HID tail light
03-14-07 | 04:23 AM
#1
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HID tail light
so there are many systems out on the market for forward lighting. the high end versions have HID technology which is basically a portable sun in a 3 ounce unit. Do they make HID tail lights? it seems like that is more important since cars need to be able to see you from far distances.
03-14-07 | 04:36 AM
#2
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From: Union County, NC
Bikes: 2012 Cannondale EVO Ultegra Di2, Pedal Force Aeroblade, Rue Tandem
No, the same reason there are no HID taillights for cars. The LEDs used in todays blinky type tail lights can be seen over great distances without the blinding effects or power requirements of HID lighting.
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03-14-07 | 04:45 AM
#4
Ride it like you stole it
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From: Union County, NC
Bikes: 2012 Cannondale EVO Ultegra Di2, Pedal Force Aeroblade, Rue Tandem
2manybike, I guess you get one of those if you are pissed at every driver behind you
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03-14-07 | 08:22 AM
#5
PErhaps you just need more time on the road after dark. I commute home in the dark with something like 30 LEDs in various spots to the rear and I still get buzzed. A HID rear light might offer enough wash to force folks to move over. Thats the advantage in the front.
03-14-07 | 11:41 AM
#6
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From: NE Alabama
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What about a red lens on a HID head light? Just a thought. Should be pretty easy to rig up.
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03-14-07 | 11:55 AM
#7
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Red LEDs are more efficient than white. I find my Dinotte tail quite sufficient.
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03-14-07 | 12:28 PM
#9
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Toomany unleashes the Death Star 
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03-14-07 | 12:43 PM
#10
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Originally Posted by ALPhillips
What about a red lens on a HID head light? Just a thought. Should be pretty easy to rig up.
Originally Posted by ViperZ
Toomany unleashes the Death Star
03-14-07 | 02:29 PM
#11
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If you have a NiteRider headlight, get their Universal taillight. It plugs into the NR battery pack, draws almost no power, and is the brightest taillight I've seen.
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03-14-07 | 04:14 PM
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Originally Posted by DrPete
If you have a NiteRider headlight, get their Universal taillight. It plugs into the NR battery pack, draws almost no power, and is the brightest taillight I've seen.
Of course then you need to deal with batteries. It does not take too long to catch up to the retail price of the Nightrider if you buy alkaline batteries. If you buy a charger and some rechargeables, then you are up to the price of the Nightrider anyway.
03-14-07 | 05:49 PM
#13
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Originally Posted by 2manybikes
You have not seen the death star? It's too bright. There are also other ways to do it that are cheaper.
03-15-07 | 03:26 AM
#16
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I agree with Dr Pete. The NiteRider Universal tail is a pretty nice setup. I have their Flamethrower HID that I originally bought for my MTB and when I started commuting at night I just swapped it over to my Tarmac. Not having to have two batteries is a big plus in my book and the tail has a steady and flashing mode. I don't have any doubt that I am easily seen, especially from the front. I often have cars flip their headlights at me when I'm on the road.
03-15-07 | 09:51 AM
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Originally Posted by mcoomer
I agree with Dr Pete. The NiteRider Universal tail is a pretty nice setup. I have their Flamethrower HID that I originally bought for my MTB and when I started commuting at night I just swapped it over to my Tarmac. Not having to have two batteries is a big plus in my book and the tail has a steady and flashing mode. I don't have any doubt that I am easily seen, especially from the front. I often have cars flip their headlights at me when I'm on the road.
I had four that did not work correctly and I know of others too.
Three of them shut off when going over bumps, and, one of mine and another I know about just stay on steady all the time, the switch does nothing. You can't even shut it off.
I don't recommend trying your luck to see if you get a good one. But, there are plenty of good ones owned on the forums.
If you switch your lights from one bike to another it's inconvenient.
