Dinotte Tail Light Alternative
06-30-08, 10:57 AM
#126
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A little late to the thread but I just did this test last night. Across the street at night (which is even less than 20m), it is most certainly NOT blinding. It is extremely bright and I wouldn't stare at it for hours. Of course if your windshield is dirty, you'll also get some glare. Probably time to wipe them dontcha think? Before something comes along and really does blind you...like an oncoming semi. In this way, the Dinotte might actually save countless lives serving as a gentle reminder to drivers to keep windshields clean, glasses unfogged and intentions pure 
BTW, I think a lot of the anti argument here is propogated by people who don't actually own a Dinotte or have never used it much. It's mostly envy isn't it? They can't or won't buy one, but are secretly envious; thus they manufacture arguments against it to make themselves feel better about not having one. For instance this ridiculous notion about the danger of "too much light." Really. From 140 lumens? Get real. Go out, beg borrow or steal one. Some of you may need to take out a bank loan because it's SO expensive. But really, get one, use it for a few weeks, and then see if your opinion changes any. Until then, no one will take you seriously anyway (but may find you amusing).
BTW, I think a lot of the anti argument here is propogated by people who don't actually own a Dinotte or have never used it much. It's mostly envy isn't it? They can't or won't buy one, but are secretly envious; thus they manufacture arguments against it to make themselves feel better about not having one. For instance this ridiculous notion about the danger of "too much light." Really. From 140 lumens? Get real. Go out, beg borrow or steal one. Some of you may need to take out a bank loan because it's SO expensive. But really, get one, use it for a few weeks, and then see if your opinion changes any. Until then, no one will take you seriously anyway (but may find you amusing).
06-30-08, 11:27 AM
#127
sic transit gloria mundi
Then do yourself a favor & get one. Preferably on sale for $100. With euro/$ at all time high this is no-brainer. What you'll get is the one and only day running rear light that might save you lots of trouble one day. Ever heard of motorcyclists rear-ended while just standing at an intersection waiting for the light to change? "Officer, I didn't see him", does this ring the bell? The bottom line is if you do lots of riding in traffic especially during the day, this is the light to have.
06-30-08, 12:15 PM
#128
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Then do yourself a favor & get one. Preferably on sale for $100. With euro/$ at all time high this is no-brainer. What you'll get is the one and only day running rear light that might save you lots of trouble one day. Ever heard of motorcyclists rear-ended while just standing at an intersection waiting for the light to change? "Officer, I didn't see him", does this ring the bell? The bottom line is if you do lots of riding in traffic especially during the day, this is the light to have.
06-30-08, 12:23 PM
#129
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+1 The OP asked for something that would compare with the Dinotte, and the short answer to that is that there is nothing else that compares. I have the Dinotte tail light, and two of their headlights - one mounted on the handlebars, and one on my helmet. The tail light especially has nothing else that comes close to it.
06-30-08, 01:09 PM
#130
sic transit gloria mundi
Well, to each his own according his needs, judgment & availability of funds. I never used Cateye TL but I doubt it's any better then the Superflash during the day when the sun is out (next to useless). As far as the short runtime goes, six hours is enough for my weekday rides & the batteries are charged on the weekends. The mount is certainly not elegant but it works fine on my seatpost & if you have a rear rack, then this is a non-issue. Of course, if your riding is on a bike path &/or at night on roads with low traffic, you do not need such a light. I do not use it on the weekends while riding my sport bike out of town on a bike path...
06-30-08, 01:14 PM
#131
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Well, to each his own according his needs, judgment & availability of funds. I never used Cateye TL but I doubt it's any better then the Superflash during the day when the sun is out (next to useless). As far as the short runtime goes, six hours is enough for my weekday rides & the batteries are charged on the weekends. The mount is certainly not elegant but it works fine on my seatpost & if you have a rear rack, then this is a non-issue. Of course, if your riding is on a bike path &/or at night on roads with low traffic, you do not need such a light. I do not use it on the weekends while riding my sport bike out of town on a bike path...
06-30-08, 02:03 PM
#132
sic transit gloria mundi
Well, it could be better but truth to be told, I do not think that the Cateye is any better for the daytime riding than their front blinkies that cost the same $30. Which are not that good. Otherwise I would get one of those instead of the Fenix. The point I am making is that I try to protect my rear as much as my front, even more so since I have two eyes upfront & no eyes down there, lol.
06-30-08, 02:47 PM
#133
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+1 The OP asked for something that would compare with the Dinotte, and the short answer to that is that there is nothing else that compares. I have the Dinotte tail light, and two of their headlights - one mounted on the handlebars, and one on my helmet. The tail light especially has nothing else that comes close to it.
This didn't last as people (on cars) told me to get rid of it as it was not only blinding, but also distracting. I knew this before I went out - but thinking that I'm protecting myself, I put it on anyway. Well, in hindsight, I was a jerk and I took it off after couple of outing.
Now I have a 3 Superflash in a custom mount and it seems to do the trick. By the way, I commute at night - around 11PM.
As for those who are worried about day time safety - try this. Instead of getting a $100 or $150 Dinotte light - go to your local Target department store and get a child carrier (one that you pull). I bought one on sale for $89.
With the child carrier - you would not believe how much room these cars will give you. But not to be a jerk again (they do look as they pass), I put a large sign saying its a "cargo" and not a child carrier. I don't want to ruin it for other riders with real child. Just a common courtesy.
06-30-08, 03:12 PM
#134
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+1 A dirty windshield is the sign of a stupid, ignorant, unsafe driver.
The good thing about Dinotte's taillight mount is that it's easy to tweak its aim while on the move. It's basically a friction mount rather than something you'd screw down, and it stays put unless you decide to move it. I've switched mine to its dim setting and aimed it nearly at the rear wheel, then swung it back to level once I got back onto the streets.
The good thing about Dinotte's taillight mount is that it's easy to tweak its aim while on the move. It's basically a friction mount rather than something you'd screw down, and it stays put unless you decide to move it. I've switched mine to its dim setting and aimed it nearly at the rear wheel, then swung it back to level once I got back onto the streets.
The light was aimed right into the eyes of passing drivers... On a lightly traveled country road, no less... When is a blinded driver safe for ANYONE on the road? Bicyclists, pedestrians, oncoming traffic?
I believe that it's all about using your lights responsibly. I have an HID kit installed on my motorcycle. This is considered by some to be unsafe, as the housing was not designed for that kind of light. A combination of a sharp beam cut off and proper adjustment, and there has never been any problems. I have never had anyone flash their high-beams at me.
The point of having a tail light at all is to be noticed by traffic, and make it easy for them to spot you location in your bike lane, so they don't nail you; right? When the light is directed into your eyes, it's very difficult to judge distances. I think a dinotte taillight works best at night when aimed at the ground behind you. There is no chance of missing that huge red swath on the road surface. That combined with a cheap blinkie light of almost any variety, and you are set. Furthermore, that swath is visible on the ground and around the bike from 360 degrees! Statistically, more accidents happen to bike and motorcycles from the side than the rear. Now you don't have to worry about anyones night vision being impaired, and you still get the satisfaction of having the craziest taillight on the market.
06-30-08, 08:33 PM
#135
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I said it before and I'll say it again. Dinotte Taillight owners are diehard believers. There's no convincing them it's silly.
To all dinotte owners, would you like a taillight that is 5x the current Dinotte? I'll happily make one for you, at a cost. With that light, it's bright enough that the motorist wants to run you over, if they do, I'm not liable.
To all dinotte owners, would you like a taillight that is 5x the current Dinotte? I'll happily make one for you, at a cost. With that light, it's bright enough that the motorist wants to run you over, if they do, I'm not liable.
06-30-08, 10:43 PM
#136
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Thank you for saying it again prophet. Some of us are just practical people who want a good day running light. I tried Superflash for that purpose & it just doesn't cut the mustard while Dinotte does. And as far as I know after researching the subject, it's the only one practical mass-produced rear day running light. Can you name another one? And no, I do not want your 5x light because what I have now is enough (just like Fenix is enough for my helmet) & I'm planning to use it until it burns out.
06-30-08, 10:52 PM
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Not sure if its comparable as I don't have a Dinotte Tail-light, but for a while, I had a Fenix L2D flashlight mounted on my seat post to do that function (with red cover). I believe Fenix is 200 lumen on Turbo?
The DiNotte strobe mode I prefer (5-pulse) is much less aggressive. The strobe is more of a paced blinking than an actual strobe, alternating 25%-100% output instead of 0%-100%. Since it's a flood beam, it's not as intense either (so aiming it straight back and aiming it downwards might make less difference than you think)
Now the Nova, yes, that has some actual strobe modes available, in addition to blinking modes. My favorite mode on the Nova is the triple-blink. One-two-three, one-two-three, just like a huge Cateye LD500 
Sounds like Dinotte might not be appropriate for a dark trail, but is appropriate if you bike down an unlit highway (for distance), or for commuting through NYC-style traffic and lights, or for daytime. Also appropriate if you are biking solo.
welcome to the rock concert. don't worry about your taillight being too "loud" in this environment
Congratulations on getting the SuperFlash, though, it's a good all-around light. I suggest aiming it dead-level, because its beam's hotspot is very narrow compared to The Taillight We Do Not Name Aloud, or The Other Taillight We Do Not Name Aloud
As for those who are worried about day time safety - try this. Instead of getting a $100 or $150 Dinotte light - go to your local Target department store and get a child carrier (one that you pull). I bought one on sale for $89.
But can you average 18mph+ with that? 
I think a dinotte taillight works best at night when aimed at the ground behind you. There is no chance of missing that huge red swath on the road surface.
Last edited by mechBgon; 07-01-08 at 12:29 AM.
06-30-08, 10:57 PM
#138
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Riga traffic is very similar to NYC traffic. Why would I need such a bright light when the cars barely move?
Here is a short clip of cyclists in downtown Riga traffic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCJ09U1amNo
Here is a short clip of cyclists in downtown Riga traffic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCJ09U1amNo
07-01-08, 11:52 AM
#139
sic transit gloria mundi
Riga traffic is very similar to NYC traffic. Why would I need such a bright light when the cars barely move?
Here is a short clip of cyclists in downtown Riga traffic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCJ09U1amNo
Here is a short clip of cyclists in downtown Riga traffic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCJ09U1amNo
07-02-08, 04:46 AM
#140
sic transit gloria mundi
In short, I'd like to minimize anything like that happening to me:
https://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/355882-cyclist-killed-meridian-idaho.html
https://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/355882-cyclist-killed-meridian-idaho.html
07-02-08, 05:03 AM
#141
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In short, I'd like to minimize anything like that happening to me:
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=355882
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=355882
Witnesses told police the driver of the Hummer lost control of her vehicle about 100 feet behind Howard.
The right wheels of the Hummer jumped the curb, but the left wheels were still on the road. The Hummer, which was then driving directly over the bike lane, hit Howard from behind.
The right wheels of the Hummer jumped the curb, but the left wheels were still on the road. The Hummer, which was then driving directly over the bike lane, hit Howard from behind.
07-02-08, 05:44 AM
#142
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Yes, the Cateye TL-1100. Seriously, it's bright enough for daytime visibility, and I notice a huge difference in the amount of rooms cars give me between when I use it and when I don't. It also is self-contained, has a long battery life, and a very quick and simple to use mount.
I had the previous version of this light (the TL-1000, iirc), and while it was very bright, I found the battery contacts to be weak and unreliable. Many times I'd return from a ride and realize that my taillight had cut out, or was running at low intensity (others have reported similar problems with this older version, especially when mounted vertically, or on a rack which seems to magnify bumps and vibration). Have you experienced any issues like that with the 1100? I really like the size and ease of mounting my PBSF, but wouldn't mind something with better side visibility.
07-02-08, 05:57 AM
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I had the previous version of this light (the TL-1000, iirc), and while it was very bright, I found the battery contacts to be weak and unreliable. Many times I'd return from a ride and realize that my taillight had cut out, or was running at low intensity (others have reported similar problems with this older version, especially when mounted vertically, or on a rack which seems to magnify bumps and vibration). Have you experienced any issues like that with the 1100? I really like the size and ease of mounting my PBSF, but wouldn't mind something with better side visibility.
Were you using Energizer rechargeable batteries?
07-02-08, 06:06 AM
#144
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Dinotte on 90 mile ride. This one mounted on a GreenSpeed Trike. that sits 9 inches above the road surface.
Is it Too Bright?
Is it Too Bright?
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07-02-08, 03:20 PM
#148
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I've heard people complain about the dinotte battery pack as well.
The lesson is one light is not enough. Personal favorite is two ld600s on seat stays. Currently I run the 1100 and a small cateye 100 on helmet.
07-02-08, 09:53 PM
#149
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And do you read the article fully?
1. "The incident happened at 9:55 a.m. when Howard was stopped in the bike lane headed east on Overland Road at the Eagle Road intersection waiting for the red light to change, according to eyewitness accounts and the police investigation."
2. "Witnesses told police they did not see Janzen talking on a cell phone prior to the accident, Stoy said."
Translation: 1. Her velocity was zero in BROAD DAYLIGHT. 2. The driver likely was on the cell phone.
Now a quote from my previous post on June 30:
"I bought Dinotte to be used as a day running light where the SuperFlash is pretty much useless. And as such, Dinotte really "shines". The cars give me much more room than before which means less probability for accidents. And if it only saves my butt ONCE from being rammed from behind, it'll be $100 VERY well spent"
and this one about the Fenex:
"Yes, they are great light indeed. Mine is directed toward wherever I look. Usually towards those pesky cars pulling out of the driveways or the drivers with CELLPHONES & especially women doing both while applying their makeup."
I can't count how many times I "woke up" the drivers from the on-coming traffic that were talking on the phone or applying makeup or just not paying attention & unwittingly trying to run me off the road. And it's a fact that my Dinotte tail light does the same job protecting my rear.
The epilogue: I agree like the majority of people that you do not need this light for the type of riding you do. I do not use mine for that type of riding either. And if you do not understand that Dinotte is a serious light for serious people doing a lot of highway riding in the daylight in particular (just like the people on the photos above), then I am sorry. On the other hand since you never used one, your opinion on it is pretty much useless. End of story.
1. "The incident happened at 9:55 a.m. when Howard was stopped in the bike lane headed east on Overland Road at the Eagle Road intersection waiting for the red light to change, according to eyewitness accounts and the police investigation."
2. "Witnesses told police they did not see Janzen talking on a cell phone prior to the accident, Stoy said."
Translation: 1. Her velocity was zero in BROAD DAYLIGHT. 2. The driver likely was on the cell phone.
Now a quote from my previous post on June 30:
"I bought Dinotte to be used as a day running light where the SuperFlash is pretty much useless. And as such, Dinotte really "shines". The cars give me much more room than before which means less probability for accidents. And if it only saves my butt ONCE from being rammed from behind, it'll be $100 VERY well spent"
and this one about the Fenex:
"Yes, they are great light indeed. Mine is directed toward wherever I look. Usually towards those pesky cars pulling out of the driveways or the drivers with CELLPHONES & especially women doing both while applying their makeup."
I can't count how many times I "woke up" the drivers from the on-coming traffic that were talking on the phone or applying makeup or just not paying attention & unwittingly trying to run me off the road. And it's a fact that my Dinotte tail light does the same job protecting my rear.
The epilogue: I agree like the majority of people that you do not need this light for the type of riding you do. I do not use mine for that type of riding either. And if you do not understand that Dinotte is a serious light for serious people doing a lot of highway riding in the daylight in particular (just like the people on the photos above), then I am sorry. On the other hand since you never used one, your opinion on it is pretty much useless. End of story.
Um, why would you think she was on her mobile when we have witnesses stating that they didn't see her on her mobile? That makes absolutely no sense at all.
Also, there is no evidence that only a DiNotte light will get the attention of drivers. My Cateye seems to do the job just fine.
I get the attention of drivers all the time with my helmet mounted Fenix, I just don't try and blind them out of my own fears. Remember, my beef with the Dinotte is the people who state that they wish to shine it in drivers eyes to blind them, not the light per se.
Last edited by Cyclist0383; 07-02-08 at 09:59 PM.
07-02-08, 09:56 PM
#150
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Had this happen once with the TL1100 early on(still on original batteries), no problems since, Im now on energizer rechargables if that makes a difference.
I've heard people complain about the dinotte battery pack as well.
The lesson is one light is not enough. Personal favorite is two ld600s on seat stays. Currently I run the 1100 and a small cateye 100 on helmet.
I've heard people complain about the dinotte battery pack as well.
The lesson is one light is not enough. Personal favorite is two ld600s on seat stays. Currently I run the 1100 and a small cateye 100 on helmet.