Best rear taillight available on Amazon for $20 or less? Looking for opinions
03-06-14, 03:52 PM
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Best rear taillight available on Amazon for $20 or less? Looking for opinions
I've got an amazon gift card so it's gotta be available on amazon.
Just looking for the best "bang for my buck" in a taillight for $20 or less....
Ok, go!
edit:
Planet Bike Blinky "3" looks like a good, cheap option
Just looking for the best "bang for my buck" in a taillight for $20 or less....
Ok, go!
edit:
Planet Bike Blinky "3" looks like a good, cheap option
Last edited by AceFahrenheit; 03-06-14 at 04:00 PM.
03-06-14, 04:06 PM
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I picked up the Cygolite Hotshot when it was reduced to $20, but it's now at a usual $27 price.
03-06-14, 04:58 PM
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NR Cherrybomb 0.5w- https://www.amazon.com/NiteRider-Cher...cle+rear+light. Looks like if you go with Bike Mike (under more buying options), you'll have a couple of pennies to spare after shipping. I have this light- it is decent.
Edit: By "decent", I mean it is better than the 2 PBSF clones that I have- which is why I'm hesitant to suggest any of the myriad of no name knock-offs.
Whichever light you decide, just avoid the ones that mention "laser" in the description.
Edit: By "decent", I mean it is better than the 2 PBSF clones that I have- which is why I'm hesitant to suggest any of the myriad of no name knock-offs.
Whichever light you decide, just avoid the ones that mention "laser" in the description.
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Last edited by no1mad; 03-06-14 at 05:05 PM.
03-06-14, 06:15 PM
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The Portland Design Works Radbot 1000 is currently $23.66: https://www.amazon.com/Portland-Desig...ks+radbot+1000
This is much much much better than the blinky 3. Definitely worth the extra money. (I own both).
P.S. I do like the Planet Bike tail light mounts. They're simple, secure, and durable. They're also quite inexpensive if you want to buy more (like if you want to switch the light between multiple bikes). Portland Design Works uses the exact same mount, by the way.
This is much much much better than the blinky 3. Definitely worth the extra money. (I own both).
P.S. I do like the Planet Bike tail light mounts. They're simple, secure, and durable. They're also quite inexpensive if you want to buy more (like if you want to switch the light between multiple bikes). Portland Design Works uses the exact same mount, by the way.
Last edited by Spld cyclist; 03-06-14 at 06:49 PM.
03-06-14, 06:49 PM
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Originally Posted by Athens80
I picked up the Cygolite Hotshot when it was reduced to $20, but it's now at a usual $27 price.
It's really bright, but it can also be dimmed down (on steady mode) for riding in a group.
The older version had a badly designed seatpost mount. This new version is good.
03-06-14, 08:20 PM
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I'd pick up soda cans on the side of the road until I could afford the extra $7 for the Hotshot.
I'd really like to like the Niterider Solas - same power as the hotshot but better beam pattern. However, by most of the reviews, the mounts are absolute ****e and break easily. I'll probably buy one anyway, I don't seem to be able to resist trying out taillights.
I'd really like to like the Niterider Solas - same power as the hotshot but better beam pattern. However, by most of the reviews, the mounts are absolute ****e and break easily. I'll probably buy one anyway, I don't seem to be able to resist trying out taillights.
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Last edited by ItsJustMe; 03-06-14 at 08:24 PM.
03-06-14, 10:14 PM
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@AceFahrenheit my recommendations are 1. Don't go with a Planet Bike Blinky mine fell off three miles into my first ride with it. 2. Go with the Portland Design Works Danger Zone Tail light. https://www.amazon.com/Portland-Desig...ngerzone+light Yes it's $6 more but trust me it's worth more then that. I've never seen a taillight as visible during the day as it.
03-07-14, 10:28 AM
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I have a number of these, $18.50. They're quite bright and I think them sufficient, though agree brighter is generally better. The mounting system has worked very well for me on a number of different bikes and makes it quick and easy to install and remove the light or move it between bikes.
https://www.amazon.com/Princeton-Tec-...on+tech+swerve
https://www.amazon.com/Princeton-Tec-...on+tech+swerve
03-07-14, 06:20 PM
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I'd say all of the lights here are probably better than the planet bike blinky 3. Don't be stingy about an extra $9 or less.
I have the cygolite hotshot, and it might be too bright. Also, it is USB-rechargeable. For me that's great. Much better than disposable batteries and still better than batteries I have to remove to recharge.
I have the cygolite hotshot, and it might be too bright. Also, it is USB-rechargeable. For me that's great. Much better than disposable batteries and still better than batteries I have to remove to recharge.
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03-07-14, 06:34 PM
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From 6 to 14 on Amazon.
Great stuff. I use a blue one and you can tell people are slowing to check out what it is.
Rechargeable and comes with USB cable.
Great stuff. I use a blue one and you can tell people are slowing to check out what it is.
Rechargeable and comes with USB cable.
03-07-14, 06:37 PM
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Originally Posted by noglider
I'd say all of the lights here are probably better than the planet bike blinky 3. Don't be stingy about an extra $9 or less.
I have the cygolite hotshot, and it might be too bright. Also, it is USB-rechargeable. For me that's great. Much better than disposable batteries and still better than batteries I have to remove to recharge.
I have the cygolite hotshot, and it might be too bright. Also, it is USB-rechargeable. For me that's great. Much better than disposable batteries and still better than batteries I have to remove to recharge.
03-08-14, 12:07 AM
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Originally Posted by no1mad
Edit: By "decent", I mean it is better than the 2 PBSF clones that I have- which is why I'm hesitant to suggest any of the myriad of no name knock-offs.
Nobody is going to go wrong putting a PBSF or clone (or two!) on the back of their bike. Just remember to tape it closed with clear tape or use a zip tie or something ... they do have that nasty flaw where the back can pop off if you don't. (And that's probably their biggest flaw, though it is easy to work around.)
03-08-14, 06:14 AM
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If only the original post would have moved the $$ to $30, then it would be worthwhile.
03-09-14, 03:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Garfield Cat
If only the original post would have moved the $$ to $30, then it would be worthwhile.
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03-09-14, 06:56 PM
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I like the Blackburn Flea, but it is $27. The thing is bright, tiny, and USB rechargeable. I love mine.
https://www.amazon.com/Blackburn-Flea...blackburn+flea
https://www.amazon.com/Blackburn-Flea...blackburn+flea
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03-10-14, 07:51 AM
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Originally Posted by dougmc
That said, the PBSF and its clones go well beyond *decent*, even if they're not the new hotness any more...
I prefer AAA blinkies to rechargeable. I get ~60 hrs a set in a PBSF, PT Swerve, etc... I check the light when I get home and if it's starting to get dim, I replace the batteries. Easier for me than keeping one charged.
03-10-14, 07:57 AM
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I agree, jumping from $20 to $30 opens up a world of excellent lights. Forcing the price below $20 really excludes almost all good lights. Going up to $30 includes a ton of good lights.
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03-11-14, 05:10 PM
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Blackburn Mars Rear Lights
Originally Posted by americanlt2
I think the Blackburn 3.0 can be had for less than $20. It's a good light with side visibility.
03-11-14, 06:18 PM
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Just not a reviewer for amazon . so IDK their inventory . got this one thru my local shop.
the Cateye Reflex LED Tail Light
seen here Universal Cycles -- Cateye Reflex LED Tail Light
fresnel prism scheme spreads out the light and the whole thing can be seen from 180 degrees +
the Cateye Reflex LED Tail Light
seen here Universal Cycles -- Cateye Reflex LED Tail Light
fresnel prism scheme spreads out the light and the whole thing can be seen from 180 degrees +
03-11-14, 06:52 PM
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This will leave you with a few $ for something else.
Amazon.com: BikeGearz(tm) High Intensity Red 5 LED Bike - Bicycle - Cycling Flashing Rear Safety Tail Light with 6 Modes: Sports & Outdoors
Mine clips very neatly to my saddle bag.
Amazon.com: BikeGearz(tm) High Intensity Red 5 LED Bike - Bicycle - Cycling Flashing Rear Safety Tail Light with 6 Modes: Sports & Outdoors
Mine clips very neatly to my saddle bag.
03-13-14, 02:41 PM
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Originally Posted by -=(8)=-
From 6 to 14 on Amazon.
Great stuff. I use a blue one and you can tell people are slowing to check out what it is.
Rechargeable and comes with USB cable.
Great stuff. I use a blue one and you can tell people are slowing to check out what it is.
Rechargeable and comes with USB cable.
03-13-14, 08:42 PM
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Originally Posted by lopek77
Highly illegal in most places, and for sure in Michigan...Don't ask me why I know that so well lol
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03-14-14, 11:23 AM
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Not $20, but close, at $24 ... CatEye Reflex AutoAmazon.com: CatEye Reflex Auto Bicycle Rear Safety Light TL-LD570-R: Sports & Outdoors ... and free prime shipping, if you have that.
I got this light a few months ago. It is excellent — the best-built light I've ever had.
One nice thing — the lens is bigger than most taillights.
You can find brighter lights, I'm sure, but the size of this one's lens makes it highly visible.
The light also cuts itself off in daylight or when the bike stops moving (after 60 seconds or so). You can override the cutoff function, if you like.
Runs on 2 AA batteries.
I'm getting another one for my other bike, which I use on commutes every now and then.
I got this light a few months ago. It is excellent — the best-built light I've ever had.
One nice thing — the lens is bigger than most taillights.
You can find brighter lights, I'm sure, but the size of this one's lens makes it highly visible.
The light also cuts itself off in daylight or when the bike stops moving (after 60 seconds or so). You can override the cutoff function, if you like.
Runs on 2 AA batteries.
I'm getting another one for my other bike, which I use on commutes every now and then.
03-14-14, 11:53 AM
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Originally Posted by SlimAgainSoon
Not $20, but close, at $24 ... CatEye Reflex AutoAmazon.com: CatEye Reflex Auto Bicycle Rear Safety Light TL-LD570-R: Sports & Outdoors ... and free prime shipping, if you have that.
I got this light a few months ago. It is excellent — the best-built light I've ever had.
One nice thing — the lens is bigger than most taillights.
You can find brighter lights, I'm sure, but the size of this one's lens makes it highly visible.
The light also cuts itself off in daylight or when the bike stops moving (after 60 seconds or so). You can override the cutoff function, if you like.
Runs on 2 AA batteries.
I'm getting another one for my other bike, which I use on commutes every now and then.
I got this light a few months ago. It is excellent — the best-built light I've ever had.
One nice thing — the lens is bigger than most taillights.
You can find brighter lights, I'm sure, but the size of this one's lens makes it highly visible.
The light also cuts itself off in daylight or when the bike stops moving (after 60 seconds or so). You can override the cutoff function, if you like.
Runs on 2 AA batteries.
I'm getting another one for my other bike, which I use on commutes every now and then.
Don in Austin
