Cateye TL-LD1100 vs. Rack Blinky vs. Superflash
03-28-09, 10:33 PM
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Cateye TL-LD1100 vs. Rack Blinky vs. Superflash
I was wondering if I could have your opinions on these three taillight models.
As I've mentioned in another thread, I'll be getting a bike within the next few weeks for my soon-to-be-longer commute. As I'll occasionally be riding it after dark, I'd like to outfit it with the appropriate lights. I've already purchased a Cateye HL-EL530 for the front, primarily for its affordability; as this is Osaka, there are relatively few places that are truly unlit, so I'm mostly concerned with being seen.
However, I've yet to decide on a taillight. I intend to outfit my bike with a rear rack, so something I can affix to that would be ideal. I've noticed that people here have had good things to say about Planet Bike's Superflash and Rack Blinky, as well as Cateye's TL-LD1100, but I don't know which would be the best in my case. I did notice that the Rack Blinky has a built-in reflector, which appeals to me, but I'd like to hear what other people think about these before I make a decision.
As I've mentioned in another thread, I'll be getting a bike within the next few weeks for my soon-to-be-longer commute. As I'll occasionally be riding it after dark, I'd like to outfit it with the appropriate lights. I've already purchased a Cateye HL-EL530 for the front, primarily for its affordability; as this is Osaka, there are relatively few places that are truly unlit, so I'm mostly concerned with being seen.
However, I've yet to decide on a taillight. I intend to outfit my bike with a rear rack, so something I can affix to that would be ideal. I've noticed that people here have had good things to say about Planet Bike's Superflash and Rack Blinky, as well as Cateye's TL-LD1100, but I don't know which would be the best in my case. I did notice that the Rack Blinky has a built-in reflector, which appeals to me, but I'd like to hear what other people think about these before I make a decision.
03-29-09, 11:49 AM
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I like the ones with the reflector. Cars headlights are nearly always putting out *way* more light than your blinky - might as well take advantage of it.
So the reflector:
1. Lights up really bright if there's a car behind you at night
2. Can be seen even if the batteries died or the light broke
3. Can be seen even if you forgot to turn it on
So the reflector:
1. Lights up really bright if there's a car behind you at night
2. Can be seen even if the batteries died or the light broke
3. Can be seen even if you forgot to turn it on
03-29-09, 12:07 PM
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I have both of these lights and use them together on my bike. The PBSF is on my grocery pannier so it's a little more visible to drivers behind me and the cateye is on my rear rack. I like the side spill on the cateye even though the light seems to be less intense than PBSF. If you want to have quick release capabilities on the cateye, you will need to get the mounting bracket from them for $5 USD, otherwise the light wil mount directly to the rack.
03-29-09, 07:55 PM
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I have the TL-LD1100 mounted to my rear rack. It mounts easily with a small "L" bracket. I've had it for over a year with no problems. I use it alot and not just at night. It's often foggy in the early morning and I run it whenever I think it could help me be seen.
I'm thinking of adding a second blinky. If my only rear light stopped working in the middle of a night commute it would not be a good thing. I'd like the second one to have a reflector and LEDs. Not sure where to put it, maybe on the back of my trunk bag.
I'm thinking of adding a second blinky. If my only rear light stopped working in the middle of a night commute it would not be a good thing. I'd like the second one to have a reflector and LEDs. Not sure where to put it, maybe on the back of my trunk bag.
03-30-09, 08:08 AM
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https://www.amazon.com/Vetta-TSL-C-Fl...421963&sr=1-23
A little more expensive but much brighter. Takes 4 not 2 and AA not AAA batteries so it puts out a whole lot more light. I got mine when it was on special for much less. Best bargain I have ever found. It is more visible than two of any of the other tail lights you are considering.
A little more expensive but much brighter. Takes 4 not 2 and AA not AAA batteries so it puts out a whole lot more light. I got mine when it was on special for much less. Best bargain I have ever found. It is more visible than two of any of the other tail lights you are considering.
