Bike daytime headlight comments, please
09-30-17, 07:42 AM
#1
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Bike daytime headlight comments, please
I've always been somewhat against bright daytime bike headlights on the basis oncoming traffic risks were minimal but those lights may distract motorists. I've come to learn oncoming traffic risks were greater than I envisioned. So, now I'm looking to get a front light and wondering about features, such as:
- Brightness - How many lumens are sufficient for daytime use but wouldn't needlessly distract oncoming motorists?
- How many - I've seen lights in singles or doubles but are two any better than one?
- Colors - I'm considering using a rear-type light in the front so I can set it to blue. Is color a good feature given that I do my biking during the day and don't need a nighttime light?
- Other features - Beyond being rechargeable, what other features are important?
09-30-17, 09:10 AM
#2
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Using the LED equivalent to the old halogen MR16, got two of them, with a cheap automobile fog light between them .
IMG_4060 by AviationMetalSmith, on Flickr
IMG_4060 by AviationMetalSmith, on Flickr
09-30-17, 09:17 AM
#3
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Sometimes I turn off the one on the right. Battery Box is mid-frame, on the bottle-cage bosses:
IMG_6122 by AviationMetalSmith, on Flickr
I always have the lights on daytime and nighttime .
IMG_3183 by AviationMetalSmith, on Flickr
IMG_6122 by AviationMetalSmith, on FlickrI always have the lights on daytime and nighttime .
IMG_3183 by AviationMetalSmith, on Flickr
09-30-17, 09:37 AM
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I have used blinking light during the days for years after I saw I guy I hadn't noticed wait for me to pass before opening his door into the lane I was riding in. Currently I used a Magicshine on the handlebars and the Vis 360 on the helmet blinking during the day. The helmet light helps keep people from getting too close during turns like it does at night, and has a blinking red light in the rear.
09-30-17, 08:01 PM
#5
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I use a 3 led rechargeable light mounted on the handlebars, less than $10 on Ebay. I use white as blue is reserved for law enforcement.
10-01-17, 11:55 PM
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The front headlight is not likely to be noticed as much as a red rear, even in blink mode. The red is going to be seen because the wavelength of the 'red' is one the visual center of our brains responds to better in bright conditions.
As for blue, it's reserved for EMERGENCY lights, which are on top of a motor vehicle and flash alternately on the left and right sides of the vehicle. I'm sure you have seen blue headlights...those are xenon gas lamps as opposed to halogens and are quite bright (to the point where drivers get upset and flash their high beams at the cars with them because it's hard on their vision, just like high beams in front of their sight. Blue is not a reserved headlight color.
As for blue, it's reserved for EMERGENCY lights, which are on top of a motor vehicle and flash alternately on the left and right sides of the vehicle. I'm sure you have seen blue headlights...those are xenon gas lamps as opposed to halogens and are quite bright (to the point where drivers get upset and flash their high beams at the cars with them because it's hard on their vision, just like high beams in front of their sight. Blue is not a reserved headlight color.
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10-06-17, 08:49 PM
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There are a lot of inexpensive choices on Amazon. I'd say the brighter the better. I don't understand the driver distraction concern. The idea is to be noticed. I don't think a flashing daytime light is going to be so bright that a driver becomes mesmerized and crashes as a result.
10-06-17, 11:04 PM
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If you can see your headlight flashing on the pavement in front of you, it is too bright and you should switch to steady on. That could happen on a strong overcast day. On a sunny day, that would be some super crazy bright light.
Otherwise, during daylight it is very unlikely you will dazzle anyone. It is in the dark where bicycle flashers can make the universe wink in and out of existence and blow night vision that can be dangerous to other road users. I wish more bike lights did have a varying brightness for night time use, where they dim, rather than flash.
Otherwise, during daylight it is very unlikely you will dazzle anyone. It is in the dark where bicycle flashers can make the universe wink in and out of existence and blow night vision that can be dangerous to other road users. I wish more bike lights did have a varying brightness for night time use, where they dim, rather than flash.
10-08-17, 09:42 PM
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During the day, I put my front light on blink when there are visibility concerns that would have me turning on my lights to be seen if I was in a car.
10-09-17, 08:56 AM
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keep the front white. don't want to confuse anyone. remember a rear facing strobe too. I added a 2nd on my left drop bar & it definitely buys my a little more courtesy room from passing vehicles. regarding front brightness, get the brightest you can afford. you can always aim it down
10-09-17, 11:06 AM
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Drawing_Type_Eleven_Cargo_abbe_11_b by AviationMetalSmith, on FlickrThe red part is the Fiberglass platform , permanently mounted to the head tube. I weigh over 250 , it would take more than a 32 mph cross wind to knock me over.
10-09-17, 12:57 PM
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All I know is one trail I ride, I can see a local MTB group ride coming from a mile away with 20 high intensity blinkies facing my way 
10-09-17, 01:20 PM
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Sometimes I turn off the one on the right. Battery Box is mid-frame, on the bottle-cage bosses:
IMG_6122 by AviationMetalSmith, on Flickr
I always have the lights on daytime and nighttime .
IMG_3183 by AviationMetalSmith, on Flickr
IMG_6122 by AviationMetalSmith, on FlickrI always have the lights on daytime and nighttime .
IMG_3183 by AviationMetalSmith, on Flickr
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(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
10-09-17, 04:20 PM
#15
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keep the front white. don't want to confuse anyone. remember a rear facing strobe too. I added a 2nd on my left drop bar & it definitely buys my a little more courtesy room from passing vehicles. regarding front brightness, get the brightest you can afford. you can always aim it down
10-09-17, 04:57 PM
#16
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love it!! but can you make that picture smaller? with my version I can use the last long part of the drop. the zip tie ends are where there's a gap between my finger tips & palm. my fingers just touch the bumps but it's not uncomfortable. I like the finished look of yours. wonder if you can rotate it down you ever use that part of the bar?
Last edited by rumrunn6; 10-09-17 at 05:01 PM.
10-09-17, 05:54 PM
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If you want a red CREE XML-T6 flashlight as a rear blinkie, choose one that is "focusable" and has a flashing mode. Not all of them have the flashing mode or can be focused. There is a really nice 360 degree flashlight holder that goes for a buck (sometimes less) from overseas sellers. Mount the clamp on the frame behind the seat. Aim it wherever you want and adjust the beam. The CREE Red LED has a maximum of 800 lumens according to the CREE website so forget the massive lumen ratings some sellers show. It is an honest 800 lumen light. The flashlight clips in securely and will not come loose on bumpy roads. Here are links to one eBay seller for each.
Red/Green Zoomable 7000LM XML T6 LED 5 Modes Focus Flashlight Torch 18650 Lamp $5.75 postpaid
NEW 360 Degree Bicycle LED Flashlight Mount Holder For Bicycle Torch Clip Clamp $.99 postpaid
NEW 360 Degree Bicycle LED Flashlight Mount Holder For Bicycle Torch Clip Clamp
Red/Green Zoomable 7000LM XML T6 LED 5 Modes Focus Flashlight Torch 18650 Lamp $5.75 postpaid
NEW 360 Degree Bicycle LED Flashlight Mount Holder For Bicycle Torch Clip Clamp $.99 postpaid
NEW 360 Degree Bicycle LED Flashlight Mount Holder For Bicycle Torch Clip Clamp
Last edited by VegasTriker; 10-09-17 at 05:57 PM. Reason: honest lumen rating for red T-6 bin
10-09-17, 09:16 PM
#18
Farmer tan
love it!! but can you make that picture smaller? with my version I can use the last long part of the drop. the zip tie ends are where there's a gap between my finger tips & palm. my fingers just touch the bumps but it's not uncomfortable. I like the finished look of yours. wonder if you can rotate it down you ever use that part of the bar?
Sorry about that image size. Imgur won't let me grab the URL for the smaller images from their mobile website. I'll edit it next time I'm at my PC.
10-09-17, 09:20 PM
#19
Farmer tan
If you want a red CREE XML-T6 flashlight as a rear blinkie, choose one that is "focusable" and has a flashing mode. Not all of them have the flashing mode or can be focused. There is a really nice 360 degree flashlight holder that goes for a buck (sometimes less) from overseas sellers. Mount the clamp on the frame behind the seat. Aim it wherever you want and adjust the beam. The CREE Red LED has a maximum of 800 lumens according to the CREE website so forget the massive lumen ratings some sellers show. It is an honest 800 lumen light. The flashlight clips in securely and will not come loose on bumpy roads. Here are links to one eBay seller for each.
Red/Green Zoomable 7000LM XML T6 LED 5 Modes Focus Flashlight Torch 18650 Lamp $5.75 postpaid Red/Green Zoomable 7000LM XML T6 LED 5 Modes Focus Flashlight Torch 18650 Lamp
NEW 360 Degree Bicycle LED Flashlight Mount Holder For Bicycle Torch Clip Clamp $.99 postpaid
NEW 360 Degree Bicycle LED Flashlight Mount Holder For Bicycle Torch Clip Clamp
Red/Green Zoomable 7000LM XML T6 LED 5 Modes Focus Flashlight Torch 18650 Lamp $5.75 postpaid Red/Green Zoomable 7000LM XML T6 LED 5 Modes Focus Flashlight Torch 18650 Lamp
NEW 360 Degree Bicycle LED Flashlight Mount Holder For Bicycle Torch Clip Clamp $.99 postpaid
NEW 360 Degree Bicycle LED Flashlight Mount Holder For Bicycle Torch Clip Clamp
10-10-17, 06:24 AM
#20
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no worries, I only mentioned it cuz I've been rethinking how I post photos. what seems like a good size (full screen on my computer) is too large for some other users. also hotlinking from imgur makes them appear larger than attaching them via the forum. recently discovered imgur allows one to select the size of the image when it is hotlinked
10-10-17, 06:39 AM
#21
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Model 317 • Tail Box by AviationMetalSmith, on Flickr
Model 317 • Tail Box by AviationMetalSmith, on FlickrGot the Tail Box finished last night... No lights installed yet, no, I got the Tail Light at the auto parts store, it's 4 inch diameter, but I haven't installed it yet.
Model 317 by AviationMetalSmith, on Flickr
10-10-17, 07:48 AM
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I ride and drive a lot. I've seen the advantages of the lights in both capacities.
I have a daylight blinker on my front and rear (Cygolite 460 up front, Cygolite 150 on the rear)
As a biker I've had more than one person actively mention that they saw my lights. (Usually as stop lights where they say 'that's cool' or something. I don't care what they think of it. I care that they saw the lights and me.)
As a driver I've noticed bikers with lights a FAR greatest distances than I would have noticed them otherwise. ESPECIALLY in a high traffic area where there are 1000 other things to catch my attention like other cars, stop lights, pedestrians, the prices on the gas station sign, the radio station in the car, etc etc etc. But I'll see those bright blinking bikes lights through all of that and know there is a cyclist near me when I probably wouldn't have seem him as quickly otherwise.
As a biker, I want to be that guy that the motorist sees from a distance and makes a note of.
I have a daylight blinker on my front and rear (Cygolite 460 up front, Cygolite 150 on the rear)
As a biker I've had more than one person actively mention that they saw my lights. (Usually as stop lights where they say 'that's cool' or something. I don't care what they think of it. I care that they saw the lights and me.)
As a driver I've noticed bikers with lights a FAR greatest distances than I would have noticed them otherwise. ESPECIALLY in a high traffic area where there are 1000 other things to catch my attention like other cars, stop lights, pedestrians, the prices on the gas station sign, the radio station in the car, etc etc etc. But I'll see those bright blinking bikes lights through all of that and know there is a cyclist near me when I probably wouldn't have seem him as quickly otherwise.
As a biker, I want to be that guy that the motorist sees from a distance and makes a note of.
10-10-17, 08:36 AM
#23
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I ride and drive a lot. I've seen the advantages of the lights in both capacities.
I have a daylight blinker on my front and rear (Cygolite 460 up front, Cygolite 150 on the rear)
As a biker I've had more than one person actively mention that they saw my lights. (Usually as stop lights where they say 'that's cool' or something. I don't care what they think of it. I care that they saw the lights and me.)
As a driver I've noticed bikers with lights a FAR greatest distances than I would have noticed them otherwise. ESPECIALLY in a high traffic area where there are 1000 other things to catch my attention like other cars, stop lights, pedestrians, the prices on the gas station sign, the radio station in the car, etc etc etc. But I'll see those bright blinking bikes lights through all of that and know there is a cyclist near me when I probably wouldn't have seem him as quickly otherwise.
As a biker, I want to be that guy that the motorist sees from a distance and makes a note of.
I have a daylight blinker on my front and rear (Cygolite 460 up front, Cygolite 150 on the rear)
As a biker I've had more than one person actively mention that they saw my lights. (Usually as stop lights where they say 'that's cool' or something. I don't care what they think of it. I care that they saw the lights and me.)
As a driver I've noticed bikers with lights a FAR greatest distances than I would have noticed them otherwise. ESPECIALLY in a high traffic area where there are 1000 other things to catch my attention like other cars, stop lights, pedestrians, the prices on the gas station sign, the radio station in the car, etc etc etc. But I'll see those bright blinking bikes lights through all of that and know there is a cyclist near me when I probably wouldn't have seem him as quickly otherwise.
As a biker, I want to be that guy that the motorist sees from a distance and makes a note of.
10-10-17, 09:49 AM
#24
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My criticism of the Cygolites is the company is unwilling to reveal the size of the lithium battery in many of their lights. Look at any of the ads or offers for the 150 and you will never find it. It shouldn't be. In order to make an intelligent choice about which light to buy, knowing the battery size is really important since run time versus lumen output are intimately linked.
Cygolite is not alone. Blitzu does the same thing. I opened the case on my Blitzu Gator 320 headlight to see. It was 1200 mAh and at the same time I learned it was made by Raypal, a major Chinese bike light supplier. There are lots of similar lights like the Gator – exact same case, exact same mount – and they often do tell you it has a 1200 m\ah battery (and sell it for half the price).
I much prefer the newer chip-on-board lights for small USB rechargeable taillights. The light is evenly distributed across the light and COBs are more efficient so you get a longer run time for the same number of lumens. Compare these two – one by Raypal and the other with the Bliutzu brand name.
180 Lumen 50 LED COB 'Bicycle Bike Cycling USB Rechargeable LED Tail Light Warning Safety Rear Lamp $8.76 postpaid Bicycle Bike Cycling USB Rechargeable LED Tail Light Warning Safety Rear Lamp | eBay
BLITZU Cyborg 180T Bike Light $25 with “free multitool” https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-.../dp/B01HOUN7NA
Cygolite is not alone. Blitzu does the same thing. I opened the case on my Blitzu Gator 320 headlight to see. It was 1200 mAh and at the same time I learned it was made by Raypal, a major Chinese bike light supplier. There are lots of similar lights like the Gator – exact same case, exact same mount – and they often do tell you it has a 1200 m\ah battery (and sell it for half the price).
I much prefer the newer chip-on-board lights for small USB rechargeable taillights. The light is evenly distributed across the light and COBs are more efficient so you get a longer run time for the same number of lumens. Compare these two – one by Raypal and the other with the Bliutzu brand name.
180 Lumen 50 LED COB 'Bicycle Bike Cycling USB Rechargeable LED Tail Light Warning Safety Rear Lamp $8.76 postpaid Bicycle Bike Cycling USB Rechargeable LED Tail Light Warning Safety Rear Lamp | eBay
BLITZU Cyborg 180T Bike Light $25 with “free multitool” https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-.../dp/B01HOUN7NA
10-11-17, 12:19 PM
#25
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With the time change putting both of my daily rides partially or totally in the dark and a mal****ion of my $0.99 blinky, i got serious about lights. I got a Cygolite Dash Pro 600 up front and a Cygolite Hotshot Pro 150 for the back. I also wear a CatEye - HL-EL135 on top of my helmet facing forward and a Planet Bike Blinky "3H" on the back of my helmet.
During the day, I have both rearward facing lights blinking and the forward facing Dash Pro 600 flashing. In twilight or dark, I have the helmet mounted rearward light blinking with the Cygolite Hotshot on steady and both forward facing lights on steady. The beauty of the Cateye on top of my helmet is that you can get a light pointing where you are looking which is great for alerting drivers on side streets that you are there.
During the day, I have both rearward facing lights blinking and the forward facing Dash Pro 600 flashing. In twilight or dark, I have the helmet mounted rearward light blinking with the Cygolite Hotshot on steady and both forward facing lights on steady. The beauty of the Cateye on top of my helmet is that you can get a light pointing where you are looking which is great for alerting drivers on side streets that you are there.