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Originally Posted by DiabloScott
(Post 19106507)
Please no flashing headlights; steady and pointed down. Please.
No strobes. my cheapo $30 chinese light doesn't flash, it's a freaking disco strobe, making it useless in flash mode. But a 1s high / med / high / low modulation would be good. I'm all for making people notice me. |
I agree with nyc above. Super rapid strobes are bad and if there's a valid use case for them, I don't know what it is. I have one headlight that has ONLY the seizure mode, so it doesn't get used much, and only in steady mode.
Maybe a 2hz flash is about ideal to me. For attention getting, it could be about 20% duty cycle or even shorter. that is, on 20%, off 80%. Saves battery, just as attention getting as a 50% flash. "Strobe" means extremely short duty cycle, like a 1/100th of a second on or less. Even if it's only coming on once every 10 seconds, that's still a strobe. Most of the super fast flash modes I see are not strobes, they're just rapid flashing. I really like the Cygolite strobe. It doesn't flash many times per second (2 or 3) but the flashes are extremely short duration, so they're not blinding, just attention getting. The strobe over steady is particularly nice - it's a steady 500 lumens or so (on my Metro 550) with just very short 50 lumen pulses over the top of that, so you can see by it but it's also attention getting. That's a strobe too, by my definition. |
Originally Posted by ItsJustMe
(Post 19118900)
I really like the Cygolite strobe. ... The strobe over steady is particularly nice - it's a steady 500 lumens or so (on my Metro 550) with just very short 50 lumen pulses over the top of that, so you can see by it but it's also attention getting...
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The flash / steady is quite noticeable. Occasionally I meet a guy on my evening commute that uses one. Both my Metro 500 and 300 have the feature. But, I don't like to use it in the dark or even dusk. It's just too "nervy" for me!
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Originally Posted by Papa Tom
(Post 19119041)
Which Cygolite Strobe is that?
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Originally Posted by Papa Tom
(Post 19116259)
Thanks, Korina.
No offense intended, but I'm not asking anyone to Google "lights" for me. The problem is, everything looks awesome in photographs, whether it has a $2 price tag or a $200 price tag. I started this thread primarily to see what people think about the idea of daytime lights -- not so much which lights I should buy. I'm only going to upgrade if enough people can support my hypothesis that daytime lights are important and that the basic ones I already have are not good enough. Thank you again for providing those links, though. To me, they look kind of cheaply made. Have you actually seen or used either of those sets? I often use my lights on my ride home on the highway, particularly my tail light. Always in flash-flash-pulse mode, because a steady light would be near invisible in full daylight, but motion will catch drivers' attention (assuming they look up from their phones once in a while). I wear hi-viz shirts, so the light is just a see-me. HTH |
Originally Posted by ItsJustMe
(Post 19118325)
Neither one of those is, IMO, anything like a usable daytime light.
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Originally Posted by Korina
(Post 19123381)
So, have you learned what you wanted from 75 people with 82 different opinions? :D
I started this thread because I've been seeing A LOT of riders using daytime lights. In fact, all of a sudden, I feel like I'm seeing riders where I never saw them before, so maybe they just blended into the scenery before they decided to light up. Perhaps I answered my own question. I want to be seen on the road during the day, especially on foggy mornings like today, and I really believe daytime lights can help. I am still not sure whether it would be worth the investment to switch to a flashing headlight, but now I know there are steady headlights that also pulsate, and I'm very interested in that option. I don't find flashing lights offensive, but I respect that some people might. If I ever go out on the road using one and someone shouts at me like "WTF?" I always have the option of turning off the flashing option. So I thank everyone for their input, but that's probably enough for now. There are already way too many options to consider and now I'm feeling paralyzed about making a decision. One of these days, though, I'll be in a shop with some money burning a hole in my pocket and I'll impulsively buy any old light (under $25 or so) that catches my eye and I'm sure it will be just fine - definitely better than what I have. |
Originally Posted by Papa Tom
(Post 19116259)
I started this thread primarily to see what people think about the idea of daytime lights -- not so much which lights I should buy.
Personally I'm ambivalent. I'll run the headlight if I have it and I'm not saving the battery for later, but I don't sweat it if I don't. |
I only run my lights when I wear my helmet, and I only wear my helmet if I think there's the possibility that the protection it offers would be beneficial. I've gotten many many comments over the years about my lights too, and they're all been really positive with people saying things like they noticed me way sooner than the people that don't use lights.
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For the past year I have been running fixed "marker lights" on the front and rear for daytime and night-time general roadway use, and have a separate strap-on torch to light the MUP or dark roads at night-time. These lights do not fit the OP's budget, but FWIW, here they are:
1. Front and rear markers: Sparse.cc "fixed light" system 2. Light and Motion 500 lumen torch with a custom light-shielding cowl. The Sparse fixed lights are great as marker lights, because they are difficult to steal (2 years on my urban bike so far), so no need to fuss with taking them on and off, also they have various blinking and steady modes and are USB charged. The Sparse headlight is not good for lighting the road however, therefore my need for the separate torch. |
Originally Posted by wphamilton
(Post 19124409)
So what is your conclusion so far?
Personally I'm ambivalent. I'll run the headlight if I have it and I'm not saving the battery for later, but I don't sweat it if I don't. Today, I went to check out some rear lights at a pretty large LBS. As expected, the salesperson knew absolutely nothing about the thousands of dollars worth of lights on display in the middle of the store and suggested that I research them on the Internet. This is why I rarely ever actually BUY any of the things I ask about on these forums. One thing I noticed: Most of the rear lights have cheapo little clips now, rather than hardware to mount them on a rack. I'm wondering if I should just wait until I find the light I want on the side of the road. |
Originally Posted by Papa Tom
(Post 19124872)
No real conclusion. That's my point in Post #98, I suppose.
Today, I went to check out some rear lights at a pretty large LBS. As expected, the salesperson knew absolutely nothing about the thousands of dollars worth of lights on display in the middle of the store and suggested that I research them on the Internet. This is why I rarely ever actually BUY any of the things I ask about on these forums. One thing I noticed: Most of the rear lights have cheapo little clips now, rather than hardware to mount them on a rack. I'm wondering if I should just wait until I find the light I want on the side of the road. |
Originally Posted by DiabloScott
(Post 19106554)
They are blinding, and annoying, and dangerous to other riders. And annoying. And painful if you're on the MUP at dusk.
Users think they really grab the attention of oncoming traffic; true, but they make it hard to see anything else. |
Originally Posted by cyccommute
(Post 19107479)
Well, they are. I agree that they have no business on a MUP at night but then I feel that bicycles...well not bicycles per say but lights in general...have no business on a MUP at night.
In my area many MUPs are closed at night anyway but people still use them. Pedestrians that are walking on the MUP without lights but under the benefit of "real" night vision are immediately plunged into darkness when exposed to any light...low intensity or otherwise. And it takes from 30 to 45 minutes for them to readapt their night vision to the level it was before. It may take 15 to 20 minutes to be able to see well enough to stumble along. Even if you are running a light that puts out 50 lumens...which is really, really dim...you've ruined the night vision of someone who isn't using lights. More light doesn't change that equation, so I avoid using MUPs at night time. It's the courteous thing to do. [FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3] Perhaps the Denver metro area is darker than other cities but I really doubt that based on my experiences in other parts of the US. That said, there are enough dark places on my commute to and from work along "lighted" streets, that having a "flashing light pointed...at the road surface" would mean that I'd have significant stretches of dark riding and pothole surprises. On the other hand, if I'm riding in a well-illuminated area, I want to be noticed by the drivers. I'm not worried about their night vision...they don't have any...but I want to stand out against a sea of other light sources. I have no problem with confusing drivers into thinking that I'm another car or a truck or a train off the tracks. When I'm approaching them, I want them to think twice about how big this thing coming at them is and stop to think about pulling out in front of it. It's kind of the puffer fish approach to riding at night so, yes, my lights are a kind of force shield. |
Originally Posted by rhm
(Post 19107605)
On the bikes that have a switch on the dynamo light, I leave it on all the time. On others, such as my commuter bike, there isn't a switch, so if the front wheel is turning, the lights are on.
I don't think helmet-mounted lights are much help for making the rider visible at night. I see them only as a disembodied light that doesn't make sense. Not so bad in the daylight, though. |
Originally Posted by Leebo
(Post 19131518)
Helmet lights are great for providing a higher light, like say over the roof or hood of a car. Also for the rider, the helmet light can turn with the head to see the turn before the bars do. A light on the bars and helmet make for better depth perception on road bumps and holes. And finally the helmet light can " get " the attention of the idiot drivers. YRMV.
My point was something else. Namely that, regardless whether you wear a helmet mounted light, your bike should wear the standard lights that make it recognizable as a bike. The helmet light cannot reliably do that. |
Originally Posted by rhm
(Post 19131544)
I agree that a helmet mounted light is excellent for helping its wearer to see things, and of course, as you say, the wearer can use it --almost as a weapon-- to get someone's attention. That's all to the good; certainly a useful tool.
My point was something else. Namely that, regardless whether you wear a helmet mounted light, your bike should wear the standard lights that make it recognizable as a bike. The helmet light cannot reliably do that. |
From the OP:
OK, so let's say you just received a $50 Amazon gift certificate for donating red blood cells and you plan to spend it (and not a penny more) on a new rear blinkie that will attach to your Topeak MTX rack and will provide kick--ss daytime visibility. In as few words as possible, which rear blinkie do you order? |
Originally Posted by Papa Tom
(Post 19145110)
From the OP:
OK, so let's say you just received a $50 Amazon gift certificate for donating red blood cells and you plan to spend it (and not a penny more) on a new rear blinkie that will attach to your Topeak MTX rack and will provide kick--ss daytime visibility. In as few words as possible, which rear blinkie do you order? BTW, I'm familiar with blood transfusions...did you really get a $50 gift certificate of donating "red blood cells"? I believe paid donors have been forbidden for decades now, though I think you may be able to get paid for plasma for non-transfusion purposes. |
Originally Posted by Jim from Boston
(Post 19145269)
BTW, I'm familiar with blood transfusions...did you really get a $50 gift certificate of donating "red blood cells"? I believe paid donors have been forbidden for decades now, though I think you may be able to get paid for plasma for non-transfusion purposes.
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Originally Posted by Jim from Boston
(Post 19145269)
FYA, I just spent about $50 for a new rear blinkie, posted about it, and got lambasted, even before I used it. Nonetheless, I’m happyabout the purchase, and look forward to posting a rebuttal, after I have usedit (in a couple days).
BTW, I'm familiar with blood transfusions...did you really get a $50 gift certificate of donating "red blood cells"? I believe paid donors have been forbidden for decades now, though I think you may be able to get paid for plasma for non-transfusion purposes. I did an "Automated Red Cell" donation, as I do every few months without any sort of compensation. This time, they asked me which $50 gift certificate I would like - Amazon, Walmart, Target, Home Depot, or Dunkin' Donuts. Knowing I wanted to upgrade my blinkie, I didn't argue. |
Originally Posted by American Euchre
(Post 19107177)
I have the Cygolite Hotshot Pro 150 rear red LED. It's pretty easy to find at or under $50 online.
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I'd probably buy two lights, an Axiom Pulse 60 ($30) and a Blitzu 168T ($19).
One rear light is NOT ENOUGH. Put the Axiom on steady down load and the Blitzu blinking on your helmet. This is what I'm running currently. I've been through a lot of lights and most of them are retired now. I do have the Fly6 on the back, blinking away too, but it's not a primary light. |
I wish everything didn't have to be so damned difficult. Cygolite makes a blinkie model called the Hotshot Pro 150 USB for about $43 on Amazon. They also make a bazillion other models, including other Hotshots with the numbers 50, 80, etc after them (which I assume is the lumen rating?).
I want something really bright for daytime riding, but it doesn't have to be brighter than "bright enough." More importantly, I want one that can be mounted to my Topeak Explorer rack, which I know will require some kind of mounting accessory. Without suggesting lights other than the Cygolite Hotshot, can somebody help me make up my mind and be done with this stupidity already? |
Just buy something.
I guarantee that no matter what you buy, you will at some point wish you bought something else. Eventually you'll be like the rest of us and have a dozen taillights and 4 or 5 headlights. You will NEVER get any kind of consensus here because some people think there's no such thing as bright enough unless you're lighting shrubs on fire as you ride by, and others are afraid of offending light sensitive vampires on the MUP. |
Originally Posted by ItsJustMe
(Post 19147725)
Just buy something.
I guarantee that no matter what you buy, you will at some point wish you bought something else. Eventually you'll be like the rest of us and have a dozen taillights and 4 or 5 headlights. You will NEVER get any kind of consensus here because some people think there's no such thing as bright enough unless you're lighting shrubs on fire as you ride by, and others are afraid of offending light sensitive vampires on the MUP. As I said earlier, this is why I never end up buying anything -- and maybe why people don't buy as much as they used to. Hey, bike lighting industry...just give me two choices and I PROMISE I will pick one!!!!!!! |
Originally Posted by ItsJustMe
(Post 19147725)
Just buy something.
I guarantee that no matter what you buy, you will at some point wish you bought something else. Eventually you'll be like the rest of us and have a dozen taillights and 4 or 5 headlights. You will NEVER get any kind of consensus here because some people think there's no such thing as bright enough unless you're lighting shrubs on fire as you ride by, and others are afraid of offending light sensitive vampires on the MUP. I also have 2 front lights - same. No regrets. :) CatEye rear light - any that has at least 3 LEDs in it. Most are rain (and downpoor) resistant. Front light - on one bicycle I use a flashlight, on a flashlight mount placed on handlebars. Good light, rechargeable AA batteries. On the other, a dedicated bicycle LED battery light. |
Originally Posted by Papa Tom
(Post 19145377)
The Cygolite Hotshot seems to be a popular one on this forum. But it won't mount to my rear rack, right?
https://www.amazon.com/CygoLite-Rack...ite+rack+mount |
Originally Posted by Papa Tom
(Post 19147661)
I wish everything didn't have to be so damned difficult. Cygolite makes a blinkie model called the Hotshot Pro 150 USB for about $43 on Amazon. They also make a bazillion other models, including other Hotshots with the numbers 50, 80, etc after them (which I assume is the lumen rating?).
I want something really bright for daytime riding, but it doesn't have to be brighter than "bright enough." More importantly, I want one that can be mounted to my Topeak Explorer rack, which I know will require some kind of mounting accessory. Without suggesting lights other than the Cygolite Hotshot, can somebody help me make up my mind and be done with this stupidity already? The niterider has better side lighting, while some think the cygo is brighter straight on. Get both and get the best of both worlds. |
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