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How would you mount a flashlight to the rear?

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How would you mount a flashlight to the rear?

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Old 10-21-12 | 12:28 AM
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How would you mount a flashlight to the rear?

Seriously thinking about picking up a Trustfire with red emitter. I'm planning on using it for high speed/high traffic scenarios (which I do my best to avoid) and as a 'foul weather' light- for rain, fog, odd snow fall. Problem is, I'm having a hard time visualizing the best way to mount it. Do you think I could use a Twofish product (lockblock? bikeblock?) and mount to the seat post?
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Old 10-21-12 | 03:26 AM
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Just use one of the milllion or so taillights designed specifically for bikes.
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Old 10-21-12 | 04:24 AM
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Originally Posted by Falchoon
Just use one of the milllion or so taillights designed specifically for bikes.
I think he's looking for the brightest red light he can get reasonably, and I think a light like this, with a 3w, 150 lumen LED or whatever it is, is probably brighter than any of the million or so bike taillights you're thinking of.
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Old 10-21-12 | 07:20 AM
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Minoura SG-200 "Swing Grip" accessory holder (or similar) mounted from the seatpost.

This makes an inexpensive "be seen" light for daytime and dusk. You even have plenty of room to mount a second flashlight if you want to double the "be seen-ness." Be prepared with a different, dimmer light for night time, to avoid flooding the eyes of people right behind you at night. It's always good to have a back-up light anyway.
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Old 10-21-12 | 08:15 AM
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Is that your commuter on your avatar? If so then get a pack of those velcro tie downs and lash your flashlight down on the horizontal frame parts.

https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-Hook...f=pd_sbs_op_10

This is what I do to my Novatac 120P which I set to strobe.
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Old 10-21-12 | 08:49 AM
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https://www.ebay.com.sg/itm/NEW-360-B...item2c5da2721e

I have used this mount on my handlebar...should be able to mount on the seatpost.
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Old 10-21-12 | 09:24 AM
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Originally Posted by chaadster
I think he's looking for the brightest red light he can get reasonably, and I think a light like this, with a 3w, 150 lumen LED or whatever it is, is probably brighter than any of the million or so bike taillights you're thinking of.
You are correct. This light isn't intended for primary status- I just want it for the rain and fog. I imagine this light will give Dinotte 140R like output for a fraction of the price.

My current primary light in the rear is a Cherrybomb 0.5W, which I usually run on blink mode day and night. That is augmented by a 4D Toplight on the rack, which I run at night. There is also a PBSF clone mounted on the rack leg that I run on blink at night.
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Old 10-21-12 | 09:31 AM
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Originally Posted by BykOfALesserGod
Is that your commuter on your avatar? If so then get a pack of those velcro tie downs and lash your flashlight down on the horizontal frame parts.

https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-Hook...f=pd_sbs_op_10

This is what I do to my Novatac 120P which I set to strobe.
That is my bike in the avatar. I already have some of those velcro wrap straps- I have two on the helmet acting as a mount for my front light. I'll see if I can make it work to my satisfaction using my current light as a test model before ordering anything.
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Old 10-21-12 | 09:35 AM
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Sorry bad with links old fart on a puter, Go to "problem solvers", Bike hacks , Velo orange . Let your ll'l lie shine, rip the retinas out , get their attention.You could also ask Randonneur forums as they do iluminate.Shine you crazy diamond !
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Old 10-21-12 | 06:44 PM
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I have one of those flashlights and it works well when you need some serious light behind you. If you already use 18650's then these are a good light to have for certain situations - like heavy traffic. I'll have a blinky on constantly and use the flashlight on an as-needed basis.
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Old 10-21-12 | 11:03 PM
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I'd just buy a Planet Bike Super Flash and be done with it. In fact that's exactly what I did on my Raleigh Sports. I used a bottle dyno I bought back in the '80's, bought a antique 6v headlight from a shop in London England. The dyno powers the headlight only, and the PBSF lights the rear. Plus 2 rear reflectors, and 2 wheel reflectors. I do carry a cheap battery powered headlight in the seatbag. Prolly not what your about, but lot's of us old farts that use these bikes for transpo or errands in general, and don't ride hell bent for leather either. Not trying to be a smart@$$, and of course YMMV.
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Old 10-24-12 | 11:01 PM
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FWIW, I took a bit of time and played with my Trustfire as test and the velcro wraps that I use to put it on my helmet.

I can put it under the NDS chain stay, but the beam is partially blocked (not much though) by the QR skewer and it's going to get awfully wet in that location. Tried lashing it to the side of the top tube, but the tube slopes and all of my control cables are routed along the top of the tube- they rub on the strap.

I think I've found something that will work- I can lash the light to the underside of the seat wedge. The velcro wraps are just long enough, there's room to use two of them to distribute the weight better, the light is as close to properly aimed as I can hope for, and it will be somewhat protected from the rain.
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Old 10-25-12 | 02:04 AM
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Probably goes without saying but make sure its not ridiculously bright to the point were it partially blinds drivers especially from the glare on wet windows w/crappy wiper blades.
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Old 10-25-12 | 10:49 AM
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Originally Posted by catonec
Probably goes without saying but make sure its not ridiculously bright to the point were it partially blinds drivers especially from the glare on wet windows w/crappy wiper blades.
Which is one of the reasons why I was trying to figure out how to mount it lower. However, I am no wondering how using one of these red LED flashlights is any different than using a Dinotte 140R or 300R? People who use those lights tend to do so day or night without any reservations...
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Old 10-26-12 | 01:32 AM
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I've been doing this for a few years now, so far this is by far the best mount I have come up with.

My original mount.

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ght?highlight=

My improved mount.

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ltrafire-W501B

Originally Posted by mrbubbles
W501B with 5 mode Cree drop in. The drop in is worth it, flashing mode is bright. Find a narrow plastic bottle (ink dispenser, $1 stores, cut it, I got mine from an empty ink jet refill).



I use Planet Bike blinky mount moded with reflector mounts. It'll fit all kinds of flashlight and handlebar OD.





Diffuser.



Diffuser beamshot, less spotty, more side diffusion than Planet Bike Superflash and host of other optic rear 1w blinkies.

Win.


Originally Posted by mrbubbles
I had that concern as well. To remedy, I chopped a center hole.



Here's the mounts I have, for seatpost, handlebar, rack, and fender hole mount. I love the quick release, it's really convenient.





The bracket on the left of the flashlight holder is for Planet Bike SF.



I have room for two MC-Es, but I use one instead, it's plenty bright.


Note the Planet Bike mount on the bottom.


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