Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - Suggest a light for side visiblity?

I use the dinotte 140 for rear and fenix l2D for front . I used to use Planet bike superflash for side visibility but it fell off my bike and I lost it ( my fault , not planetbike's fault ). Should I buy another superflash or is there anything better out there under $25?

Reflective tape or sidewalls for side visibility.

I haven't seen one in person, but check out http://www.niteize.com/productdetail.php?category_id=26&product_id=163

I haven't seen one in person, but check out http://www.niteize.com/productdetail.php?category_id=26&product_id=163

The Marker Band (http://www.niteize.com/productdetail.php?category_id=26&product_id=38) from Niteize is only $12 at REI. Not a bad product at all.

The Marker Band (http://www.niteize.com/productdetail.php?category_id=26&product_id=38) from Niteize is only $12 at REI. Not a bad product at all.


Is that Marker Band an item that could be used prevent a pant leg from getting into the chain? I like the looks of Nite Ize products and would like to buy this one.

Is that Marker Band an item that could be used prevent a pant leg from getting into the chain? I like the looks of Nite Ize products and would like to buy this one.

Probably. It has a buckle to hold it on that is adjustable. I put mine on under the knee but I don't see why it couldn't be mounted on your ankle.

You can get Planet Bike BRT Straps (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AO7JP0?ie=UTF8&tag=myperbiktowor-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000AO7JP0) for less than $10 at Amazon

Before you spend money on side lighting (even if you'd just spend a few bucks), think a little more carefully about when you actually need it.

Before you spend money on side lighting (even if you'd just spend a few bucks), think a little more carefully about when you actually need it.

I would second that. My leg light is more for rear visibility than for side visibility. The motion of the light going up and down is to get attention for overtaking drivers. I only wear it on the left side. For traffic at intersections, I have powerful froward facing lights. One of these is always a helmet light.

Before you spend money on side lighting (even if you'd just spend a few bucks), think a little more carefully about when you actually need it.

It is definitely needed , there are many times when you and a car approach at an intersection at the same time, so the car can't see your front light too well. Also useful if traveling on 6-lane roads ( 3 each way ) and you have to change lanes. I have only been without it for 100 miles and already several instances have come up where I knew it would have helped motorists see me better.

It is definitely needed , there are many times when you and a car approach at an intersection at the same time, so the car can't see your front light too well. Also useful if traveling on 6-lane roads ( 3 each way ) and you have to change lanes. I have only been without it for 100 miles and already several instances have come up where I knew it would have helped motorists see me better.

Here's my point, though, and it actually doesn't have a lot to do with us and our bikes --

At an intersection, side lighting is only important if you're sitting in the middle in the path of oncoming traffic. And, while crossing several lanes, it's only important if you have someone nearby and traveling at the same speed. In either case, if you're in a position where a driver has to jump on their brakes to avoid hitting you, it's a dangerous position.

The trick is, we can't rely on motorists to see us, even if we're lit like a Vegas hotel sign. Most drivers do pretty darned well in staying aware, but all it takes is one who's distracted enough and our day is ruined. That's how my first car got totaled, in fact -- the driver was dealing with her crying baby and ran a red light, then smashed into the right rear of my car at maybe 30-35 mph.

Buy as many lights as you want. But, ride like a bike ninja just in case they still can't see you.

I haven't seen one in person, but check out http://www.niteize.com/productdetail.php?category_id=26&product_id=163

These are inexpensive and very highly visible. Easy to put on and take off.

In case it is not obvious these require traditional cross spoke lasing. Mine works with 28-hole 3x. I don't know if it would with anything less unless you devise a way to mount it. They were definitely not designed for radial spoke configurations. I bought a pair intending to put it one on each wheel. I had to put both on the rear wheel because they are not designed for a 24-hole 2x wheel.

It's above your budget but a Monkeylectric (http://store.monkeylectric.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=m133s) may be tops for side visibility. 16 LEDs on each side of your wheel. Use coupon BIKECULT for 10% off. I've been using one since Sept. and love it.

It's above your budget but a Monkeylectric (http://store.monkeylectric.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=m133s) may be tops for side visibility. 16 LEDs on each side of your wheel. Use coupon BIKECULT for 10% off. I've been using one since Sept. and love it.

It looks really interesting! How is the visibility in the daytime or how does it compare to the planet bike superflash if you have one?

The Cateye TL-1100 has great side visibility. It's much better than the Superflash.

Well, guess I'll make my light recommendations --

Mars 4.0. Much brighter main LED than the 3.0, doesn't need a tiny screwdriver to change its batteries, and has amber side LEDs, which won't be confused for red taillights at a distance.

If you're using generator lighting and have a rear rack, try to get a B&M Selectra. Besides a nice main LED, it has two small LEDs on the sides pointing outboard.

If the superflash fit well, then I'd suggest a Blinky 7. Since the Dinotte gives you plenty out back, and you're looking for SIDE visibility, the Blinky 7 fits the bill nicely with LEDs pointing at 45 and 90 deg relative to straight back.

THanks for all the replies, I researched all of them and decided on Monkeylectric. It came out to $56, but that provides visibility on both sides, so just $28/side. From what I read, they are bright and very cool, so should go a long way in diffusing any anger motorists try to unleash on you. I was concerned about the off-balance weight, but it does not seem like much an issue.

since this blog have you purchased the Monkeylectric and if so, how has it performed and do you like it?

Sheldon Brown recommended mounting amber revolving lights on you helmet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cejqICVRO-4

I think it was his April 02 blog post.

I use a combination of reflective tape, reflective sidewall tires, and a dual-tube Down Low Glow (http://rockthebike.com/down-low-glow). Haven't had a problem with cars not seeing me at night.

reflective tape on the rims, crank arms, fork and seatstays.

can use red for the rear, white for the front, amber and blue for the sides.

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa131/AEObikes/totallynotbikes/tape1.jpg

since this blog have you purchased the Monkeylectric and if so, how has it performed and do you like it?

they have been excellent. I put around 1500 miles on them since I bought them. They're quite visible and have two power modes. the low power is plenty visible at night and the high power mode is good for overcast daytime visibility. I'm working on a new video to show them in action. Battery life is also very good, lasting between five and 15 hours depending which mode use it in.

I personally use a PB Superflash on my seatpack but just added one of these for a little extra added visibility.. I just wrap it around my rear triangle, just above my rear brakes.. Nathan Acid Reflex Snap Band LED Light.. I also use it for running at night, just wraps around my arm.. It uses 2 small watch batteries for the leds.. It gives you 360 degrees of flashing leds...

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/16995-502_NTHAR7-43-Brands-645-Nathan/Nathan-Acid-Reflex-LED-Snap-Band.htm