what rear tail light
#51
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,528
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From: midwest
Bikes: 2018 Roubaix Expert Di2, 2016 Diverge Expert X1
How about the vis 180 micro?
EDIT:
I went ahead and ordered a Serfas TL60. I wanted something that would show up daylight to dusk and that I can clip on a bag. Wish it were waterproof. Will post some impressions.
Impression: can a light be too bright? LOL. Good clip - I will use it on by seat bag.
EDIT:
I went ahead and ordered a Serfas TL60. I wanted something that would show up daylight to dusk and that I can clip on a bag. Wish it were waterproof. Will post some impressions.
Impression: can a light be too bright? LOL. Good clip - I will use it on by seat bag.
Last edited by GeneO; 04-09-13 at 04:56 PM. Reason: Update
#52
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 6
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For a decent review of less expensive tail lights check out https://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.
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.
#53
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,043
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From: Indianapolis
Bikes: Fairdale Weekender Drop, Motobecane 29LTD, Cannondale H400, Basso Coral
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: https://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.
Those larger lights looked like this: https://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.
#54
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 8,543
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From: England / CPH
Bikes: 2010 Cube Acid / 2013 Mango FGSS
I was just eyeing the below light at Rivendell. Looks quite effective from the descriptions provided.
https://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.
https://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.
would get the dynamo model and couple with dynamo personally.
#55
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Joined: Sep 2012
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From: Indianapolis
Bikes: Fairdale Weekender Drop, Motobecane 29LTD, Cannondale H400, Basso Coral
For a decent review of less expensive tail lights check out https://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.
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.
#56
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 13,748
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From: Michigan
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
This was my solution:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:65732
I've got that Serfas coming, but I'll probably clip that to the back of the bag there, not sure if I'll leave the mount with the Knog.
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#57
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Michigan
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
Thanks. I'll compare the two. I have a Hotshot now. it is quite bright but it's a spotlight. I really want something that spreads the beam out a lot more than the Hotshot does.
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#58
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,954
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From: NE Indiana
Bikes: 2020 Masi Giramondo 700c; 2013 Lynskey Peloton; 1992 Giant Rincon; 1989 Dawes needs parts; 1985 Trek 660; 1985 Fuji Club; 1984 Schwinn Voyager; 1984 Miyata 612; 1977 Raleigh Competition GS
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.
#59
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,043
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From: Indianapolis
Bikes: Fairdale Weekender Drop, Motobecane 29LTD, Cannondale H400, Basso Coral
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.
#60
My boss uses the PlanetBike Superflash, while I use the Vis180 Micro by Light and Motion.
Both are very bright. I think the Superflash grabs your attention faster because of the flash pattern - but the Vis180 is a brighter piercing ray of red and amber - it almost looks like a red pulsing beacon normally seen on aircraft.
The Superflash is definitely cheaper and a good buy, but it uses AAA batteries, while mine is rechargeable via USB. Considering I work on computers all day, the USB charge is a huge perk.
Both are very bright. I think the Superflash grabs your attention faster because of the flash pattern - but the Vis180 is a brighter piercing ray of red and amber - it almost looks like a red pulsing beacon normally seen on aircraft.
The Superflash is definitely cheaper and a good buy, but it uses AAA batteries, while mine is rechargeable via USB. Considering I work on computers all day, the USB charge is a huge perk.
#62
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,391
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From: Memphis TN area
Bikes: 2011 Felt Z85 (road/commuter), 2006 Marin Pine Mountain (utility/commuter E-bike), 1995 KHS Alite 1000 (gravel grinder)
IMHO the Cygolite Hotshot is the absolute best bang for the buck light you can get. Pretty sure it's the brightest rear light available for $30 or less, that also is USB rechargeable. I did have a L&M Vis180 Micro... for a day. Didn't even use it on one ride. The first time I tried to plug it in, the USB port inside the light broke off the PC board. Returned it and got the Hotshot. Yes the 180 definitely has a wider beam pattern which is nice, but the price and build quality (the rubber strap "mount" is pure crap) really turned me off from it.
I also use a Cygolite ExpiliOn 700 front light, which IMHO is also probably the best rechargeable self-contained light out there, i.e. no separate battery pack with wires running all over the place. The bar mount included with the ExpiliOn is VERY good, also. It also comes with a helmet mount that I rigged up to attach to the stem of my other bike.
I also use a Cygolite ExpiliOn 700 front light, which IMHO is also probably the best rechargeable self-contained light out there, i.e. no separate battery pack with wires running all over the place. The bar mount included with the ExpiliOn is VERY good, also. It also comes with a helmet mount that I rigged up to attach to the stem of my other bike.
#63
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Joined: Jul 2010
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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?
#64
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,954
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From: NE Indiana
Bikes: 2020 Masi Giramondo 700c; 2013 Lynskey Peloton; 1992 Giant Rincon; 1989 Dawes needs parts; 1985 Trek 660; 1985 Fuji Club; 1984 Schwinn Voyager; 1984 Miyata 612; 1977 Raleigh Competition GS
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?
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.
#65
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Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Memphis TN area
Bikes: 2011 Felt Z85 (road/commuter), 2006 Marin Pine Mountain (utility/commuter E-bike), 1995 KHS Alite 1000 (gravel grinder)
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.
#66
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,391
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From: Memphis TN area
Bikes: 2011 Felt Z85 (road/commuter), 2006 Marin Pine Mountain (utility/commuter E-bike), 1995 KHS Alite 1000 (gravel grinder)
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.
#67
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,954
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From: NE Indiana
Bikes: 2020 Masi Giramondo 700c; 2013 Lynskey Peloton; 1992 Giant Rincon; 1989 Dawes needs parts; 1985 Trek 660; 1985 Fuji Club; 1984 Schwinn Voyager; 1984 Miyata 612; 1977 Raleigh Competition GS
Supposedly the smaller Li-On batteries found in those small tail lights cannot be charged for 1,000 times, my understanding their about 500 times. But just to make sure I sent an E-mail to Cygolite with that question, I will share their answer when I hear back.
Front lights use larger batteries, those could probably do 1000 cycles. Almost all rechargeable lights use a proprietary system, Cygolite ExpiliOn is a user replaceable battery that you can order from Cygollite. The Phillip Saferide uses 4AA rechargeable batteries instead so you don't have to order an expensive proprietary battery from the manufacture.
Front lights use larger batteries, those could probably do 1000 cycles. Almost all rechargeable lights use a proprietary system, Cygolite ExpiliOn is a user replaceable battery that you can order from Cygollite. The Phillip Saferide uses 4AA rechargeable batteries instead so you don't have to order an expensive proprietary battery from the manufacture.
#68
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Michigan
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
I just got the Serfas in last night and did a quick video. I posted it here:
https://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.
https://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.
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Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
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#69
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,391
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From: Memphis TN area
Bikes: 2011 Felt Z85 (road/commuter), 2006 Marin Pine Mountain (utility/commuter E-bike), 1995 KHS Alite 1000 (gravel grinder)
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.
I wonder if the clip on the Serfas light would fit any of my other spare light mount clamps I have laying around.
#70
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 13,748
Likes: 10
From: Michigan
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
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.
I wonder if the clip on the Serfas light would fit any of my other spare light mount clamps I have laying around.
I think it's WAY better than the "here's a really big clamp, and a whole bag full of different rubber straps to use to make it fit anything smaller than a MTB frame" that you get with other lights.
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Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
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#71
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,954
Likes: 387
From: NE Indiana
Bikes: 2020 Masi Giramondo 700c; 2013 Lynskey Peloton; 1992 Giant Rincon; 1989 Dawes needs parts; 1985 Trek 660; 1985 Fuji Club; 1984 Schwinn Voyager; 1984 Miyata 612; 1977 Raleigh Competition GS
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.
Dear Froze,The battery should go through approx 500 charge cycles before starting to see shorter run times. The battery is not user replaceable, however if you want the battery replaced you can send the light in and we can replace the battery at a nonimal charge.
Sincerely,
Ed
Cygolite
Customer service
714-437-7752
#72
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,391
Likes: 13
From: Memphis TN area
Bikes: 2011 Felt Z85 (road/commuter), 2006 Marin Pine Mountain (utility/commuter E-bike), 1995 KHS Alite 1000 (gravel grinder)
meh I'd probably just spend less than $30 for a new one. With my use my Hotshot lasts at least a week on a charge. I actually don't know how long it will last with normal use. But charging every week that's almost 10 years.
#73
Cygolite hotshot, PB superflash turbo, and PWD Radbot 1000
I have a few of each and mix and match them on my bike...up to four mounted on the back.
Some I set to blink and some are left solid.
After a point, a larger light footprint gets me noticed more than one small but brighter light, IMHO.
I have a few of each and mix and match them on my bike...up to four mounted on the back.
Some I set to blink and some are left solid.
After a point, a larger light footprint gets me noticed more than one small but brighter light, IMHO.
#74
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,043
Likes: 17
From: Indianapolis
Bikes: Fairdale Weekender Drop, Motobecane 29LTD, Cannondale H400, Basso Coral
I just got the Serfas in last night and did a quick video. I posted it here:
https://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.
https://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.
#75
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 238
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From: Tryon
Bikes: Trek 1.2 & Single Speed Rain Bike
For a couple of years now, I have been running the Radbot 1000 on the rear and Minewt 600 on the front. I get plenty of my friends (cagers) tell me they couldn't believe how bright my headlight is during the day. They can see me coming in the complex towards them. I asked about the Radbot and one friend of mine said that it caught his eye from a great distance, since it looked like flashing police lights.
I prefer, batteries in the rear light in case they die, I can pick them up anywhere. My Minewt I plug in about once a week. I have so many things on a charger strip that I prefer batteries sometimes. The Radbot batteries last forever...I think I change them once every 3 months or so just to be safe, I have yet to see them run down completely. I ride about 1 to 1.5 hours a day.
EDIT: Now for that Serfas....wow! I like that! Time to save up some cash...
I prefer, batteries in the rear light in case they die, I can pick them up anywhere. My Minewt I plug in about once a week. I have so many things on a charger strip that I prefer batteries sometimes. The Radbot batteries last forever...I think I change them once every 3 months or so just to be safe, I have yet to see them run down completely. I ride about 1 to 1.5 hours a day.
EDIT: Now for that Serfas....wow! I like that! Time to save up some cash...
Last edited by g0tr00t; 04-11-13 at 07:55 AM.




