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-   -   Rear light recommendations please! (https://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/322478-rear-light-recommendations-please.html)

golazo 01-20-08 04:00 PM

Cool pics! What headlight is that btw?

3bikes 01-20-08 05:36 PM

One of my favorites has been the Blackburn MARS 3.0, it doesn't cost much, has a good mount, 5 red LEDS, three modes of operation and the light also has two side (amber) LEDs. I chose that one for my road bike. I also use a Vista 5 LED that has worked for years.

P.S. I use flashing lights in daylight hours due to shady roads, tunnels and underpasses. All those things that can make a bike invisible to a driver with dark sunglasses.

ItsJustMe 01-20-08 05:43 PM


Originally Posted by daredevil (Post 5014699)
Whatever you pick, use lithium batteries. I've heard alkaline powered lights dim as the battery weakens.

Just as effective is to use NiMH rechargables and just charge them frequently. I have two blinkies, I just take them off the bike on my way in to work once a week and drop the batteries in the charger, then an hour later toss them back in the lights. Takes about 1 minute once a week. In my tests the batteries were actually good for at least a month before they start to get dim. By charging once a week I don't forget it, and the one set of batteries should be good for at least 4 or 5 years.

Now that they have NiMH cells with low self discharge (only lose about 30% in 6 months), I'm switching the last few things in my house over. The remotes and clocks will get them as the alkalines get used up, those were the only few things left with alkalines anymore. I just set a reminder to cycle them all through the charger about once every 6 months.

robtown 01-20-08 07:56 PM


Originally Posted by Daily Commute (Post 4883715)
I think the best bang for the buck is Performance's annoyingly named Viewpoint Flashpoint. It is very bright, operates on AAA, has a reflector, and costs only $15.

http://www.performancebike.com/produ...-NCL-ANGLE.jpg

I have/had a couple of these & they are very bright. Recently, they've gone out or dim when the batteries were relatively new (i.e. recharged). That may be an issue with the NiMh batteries - or not.
I've bought a couple dionettes. They are very bright. I've adapted a 6v water bottle battery and a 7.2v NiCd RC battery to use since they last much longer between charges and are easier than 4 AAs to charge.

Michel Gagnon 01-23-08 09:23 PM


Originally Posted by robtown (Post 6018759)
I have/had a couple of these & they are very bright. Recently, they've gone out or dim when the batteries were relatively new (i.e. recharged). That may be an issue with the NiMh batteries - or not. ...

If you have a voltmeter, check the battery voltage when the lights get dim. It's likely that you have a dying battery. Generally, both batteries loose voltage (i.e. charge) at a similar rate, but when one is dying, you can read 1-1.2 V for one battery... and a mere 0,6 V for the other. Replace the weaker one and you should be OK.

InTheRain 01-24-08 12:24 AM


Originally Posted by robtown (Post 6018759)
I have/had a couple of these & they are very bright. Recently, they've gone out or dim when the batteries were relatively new (i.e. recharged). That may be an issue with the NiMh batteries - or not.
I've bought a couple dionettes. They are very bright. I've adapted a 6v water bottle battery and a 7.2v NiCd RC battery to use since they last much longer between charges and are easier than 4 AAs to charge.

Easier to charge than 4 AAs??... I charge my 4AAs in 15 minutes. Duracell 2650 mAh batteries. I carry an extra set that is charged or an extra set of "hybrid" batteries that retain there charge when not in use. I love dinotte lights though... saving money for the tail light and the new 600L headlight (currently running a 200L headlight)


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