Tail light overkills?
11-21-15 | 05:28 PM
#76
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,391
Likes: 13
From: Memphis TN area
Bikes: 2011 Felt Z85 (road/commuter), 2006 Marin Pine Mountain (utility/commuter E-bike), 1995 KHS Alite 1000 (gravel grinder)
Would be interesting to know which is brighter:
Serfas 60 lumen or 80 lumen --versus-- HotShot Pro 80. I have the Serfas 60 shown in GeneO's picture in the above poast #58 , which is very bright. Anyone has both?
Serfas 60 lumen or 80 lumen --versus-- HotShot Pro 80. I have the Serfas 60 shown in GeneO's picture in the above poast #58 , which is very bright. Anyone has both?
I'm hoping to get one or two of them for Christmas.
11-21-15 | 06:24 PM
#77
Seņior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 13,748
Likes: 10
From: Michigan
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
Really depends on your situation. I have a Designshine taillight and for most roads it's overkill, but for one that I'm going to have to ride on next year to get to work, it's not. In fact I plan to supplement it with a 3 watt taillight on a high stick.
__________________
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
11-21-15 | 06:35 PM
#78
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,977
Likes: 191
From: Washington, DC
I have my single bright (Serfas 60 lumen) taillight cable-tied to my seat bag (see image). It isn't going anywhere (lesson learned the $ hard way). I take my bag off to recharge it 
In blinky mode it lasts a very long time so I have no problem with keeping it charged up. A co-worker said he saw it about 1/2 mile away in the daylight. 
In blinky mode it lasts a very long time so I have no problem with keeping it charged up. A co-worker said he saw it about 1/2 mile away in the daylight.
11-21-15 | 09:08 PM
#79
Me duelen las nalgas
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 13,519
Likes: 2,832
From: Texas
Bikes: Centurion Ironman, Trek 5900, Univega Via Carisma, Globe Carmel
Thanks for the feedback, I'll definitely keep that in mind.
I'll keep using my rear blinkies in traffic, especially in daylight, but may reconsider nighttime use. The Blackburn 2'Fer is my only relatively bright and non-directional light - it's surprisingly piercing for the size. Not sure there's anything I can do to minimize that, other than tape a filter over it.
My only headlight at the moment is an Illuminati attached to my helmet. While bright for its size and cost, it's directional and I have it aimed downward to suit my nighttime speed. I use the flasher in traffic, day and night, but switch to steady in my suburban neighborhood and my favorite semi-rural routes so I can see roadside hazards better.
I'm shopping for a main bicycle mounted headlight and will look for a directional light, but the good ones like the Specialized Flux Expert cost more than my bike. There are plenty of affordable non-directional headlights, and perhaps a lens hood type of arrangement will minimize spill into the eyes of vehicle drivers.
I'll keep using my rear blinkies in traffic, especially in daylight, but may reconsider nighttime use. The Blackburn 2'Fer is my only relatively bright and non-directional light - it's surprisingly piercing for the size. Not sure there's anything I can do to minimize that, other than tape a filter over it.
My only headlight at the moment is an Illuminati attached to my helmet. While bright for its size and cost, it's directional and I have it aimed downward to suit my nighttime speed. I use the flasher in traffic, day and night, but switch to steady in my suburban neighborhood and my favorite semi-rural routes so I can see roadside hazards better.
I'm shopping for a main bicycle mounted headlight and will look for a directional light, but the good ones like the Specialized Flux Expert cost more than my bike. There are plenty of affordable non-directional headlights, and perhaps a lens hood type of arrangement will minimize spill into the eyes of vehicle drivers.
In general ones ability to see cyclists ahead of the cab is significantly better then average and easy to spot if using lights of any kind.
On the other hand, considering that semi trucks have 6 to 8 mirrors, cyclists using extremely bright, poorly aimed, or flashing headlights are a real and significant problem. it makes it virtually impossible to determine the location, and speed of a cyclist. It also conceals other cyclists and pedestrians from the drivers view.
Being 1 of 2 full time cyclists at a terminal of nearly 100 drivers, headlight overkill and helmet headlights are one of the biggest complaints I hear. When a coworker who just received his 25 year safe driver award, which means no tickets or incidents, on or off duty, says he finds them very disruptive, I take notice.
Ironically when showing a coworker, who is the other full time cyclist, my new Specialized Flux headlight, the first thing he said is "so you're going to be one of those guys with an obnoxious light?". Since he's on the driver safety board, I took the time to show him, and explain its not "one of those lights".
On the other hand, considering that semi trucks have 6 to 8 mirrors, cyclists using extremely bright, poorly aimed, or flashing headlights are a real and significant problem. it makes it virtually impossible to determine the location, and speed of a cyclist. It also conceals other cyclists and pedestrians from the drivers view.
Being 1 of 2 full time cyclists at a terminal of nearly 100 drivers, headlight overkill and helmet headlights are one of the biggest complaints I hear. When a coworker who just received his 25 year safe driver award, which means no tickets or incidents, on or off duty, says he finds them very disruptive, I take notice.
Ironically when showing a coworker, who is the other full time cyclist, my new Specialized Flux headlight, the first thing he said is "so you're going to be one of those guys with an obnoxious light?". Since he's on the driver safety board, I took the time to show him, and explain its not "one of those lights".
11-21-15 | 09:35 PM
#80
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 5,331
Likes: 12
From: Kent Wa.
Bikes: 2005 Gazelle Golfo, 1935 Raleigh Sport, 1970 Robin Hood sport, 1974 Schwinn Continental, 1984 Ross MTB/porteur, 2013 Flying Piegon path racer, 2014 Gazelle Toer Populair T8
Thanks for the feedback, I'll definitely keep that in mind.
I'll keep using my rear blinkies in traffic, especially in daylight, but may reconsider nighttime use. The Blackburn 2'Fer is my only relatively bright and non-directional light - it's surprisingly piercing for the size. Not sure there's anything I can do to minimize that, other than tape a filter over it.
My only headlight at the moment is an Illuminati attached to my helmet. While bright for its size and cost, it's directional and I have it aimed downward to suit my nighttime speed. I use the flasher in traffic, day and night, but switch to steady in my suburban neighborhood and my favorite semi-rural routes so I can see roadside hazards better.
I'm shopping for a main bicycle mounted headlight and will look for a directional light, but the good ones like the Specialized Flux Expert cost more than my bike. There are plenty of affordable non-directional headlights, and perhaps a lens hood type of arrangement will minimize spill into the eyes of vehicle drivers.
I'll keep using my rear blinkies in traffic, especially in daylight, but may reconsider nighttime use. The Blackburn 2'Fer is my only relatively bright and non-directional light - it's surprisingly piercing for the size. Not sure there's anything I can do to minimize that, other than tape a filter over it.
My only headlight at the moment is an Illuminati attached to my helmet. While bright for its size and cost, it's directional and I have it aimed downward to suit my nighttime speed. I use the flasher in traffic, day and night, but switch to steady in my suburban neighborhood and my favorite semi-rural routes so I can see roadside hazards better.
I'm shopping for a main bicycle mounted headlight and will look for a directional light, but the good ones like the Specialized Flux Expert cost more than my bike. There are plenty of affordable non-directional headlights, and perhaps a lens hood type of arrangement will minimize spill into the eyes of vehicle drivers.
The Busch & Muller Ixon IQ Premium is an outstanding medium power shaped beam headlight that can be found for under $100.
11-21-15 | 09:47 PM
#81
Me duelen las nalgas
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 13,519
Likes: 2,832
From: Texas
Bikes: Centurion Ironman, Trek 5900, Univega Via Carisma, Globe Carmel
Thanks for the recommendation, the video review makes that light seem ideal for my budget.
11-23-15 | 12:49 PM
#82
Unlisted member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 435
From: Chicagoland
Bikes: Specialized Hardrock
In general ones ability to see cyclists ahead of the cab is significantly better then average and easy to spot if using lights of any kind.
On the other hand, considering that semi trucks have 6 to 8 mirrors, cyclists using extremely bright, poorly aimed, or flashing headlights are a real and significant problem. it makes it virtually impossible to determine the location, and speed of a cyclist. It also conceals other cyclists and pedestrians from the drivers view.
Being 1 of 2 full time cyclists at a terminal of nearly 100 drivers, headlight overkill and helmet headlights are one of the biggest complaints I hear. When a coworker who just received his 25 year safe driver award, which means no tickets or incidents, on or off duty, says he finds them very disruptive, I take notice.
Ironically when showing a coworker, who is the other full time cyclist, my new Specialized Flux headlight, the first thing he said is "so you're going to be one of those guys with an obnoxious light?". Since he's on the driver safety board, I took the time to show him, and explain its not "one of those lights".
On the other hand, considering that semi trucks have 6 to 8 mirrors, cyclists using extremely bright, poorly aimed, or flashing headlights are a real and significant problem. it makes it virtually impossible to determine the location, and speed of a cyclist. It also conceals other cyclists and pedestrians from the drivers view.
Being 1 of 2 full time cyclists at a terminal of nearly 100 drivers, headlight overkill and helmet headlights are one of the biggest complaints I hear. When a coworker who just received his 25 year safe driver award, which means no tickets or incidents, on or off duty, says he finds them very disruptive, I take notice.
Ironically when showing a coworker, who is the other full time cyclist, my new Specialized Flux headlight, the first thing he said is "so you're going to be one of those guys with an obnoxious light?". Since he's on the driver safety board, I took the time to show him, and explain its not "one of those lights".
11-23-15 | 01:37 PM
#83
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,647
Likes: 6
From: Sudbury, ON, CA
Bikes: 2012 Kona Sutra, 2002 Look AL 384, 2018 Moose Fat bike
I have my single bright (Serfas 60 lumen) taillight cable-tied to my seat bag (see image). It isn't going anywhere (lesson learned the $ hard way). I take my bag off to recharge it In blinky mode it lasts a very long time so I have no problem with keeping it charged up. A co-worker said he saw it about 1/2 mile away in the daylight.
In blinky mode it lasts a very long time so I have no problem with keeping it charged up. A co-worker said he saw it about 1/2 mile away in the daylight.
11-23-15 | 01:56 PM
#84
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,977
Likes: 191
From: Washington, DC
$1.34 is nothing. I've seen them going for $5 and even $10(!) some places. Don't get me wrong, I'd get the more expensive ones if they worked any better, but reviews on Amazon say they are almost identical, other than the printing.
11-26-15 | 04:13 PM
#86
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 4,628
Likes: 943
From: Ontario, Canada
Bikes: iele Latina, Miele Suprema, Miele Uno LS, Miele Miele Beta, MMTB, Bianchi Model Unknown, Fiori Venezia, Fiori Napoli, VeloSport Adamas AX
Cheers
11-27-15 | 12:04 AM
#87
Mostly harmless
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 4,462
Likes: 243
From: Novi Sad
Bikes: Heavy, with friction shifters
I wouldn't run only a single taillight because I've had them fall off or batteries go dead during rides. Personally, I use 3 taillights while commuting. One is on my helmet, one on my rear rack, and the other attached to the left seat stay. My rack light is non-flashing, and the other two pulsing.
Five or more taillights are more than I would want to deal with, particularly charging all of the batteries, but turning them all on and off would also be a hassle.
Five or more taillights are more than I would want to deal with, particularly charging all of the batteries, but turning them all on and off would also be a hassle.
11-27-15 | 05:04 PM
#88
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,816
Likes: 23
If I use a minimum of 3 flashing taillights, then most likely there will be light at any given moment (as opposed to only two). So it will be ok to be without one on constant mode and drivers can still tell how far I am?
11-27-15 | 05:37 PM
#89
ORTrekguy
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
Bikes: Trek7.5 FX disc
Trust me, even in my sixties, one bright flashing taillight, was enough for me to adequately tell where a bicycle was located relative to my vehicle during my winter commutes. Maybe there might be an issue if there is a significant time delay between flashes but the name brand taillights, as far as I have seen, do not exhibit this length of delay.
Last edited by warriorphan; 11-27-15 at 05:39 PM. Reason: clarity and grammar
11-28-15 | 02:37 AM
#90
Mostly harmless
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 4,462
Likes: 243
From: Novi Sad
Bikes: Heavy, with friction shifters
Constant light makes it easier for drivers to judge speed and distance. Also, however short time of "off" mode during blinking, it could be just the split second that driver uses to look for other cars (and perhaps spot cyclist too). That's (the blinking) more critical for front light though.
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