Tail Light Recommendations Requested
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Hartselle, Alabama
Posts: 139
Bikes: '86 Trek Cirrus 520, '85 Trek 620, '84 Trek 610
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 24 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
4 Posts
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
#2
Senior Member
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.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 15,491
Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
Mentioned: 144 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7652 Post(s)
Liked 3,479 Times
in
1,836 Posts
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.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 1,892
Bikes: Fuji Sportif 1.3 C - 2014
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#7
working on my sandal tan
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CID
Posts: 22,629
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Mentioned: 98 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3871 Post(s)
Liked 2,568 Times
in
1,579 Posts
#8
Senior Member
I have a Bontrager Flare R. It works really well but I have nothing to compare it to, so there might be some much better options out there for all I know.
#10
Super Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Ffld Cnty Connecticut
Posts: 21,843
Bikes: Old Steelies I made, Old Cannondales
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1173 Post(s)
Liked 927 Times
in
612 Posts
Check the lighting forum too, if you want.
__________________
Bikes: Old steel race bikes, old Cannondale race bikes, less old Cannondale race bike, crappy old mtn bike.
FYI: https://www.bikeforums.net/forum-sugg...ad-please.html
Bikes: Old steel race bikes, old Cannondale race bikes, less old Cannondale race bike, crappy old mtn bike.
FYI: https://www.bikeforums.net/forum-sugg...ad-please.html
#13
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Central Pennsylvania
Posts: 80
Bikes: Gary Fisher Wingra, Redline Monocog 29er, Specialized Sequoia Elite, Pivot 429 Trail, Salsa Mukluk
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I have a hotshot and really like it.
#16
Advocatus Diaboli
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Wherever I am
Posts: 8,639
Bikes: Merlin Cyrene, Nashbar steel CX
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4737 Post(s)
Liked 1,533 Times
in
1,004 Posts
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
#17
Senior Member
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.
#18
Heck on Wheels
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: USA Midwest
Posts: 1,055
Bikes: In Signature
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 206 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
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].
__________________
"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)
"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)
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 15,491
Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
Mentioned: 144 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7652 Post(s)
Liked 3,479 Times
in
1,836 Posts
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.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 857
Bikes: Cannondale '92 T600 '95 H600 '01 RT1000
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 92 Post(s)
Liked 109 Times
in
82 Posts
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.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 15,491
Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
Mentioned: 144 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7652 Post(s)
Liked 3,479 Times
in
1,836 Posts
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.)
#22
Senior Member
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.)
#23
Banned
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..
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Central Louisiana
Posts: 3,055
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 41 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
3 Posts
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.
#25
Galveston County Texas
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: In The Wind
Posts: 33,222
Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1350 Post(s)
Liked 1,245 Times
in
623 Posts
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
__________________
Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"