Superflash - Motorist Approved
#1
53 miles per burrito
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 1,489
Bikes: Land Shark, Trek 1000, Iron Horse Rogue, Novara Randonee
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Superflash - Motorist Approved
I finally bought and mounted a Planet Bike Superflash tail light after seeing so many recommendations here. Wow, it's bright. Tonight's ride home from work was the first time I used it. As I was riding up a hill, a car came up beside me and the lady driving yelled out "I like your light!"
I've had people comment on my headlights before but this was a first regarding tail lights. I was thinking of getting a Dinotte tail light but now I'll just stick with the Superflash.
I've had people comment on my headlights before but this was a first regarding tail lights. I was thinking of getting a Dinotte tail light but now I'll just stick with the Superflash.
#3
ABQ
It does the job of two taillights. You get the multiple flash, alternating source effect in one compact unit. I actually replaced two taillights that I was running on my commuter; now I kinda feel like a low flying Cessna with all the anti-collision lights ablaze! I still carry one of my brighter Cateye units as a "backup" unit just in case.
The bracket assembly seems kind of flimsy. A more positive "lockwasher" interface would keep the light in position without having to really crank down on the through-bolt. I hate having to overtighten the clamping through-bolt, just to keep the light from tilting down, due to road vibration/bumps.
The bracket assembly seems kind of flimsy. A more positive "lockwasher" interface would keep the light in position without having to really crank down on the through-bolt. I hate having to overtighten the clamping through-bolt, just to keep the light from tilting down, due to road vibration/bumps.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: NW
Posts: 375
Bikes: '86 Trek 770 Pro Series, 80's Torelli Corsa Strada
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Though if anybody is doing nighttime rural roads (sometimes in the rain/fog) with inconsistent shoulders like me, I definitely suggest the combination. SF on blink, Dinotte on high steady. Take that moon!
#7
Senior Member
Love my superflash. But I'm a big believer in having 2 taillights, so I run the superflash plus a cheap blinkie. The problem with taillights is that one could quit or you could drop it, and never know while riding.
#8
ABQ
(sound of hand slapping forehead). I will retract my statement about the bracket not holding its position. I took another look at my PB SF installation and figured out I had the shim positioned incorrectly. The rubber strip needs to wrap in the opposite direction of the bracket clamp; ie the gap between the shim ends needs to be on the "front" of the seatpost. Then as the bracket is tightened, the tabs don't pull in together as much, and the light assembly stays put...
#9
Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 22
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I bought one of these and installed it last week on my first commute, mounted on one of the seat stays as I have a small bag under the seat. Found that cars gave me some decent room when passing. Thinking of getting a second for the other side for more visibility and as a backup. I even run it during the day. Can't hurt!
#10
Dances With Cars
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 10,527
Bikes: TBL Onyx Pro(ss converted), Pake SS (starting to look kinda pimped)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Word to SuperFlash AND .5watt Blaze from PB. I likey.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Highland Park, NJ, USA
Posts: 3,798
Bikes: "Hildy", a Novara Randonee touring bike; a 16-speed Bike Friday Tikit; and a Specialized Stumpjumper frame-based built-up MTB, now serving as the kid-carrier, grocery-getter.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I get a lot of compliments on my SuperFlash. Anyone know how to mount one on a helmet?
__________________
Tour Journals, Blog, ride pix
My bands:
Tour Journals, Blog, ride pix
My bands:
- Uke On! - ukulele duo - Videos
- Ukulele Abyss - ukulele cover videos - Videos
- Baroque and Hungry's (Celtic fusion) full-length studio album Mended.
- Artistic Differences - 8-track EP Dreams of Bile and Blood.
#12
World's slowest cyclist.
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Londonderry, NH
Posts: 1,353
Bikes: Cannondale CAAD5 and Cannondale Rush
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Highland Park, NJ, USA
Posts: 3,798
Bikes: "Hildy", a Novara Randonee touring bike; a 16-speed Bike Friday Tikit; and a Specialized Stumpjumper frame-based built-up MTB, now serving as the kid-carrier, grocery-getter.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
__________________
Tour Journals, Blog, ride pix
My bands:
Tour Journals, Blog, ride pix
My bands:
- Uke On! - ukulele duo - Videos
- Ukulele Abyss - ukulele cover videos - Videos
- Baroque and Hungry's (Celtic fusion) full-length studio album Mended.
- Artistic Differences - 8-track EP Dreams of Bile and Blood.
#14
Full Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Seattle
Posts: 327
Bikes: Litespeed, O'Brien, Specialized, Fuji
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 15 Times
in
9 Posts
I just slid a PB SF onto my Giro Pneumo horizontal Roc-Loc strap, after being unable to find anywhere else to strap it on the back. It rides a little low, so may not be good if you have a backpack on or high collar.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Highland Park, NJ, USA
Posts: 3,798
Bikes: "Hildy", a Novara Randonee touring bike; a 16-speed Bike Friday Tikit; and a Specialized Stumpjumper frame-based built-up MTB, now serving as the kid-carrier, grocery-getter.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I take it this is a built-in blinky mount strap. Mine didn't come with a strap, unfortunately.
__________________
Tour Journals, Blog, ride pix
My bands:
Tour Journals, Blog, ride pix
My bands:
- Uke On! - ukulele duo - Videos
- Ukulele Abyss - ukulele cover videos - Videos
- Baroque and Hungry's (Celtic fusion) full-length studio album Mended.
- Artistic Differences - 8-track EP Dreams of Bile and Blood.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,952
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I'm contemplating upgrading from my MARS to the Superflash. Asides from the improved battery changing aspect (you need freaking screwdrivers to get at the AAAs in the MARS!), anyone actually side-by-side tested these out there? (The MARS is pretty freaking bright as well...)
#17
Year-round cyclist
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Montréal (Québec)
Posts: 3,023
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I still have a Blackburn Mars 3 at home, as well as a few Superflashes. Short answer: the Mars 3 is stored, the Superflashes are used.
– The Superflash is slightly more compact. It's especially thinner, so if you attach it behind a rear rack, it takes a bit less space.
– The collar around the Mars 3 might give one more flexibility. However, the bracket is less sturdy. I had two Mars 3 behind my trailer, but lost one because of vibrations, I assume. Other down aspects: the collar is hard to fix, the light can't be bolted in place.
– In steady mode, the overall brightness is fairly similar. When I used it daily, the rechargeable batteries used to last less than a week, whereas they last 1-2 weeks in the Superflash. I assume that the 7 LEDs end up using more than 0,5 W.
– In spite of the tiny yellow LED of the Mars, the side illumination is fairly similar Ditto for angle illumination.
– In flashing mode, the Superflash is definitely better. Generally speaking, I would NOT use the Superflash in flashing mode at night, but I do use it quite often in fog, sun-in-my-face or other low-visibility situations. In these situations, the Superflash definitely wins.
– The Superflash is slightly more compact. It's especially thinner, so if you attach it behind a rear rack, it takes a bit less space.
– The collar around the Mars 3 might give one more flexibility. However, the bracket is less sturdy. I had two Mars 3 behind my trailer, but lost one because of vibrations, I assume. Other down aspects: the collar is hard to fix, the light can't be bolted in place.
– In steady mode, the overall brightness is fairly similar. When I used it daily, the rechargeable batteries used to last less than a week, whereas they last 1-2 weeks in the Superflash. I assume that the 7 LEDs end up using more than 0,5 W.
– In spite of the tiny yellow LED of the Mars, the side illumination is fairly similar Ditto for angle illumination.
– In flashing mode, the Superflash is definitely better. Generally speaking, I would NOT use the Superflash in flashing mode at night, but I do use it quite often in fog, sun-in-my-face or other low-visibility situations. In these situations, the Superflash definitely wins.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 1,508
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Highland Park, NJ, USA
Posts: 3,798
Bikes: "Hildy", a Novara Randonee touring bike; a 16-speed Bike Friday Tikit; and a Specialized Stumpjumper frame-based built-up MTB, now serving as the kid-carrier, grocery-getter.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Zip ties unfortunately didn't hold on my helmet (A Bell Citi), since the vents aren't in the best location for mounting. Since Planet Bike doesn't make a helmet mount, I picked up a self-leveling blinky with a helmet mount built in; I leave a superflash on my rack.
__________________
Tour Journals, Blog, ride pix
My bands:
Tour Journals, Blog, ride pix
My bands:
- Uke On! - ukulele duo - Videos
- Ukulele Abyss - ukulele cover videos - Videos
- Baroque and Hungry's (Celtic fusion) full-length studio album Mended.
- Artistic Differences - 8-track EP Dreams of Bile and Blood.
Last edited by neilfein; 03-12-08 at 01:05 PM. Reason: spelling
#21
BF Risk Manager
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Snohomish County, Washington USA
Posts: 906
Bikes: Road, mountain and folding
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 21 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
On my 'night-riding' helmet, I have a Black Diamond LED headlamp stretched around the perimeter of the helmet. I have a Superflash clipped onto the headlamp strap on the back side of the helmet. It all works perfectly.
#22
Body By Nintendo
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Videogames ruined my life. Good thing i have 2 extra lives.
Posts: 3,187
Bikes: Giant TCR2, Giant TCX, IRO BFSSFG SE, Salsa Casseroll, IRO Rob Roy.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I lost a superflash after going over some rough pavement. It popped out of the bracket and i didn't realize it until i got to work. Fortunately i had 2 of them on my bike. I wrapped a ziptie around the remaining one just to be safe.
[superflashes are on the left seatstay while Cateye LD1000 is mounted on the seatpost]
[superflashes are on the left seatstay while Cateye LD1000 is mounted on the seatpost]
#23
World's slowest cyclist.
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Londonderry, NH
Posts: 1,353
Bikes: Cannondale CAAD5 and Cannondale Rush
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
What kind of batteries does the Superflash take? I have a pretty bright blinkey but it takes watch batteries and it burns through them quickly. I'd love a light with the same LEDs but AA or AAA powered...
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Central TX
Posts: 583
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
3 Posts
PB Superflash uses 2x AAA's. Love mine! I run it in blinky mode and my old-*** cheap-o Bell that I've had for 8 yrs in steady mode during my low-light commutes/rides.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 401
Bikes: Cannondale Road Warrior
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
There's a new Superflash Stealth, black body, clear lens with red LEDs. I just may have to change out my original White/Red Superflash.
https://ecom1.planetbike.com/3034_1.html
https://ecom1.planetbike.com/3034_1.html