Living Car Free - Taillight replace or in addition to reflector?

This may be a n00bish question, but as I'm slowly making my bike more commute friendly, I find I'm running out of "space" to attach things. (rear reflector, rear taillight, under-seat pack).

So, is the taillight supposed to replace the rear reflector? Or, do I keep both (and just move the reflector lower so the seat pack fits nicely)?

Any hints?

This may be a n00bish question, but as I'm slowly making my bike more commute friendly, I find I'm running out of "space" to attach things. (rear reflector, rear taillight, under-seat pack).

So, is the taillight supposed to replace the rear reflector? Or, do I keep both (and just move the reflector lower so the seat pack fits nicely)?

Any hints?

Depends on the style of tailight. I have several bikes that have the EU code tailights (http://velo-orange.com/spvexs.html) on them that incorporate a reflector. Some bikes have a reflector mounted on the fender with the tailight on the rack. Of the two I use the most, one has a combo tailight/reflector (http://velo-orange.com/spsptawist.html)mounted on the fender and a PB Superflash (http://ecom1.planetbike.com/3034_1.html) on the seat post. That is addition to any reflective striping on the bags or my clothing.

Aaron:)

PB Rear Rack Blinky5 (http://ecom1.planetbike.com/3018_1.html)
NiteRider Cherry Bomb (http://www.niterider.com/prod_cherrybomb.shtml)

Both have reflectors built in.

More comments in this thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=9550328)

More is generally better, so if you can find space to fit both, fit both. When I didn't have room on my seatpost for a light, and a seatpack, and a reflector, I drilled a hole in my mudguard (fender) and fitted the reflector there.

Keep the reflector, for 3 reasons:


It's a standby in case your blinky batteries fail (which you wouldn't be aware of, since it's behind you).
In many locations, it's a legal requirement to have a reflector, even if you have active lighting.
I know it's heretical to say this, but in some circumstances I think the reflector is more effective than the best blinky.
If you're running out of room on the seat post, many taillights, including the popular Planetbike Superflash, can be mounted on the seat stay or rear rack support. One on each side looks pretty cool, IMO.

http://www.twoknobbytires.com/images/bike_light_bike_seat.jpgxxxhttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3095/3204723116_f6d348ae9c_m.jpg

Thanks guys!
I really didn't want to remove the reflector. I may be able to move it a little lower, so the seat pack rests a little nicer, but I like all the ideas.

As others have noted you definitely want to still have a reflector in addition to the light. Even if the light includes a reflector it usually isn't a very good one or large enough. When deciding on mounting locations keep in mind that a reflector works best when down fairly low on the bike so it gets hit by the brightest part of the headlight beam. A light should be higher up so it'll be seen even when the cyclist is partly hidden from view by an intervening vehicle or by the terrain.

As others have noted you definitely want to still have a reflector in addition to the light. Even if the light includes a reflector it usually isn't a very good one or large enough. When deciding on mounting locations keep in mind that a reflector works best when down fairly low on the bike so it gets hit by the brightest part of the headlight beam. A light should be higher up so it'll be seen even when the cyclist is partly hidden from view by an intervening vehicle or by the terrain.

Need to take a look at some of the EU code lights;)

Aaron:)

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-84224226242177_2068_8203717

I susgest you mount a Super Flash on your helmet this way it's always high and visible. Having the blinky or reflector low will have the motorist searching for the light once they pull beside you at speed. Once he can't see you, anything can happen.

Need to take a look at some of the EU code lights;)
Haven't been impressed by the reflector performance of the ones that I've ridden behind as compared to dedicated reflectors illuminated by the same headlight.