Tail Light Recommendations Requested
11-04-15 | 10:52 AM
#1
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From: Hartselle, Alabama
Bikes: '86 Trek Cirrus 520, '85 Trek 620, '84 Trek 610
Tail Light Recommendations Requested
What tail lights do ya'll use and/or recommend? Looking for a daylight to low light use. The Cygolite Hotshot and Planet Bike Superflash have good reviews. Anyone use them? Thanks
11-04-15 | 01:04 PM
#2
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From: Florida
Bikes: Evil Insurgent, Giant Stance, Wife has Liv Cypress, son has Motobecane HT529
I just use these BV Bicycle 5 LED Headlight, 5 LED Taillight, Quick-Release, Weather Resistant | BikePaks
seem plenty bright enough for anyplace you don't actually need to light the path.
seem plenty bright enough for anyplace you don't actually need to light the path.
11-04-15 | 01:29 PM
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https://www.bikelightdatabase.com/best/taillights/
I'd go with one really bright tail light and one cheapo blinkie just to create more disruption in the semi-alert minds of the drivers who might ignore you until they almost hit you---and then blame you.
USB rechargeable is nice, but with modern LI-ion batteries even AAA or AA cells are okay (Not like it used to be) and those can be easily replaced, where as most USB-charged lights are trash in 3-5 years.
I definitely do Not recommend the Blackburn Flea---nice-looking, small, handy, but mine crapped out way too soon.
I'd go with one really bright tail light and one cheapo blinkie just to create more disruption in the semi-alert minds of the drivers who might ignore you until they almost hit you---and then blame you.
USB rechargeable is nice, but with modern LI-ion batteries even AAA or AA cells are okay (Not like it used to be) and those can be easily replaced, where as most USB-charged lights are trash in 3-5 years.
I definitely do Not recommend the Blackburn Flea---nice-looking, small, handy, but mine crapped out way too soon.
11-04-15 | 03:44 PM
#5
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From: Raleigh, NC
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11-04-15 | 07:07 PM
#10
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Check the lighting forum too, if you want.
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11-05-15 | 05:30 AM
#15
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From: East Coast Canada
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11-05-15 | 06:20 AM
#16
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For $10 the Planetbike Superflash Turbo Mini is pretty darn good but simple. Get two of them if you want.
Amazon.com : Planet Bike Blinky Superflash Turbo Mini 1W Tail Light, White : Bike Pack Accessories : Sports & Outdoors
Amazon.com : Planet Bike Blinky Superflash Turbo Mini 1W Tail Light, White : Bike Pack Accessories : Sports & Outdoors
11-05-15 | 06:23 AM
#17
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I've had several Planet Bike Superflash. Wonderful lights, except they don't stay together, and tend to blow apart at speed on chipseal. Which is why I've had several of them. Despite their incomparable visibility, I won't be buying another.
11-05-15 | 06:40 AM
#18
Heck on Wheels
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From: USA Midwest
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https://www.bikelightdatabase.com/best/taillights/
I'd go with one really bright tail light and one cheapo blinkie just to create more disruption in the semi-alert minds of the drivers who might ignore you until they almost hit you---and then blame you.
I'd go with one really bright tail light and one cheapo blinkie just to create more disruption in the semi-alert minds of the drivers who might ignore you until they almost hit you---and then blame you.
Cyclist visibility at night: Perceptions of visibility donot necessarily match reality
In the study described above [10], cyclists also rated wearing areflective vest as being the most effective means of improvingvisibility, over and above the use of reflective strips worn on themoveable joints. This is relevant because empirical research onthe night-time conspicuity of pedestrians has repeatedlyrevealed the opposite: that reflective strips on the majormoveable joints are highly effective in improving pedestrianconspicuity, presumably due to humans’ high perceptualsensitivity to distinctively human patterns of joint movement(‘biological motion’ or ‘biomotion’) [12].
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"I had a great ride this morning, except for that part about winding up at work."
Bikes so far: 2011 Felt Z85, 80's Raleigh Sovereign (USA), 91 Bianchi Peregrine, 91 Austro-Daimler Pathfinder, 90's Trek 730 Multitrack, STOLEN: 80 Schwinn Voyageur (Japan)
11-05-15 | 06:55 AM
#19
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If you're going to do that, why not clip the blinkie to your ankle? Cyclist visibility at night: Perceptions of visibility donot necessarily match reality
Based on what you posted, a reflective strip on the back of the leg of your shorts might be good, too ... question is, how far are you willing to go? paint a strip of reflective paint down thew back of your leg each night?
Blinkie on the left-side shoe is a really good idea--if it works for the rider.
11-05-15 | 07:02 AM
#20
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I had a Planetbike whatever and while a nice, bright light, it too didn't last very long. It held together but the electronics died. I'm running a Dinotte 400L these days and have gotten several compliments on it. Yeah, there's certainly a sticker shock element, but after three years with it, there's no looking back.
11-05-15 | 08:47 AM
#21
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A thing to consider---I have been told that after about three years Li-Ion batteries start to lose their punch, whether used or not. That's why in future I will shy away from USB-charged lights and look for lights with replaceable batteries, either AA and AAA cells or replacement units from the factory (where I would always run the risk that they would be discontinued.)
11-05-15 | 09:05 AM
#22
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From: North of Boston
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A thing to consider---I have been told that after about three years Li-Ion batteries start to lose their punch, whether used or not. That's why in future I will shy away from USB-charged lights and look for lights with replaceable batteries, either AA and AAA cells or replacement units from the factory (where I would always run the risk that they would be discontinued.)
11-05-15 | 09:16 AM
#23
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I like Dynamo ones, though my old VistaLight blinkys are OK on the bikes I dont use much
( I mounted one in the lid of my Carradura Saddle bag ) the studded tire bike saw no ice during la Ninia last year.
might for el nino this winter..
( I mounted one in the lid of my Carradura Saddle bag ) the studded tire bike saw no ice during la Ninia last year.
might for el nino this winter..
11-05-15 | 09:22 AM
#24
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From: Central Louisiana
During daylight, I used only the Hotshot if I used a light. I received an unsolicited comment from a motorcyclist. He said that he saw the Hotshot at about 1/2 mile distant.
11-05-15 | 09:29 AM
#25
Galveston County Texas
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From: In The Wind
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Hot Shot is good to start with.
Go to Dinottes when you get the $$.
https://www.dinottelighting.com/LED_b...-taillight.htm
Go to Dinottes when you get the $$.
https://www.dinottelighting.com/LED_b...-taillight.htm
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