ISO: Helmet mounted tail light
10-20-17 | 03:16 PM
#1
Thread Starter
bill nyecycles
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,333
Likes: 359
From: Houston TX
ISO: Helmet mounted tail light
I used to use a Serfas seat-stay light strapped to the back of my helmet, but that helmet got lost in the flood and my new one doesn't have vent slots that are conducive to this setup.
So I'm looking for something small, that I can strap/mount to either the top, or back of my helmet.
It doesn't have to be a super bright light, as I have a main light on my seatpost, but on busy roads I like to have the extra blinkies just to be safe, but it can't just be a dinky nothing light either.
So far I haven't been able to find anything that jives well enough - in either a mount, or a bright enough light to go on it.
I'd appreciate any suggestions.
USB chargeable is preferred. I went through enough watch batteries with that Serfas light...
So I'm looking for something small, that I can strap/mount to either the top, or back of my helmet.
It doesn't have to be a super bright light, as I have a main light on my seatpost, but on busy roads I like to have the extra blinkies just to be safe, but it can't just be a dinky nothing light either.
So far I haven't been able to find anything that jives well enough - in either a mount, or a bright enough light to go on it.
I'd appreciate any suggestions.
USB chargeable is preferred. I went through enough watch batteries with that Serfas light...
10-20-17 | 03:20 PM
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 40,863
Likes: 3,115
From: Sacramento, California, USA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Lazer has several helmets that are designed for integrated rear lights: The Lazer Z-LED - Integrated LED solution for additional visibility
10-20-17 | 03:34 PM
#3
Early-onset OldFartitis
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,150
Likes: 748
From: USA
Bikes: 1996 Trek 970 ZX Single Track 2x11
I've been impressed, so far, with the Bontrager Flare R taillight. USB charged, fairly water (fog/mist/rain) resistant, and weighs very little. They also make the Flare RT, for a bit more coin.
They've got a Helmet Mount, which works with any of the Flare or Ion headlights and taillights. With the appropriate mounting piece, the lights can be attached to the seat post, seat stays, rear of rack or bag, or the helmet.
Mounting two of them, perhaps with one on the seatpost (or rack) and one on the helmet, each set to slightly different flashing modes, you're practically "Day Glo" visible to other drivers. Bright stuff, even in the daytime.
Perhaps not the longest-lasting of all lights out there, but they're bright and can be seen at good angles alongside the bike.
Review @ Bike Light Database: click.
They've got a Helmet Mount, which works with any of the Flare or Ion headlights and taillights. With the appropriate mounting piece, the lights can be attached to the seat post, seat stays, rear of rack or bag, or the helmet.
Mounting two of them, perhaps with one on the seatpost (or rack) and one on the helmet, each set to slightly different flashing modes, you're practically "Day Glo" visible to other drivers. Bright stuff, even in the daytime.
Perhaps not the longest-lasting of all lights out there, but they're bright and can be seen at good angles alongside the bike.
Review @ Bike Light Database: click.
10-20-17 | 03:53 PM
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 6,228
Likes: 440
From: Toronto, CANADA
Bikes: ...a few.
I got a bunch of these:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-Recharg...UAAOSww5hZI5bt
The price certainly is right. But quality is hit and miss. The two I got works really well, You can mount them on both seatstays below the brakes and have the on blinking. I also mounted one on the helmet using the rubber bands. They're super light. Last 3-4 hours on one charge. And cheap.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-Recharg...UAAOSww5hZI5bt
The price certainly is right. But quality is hit and miss. The two I got works really well, You can mount them on both seatstays below the brakes and have the on blinking. I also mounted one on the helmet using the rubber bands. They're super light. Last 3-4 hours on one charge. And cheap.
10-21-17 | 10:43 AM
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,644
Likes: 2,370
From: Colorado Springs, CO
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Specialized Rockhopper, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V
For years I have clipped a blinky on the elastic strap on the back of my helmet to be seen better on traffic. But so many helmets no longer have elastic back there. I currently have a planet bike 5 led flasher where the two outermost leds face to the side. It takes two aaa's, but I could go for a usb too.
10-21-17 | 02:41 PM
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: Bethesda, MD
Bikes: Kona Wheelhouse
I recently got this from Amazon and I strap it to the back of my helmet. So far I am very pleased with it.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01LZ..._1508618558348
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01LZ..._1508618558348
Last edited by TexLex100; 10-21-17 at 03:10 PM.
10-21-17 | 03:01 PM
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,923
Likes: 233
From: Madison, WI
Bikes: Giant Toughroad SLR1 and Motobecane Sturgis NX
Best to get one of these universal light-holders you can strap to any helmet.
then you can attach any light of your choice.
The problem with the lights provided by helmet manufacturers, or specific helmet lights is, that they are limited in light output, battery life and tend to be pricy. they may look better, though. but if you want daylights you need better.
I just ordered this small 250 lumen (9 hour) Lezyne Zecto Max light and hope this is very bright, but still small enough to not be obnoxious on my helmet.
then you can attach any light of your choice.
The problem with the lights provided by helmet manufacturers, or specific helmet lights is, that they are limited in light output, battery life and tend to be pricy. they may look better, though. but if you want daylights you need better.
I just ordered this small 250 lumen (9 hour) Lezyne Zecto Max light and hope this is very bright, but still small enough to not be obnoxious on my helmet.
10-21-17 | 10:08 PM
#10
Full Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 205
Likes: 2
Bikes: Stromer ST-1; Gary Fisher SAAB edition; Dahon Speed D7; Motobecane Grand Touring 1972
If a new helmet is a possibility....
https://lumoshelmet.co/?utm_source=g...hoCvrMQAvD_BwE
I wish they'd gone with a standard charger interface, but other than that I've been very happy with it.
I wish they'd gone with a standard charger interface, but other than that I've been very happy with it.
01-01-18 | 01:22 PM
#11
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 431
Likes: 7
From: Europe
