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Does this lighting system exist?

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Does this lighting system exist?

Old 05-19-14, 12:51 PM
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Does this lighting system exist?

Hi everyone,

I just bought a Downtube 9FS Folder, which has thrown me back into bike riding for the first time in probably a decade

I need lighting for the bike now, and I was hoping that this setup existed somewhere:

- Front light, back lighted reflector
- along with front and back blinkers
- Wireless control activates both blinkers
- Lastly- optional: Solar charging

I'm sure it would be quite expensive and elaborate to pull off, but I was dreaming

Thanks!
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Old 05-19-14, 01:03 PM
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Originally Posted by griintii
I need lighting for the bike now, and I was hoping that this setup existed somewhere:
...
- along with front and back blinkers
- Wireless control activates both blinkers
...
There are good front and rear lights which will run for many hours in blink mode, available for less than $100. Then there are dynamo setups which may cost more up front but less to operate later. Lighting technology for cycling has come a looong way in 10 years.

So I'm wondering if the wireless control might not be irrelevant since the lights can be left on throughout the ride.
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Old 05-19-14, 02:47 PM
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Originally Posted by griintii
- along with front and back blinkers
If you mean "blinkers" like "turn signals on a car", then no, I've never seen anything like that except for do-it-yourself projects. (It might exist somewhere, but I just haven't seen it.)

The best alternative to solar charging, as another poster has mentioned, is a dynamo, which produces power from the wheel as you ride. I have one that's built into my front hub, it doesn't seem to have any drag even when it's on, and it's nearly non-existant just spinning the wheel when it's off.

8 years ago dynamo lighting was kind of crappy, this was the best halogen light -


This was an LED light -


But nowadays, advancements in LED technology have given us great dynamo lights like this (Schmidt Edelux II, very similar to the cheaper Cyo Premium) -
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Old 05-19-14, 02:54 PM
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Originally Posted by griintii
Hi everyone,
- Front light, back lighted reflector
- along with front and back blinkers
- Wireless control activates both blinkers
- Lastly- optional: Solar charging
These fit much of the bill: Home*-*Bicygnals NZ

Blinking lights(depending on mode) front and rear, Automotive style turn signals front and back, and wireless control in the front. Front unit runs on 4 AAs and the rear 4AAAs, the headlight is more Be Seen than See, although a compromise can be struck, and the quick release mounts are sturdy. Unfortunately, the front mount messes with my Dahon's fold(not that I need to fold it much) and the seat post mount cannot accommodate my fat seat post. I have the seat post mount zip-tied to my rack, although you can get a rack mount for the rear unit as well. There used to be a US distributor for these, but now NZ/AUS is your only way to get them, outside of used, and theses are niche.

That said, I prefer these for signaling turns over the (STUPID, imo) arm signal system.
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Old 05-20-14, 11:45 AM
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Thanks all! I had no idea about the dynamo lighting, that's brilliant.

And alaskan, that's exactly why I want turn signals, more visible and I don't feel stupid with my arms . Going to try that setup!
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Old 05-20-14, 12:30 PM
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For me it's not the stupid thing, it's a the balance and brake control issue. If I had coaster brakes, maybe, but not with lever only.
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Old 05-20-14, 03:26 PM
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When in doubt about a left turn .. stay to the side of the street, cross the intersection . stop .. then wait for the green light and go with the traffic.
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