted Fenix, I just don't try and blind them out of my own fears. Remember, my beef with the Dinotte is the people who state that they wish to shine it in drivers eyes to blind them, not the light per se.
Had this happen once with the TL1100 early on(still on original batteries), no problems since, Im now on energizer rechargables if that makes a difference.
I've heard people complain about the dinotte battery pack as well.
The lesson is one light is not enough. Personal favorite is two ld600s on seat stays. Currently I run the 1100 and a small cateye 100 on helmet.
There have been lots of reports of Energizer batteries loosing their charge after a matter of days. I have a set, and I thought it was my light that had the problem, but after switching out to different rechargeables and testing the Energizers I came to the conclusion that the Energizers were the culprit.
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