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Bike reflectors

Old 08-31-20, 03:47 PM
  #26  
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Originally Posted by Chistophe516
Regardless of the quality of your lights. Reflectors are useless. Your lights will be easier to see. Even with bright sun light. Your lights will be easier to see. Are your lights re-chargeable, or do they use alkaline batteries?
I wouldn't say they're useless. Yes, the lights are better but there's nothing lost by using both lights and reflectors at night.
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Old 09-01-20, 01:36 PM
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Originally Posted by Milton Keynes
I wouldn't say they're useless. Yes, the lights are better but there's nothing lost by using both lights and reflectors at night.
While both, can get mud on them. Reflectors can't be brightened. They also don't have flash settings. Lastly, Reflectors can easily break.
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Old 09-01-20, 01:59 PM
  #28  
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Originally Posted by Chistophe516
While both, can get mud on them. Reflectors can't be brightened. They also don't have flash settings. Lastly, Reflectors can easily break.
Sorry, but this is ridiculous. You can always wipe mud off lights and reflectors, and lights can break (or go dead) just as easy as reflectors can. However, it's really hard to break reflective tape.

Like I said, a good application of both lights and reflectors (reflective tape) is what I use. So far it hasn't let me down.
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Old 11-21-20, 11:33 AM
  #29  
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Stay illuminated
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Old 11-21-20, 11:41 AM
  #30  
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Originally Posted by Texboy
I recently bought a front and tail lights combo. Is it necessary to have bike reflectors for front, back and sides?
Tape helps much
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Old 11-21-20, 11:46 AM
  #31  
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Originally Posted by 10 Wheels
Tape helps much
I need to take a photo of mine like that.
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Old 11-21-20, 11:48 AM
  #32  
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Old 11-21-20, 11:54 AM
  #33  
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Brilliant! Both literally and figuratively.
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Old 11-24-20, 03:56 AM
  #34  
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Originally Posted by Milton Keynes
Sorry, but this is ridiculous. You can always wipe mud off lights and reflectors, and lights can break (or go dead) just as easy as reflectors can. However, it's really hard to break reflective tape.

Like I said, a good application of both lights and reflectors (reflective tape) is what I use. So far it hasn't let me down.
Reflective tape is different from reflectors. Because of being able to put it anywhere, and however you want. But reflectors(apart from reflectors on the wheel spokes) cannot be moved, brightness adjusted for the time of day. Also, A cyclist won't be able to tell if there is mud on the reflector. Because, They don't have the glare/glow of actual lights. Along with no settings for the brightness.
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Old 11-24-20, 08:06 AM
  #35  
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Originally Posted by Chistophe516
But reflectors(apart from reflectors on the wheel spokes) cannot be moved, brightness adjusted for the time of day.
Reflectors aren't really meant for use in day time. That's what bright daytime lights are for.

Also, A cyclist won't be able to tell if there is mud on the reflector.
All you have to do is look at them.
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Old 11-24-20, 12:09 PM
  #36  
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As gios mentioned above, think about this when you're driving (if you do). What works and what doesn't.

Reflectors are very beneficial in marginal conditions like dawn/dusk or when it's overcast or raining.

Many developed countries now require reflective sidewalls on tyres. These not only tell drivers 'heh, there's something here' but what it is and what direction it's going. Very beneficial and much better and less annoying than plastic things in spokes.
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Old 11-24-20, 12:12 PM
  #37  
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Get some reflective tape.
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Old 11-24-20, 03:48 PM
  #38  
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Originally Posted by Milton Keynes
Reflectors aren't really meant for use in day time. That's what bright daytime lights are for.
Not just daytime.
Originally Posted by Milton Keynes
All you have to do is look at them.
But until, that is done. There is no visible sign. That something is wrong. Lights will become dimmer, as the light is obscured
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Old 11-24-20, 07:09 PM
  #39  
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Originally Posted by Chistophe516
Not just daytime.

But until, that is done. There is no visible sign. That something is wrong. Lights will become dimmer, as the light is obscured
Is that much mud really a problem? I tend not to ride much mud in the first place, and generally don't ride through mud at night. At any rate, it's easy enough to wipe off during a rest break. Most cyclists won't realize a rear red light is covered with mud either because usually they're looking forward and not at a red light on the rear while riding.

But at any rate, IMO you should always ride with red rear lights while riding at night anyway. Reflectors should just supplement your lights.

Last edited by Milton Keynes; 11-24-20 at 07:13 PM.
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Old 11-25-20, 07:47 AM
  #40  
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I don't ride in mud either but if I did, I'd get fenders to keep the mud off my bike (and off of myself too). And off of my reflectors.
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Old 11-29-20, 09:00 PM
  #41  
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Originally Posted by Milton Keynes
Is that much mud really a problem? I tend not to ride much mud in the first place, and generally don't ride through mud at night. At any rate, it's easy enough to wipe off during a rest break. Most cyclists won't realize a rear red light is covered with mud either because usually they're looking forward and not at a red light on the rear while riding.

But at any rate, IMO you should always ride with red rear lights while riding at night anyway. Reflectors should just supplement your lights.
Bingo!! Reflectors on the bike are useless.
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Old 11-30-20, 08:06 AM
  #42  
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Originally Posted by Chistophe516
Bingo!! Reflectors on the bike are useless.
Not totally but I would never rely only on them for night riding. I think they do help identify you (especially pedal reflectors if your bike has them) as a bicycle as cars get closer.
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