ganchan

I'd like a helmet-mounted taillight that's somewhat brighter than the relatively weak one on my Bell Beacon. I like what I've heard about the Cygolite HotShot, but this light only allows for rack or seat mounting as far I know. Is there any way to affix it to the back a helmet via duct tape or some other crazy "homebrew" method?

prathmann

The beam pattern of the Cygolite is very directional and you'd be losing much of its brightness with a helmet mount since the angle and direction of the helmet will shift a bit as you move your head around. A light with a broader beam would be more suitable for that type of mount.

headloss 

I agree about the hotshot being directional... it's one of the best lights to be visible from a distance but less helpful close up. That's not to say that it's totally useless at close range but it is notable.

That said, I've managed to affix it to my helmet strap near where I adjust my helmet, a little off center on my inboard side. Obviously it will vary from one helmet to another. I usually just keep it on my seatpost, but sometimes put it on my helmet if I'm carrying gear that would otherwise block the light. I'm sure you could also make something out of velcro if your helmet has enough vents.

01 CAt Man Do

While all that you said is true the Hotshot is still very visible when mounted on the helmet. Of course all depends on how you hold your head but in my case I use the Hotshot on the helmet and another lamp on the seatpost. I've tested the typical angle of the Hotshot when mounted on back of "my" helmet and even when not lined up to line of sight it is still quite noticeable for at least 300ft. ( Note: Mine is actual mounted under the helmet on the plastic piece that helps control the straps )

Some self-contained rear lights are too bulky to use on back of a helmet or have a lousy clip. The Blackburn Flea looks good for helmet use but doesn't have the UI that the Hotshot does. It might be more omnidirectional than the Hotshot though.

bikemig 

Why not get a front and rear light for your helmet? The light and motion 360 is a fine front and rear helmet light. I really like the front helmet light at night as it really helps cars see me (I have the helmet set to blink and the light mounted on the bike to steady).

01 CAt Man Do

Brilliant! A front light, why didn't I think of that. ...Oh there I go again being snarky...

Garfield Cat

There is a new Hotshot out. I just saw it at REI. Its called the Hotshot Micro and it now has the wider beam shot. Mounting is by a strap which is different than the original Hotshot. Somehow someone will figure out how to mount on a helmet.

CygoLite Hotshot Micro Rear Bike Light

It looks like Cygolites new lineup made changes to the lense, not only to this Hotshot but to the newer Expilion models as well.

10 Wheels

I just used a Ty wrap and added a piece of foam to get the correct angle.

ganchan

That strap on the Micro looks like it could be looped through the rear vents in a helmet -- maybe with some help some an opposing loop of Velcro. As long as I can fix the light so it hangs fairly straight and tight, i might not need the foam....

01 CAt Man Do

Excellent! ( said with non-snarkish enthusiasm )

Check out the thread over on CPF. They have a wall beam shot of the new micro. ( notice that I snuck into Mech's photo to catch it first hand )

Anyway, looks like a winner to me. REI has um' on sale to members. Looks wide enough to work very good on a helmet. I just hope I can mount it ( on the helmet ) without a problem.

Garfield Cat

So now I have two Hotshots on the seat post, the Hotshot SL and the Micro. Both in blinking mode.

01 CAt Man Do

Okay, cool. So there is also another version called the SL. This one is only slightly different than the original Hotshot. Looks like they changed the UI a little and the mount but I'm wondering if this one has a different optic than the original. Any one know ?? Looks like I need to get out the stores to give these new models a glance. The Micro though is likely on my Christmas list.

Garfield Cat

Just make a phone call to Cygolite and they'll tell you.

Falchoon

Your link to REI doesn't seem to work but I checked it out at the CP forum link and have to ay it is an ugly mofo of a light! I think it's good having the rubber strap to easily attach/unattach to seatposts (or possibly helmets). The beam shots show a broader beam but not as bright compared to the original.