Lights!
#1
If you don't look good...
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: PHX
Posts: 284
Bikes: 1993 Cannondale Track
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Lights!
Need a new rear light for commuting out here in "I don't know how to drive with bikes in the road" Arizona.
I know there's a really good Cateye option, but maybe something with a permanent (tools required) mount.
I know there's a really good Cateye option, but maybe something with a permanent (tools required) mount.
#2
likes avocadoes
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: oakland, ca
Posts: 1,125
Bikes: heh, like that info would fit here...
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
most of the tools required mounts that i've seen lately are large and cumbersome, unfortunately. I do really like the drop bar end light up plugs. Unlikely to be stolen (or noticed) when parked, but they show your full width at night.
#3
C21 H30 O2
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Oakland
Posts: 118
Bikes: more bikes than toes and fingers
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I think that a light on your bag/body makes more sense. When it is on your bike (i.e. seat post), it tends to be rather low and sometimes even covered by your clothing. Having it mounted on you, elevates the light source and is easier for vehicles to see. And you can take it with you every time.
Just my .02
Just my .02
#5
blacksheep the blemish
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Portland/Greendale
Posts: 1,063
Bikes: 1973 Schwinn World Voyageur (manufactured by panasonic), Italvega Super Speciale (fixed, primary ride now), Kona 2004 JTS 10 spd
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Why present a target?
1% of population = homicidal maniacs
99% of population = total **** for brains morons who just won't see you.
1% of population = homicidal maniacs
99% of population = total **** for brains morons who just won't see you.
#6
leading zero
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Phoenix
Posts: 251
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I just try to ride at night in such a manner that cars don't have a chance to hit me. If you expect drivers (1) to see your light, and (2) to accomodate you, you've just given them two big chances to put your head on the wall of their hunting lodge.
Not against lights for everyone, just for me. I'm pro-choice across the board.
Not against lights for everyone, just for me. I'm pro-choice across the board.
#7
無くなった
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Sci-Fi Wasabi
Posts: 5,072
Bikes: I built the Bianchi track bike back up today.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by plantdude
I think that a light on your bag/body makes more sense. When it is on your bike (i.e. seat post), it tends to be rather low and sometimes even covered by your clothing. Having it mounted on you, elevates the light source and is easier for vehicles to see. And you can take it with you every time.
Just my .02
Just my .02
That said, I run two front blinkies (cateye 3LEDs) a helmet light (cheap REI), and two rears (total of 9 LEDs). I usually wear black, but I've had no problems with cars. In fact, sometimes they have slowed down to either thank me for the lights, or to ask where they could buy them for when they were on the bike... I've had peds tell me that if anyone hit me, they owed me 'Like a million dolars' because there was no way that they could say 'I didn't see him.'
You still have to use common sense in traffic, but being lit at night is something that you really need to do. If for no other reason, do it for the other bikers. I've almost hit several people who were riding with no lights... Often riding magnas the wrong way down the street.
You don't want to be grouped with them, do you?
#8
there's a bike in the pit
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Bethlehem, Pa
Posts: 185
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I discovered that my old clip-on blinky works perfectly with the reflector mounts that shops have to put on new bikes. Most of the mounts either fit on a seatpost or stay. One screw to attach to blinky, one screw to tighten the mount. Solid enough to stay there while riding, but easily removable.
#9
hell's angels h/q e3st ny
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: boston area/morningside heights manhattan
Posts: 1,582
Bikes: surly steamroller, independent fabrication titanium club racer, iro jamie roy--44/16, independent fabrication steel crown jewel--47/17, surly karate. monkey (rohloff speed hub), unicycle
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
i got me one of those (i think it's called) "planet bike" red lights that attches with velcro to the back of your helmet. real bright and it'll blink or not. also pivots so it stays straight out no matter what your head is doin'. the velcro strap attachment is excellent. get one of these.
#10
Aluminum.
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 218
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have this one. It is very bright, it does include a permanent mount (though the light comes off of the mount easily without tools so you will probably want to take it with you if you think it might get stolen), and it was cheap: about $15 at my LBS.
__________________
"Oh, what are they going to do... other than tremble incessantly?"
"Oh, what are they going to do... other than tremble incessantly?"
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Philadelphia
Posts: 1,036
Bikes: Specialized AWOL, Soma Juice
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I just got a blackburn mars 3.0 I think. I can't find a link right now, but it's real bright, and has some yellow side lights as well as red rear, and clips to the bike bracket with the beltclip, so you can still remove it and wear it without having to totally bust out a screw driver and swap brackets. and I like th looks. That being said however, they seem kind of delicate when changine the batteries. I've never broke one of the ones I have, but the bigger triangle version I've broke three of putting the batteries in.
#12
jack of one or two trades
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Suburbia, CT
Posts: 5,640
Bikes: Old-ass gearie hardtail MTB, fix-converted Centurion LeMans commuter, SS hardtail monster MTB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I've got the planet bike rear light. It has a clap that goes on your seat post, and a clip so you could attach it to your bag or pants. I keep it on my seatpost, and it is quite visible. Last night a guy leaned out of his truck as I was stopped at a red and told me I had a great light. Haven't been hit yet either after 5 days of commuting in Standard time.
#13
Honking drivers see you
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 377
Bikes: Fuji Track, KHS Witch Doctor, Balance AL 750, Tank Mod Trials Bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I've got the small topeak white light with 3 led's and a 5 led cateye knockoff. The whitelights I have set up in flash mode, and I have a small red led light that I have for the rear. I too have the red Planet bike light mentioned above, but had to take it off my helmet because it just felt really heavy. It was REALLY bright when all 7 led's were blinking, though. Just my way at getting back at those cars with HID lights.
#14
If you don't look good...
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: PHX
Posts: 284
Bikes: 1993 Cannondale Track
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Excellent. Thanks for the tips. I'm running a clip-on now that attaches to the bag, but it's a POS and the clip doesn't work w/o the aid of masking or electrical tape.
About the "presenting a target" or "expecting the drivers to accomodate you"... I can only say that I do neither. As you know AC, all you can do out here (I'm used to commuting in Wash, DC) is keep your visibility up and be a bit smarter about your route. It's too bad we don't live in a metropolitan area where lane splitting and "owning the road" are options.
About the "presenting a target" or "expecting the drivers to accomodate you"... I can only say that I do neither. As you know AC, all you can do out here (I'm used to commuting in Wash, DC) is keep your visibility up and be a bit smarter about your route. It's too bad we don't live in a metropolitan area where lane splitting and "owning the road" are options.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: baltimore
Posts: 1,663
Bikes: Pake Track; Bianchi XL EV2 El Reparto Corse, Kona Jake the Snake
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Perfomance bike is having a light sale right now. https://www.performancebike.com/index.cfm
#16
Radio Bemba 00.0
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Rocking the spot.
Posts: 866
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I also go in for the planet bike clip on blinky. I've tried others (b/c I seem to be prone to losing them... now it's electrical taped to my bag so it can't come off) and i think it's the best for the price. I also have that cateye deal where you touch the tab to the casing around the light to activiate. That's good too, but i like the clip on better.
#17
contrarian
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: CO Springs
Posts: 2,848
Bikes: 80's ross road bike/commuter, 80's team miyata, 90's haro mtb xtracycle conversion, koga mitaya world traveler
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
__________________
Higher ground for the apocalypse!
Higher ground for the apocalypse!
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: st. pete/tampa, FL
Posts: 1,588
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
i use this and it is bright as the sun..you can also the entire thing off (no mounts) in like 2 seconds.
#19
ogre
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: arlington, va
Posts: 399
Bikes: surly steamroller fixie, '90 cannondale SR 800
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
i've got the long, red cateye zip-tied to my saddle, works great and stays in place. maybe i can get a picture at some point....
#20
contrarian
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: CO Springs
Posts: 2,848
Bikes: 80's ross road bike/commuter, 80's team miyata, 90's haro mtb xtracycle conversion, koga mitaya world traveler
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
^^ Jamey, you might want to explain what 'this' is.
__________________
Higher ground for the apocalypse!
Higher ground for the apocalypse!
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Philadelphia
Posts: 1,036
Bikes: Specialized AWOL, Soma Juice
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#22
2-Cyl, 1/2 HP @ 90 RPM
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: NYC
Posts: 15,762
Bikes: 04' Specialized Hardrock Sport, 03' Giant OCR2 (SOLD!), 04' Litespeed Firenze, 04' Giant OCR Touring, 07' Specialized Langster Comp
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
Niterider.
Hide the wire and it even looks like a regular reflector. 19-LED's, VERY bright.
Hide the wire and it even looks like a regular reflector. 19-LED's, VERY bright.
#23
Arizona Dessert
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: AZ
Posts: 15,030
Bikes: Cannondale SuperSix, Lemond Poprad. Retired: Jamis Sputnik, Centurion LeMans Fixed, Diamond Back ascent ex
Mentioned: 76 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5345 Post(s)
Liked 2,169 Times
in
1,288 Posts
Originally Posted by benk0
Need a new rear light for commuting out here in "I don't know how to drive with bikes in the road" Arizona.
I know there's a really good Cateye option, but maybe something with a permanent (tools required) mount.
I know there's a really good Cateye option, but maybe something with a permanent (tools required) mount.
Al
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: st. pete/tampa, FL
Posts: 1,588
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by lala
^^ Jamey, you might want to explain what 'this' is.
#25
contrarian
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: CO Springs
Posts: 2,848
Bikes: 80's ross road bike/commuter, 80's team miyata, 90's haro mtb xtracycle conversion, koga mitaya world traveler
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks!
__________________
Higher ground for the apocalypse!
Higher ground for the apocalypse!