Headlight/Tail Light
#2
Just a person on bike


Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,140
Likes: 90
From: Seattle, WA
Bikes: 2015 Trek 1.1, 2021 Specialized Roubaix, 2022 Tern HSD S+
I use the Serfas Thunderbolt USB Taillight.
Pros: It's very bright, has four modes (hi, low, hi-flash, low-flash) and is USB-rechargeable.
Cons: It needs recharging every 2-3 days. A full charge takes 2-3 hours.
I mount it on the seat post.
Pros: It's very bright, has four modes (hi, low, hi-flash, low-flash) and is USB-rechargeable.
Cons: It needs recharging every 2-3 days. A full charge takes 2-3 hours.
I mount it on the seat post.
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The value of your life doesn't change based on the way you travel. - Dawn Schellenberg (SDOT)
The value of your life doesn't change based on the way you travel. - Dawn Schellenberg (SDOT)
#3
Newbie
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Planet bike super flash micro USB strapped to the back of my helmet, and one I don't know the brand strapped to the seat post for the rear lights.
MEC Plasma USB LED front light for a flasher on the front. Not bright enough for a "to-see" light, but on flash it's great for a "be-seen" light. For a "to-see" light on the front, I've been using a Nitecore MT26 flashlight ghetto rigged on with inner tube rubber bands. Not an ideal mounting system, but it works pretty good. Waiting for some Twofish bike mount knockoffs from Deal Extreme to try them out.
Trying a couple of different flashlights just velcro strapped to my helmet for a headlight for night time trail riding to see around corners before I'm going through them. Still on the hunt for a light with good run time and output without being too heavy and bulky.
MEC Plasma USB LED front light for a flasher on the front. Not bright enough for a "to-see" light, but on flash it's great for a "be-seen" light. For a "to-see" light on the front, I've been using a Nitecore MT26 flashlight ghetto rigged on with inner tube rubber bands. Not an ideal mounting system, but it works pretty good. Waiting for some Twofish bike mount knockoffs from Deal Extreme to try them out.
Trying a couple of different flashlights just velcro strapped to my helmet for a headlight for night time trail riding to see around corners before I'm going through them. Still on the hunt for a light with good run time and output without being too heavy and bulky.
#4
Senior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 97
Bikes: Working on replacing my stolen Soma Buena Vista Mixte
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 473
Likes: 2
From: Singapore
Bikes: Cruzbike Flamingo folding conversion, Oyama East Village
I use the Niteflux White Zone 5 and Red Zone 4
Edit: Inserted video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKGL6lmqtrE
Edit: Inserted video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKGL6lmqtrE
Last edited by Shahmatt; 05-31-14 at 10:11 PM.
#7
Senior Member


Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 30,473
Likes: 4,556
From: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
whatever you get - get something bright. I saw a guy the other day and as I passed him in my car I noticed he had a rear facing DIM blinkie on his seat post. it was insignificant and did nothing to keep him safe. fortunately he was wearing hi-vis clothing and he had a decent front light.
#8
Full Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 319
Likes: 17
From: Dayton, OH
Bikes: '97 Cannondale M500; '14 Specialized Secteur Compact; '21 Trek Roscoe 7
I just bought this headlight. after some simple research I couldn't find a better light for the price.
Amazon.com: NiteRider Lumina 700 USB Rechargeable Bike Light: Sports & Outdoors
found a great review and enjoyed seeing that the measured brightness was giving away only 8 lumens from the advertised brightness.
Review: NiteRider Lumina 700 | Mountain Bike Review
I haven't actually used it since it was delivered just yesterday, but it was pretty damn bright when I took it out after dark last night.
I have a pretty simple tail light. I think it runs on a couple watch batteries. I have a feeling that will be upgraded over the next couple months.
Amazon.com: NiteRider Lumina 700 USB Rechargeable Bike Light: Sports & Outdoors
found a great review and enjoyed seeing that the measured brightness was giving away only 8 lumens from the advertised brightness.
Review: NiteRider Lumina 700 | Mountain Bike Review
I haven't actually used it since it was delivered just yesterday, but it was pretty damn bright when I took it out after dark last night.
I have a pretty simple tail light. I think it runs on a couple watch batteries. I have a feeling that will be upgraded over the next couple months.
#9
Tractorlegs
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,185
Likes: 60
From: El Paso, TX
Bikes: Schwinn Meridian Single-Speed Tricycle
I use a NiteRider Lumina 700 and a CygoLite Trion 1300 on the front, and a CygoLite HotShot along with a Planet Bike SuperFlash Turbo on the rear.
The front lights when on high are about 2000 lumens, which is really too bright under most riding situations so 80% of the time I just use one light. I use both when I'm out in the middle of nowhere and need a big light spread or on the early morning leg of my commute, before sunrise, when no cars are out.
The front lights when on high are about 2000 lumens, which is really too bright under most riding situations so 80% of the time I just use one light. I use both when I'm out in the middle of nowhere and need a big light spread or on the early morning leg of my commute, before sunrise, when no cars are out.
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Trikeman
Trikeman
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: Maui, HI>Denver, CO>Seattle, WA
Bikes: Specialized Sirrus, Giant Defy 1
I'm currently using a Light & Motion Urban 400 headlight. Very bright for my needs, USB rechargable, and I really like the tool less mounting system. I'm able to swap it between my two bikes.
For or my taillight, I'm using a Portland Design Works Radbot1000 on both bikes. Three modes(steady, flash, and buzz/pop). I like the reflector that's built in. It came useful a few years ago when my batteries dies on a commute home. My only con is that its battery operable.
For or my taillight, I'm using a Portland Design Works Radbot1000 on both bikes. Three modes(steady, flash, and buzz/pop). I like the reflector that's built in. It came useful a few years ago when my batteries dies on a commute home. My only con is that its battery operable.
#11
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,850
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster, PA, USA
Bikes: 2012 Trek Allant, 2016 Bianchi Volpe Disc
Lots of choices for lights. Get a nice, bright "light-to-see" headlight (I use MagicShine 808) and a bright "light-to-be-seen" taillight (I use CatEye Rapid 3).
More importantly, wear lots of reflective clothing if you'll be riding in the dark. A driver will see a floating red light and not take much notice. If they see a fully outlined rider, they'll know what's coming up. I wear a reflective vest from Home Depot, GloGloves, and some reflective ankle straps.
More importantly, wear lots of reflective clothing if you'll be riding in the dark. A driver will see a floating red light and not take much notice. If they see a fully outlined rider, they'll know what's coming up. I wear a reflective vest from Home Depot, GloGloves, and some reflective ankle straps.
#12
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,187
Likes: 6,421
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
I have lots of bikes, and this setup is my favorite among all of them. I never have to recharge batteries. The lights come on as soon as the bike starts rolling. They stay on for a few minutes after the bike stops. Total cost was about $160.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments. Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments. Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#13
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 144
Likes: 20
From: Idaho
Bikes: Surly Ogre, Cannondale Topstone 105
Busch & Muller dynamo headlight / tail light combo, plus a CygoLite Metro 360 helmet mount (flash mode) and a Light & Motion Vis 180 mounted to rear of helmet in pulse mode.
#14
I have a Lupine Piko 3, although I do not believe the Piko 3 is available now. They have other models. It is very bright, throws a very nice beam, is small and lasts a long time. If I ever have to replace it, I will go with another Lupine. I've had it for three years now and it still works well. Lupine Lighting Systems - Bike- and Helmetlights
For the rear, I have a Busch & Muller mounted on the rack: Discount Busch & Muller 4D Toplight Taillights, TheTouringStore.com
I also use a Superflash on the seatpost.
For the rear, I have a Busch & Muller mounted on the rack: Discount Busch & Muller 4D Toplight Taillights, TheTouringStore.com
I also use a Superflash on the seatpost.
#15
Passista


Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,247
Likes: 1,211
Bikes: 1998 Pinarello Asolo, 1992 KHS Montaña pro, 1980 Raleigh DL-1, IGH Hybrid, IGH Utility
I prefer dynamo lighting. Always there, no need to worry about recharging or replacing batteries. Hub dynamos are better but more expensive. For short rides a sidewall dynamo is OK and much cheaper, since you don't need a special wheel.
#16
Senior Member


Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 30,473
Likes: 4,556
From: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
thought of this thread this morning driving to work. a biker had a good strobe and that caught my attention at some distance. which is good cuz he was dressed in all black and riding on the right shoulder in deep shade. if it wasn't for the strobe I would not have noticed him until I was much closer. because I saw him at a distance I was able to plan my pass with inconveniencing myself or other drivers coming from the other direction. not only was he wearing all black he was also wearing a black backpack. I gotta think he could don some hi-vis somewhere on his body ...
#19
Banned
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 43,586
Likes: 1,380
From: NW,Oregon Coast
Bikes: 8
B&M headlight & rear red standlight, both out of production.
https://www.bumm.de/
#20
Senior Member

Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,179
Likes: 78
From: Madison, Wi.
Bikes: Jamis Quest Elite; Fuji Sagres; Trek Fuel EX 8
I just bought this headlight. after some simple research I couldn't find a better light for the price.
Amazon.com: NiteRider Lumina 700 USB Rechargeable Bike Light: Sports & Outdoors
found a great review and enjoyed seeing that the measured brightness was giving away only 8 lumens from the advertised brightness.
Review: NiteRider Lumina 700 | Mountain Bike Review
I haven't actually used it since it was delivered just yesterday, but it was pretty damn bright when I took it out after dark last night.
I have a pretty simple tail light. I think it runs on a couple watch batteries. I have a feeling that will be upgraded over the next couple months.
Amazon.com: NiteRider Lumina 700 USB Rechargeable Bike Light: Sports & Outdoors
found a great review and enjoyed seeing that the measured brightness was giving away only 8 lumens from the advertised brightness.
Review: NiteRider Lumina 700 | Mountain Bike Review
I haven't actually used it since it was delivered just yesterday, but it was pretty damn bright when I took it out after dark last night.
I have a pretty simple tail light. I think it runs on a couple watch batteries. I have a feeling that will be upgraded over the next couple months.
For rear, I use the Planet Bike Superflash. Works well, too.
#21
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,828
Likes: 1
From: West Georgia
Bikes: K2 Mod 5.0 Roadie, Fuji Commuter
#22
contiuniously variable

Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 2,280
Likes: 9
From: Southeastern Pennsylvania
Bikes: 2012 Breezer Uptown Infinity, Fuji Varsity
Where are You looking/ asking? the company may have replaced the earlier models with a newer design?
Busch & Müller: Home
Busch & Müller: Home
- Andy
#23
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,162
Likes: 647
From: Brooklyn NY
Bikes: Kuota Kredo/Chorus, Trek 7000 commuter, Trek 8000 MTB and a few others
B&M Cyo Premium dynamo light in the front, Planet Bike Super Flash battery light in the back. Still waiting on my Magnic light for the rear, which I still think is the coolest light of them all. It is self contained, touchless, no wires, no batteries. I had one but I lost it when I didn't tighten the mounting bolt sufficiently. The new version was funded by kickstarter and he's late getting them out.
#24
Junior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
I use Sparse Headlight/Tail Light combination. Its more for city use and while I love them, unless you can bring your bike inside to charge them (they're non-removable) I wouldn't suggest them. The front light is more a be seen light and is great for the city.
#25
I have a CatEye Opti-Cube for my headlight, and a Planet Bike blinky for my tail light.
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