Originally Posted by rekmeyata (Post 15470563)

I didn't use red glass, I simply used red tail light repair tape found at automotive stores. I tried one layer first and the light still appeared almost white, so I went with two layers and the light appeared sort of light violet, then I tried 3 layers and that did it. Did going from white to red bring down the intensity of the white light? Yes, but not so much to make it useless, it's the brightest tail light I have and the brightest I've seen where I live. The only tail lights I've seen that were more noticeable were a couple of cyclists I saw who had those large 5" x 4" rectangular shaped lights with a dozen or more LED's.

Those larger lights looked like this: http://www.ledsafetylights.com/safet...p?ProductID=85 While each LED is not near as bright as my one single LED, but the combined effort of 18 leds in a large area makes the light extremely noticeable and you can see it fast from very far away...like a car or motorcycle tail light. Those are probably the best bicycle tail light for noticebility you can get currently for a light, but few cyclist want such a large light on their bikes.

Originally Posted by Medic Zero (Post 15458837)

I was just eyeing the below light at Rivendell. Looks quite effective from the descriptions provided.

http://www.rivbike.com/product-p/lt009.htm

I can't justify the expense right now, otherwise I would pick it up to try it out, I've added it to my list of parts for my touring rigs overhaul though.

I can't really reccommend the light I mounted on the rear of my girlfriends rack, I found out after I bought it that it has a reputation for failures, but hers has been working well, it is quite bright with a little bit of a variation which helps catch the eye. I can't remember the brand/model, I'll check when I finally make it home from work and school later today.

Originally Posted by Turtle01 (Post 15472070)

For a decent review of less expensive tail lights check out http://bicycles.blogoverflow.com/201...-light-review/

I'm in need of a replacement light since two of mine are pretty old and my other is a Knog that doesn't cut it in the daytime/early dusk.

Originally Posted by GeneO (Post 15471660)

Anybody have a KNOG Blinder 4V?
I am thinking about pulling the trigger. Waterproof is a plus on it:

Ah, I see some have, up this post. I think I don't have enough seatpost with the bag there. So looks like KNOG is out.

Back to drawing board :D

Originally Posted by spare_wheel (Post 15470192)

its the same 2 watt led found in the cygolite ($25-30) ==> ~60 lumens.
the cycgolite has much better batteries than the other similar lights (li ion).

Originally Posted by arsprod (Post 15472683)

Ooh, I want one of those, "OTHER USES & APPLICATIONS FOR THE F-262 LIGHT BY ITSELF W/O THE BIKE BRACKET... Helicopter Landing Zones"

Originally Posted by rekmeyata (Post 15475621)

I hear you man, but those large lights are extremely effective. Someday I hope you get to see one, it will surprise you as to how much better they are from the typical 1 to 2 watt single LED tail light, but even though I've seen a couple and know their more effective...I wouldn't want one on my bike. I've been safe for 40 years with what I've been using, but some people don't feel safe without something like that and for them they may need a large light.

Originally Posted by vol (Post 15492375)

Most of those USB charged lights have built-in batteries that can't be replaced, so there is a concern about the longevity. How long do those lights such as the HotShot last---or rather, how many recharges do they take before the batteries die? Also I guess after a considerable number of recharges the light will not be as bright as when they were new?

Originally Posted by rekmeyata (Post 15492405)

When you do get one of those lights make sure you fully charge the light for 24 hours even though the charge light says it's done charging, before using the light. Then for the next 3 uses make sure to run the battery all the way down and recharge all the way back up for 3 complete cycles, once that's done you don't have to worry about doing full discharges and recharges like batteries of yesterday anymore.

Originally Posted by PatrickGSR94 (Post 15492824)

ah might have to check out that Serfas light. However the mount looks like pure junk. Why the crap do they have to use some kind of rubber strap attachment system?? Why can't they just use a normal clamp like almost all other bike rear lights?

I wonder if the clip on the Serfas light would fit any of my other spare light mount clamps I have laying around.

Originally Posted by PatrickGSR94 (Post 15492407)

I believe I have read most lights like this can do at least 1,000 recharge cycles. With an 18650-based li-ion front light, the battery itself can be easily replaced, though you have to buy the proprietary Cygolite version for the ExpiliOn light. But for rear lights that draw much less power and last much longer on a single charge, the light should easily last years.

Originally Posted by ItsJustMe (Post 15492683)

I just got the Serfas in last night and did a quick video. I posted it here:

http://johnridley.blogspot.com/2013/...ther-test.html

In short, if the Cygolite Hotshot is using the same LED as the Serfas, they aren't taking full advantage of it. The Serfas is pretty amazing given its size, and they do manage to keep the runtime pretty reasonable. You're just not going to get 30+ hours out of a small light that bright but 3 to 10 depending on mode is pretty good.

I think it's cool that we have as much choice as we do. All the lights on that pole are OK, even the SuperFlash, even though it's badly outgunned, and all $60 and down, most < $40.