Best Tail light
#51
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 6,431
Likes: 44
From: Minneapolis, MN
I require one on mine as well - I use 2 rear lights because the d!@#@! things don't give you any warning before the battery dies and I've gotten home to find out one of them turned off because it ran out of battery. There's simply a limited amount of space on the back of my bike for lights, and I don't have room for 2 lights plus an additional reflect on any of my bikes.
#52
Seņior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 13,748
Likes: 10
From: Michigan
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
RE batteries dying: if you're waiting for them to die, you're waiting far too long. In my experience they get dim way before they die.
The right answer is to use rechargable batteries and recharge them once a month or so. Ideally use low-self-discharge NiMH cells. By charging them when they're not dead yet you'll not only make them last longer but your lights will be brighter.
The right answer is to use rechargable batteries and recharge them once a month or so. Ideally use low-self-discharge NiMH cells. By charging them when they're not dead yet you'll not only make them last longer but your lights will be brighter.
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#53
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 6,431
Likes: 44
From: Minneapolis, MN
I just had it happen this week - the light seemed normally bright when I turned it on, 30 minutes later I noticed it was completely dead, wouldn't turn back on, with new batteries it worked again. :-(
EDIT: You know...actually, this last time I think what I wrote above might be wrong...I think this last time it turned out one of the batteries had been knocked out of connection somehow...hmm. My last one didn't seem unusually dim, but I'll try to keep an eye out in the future, it seemed like they didn't get dim but I'm not 100% sure now...
#55
Other than the rack mount...
How would you mount a light to the rack? I've toyed with the idea of mounting a light to the seat stay, but the rack strut would partially block it, and the rack stays are too narrow to mount a light to. Or am I missing something?
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#56
Godbotherer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,255
Likes: 0
From: Hermitage, TN
Bikes: 1986 Cannondale SR300 (full SRAM Apex) 1996 Cannondale R800 (Full SRAM Rival), 1997 Cannondale R200 (Shimano Tiagra), 2012 Cannondale CAAD 10-5, 1992 Bridgestone RB-1 (SRAM Force)
Hair ties and q-tips.
#57
I am a caffine girl
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,815
Likes: 1
From: Bay Area
Bikes: 2012 Stumpjumper FSR Comp...2010 Scott CR1 CF...2007 Novara FS Float2.0...2009 Specialized Hardrock Disc...2009 Schwinn Le Tour GSr
RE batteries dying: if you're waiting for them to die, you're waiting far too long. In my experience they get dim way before they die.
The right answer is to use rechargable batteries and recharge them once a month or so. Ideally use low-self-discharge NiMH cells. By charging them when they're not dead yet you'll not only make them last longer but your lights will be brighter.
The right answer is to use rechargable batteries and recharge them once a month or so. Ideally use low-self-discharge NiMH cells. By charging them when they're not dead yet you'll not only make them last longer but your lights will be brighter.
I have yet to try the PBSF or the PDW1000 with rechargable.
#60
Here's what I want in a tail light:
1. Built in reflectivity. This seems like an obvious element that a surprising number of lights don't have.
2. Bright, but doesn't need to be so bright it blinds airplanes.
3. At least 180 degrees of visibility. I want to be seen from the side too.
4. A mounting bracket that screws down with a clamp. Elastic band straps always break or slide down on me.
5. $20 - $40 price range
I started researching but found it annoying how hard it is to get all these elements in a light. Anybody have a light with all/most of these features that they'd recommend? The Cateye Reflex LD560 seems good...anybody use that light?
1. Built in reflectivity. This seems like an obvious element that a surprising number of lights don't have.
2. Bright, but doesn't need to be so bright it blinds airplanes.
3. At least 180 degrees of visibility. I want to be seen from the side too.
4. A mounting bracket that screws down with a clamp. Elastic band straps always break or slide down on me.
5. $20 - $40 price range
I started researching but found it annoying how hard it is to get all these elements in a light. Anybody have a light with all/most of these features that they'd recommend? The Cateye Reflex LD560 seems good...anybody use that light?
I won't trust all the dinky butt "bicycle" lights but I do this one!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...c_sfl_title_3?
ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER
This baby is "6 inches long 4 inches wide/tall 2 inches thick" Big!

Features....
1.)26 Super Bright LED's LED Magnifiers 360š Illumination Fast Flash or Constant On
2.)Seat-Post Mounting Bracket Self Supporting Stand Magnetic Back
3.)Polycarbonate Lens Rugged Construction Extremely Versatile
4.)Accessory Components Available Easy Access to Batteries
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My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
#61
Hope this rider has stock in a battery company!!
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My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
#62
I don't like flashers. Blinky lights distract drivers, and a distracted driver is a deadly driver. I like steady lights, visible, but not blinding - but someone needs to come out with a steady + slow pulse mode - the pulse to attract attention, the steady light so drivers and other cyclists can judge direction and speed.
#63
I don't like flashers. Blinky lights distract drivers, and a distracted driver is a deadly driver. I like steady lights, visible, but not blinding - but someone needs to come out with a steady + slow pulse mode - the pulse to attract attention, the steady light so drivers and other cyclists can judge direction and speed.
For an example of differentiating oneself from the background, skip to about 6 minutes into this video. 45mph zone, seven lanes, rain, glare, pitch dark. Yeah, I'll be running flashing mode...
#64
Biology says you're wrong. Humans, like most dinural binocular mammals, are positive-phototaxis organisms. This means we instinctively seek light - it helps us see better. If an unusual light catches our eye, we instinctively move toward it.
If you have a random blinkey thing on your bike, and an inattentive driver, you can see where this is going. Cops and tow-truck drivers can all tell you the same thing - once they turn on the flashers, the close calls start to happen.
Modern emergency flashers all do predictable patterns, usually an arrow-shape pointing around the cruiser or tow-truck.
This is why I want a steady light plus slow pulse.
If you have a random blinkey thing on your bike, and an inattentive driver, you can see where this is going. Cops and tow-truck drivers can all tell you the same thing - once they turn on the flashers, the close calls start to happen.
Modern emergency flashers all do predictable patterns, usually an arrow-shape pointing around the cruiser or tow-truck.
This is why I want a steady light plus slow pulse.
#65
Middle-Aged Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 2,276
Likes: 1
From: Mesa, AZ
Bikes: Bianchi Infinito CV 2014, TREK HIFI 2011, Argon18 E-116 2013
why on earth was the first sentence necessary? Especially since you had to clarify it in the next!
For an alternative to simple blinking there is the Blackburn MARS 3, it has a wiggle pattern and there is chrome behind the red lens
For an alternative to simple blinking there is the Blackburn MARS 3, it has a wiggle pattern and there is chrome behind the red lens
#66
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 125
Biology says you're wrong. Humans, like most dinural binocular mammals, are positive-phototaxis organisms. This means we instinctively seek light - it helps us see better. If an unusual light catches our eye, we instinctively move toward it.
If you have a random blinkey thing on your bike, and an inattentive driver, you can see where this is going. Cops and tow-truck drivers can all tell you the same thing - once they turn on the flashers, the close calls start to happen.
Modern emergency flashers all do predictable patterns, usually an arrow-shape pointing around the cruiser or tow-truck.
This is why I want a steady light plus slow pulse.
If you have a random blinkey thing on your bike, and an inattentive driver, you can see where this is going. Cops and tow-truck drivers can all tell you the same thing - once they turn on the flashers, the close calls start to happen.
Modern emergency flashers all do predictable patterns, usually an arrow-shape pointing around the cruiser or tow-truck.
This is why I want a steady light plus slow pulse.
#67
Papaya King
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,640
Likes: 2
From: Columbus, Ohio (Grandview area)
Bikes: 2009 Felt X City D, 1985 (?) Trek 400, 1995 (?) Specialized Rockhopper, 1995 Trek 850
I would think 'the close calls start to happen' then because that is when they are stopped on or beside the roadway.
#68
Senior Member

Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 4,681
Likes: 253
From: Minnesota
Bikes: N+1=5
I don't agree with the blinky=bad thing either. I ride with a Dinotte 400R which is incredibly bright. I run it in the most obnoxious flash pattern it has. What happens is when cars come up behind me, they slow way down and move as far away from me as they can get which is exactly what I want. My "close calls" dropped way off when I started using this light.
J.
J.
#69
Galveston County Texas
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 33,335
Likes: 1,285
From: In The Wind
Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum
I use a Dinnotte 140L going on three years now.
Watching in my mirror I see the vehicles moving left away from me way back.
I Get stopped every week by drivers giving the thumbs up and asking, what is that light.
I made small hand out card, with all of the details of the light.
Watching in my mirror I see the vehicles moving left away from me way back.
I Get stopped every week by drivers giving the thumbs up and asking, what is that light.
I made small hand out card, with all of the details of the light.
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Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
#71
Galveston County Texas
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 33,335
Likes: 1,285
From: In The Wind
Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum
#72
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 6,431
Likes: 44
From: Minneapolis, MN
I don't agree with the blinky=bad thing either. I ride with a Dinotte 400R which is incredibly bright. I run it in the most obnoxious flash pattern it has. What happens is when cars come up behind me, they slow way down and move as far away from me as they can get which is exactly what I want. My "close calls" dropped way off when I started using this light.
J.
J.
#74
Seņior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 13,748
Likes: 10
From: Michigan
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
I have the DX SuperFlash clone, and last week I switched from the seizure flash (very PBSF-like) to the slow flash where all 3 LEDs flash about once a second. I like it better.
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Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
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#75
Seņior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 13,748
Likes: 10
From: Michigan
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
As far as I can tell, the MagicShine taillight has the same driver and lens as the Dinotte 140L. It costs $30 if you already have a MagicShine headlight and battery, something like $60 if you need the battery and charger too.
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Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
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