Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - MagicShine rubber band
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Garfield Cat
11-19-09, 07:16 AM
With my new MagicShine, I get two rubber bands. The larger one works on the bars. But I am wondering what's going to be the life of that rubber band. In time, rubber deteriorates and starts to get brittle especially when exposed to the elements.
What are the alternatives to the rubber band? Or do we just ask Geoman for more replacements?
nayr497
11-19-09, 07:30 AM
I just got my MS myself. Hmm, yep the bands will likely break down, but they seem sturdy.
I have read other people suggest finding replacements at Lowes. I checked it out yesterday and they have various o-rings in the plumbing section. Should be able to find one that fits.
ItsJustMe
11-19-09, 09:44 AM
What are the alternatives to the rubber band? Or do we just ask Geoman for more replacements?
It's just an O ring. They're 50 cents each at the hardware store. I picked up a couple last week.
I actually couldn't find the 3/16 wall, 1.5" O rings that the light was supplied with, so I picked up 3/16" wall, 1.5" gaskets (square cross section). Same thing.
tatfiend
11-19-09, 11:26 AM
You could also probably use the Niterider O rings. They even have a pull tab on them for easier installation and removal.
Smallparts.com has a very wide selection of O rings in various materials. Some may be more resistant to deterioration than standard rubber O rings.
i cut two thin strips of a used innertube (700x23) and used them as o-rings. works okay.
Chilled
11-19-09, 10:18 PM
A condom would probably work in a pinch.
operator
11-19-09, 10:33 PM
You can also retrofit a permanent type mount instead of the lame o-ring system - see the huge MS thread for details.
Garfield Cat
11-20-09, 09:54 AM
That huge MS thread is simply that, way too much of everything. If I had all the time in the world, like retired, then I can goof around.
nwmtnbkr
11-20-09, 01:49 PM
I just got my MS myself. Hmm, yep the bands will likely break down, but they seem sturdy.
I have read other people suggest finding replacements at Lowes. I checked it out yesterday and they have various o-rings in the plumbing section. Should be able to find one that fits.
Look at any existing lights you may have. You may be able to cannibalize their mounting system. That's what I did. My old lights had a nice slide-in, slide-out system where you heard a click to confirm they were locked in place. I transferred the bottom bracket from the old lighthead to my MS and it works perfectly. Here are a few photos (two are blurry, sorry, but my camera battery was low and is now recharging).
http://pic50.picturetrail.com/VOL442/7447283/14154973/378236576.jpg
http://pic50.picturetrail.com/VOL442/7447283/14154973/378236578.jpg
http://pic50.picturetrail.com/VOL442/7447283/14154973/378236577.jpg
operator
11-20-09, 09:30 PM
That huge MS thread is simply that, way too much of everything. If I had all the time in the world, like retired, then I can goof around.
Amazing.
You realize you can search within a thread right? Or should we make a new thread for every single thing discussed in that one thread.
Plutonix
11-20-09, 10:12 PM
O Rings can last a long time. I use them on my PBSF to keep the unit from separating and going on walk about. I only need to change them once a year and the PBSF is on the seat stays low to the ground getting extra wet and dirty and lots of sun beating on them. The ones on my Dinotte are shielded from the sun and seem to last even longer.
Link to the DX Marwi mount (http://www.el34world.com/Misc/bike/BikesLights38.htm) for the lazy guy.
YMMV