Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - Planet Bike Flashy sucks in the rain

I have the popular Planet Bike blinky for $20ish.

In the rain it often gets stuck on the 'on-constant' mode. At this point I need to open it up, disconnect the batteries, and then let it sit.

As of a more recent ride in the rain, it has stopped functioning all together. It worked when I got home, not it is not turning on. Is there anything I can do or do I need to replace this?

If it's more than a year old, just get a new one. Either way, though, I would send a letter or email to PB and let them know. I wouldn't ask for a replacement (unless it is less than a year old, then I would probably ask... less than three months old I'd be a little more insistent), I would just let them know my experience. You know, "I love your product for these reasaons: blah, blah, blah, but in the rain I've experienced the following issues." Make it as positive as possible, and make the criticisms as objective as possible. I bet PB sends you a nice thank-you and either a new blinky or a coupon for a discount.

Also, I try to run with two different blinkies, just in case one dies enroute.

are you sure the rubber gasket is intact? If it is after a thorough drying wipe a little silicone grease on the gasket then reassemble. If there's no gasket that's your problem. That's the only place water can get in. I wonder if you have a funky switch and it's not related to rain.

I've bought about 12 PB over five years. One has a difficult switch that goes to constant more often than flash. One has a clip that doesn't secure the light well when hitting bumps, it got run over just as I went back to retrieve it. I've ridden through heavy downpours with all of them and had no problems due to rain.

I added fenders and that helped. But when I ride in the rain I put a strip of tape all around the seam. others say theirs never leak but that's not been my experience. I love mine and I've used for 4 years, but I had to add fenders and tape.

I've read a number of people say they have similar problems with the PBSF (as well as a few other models, both Planet Bike and other brands), and they found that electrical tape around the joint works well. I haven't noticed that I've had any problems with my rear lights, but it's kinda hard to tell when I'm riding. They always seem to be working right when I turn them off at the end of the ride.

Keith

Tighten up the battery clips and this won't happen. When the battery bumps for just s second, it switches modes from blink to solid. Worked for me.

I run fenders and have my PBSF mounted to the seat post, so it really doesn't get too wet. No problems so far, and I've been in plenty of bucket downpours over the years.

I like that idea about the garden pump sprayer - handy tip for the apartment-bound folks.

tighten clamps huh? hmmm ... worth trying