How would you mount a flashlight to the rear?
#1
Thread Starter
Thunder Whisperer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,841
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From: NE OK
Bikes: '06 Kona Smoke
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?
#3
Thread Killer

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From: Ann Arbor, MI
Bikes: 15 Kinesis Racelight 4S, 76 Motebecane Gran Jubilée, 17 Dedacciai Gladiatore2, 12 Breezer Venturi, 09 Dahon Mariner, 12 Mercier Nano, 95 DeKerf Team SL, 19 Tern Rally, 21 Breezer Doppler Cafe+, 19 T-Lab X3, 91 Serotta CII, 23 3T Strada
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.
#4
Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2007
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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.
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.
#5
Pretty rigid member
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From: The 951
Bikes: Sycip Unleaded, Raleigh SS, Trek 1.5, IF Crown Jewel, QR Kilo
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.
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.
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Singapore
Bikes: Litespeed Ti Mtb, BikeE Recumbent, Cannondale H600 Hybrid,
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.
I have used this mount on my handlebar...should be able to mount on the seatpost.
#7
Thread Starter
Thunder Whisperer
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: NE OK
Bikes: '06 Kona Smoke
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.
#8
Thread Starter
Thunder Whisperer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,841
Likes: 7
From: NE OK
Bikes: '06 Kona Smoke
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.
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.
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: B.C.
Bikes: ritcheys{2** rm blizzard Geo elrick drop frame and acollection of parts bikes in waiting
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 !
#10
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.
#11
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.
#12
Thread Starter
Thunder Whisperer
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: NE OK
Bikes: '06 Kona Smoke
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.
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.
#13
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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2010 Kestrel RT900SL, 800k carbon, chorus/record, speedplay, zonda
2000 litespeed Unicoi Ti, XTR,XT, Campy crank, time atac, carbon forks
2010 Kestrel RT900SL, 800k carbon, chorus/record, speedplay, zonda
2000 litespeed Unicoi Ti, XTR,XT, Campy crank, time atac, carbon forks
#14
Thread Starter
Thunder Whisperer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,841
Likes: 7
From: NE OK
Bikes: '06 Kona Smoke
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...
#15
?
Joined: Oct 2006
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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
My original mount.
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ght?highlight=
My improved mount.
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ltrafire-W501B
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.

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.
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.


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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