what to do for visibility to the sides?
#51
Frame Catastrophizer
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after seeing them mentioned in this thread i got myself a set of multicolor tireflies.
holy freakin bright! i think i may have damaged my retinas.
holy freakin bright! i think i may have damaged my retinas.
#52
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I'd be a lot more likely to use these 'spokelit' type devices if they would just use some batteries that were both inexpensive and rechargable. -AAA recharagables would get me totally sold on em.
I'm really not willing to shell out like 5$ a pop for the new expensive watch battery each time they run low, also wouldnt feel right about the environmental issues of throwing away dead batteries full of acid...
I'm really not willing to shell out like 5$ a pop for the new expensive watch battery each time they run low, also wouldnt feel right about the environmental issues of throwing away dead batteries full of acid...
#53
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FWIW, I got a pack of 20 for a couple of bucks from DealExtreme (that's including the shipping). I have a feeling they will last quite a while, I set mine on blink mode.
#54
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I've seen some expensive rechargable watch batteries, but that of course goes against the cheap requirement, that and they need custom made chargers...
#56
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+1 helmet lamp. I used a $10 walmart LED camping headlamp and I can't tell you how many drivers yelled obnoxious comments about my helmet light out their window after having it pointed in their face. And it was great; getting yelled at on a bike for being seen by cars sure beats getting hit by a car.
#57
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You could try some elwire uses rechargeable AAs. Blink and steady mode. The bike has reflective tape and tires with reflective sidewalls also.

Note: The wire was on an xtracycle.

Note: The wire was on an xtracycle.
#58
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+1 on DLG Not just side protection, but all-around. I've noticed drivers going out of their way to give me room when they pass.
In fact, there was one jackhole who nearly caused an accident because s/he was in too much of a hurry that s/he didn't notice an oncoming car and forced it onto the curb. 


#61
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Oooh... nice did you get that stuff here?
I got some years ago that was only 5ft and used 2AA that I had used to light up my helmet but I think I got that at my old LBS who carried all sorts of weird stuff.
Note: I wouldn't buy cold cathode tubes from Vibelights. I bought red and they were _PINK_ which would have been ok but one was alot less bright then the other and they had to be used in pairs. I tried contacting them and received no response.
#62
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#63
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Blinking Gloves
Hi,
I do quite a bit of commuting in the dark, especially during this time of the year. One of my many layers of defense are my gloves. They have a small LED on back side of each hand and can be set to blink or to be solid red. The side benefit is that they are pretty good at keeping my hands warm as well.
I would also suggest putting a set of LED lights on the front of your helmet. That way a turn of your head towards the vehicle will shine light on the driver and alert them to your presence.
Best Wishes,
Butch
I do quite a bit of commuting in the dark, especially during this time of the year. One of my many layers of defense are my gloves. They have a small LED on back side of each hand and can be set to blink or to be solid red. The side benefit is that they are pretty good at keeping my hands warm as well.
I would also suggest putting a set of LED lights on the front of your helmet. That way a turn of your head towards the vehicle will shine light on the driver and alert them to your presence.
Best Wishes,
Butch
#64
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https://www.infinitelights.com/
Cheap coin cell batteries in bulk. They have a shelf life of 10yrs,so you can stock up on them. And as far as I know they're ok for the trash,lots of battery companies going green.
Cheap coin cell batteries in bulk. They have a shelf life of 10yrs,so you can stock up on them. And as far as I know they're ok for the trash,lots of battery companies going green.
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#65
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I'm convinced that people just think they have every right to pass obstacles no matter how much of the oncoming lane they take up. Other moving cars are, of course, not considered obstacles, but just about everything else is, including bicycles. I'm waiting for the day someone tries to pass me in the oncoming lane, hits another car head-on, and tries to blame it on me. "Sorry, sir/ma'am, it was your choice to pass me and therefore your fault. Why, yes, I am on the phone with 911, why do you ask?"