Affordable rear light that lasts 3+ hours in solid mode
10-23-19, 01:19 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
Affordable rear light that lasts 3+ hours in solid mode
We're required to put our lights in "group" (non flashing) mode on my night time group ride, and mine died after about an hours and a half. I ride to and from the ride so that means I had to ride home in the dark last night with no rear tail light which is scary and illegal. Daytime brightness in flashing mode is not important to me.
10-23-19, 02:26 PM
#2
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I am quite happy with Planet Bike Superflash, the original version that takes two AAA batteries. It has a tight focus, so you need to mount it on the bike and aim it carefully so it shines directly backwards.
https://www.planetbike.com/store/sup...ight-1067.html
I also like the Superflash 65, but that has a wider beam that I think works better if you have rolling hills or winding road or both when the traffic is not directly behind you. But I think this one is less bright directly behind than the Superflash.
https://www.planetbike.com/store/sup...ail-light.html
They have some other similar models that you might like better if you want USB charging, etc.
I use Ikea Ladda (white) low discharge NiMH rechargeable AAA and AA batteries. They make two versions, the white higher cost ones are the ones I use. When bike touring, I recharge the batteries weekly even though it appears that I still have good light, that way I know they won't run down too low.
Advantage of AAA battery lights is that if they go flat, lots of stores can sell you some new non-rechargeable batteries.
I usually have them on during daytime in flash mode, but I think they are adequately bright at night in constant on mode too.
https://www.planetbike.com/store/sup...ight-1067.html
I also like the Superflash 65, but that has a wider beam that I think works better if you have rolling hills or winding road or both when the traffic is not directly behind you. But I think this one is less bright directly behind than the Superflash.
https://www.planetbike.com/store/sup...ail-light.html
They have some other similar models that you might like better if you want USB charging, etc.
I use Ikea Ladda (white) low discharge NiMH rechargeable AAA and AA batteries. They make two versions, the white higher cost ones are the ones I use. When bike touring, I recharge the batteries weekly even though it appears that I still have good light, that way I know they won't run down too low.
Advantage of AAA battery lights is that if they go flat, lots of stores can sell you some new non-rechargeable batteries.
I usually have them on during daytime in flash mode, but I think they are adequately bright at night in constant on mode too.
10-24-19, 10:47 AM
#3
aka Tom Reingold
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I could be wrong, but I think any decent taillight will last three hours in solid mode. I use flashing mode with mine, and I charge it every month or two. If you want, I will test it in solid mode and report back.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
10-24-19, 02:28 PM
#4
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same, all my rear lights last like 20+ hours on a set of AAAs. PB superflash, PDW Radbot 1000 are both cheap options. I've recently gone to a rechargeable bontrager flare that is a lot brighter and more compact that doesn't last as long but still 5+ hours of steady output between charges
10-29-19, 01:40 PM
#5
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