Help with lights
Discussion
Front: http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/accessories...
Rear: http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/accessories...
to be honest, wanting to see and be seen and not wanting to pay much isnt really a good idea. If you only ride on lit roads, wear hi-vis and dont worry too much about a light for you, being seen is far more important. there are lights that let you see which are different to lights that let you be seen.
If its unlit roads, pay as much as you can...
Rear: http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/accessories...
to be honest, wanting to see and be seen and not wanting to pay much isnt really a good idea. If you only ride on lit roads, wear hi-vis and dont worry too much about a light for you, being seen is far more important. there are lights that let you see which are different to lights that let you be seen.
If its unlit roads, pay as much as you can...
I have a front light which looks exactly the same as this one: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CREE-XML-XM-L-T6-1800-Lu...
Used it for the first time in anger last weekend and was very impressed with it.
I use a Cateye rear light which is very bright. As already said though, for unlit roads you also want lots of hi-viz reflective stuff.
Used it for the first time in anger last weekend and was very impressed with it.
I use a Cateye rear light which is very bright. As already said though, for unlit roads you also want lots of hi-viz reflective stuff.
S6PNJ in another thread said:
I can recommend either of the following. I have one of them (the first set) and it is great. Mine came from dealextreme and there have been a few threads on here recommending them.
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/ha-iii-cree-ssc-p7-c-...
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/mj-808-ha-iii-ssc-p7-...
And now found this ebay link but I have no way of knowing if it's actually the same item or a cheap knock off - check out the feedback of others who've bought it and if necessary send them an email.
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/ha-iii-cree-ssc-p7-c-...
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/mj-808-ha-iii-ssc-p7-...
And now found this ebay link but I have no way of knowing if it's actually the same item or a cheap knock off - check out the feedback of others who've bought it and if necessary send them an email.
Can't help with recommending a front light, as I'm still struggling along with cheap stuff whilst saving for something from Exposure, but this
http://www.cateye.com/en/products/detail/TL-LD650/ looks good from Cateye for the rear. I've got one of these http://www.cateye.com/en/products/detail/TL-LD610/ which seems to have been superceded by the 650. Plenty bright enough and a cool 'Knight Rider/Ceylon Warrior' mode. I would recommend 2 rear lights, I mostly use the Cateye 610 in fixed/solid mode on the seat tube, and a cheaper light http://www.wiggle.co.uk/smart-12-watt-rear-light/ in flashing/pulsing mode on the saddle pack loop. There is also this option http://www.topeak.com/products/Lights/headlux to mount on the top of your cycle helmet if you are looking for a bit of extra confidence in being seen.
ETA: My riding has mostly been on rural roads in North Essex, on a road bike, and (touches wood) I've had no real issues with following traffic at night - in fact, in my experience, drivers seem to see me earlier and leave more space when they pass me when it's dark and I'm (to quote a colleague) 'lit up like a Christmas Tree' than when I'm riding in full daylight. I always keep 1 front, and 1 rear light on my bike, so that I can switch them onto flashing mode before I go into any 'tree tunnels' or other low light situations, like wide motorway bridges etc. Does no harm to give drivers the best chance to clock you and plan their overtakes, rather than being surprised by your presence as their eyes adjust to changing light conditions. Hope that helps!
http://www.cateye.com/en/products/detail/TL-LD650/ looks good from Cateye for the rear. I've got one of these http://www.cateye.com/en/products/detail/TL-LD610/ which seems to have been superceded by the 650. Plenty bright enough and a cool 'Knight Rider/Ceylon Warrior' mode. I would recommend 2 rear lights, I mostly use the Cateye 610 in fixed/solid mode on the seat tube, and a cheaper light http://www.wiggle.co.uk/smart-12-watt-rear-light/ in flashing/pulsing mode on the saddle pack loop. There is also this option http://www.topeak.com/products/Lights/headlux to mount on the top of your cycle helmet if you are looking for a bit of extra confidence in being seen.
ETA: My riding has mostly been on rural roads in North Essex, on a road bike, and (touches wood) I've had no real issues with following traffic at night - in fact, in my experience, drivers seem to see me earlier and leave more space when they pass me when it's dark and I'm (to quote a colleague) 'lit up like a Christmas Tree' than when I'm riding in full daylight. I always keep 1 front, and 1 rear light on my bike, so that I can switch them onto flashing mode before I go into any 'tree tunnels' or other low light situations, like wide motorway bridges etc. Does no harm to give drivers the best chance to clock you and plan their overtakes, rather than being surprised by your presence as their eyes adjust to changing light conditions. Hope that helps!
Edited by yellowjack on Sunday 19th August 23:16
daz3210 said:
Are there any laws with regard to positioning lights on a bike?
I'm thinking as the nights draw in of using in addition to the standard flashing led lights a head mounted light so I can see where I am going. But, that would put the light rather high up. Is that allowed?
Do it, ask questions later I'm thinking as the nights draw in of using in addition to the standard flashing led lights a head mounted light so I can see where I am going. But, that would put the light rather high up. Is that allowed?
Seen plenty of people with head torches, at least it means you're shining it into the eyes of the people you're looking at in cars 
I'd rather worry about being seen that the legality of it - it would have to be a very bored cop to try and do you for something like that!daz3210 said:
Are there any laws with regard to positioning lights on a bike?
I'm thinking as the nights draw in of using in addition to the standard flashing led lights a head mounted light so I can see where I am going. But, that would put the light rather high up. Is that allowed?
"60I'm thinking as the nights draw in of using in addition to the standard flashing led lights a head mounted light so I can see where I am going. But, that would put the light rather high up. Is that allowed?
At night your cycle MUST have white front and red rear lights lit. It MUST also be fitted with a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1/10/85). White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen. Flashing lights are permitted but it is recommended that cyclists who are riding in areas without street lighting use a steady front lamp. "
You interpretation of that is as good as mine. Personally, I think that as long as the lights are visible is doesn't matter whether they're mounted on you or the bike. For front lights there's a good argument for one of the bars (where the bike is pointing) and one on the helmet (so you can look around bends). I have seen people riding with a rear light on their helmet that's totally blocked by a rucksack on their back though...
Gizmoish said:
"60
At night your cycle MUST have white front and red rear lights lit. It MUST also be fitted with a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1/10/85). White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen. Flashing lights are permitted but it is recommended that cyclists who are riding in areas without street lighting use a steady front lamp. "
At night your cycle MUST have white front and red rear lights lit. It MUST also be fitted with a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1/10/85). White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen. Flashing lights are permitted but it is recommended that cyclists who are riding in areas without street lighting use a steady front lamp. "
AyBee said:
Gizmoish said:
"60
At night your cycle MUST have white front and red rear lights lit. It MUST also be fitted with a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1/10/85). White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen. Flashing lights are permitted but it is recommended that cyclists who are riding in areas without street lighting use a steady front lamp. "
At night your cycle MUST have white front and red rear lights lit. It MUST also be fitted with a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1/10/85). White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen. Flashing lights are permitted but it is recommended that cyclists who are riding in areas without street lighting use a steady front lamp. "
, but the section you have highlighted in bold IS part of the RVLRs and amendments. See this link http://www.ctc.org.uk/desktopdefault.aspx?tabid=40... which explains the rules for cycle lighting in fairly plain language, and also contains a link to RVLR 1989. Put simply, it's all there in the law. Most cyclists, me included, are breaking the law if we ride at night, but in practice you will probably receive no attention from BiB if you comply with the spirit of the law. If you don your Ninja suit and ride without lights, and plod passes you, I'd hope that they would at the very least stop you to offer advice. I myself have never heard of a cyclist warned or charged for failing to comply with the law regarding lights.As far as the pedal reflectors issue goes, I wear yellow slap/wrap reflectors around my ankles after dark, which produces the same effect as pedal reflectors, but extends 360 degrees, not just front/rear. If, like me, you ride regularly after dark, you can keep them wrapped around your bars/stem/seatpost, so you'll never be without them if it gets dark during a ride.
As highlighted, there is no way to attach reflectors to SPDs
I'm fighting the urge to buy something like this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQXhTzxYSuw
That lets you do custom messages! $25 on deal extreme.
I'm fighting the urge to buy something like this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQXhTzxYSuw
That lets you do custom messages! $25 on deal extreme.
GBDG said:
As highlighted, there is no way to attach reflectors to SPDs
Whilst I would hate to correct you on an open forum:http://www.bike-discount.de/shop/a9004/pedal-top-w...
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