Commuting - Need a Taillight Suggestion

What's the best RACK MOUNTED, BATTERY OPERATED taillight?

I rather go with batteries for the taillight rather than run wiring from the front dynamo hub.
I currently have (or did till the front popped off somewhere along the road) a Planet Bike Super Flash. Not the greatest solution for a rack though since it's tall. I need one of the horizontal lights that are really meant for mounting on a rear rack.

Thanks!

Cateye LD600 (http://www.cateye.com/en/product_detail/267) works great on my rear rack. Very bright, and has a side to side pattern that makes my bike look like KITT from Nightrider :)

I have also a Cateye product I can recommend. http://www.cateye.com/en/product_detail/468
Works well for my rack, but of course each rack is different.

I would stick with the Planet Bike Super Flash given that they are simply the best light for the money. I previously had a Cateye, but the Super Flash is much more visible.

I have two lights mounted on the rack supports with the supplied mounting brackets, and they are very secure. Since they are mounted a little lower than the top of the rack, there is no issue with the taller light interfering with the trunk bag. I go over lots of hard bumps, and the supplied hardware and mounts have never failed.

Also, I think two tail lights are better than one, since I can't easily see if they are working while underway.

I've had a CatEye TL-LD1100 (http://www.cateye.com/en/product_detail/550) mounted to a rack for years and years. It screws right to the rack using the rack's standard reflector bracket, and the screw comes in the package.

It even survived a crash that bent the rack. None of that falling apart crap you get with the Superflash. (EDIT: Come to think of it, it's survived two crashes unscathed. The first when we went down due to rider error, and the second when we were left-crossed by a Pontiac. Both times road impact bent the rack.)

You can see the scratches on the rack from the first crash.
http://www.brucew.com/images/bikeforums/kit/cateye-1100-rack-lit.jpg

B&M 4D Toplight (http://www.thetouringstore.com/BUSCH%20&%20MULLER/BUSCH%20MULLER%20HOME.htm)

http://www.calhouncycle.com/productcart/pc/catalog/toplight_1057_general.jpg

I complement it with blinking PBSFs clipped to the rack trunk, panniers, or seat pack.

Also, I think two tail lights are better than one, since I can't easily see if they are working while underway.

And with the Superflash, you can't easily see if one has fallen apart while underway.

I've been liking my Radbot 1000 much more than the Superflash. It's been through some light rain with no problems, when it survives a real frog-stranglin' downpour, I'll know for sure. My Superflashes never could do that.

Downside is about half the battery life, but I use rechargeables, so that's not a big deal to me.

*edit* I recall now that I had the Radbot on my last tour, which saw all-day rain a couple times. No problems with it, either.

Since they are mounted a little lower than the top of the rack, there is no issue with the taller light interfering with the trunk bag. I go over lots of hard bumps, and the supplied hardware and mounts have never failed.

Really? Not mine. In fact, with just the one screw my Arkel Tailrider pushes it horizontal. It won't stay vertical because it sticks up too much.

What's the best RACK MOUNTED, BATTERY OPERATED taillight?

I currently have (or did till the front popped off somewhere along the road) a Planet Bike Super Flash. Not the greatest solution for a rack though since it's tall. I need one of the horizontal lights that are really meant for mounting on a rear rack.

Thanks!

No, you don't. All you need a rack mount bracket for your superflash.

I jury rigged my superflash onto the back of my rack, but the whole thing vibrated off. I went to buy a new one, but the PDW Radbot 1000 caught my eye, and it was the same price, so I bought it. It comes with a proper rack mount, which the Superflash doesn't.

I've been liking my Radbot 1000 much more than the Superflash. It's been through some light rain with no problems, when it survives a real frog-stranglin' downpour, I'll know for sure. My Superflashes never could do that.

Downside is about half the battery life, but I use rechargeables, so that's not a big deal to me.

*edit* I recall now that I had the Radbot on my last tour, which saw all-day rain a couple times. No problems with it, either.

+1 on the Radbot 1000. It's a great light. It also comes with a rack mount.

And with the Superflash, you can't easily see if one has fallen apart while underway.

Never had a PBSF fall apart in over two years of use. Battery life with the Cateye is not great, so that several times by the end of a commute, when I thought I had a taillight, it was actually out. So even if I was using a Cateye, I would install two since I want the redundancy for a critical piece of safety equipment. My main concern is visibility, and the PBSF is the best for the money.

I have a rear light similar to chipcoms' light; its not super bright but it does auto detect when to turn on and off, I have other lights too.

There's a rear light on Deals Extreme that is less than $4 shipped. Someone wrote a good review on it. It's not as bright at the PB Superflash, but there's a wider angle it lights up, making it more visible from the side. The battery life is just as good as a SF. For $4 it's hard to beat and I bought two.

You would have to make something to get it to mount on a rack though. It just comes with a mount meant for seatposts.

Never had a PBSF fall apart in over two years of use.

But then again, that's exactly why I'm here today looking for a new light. Mine stayed together for quite some time too. Until last week. ;)

All lights have their good and bad points. Some are brighter, some more durable, some less expensive, etc. I've tried lots of lights over the years, and have never been more satisfied with a taillight than with the PBSF. Sorry to hear you had a problem with yours, and good luck on your search for a new one.

Ok, i ordered the radbot 1000 from amazon with free prime shipping.
ZOMG! I thought the PBSF was bright. Hopefully the correct mounting bracket will make the vertical mount ok.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxnYHRINovU

Thanks guys!

All lights have their good and bad points. Some are brighter, some more durable, some less expensive, etc. I've tried lots of lights over the years, and have never been more satisfied with a taillight than with the PBSF. Sorry to hear you had a problem with yours, and good luck on your search for a new one.

The Real Test is on the road. How far can it be seem at a distance.

PBSF here:
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/10wheels/Lights/DanburyTX019.jpg

What's the best RACK MOUNTED, BATTERY OPERATED taillight?

I rather go with batteries for the taillight rather than run wiring from the front dynamo hub.
I currently have (or did till the front popped off somewhere along the road) a Planet Bike Super Flash. Not the greatest solution for a rack though since it's tall. I need one of the horizontal lights that are really meant for mounting on a rear rack.
Thanks!


PBSF

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/10wheels/Lights/Securelights006.jpg

I have a rear light similar to chipcoms' light; its not super bright but it does auto detect when to turn on and off, I have other lights too.

the battery-powered 4D toplight is brighter than a PBSF, isn't as angle sensitive, acts as a reflector when not lit and doesn't require jury-rigging with zip ties and other such nonsense.

I have a dynamo-powered toplight with the auto-sense and standlight functionality on my winter bike...it's not as bright as the battery-powered version.

I've been liking my Radbot 1000 much more than the Superflash. It's been through some light rain with no problems, when it survives a real frog-stranglin' downpour, I'll know for sure. My Superflashes never could do that.

Downside is about half the battery life, but I use rechargeables, so that's not a big deal to me.

*edit* I recall now that I had the Radbot on my last tour, which saw all-day rain a couple times. No problems with it, either.

+1. The radbot rocks. Even when the batteries are drained, its brighter than most.

PBSF

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/10wheels/Lights/Securelights006.jpg

The Radbot 1000 screws together, so no worries about having to keep it from popping open.

I have the Planet Bike Rack Blinky 5 (http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Bike-3018-1-Blinky-Batteries/dp/B0015R1N76/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1280790167&sr=8-2). Works as a passive reflector when not in use. I can take it off and attach my Superflash to the mount when I want as well.

I secured a PB Superflash to my rack using a short length of 3/4" PVC, a screw and a couple of washers. Then just used the seat post clamp. Got the idea here at BF.

PBSB. Inexpensive and bright as hell, plus the strobe pattern is eye-catching. The Radbot is also a very good tail light. When my blinky dies, I'm probably going to switch over as it looks like a better design all around. Only other reputable flasher I can think of in this price range is the Mars.

Sorry to hijack the thread, but I see PDW's products are quite popular here. Does anyone have any experience with the PDW Spaceship (headlight)?

I use the MARS 4.0 (http://www.amazon.com/Blackburn-Mars-4-0-Bicycle-Taillight/dp/B001GAOR2U/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1280802778&sr=8-5). It's also more vertical, and I had to modify the mount to get it to go on my rack in the proper direction, but it's really quite bright, seems well made, and I think it's less directional that the PBSF. I also have a PBSF on the rack support bar as a back up.

The MARS comes with a mount for the back of the rack, but on my rack (Axiom Journey) it would only clip in upside down until I modified the mounting bracket. That took about 1 minute with a knife. I have no idea why it doesn't come that way.

I found a way to put my Dinotte on my rear rack. Nothing beats a Dinotte...from my experience anyway.

btw, did I miss it or did it really take 27 posts before somebody mentioned the Dinotte? Surprises me.

If you guys look at the youtube link i posted and if you google the Radbot 1000 for reviews, it just takes the PBSF out of the running completely making it not even worth mentioning, really. Much brighter and it is held together by a screw rather than just tension, and it comes with different mounting brackets including the rack mount bracket. Only downside is it goes through batteries quicker but who cares. AND it gives the dinotte a run for it's money at just a FRACTION of the price.
I'm expecting this to be a great light. Will have it wednesday!

Here's another video.
http://vimeo.com/7730667

Dedicated PBSF user here (I have mounting brackets for it on all 3 of my bikes and my wife has a Super Flash on on hers, too) but I'm becoming more and more impressed with that Radbot 1000. I had considered upgrading to the Dinotte but the Radbot is certainly more budget-friendly.

Light and Motion Vis-180
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcAx4v5UQOE

I live here in Monterey, and have been using Light and Motion for over 10 years.
I've tried this new light, and honestly... the quality, is in a whole new category

I have the PBSF (Planet Bike Superflash) with a rear rack mount. It is sold separately, but should be available at your LBS for $5 or from Amazon for $4.50 with super-saver shipping: http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Bike-Tail-Light-Bracket/dp/B000IQEAK2.

I've never had problems with the light coming out of the rack or coming apart, but perhaps the road conditions here are not as bad.

However, the Radbot 1000 looks like a great light, and you should probably get that instead of the PBSF if you want to mount it to a rack and you need a super-bright flasher for daytime use.

The B&M 4D Toplight (http://go.bikeforums.net/?id=42X129555&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thetouringstore.com%2FBUSCH%2520%26%2520MULLER%2FBUSCH%2520MULLER%2520HOME.htm&sref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bikeforums.net%2Fshowthread.php%3F667967-Need-a-Taillight-Suggestion) has a much large reflector (which is very important if you every forget to turn on your lights) and is available in a dynamo-powered version. I think these European style rack lights look much nicer than the tiny blinkers (which are designed around seatpost mounting), but I have no idea how bright it is. I have an older model Toplight on my Breezer, powered by the hub dynamo, and it's great to have a light with no need for batteries. The wiring for the rear light is not that bad, and may be worth it in the long run. And you can always have the PBSF or Radbot as a back-up or flasher, with the dynamo light on steady.

The Radbot also integrates a reflector that complies with the rear-reflector requirement for many jurisdictions (Laws in some places don't specify that a light can replace the reflector). It's also nice to have a reflector when the batteries do occasionally go 10-toes-up.

The Ultrafire 501B red LED flashlight with the Cree drop-in for 3 brightness levels plus flashing is actually significantly brighter than the DiNotte at a distance behind the bike because it throws a fairly narrow beam (I have and use both):
163134163135
Both beams are solid red; centrally they can be so bright the camera's sensors saturate and then record as "white". You will have to get 18650 lithium batteries and a good charger plus sometimes deal with DealExtreme's less than sterling quality control.

Two threads including mounting options and supplementary optics for a wider beam and/or diffusers for side visibility:
Ultrafire WF-501 B works with flashing mode Cree XLamp dropin: Closups & beams. (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?564679-Ultrafire-WF-501-B-works-with-flashing-mode-Cree-XLamp-dropin-Closups-amp-beams.&highlight=501b)
Ultrafire 501B Taillight mount - version 28c (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?605010-Ultrafire-501B-Taillight-mount-version-28c&highlight=501b)

One word..

Dinotte.

Mount via a PVC cross piece on the rack.

I'm sure Dinotte is a nice light. Pics and video i've seen are impressive.
But we're talking 4x the price and 2x the batteries. I could get TWO radbots and still be way out ahead price wise.
I always thought my PBSF was bright, and in broad daylight I have gotten random comments from drivers about how far back they saw me.
So if the radbot is ANY improvement over the PBSF, I really don't understand the need to spend that much money on the Dinotte, even if it is made of better materials.

^^^^can you really put a price on safety? The biggest advantage of the Dinotte is the daytime visibility. If you don't need that though I guess, the PBSF or Radbot work great. Keep in mind the importance of redundancy also. Use two tail lights no matter what they are.

^^^^can you really put a price on safety?

I don't disagree but can you really show me that the dinotte is 4x as safe as the Radbot 1000 or even PBSF?

I have the Planet Bike Rack Blinky 5 (http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Bike-3018-1-Blinky-Batteries/dp/B0015R1N76/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1280790167&sr=8-2). Works as a passive reflector when not in use. I can take it off and attach my Superflash to the mount when I want as well.

I use the Blinky 5 on my rack and a Super Flash on my seat post. When commuting home in evenings, I have both of them flashing. As someone else mentioned, redundancy is good.

Cateye Tl-Ld500 Rear Light screws on in place of the reflector on the bracket for the reflector, and has a Blink and steady on function.

I put it on the rear rack of My Type 2 Brompton's rear rack , it has a round lens for the Bottle dynamo also,
which is kind of dim pedaling up hill, and in the wet as the dynamo drive slips,
so the Battery taillight, and a battery headlight come in handy for those occasions.

My Koga Miyata WTR has the B&M 4d toplight fitted on its Tubus Rack. Bright and large.

+1 on the Radbot 1000. It's a great light. It also comes with a rack mount.

The Radbot is a very bright light but I've experienced problems with both of them that I have. One was a replacement for the first generation but they both suffer from impact induced shut-off. The first generation was worse than the second but the second one still shuts off during the ride on a too regular basis.

The Radbot is a very bright light but I've experienced problems with both of them that I have. One was a replacement for the first generation but they both suffer from impact induced shut-off. The first generation was worse than the second but the second one still shuts off during the ride on a too regular basis.

I regularly (every commute) go over rough cobblestones and haven't had either of my Radbots shut off. I also tried shaking and whacking them against a table and they are solid.

Have you contacted PDW about your lights? They have top notch customer service. PM me if you want a direct email address of the customer service guy.

My radbot 1000 showed up about an hour ago.
I had to wait to post because I couldn't see the freakin keyboard for a while. :twitchy: :lol:

Dinotte 400R (rack mountable) or 140R (rack mount if you kludge something together).


I could get TWO radbots and still be way out ahead price wise.For me, light intensity is certainly important and there are multiple high-lumen options out there that will work (DIY solutions, radbot, Dinotte, etc., etc.). The one thing that I really like about my Dinotte setup is that it is completely bombproof in very heavy rain and that the entire system works with the same battery pack (no AAA for the rear light & AA for the fronts, etc.). I keep the battery pack on the bike & plug it into the charger when I get home. It's convenient and makes running lights very easy.

If I was buying today, I would have to carefully weigh the DIY options against the Dinotte convenience & ruggedness.

I'm sure Dinotte is a nice light. Pics and video i've seen are impressive.
But we're talking 4x the price and 2x the batteries. I could get TWO radbots and still be way out ahead price wise.


And have 1/4 of the visibility. The Dinotte is even more impressive in person.

I've been stopped and complimented by both cops and motorists. That says something. My commute starts at 3am, it's the only light I've seen that will make cars move over. I've got PBSF's on the seatstays, and they simply get lost visually.

Dinottes are way too bright for MUPs, which is the majority of my commute. People who use them there probably don't even realize how much they bother other riders. You don't really even need a taillight on a MUP. If I catch up to someone with an obnoxiously bright taillight, I can't wait to pass to end the agony, and usually let them know their light is inappropriate. If they are passing me, I slow way down until the light is at a tolerable distance. For daytime or urban riding, they are probably a worthwhile investment, but a couple PBSFs do the job just as well.

I regularly (every commute) go over rough cobblestones and haven't had either of my Radbots shut off. I also tried shaking and whacking them against a table and they are solid.

Have you contacted PDW about your lights? They have top notch customer service. PM me if you want a direct email address of the customer service guy.

Yes, I did contact PDW. They sent me a new light to replace the first generation light but the second one still has problems and will shut off intermittently. The problem may have been corrected but it's something to be aware of when considering them. The Superflash never had a problem with shutting off. It does have problems with staying in one piece, however.

Yes, I did contact PDW. They sent me a new light to replace the first generation light but the second one still has problems and will shut off intermittently. The problem may have been corrected but it's something to be aware of when considering them. The Superflash never had a problem with shutting off. It does have problems with staying in one piece, however.

You seem to be the only one I've seen with a problem with a second generation light. All the other reports I've read say that they are solid. Maybe they accidentally sent you a first generation light. Why not try contacting them again?

I don't disagree but can you really show me that the dinotte is 4x as safe as the Radbot 1000 or even PBSF?

If it's the only light that makes you daylight visible, yes at least 4X as safe. Not everybody needs daytime visibility though.

If it's the only light that makes you daylight visible

But it's not. Like i said, i've had random cagers stop and tell me how far back they saw me in broad daylight... with a PBSF.
So ya, not disagreeing that you may be more visible with the dinotte, I just don't see it being 4x as safe.