BICYCLE LIGHTS & MOUNTING TIPS
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- Опубликовано: 27 июл 2024
- Some lights we like and mounting tips.
PAUL Gino Mount: amzn.to/2UHAfGo
Problem Solvers Light Mount: amzn.to/2EgRBnH
PS QR Light Mount: amzn.to/2PALk8n
Blackburn 1600 Countdown: amzn.to/2UEU1SM
Exposure Toro: amzn.to/2rz9k20
Cygolite Metro: amzn.to/2EvPPAb
Blackburn 2fer: amzn.to/2CbiqIo
Planet Bike Superflash: amzn.to/2SKqGVq
PDW Danger Zone: amzn.to/2UDDoa6
Vis 180: amzn.to/2Pzm2ra
Rayo Taillight: amzn.to/2PzmJRi
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For best dependability and performance over years I can't recommend Schmidt dynamo hubs enough. I have 3 bikes equipped with them. Oldest is now 9 years old. Used in all weather, including river crossings.
Two Schmidt front lights have lasted really well. Newest bike has a B&M IQ-X, awesome performance, copes with 30mph descents on country roads.
One bike has a B&M rear dynamo light, now 5 years old without a single problem always on (but bike has internal wiring, not used rear dynamo lights without that).
Flashing front lights -I believe- are banned in Germany. The white flash has a tendency to saturate the central vision of the eye (macula) and render it 'blind' or overwhelmed for a moment or two. Multiple flashes make the bicyclist feel good that they are visible but render the other person with poor vision for the duration of the repetitive flashes. Consider that this may be a driver or even another cyclist who misses the crap in the street as they lost their vision for a second or two.The flash makes one lose the subtle dark tones at night and puts us cyclists in more danger. I also favor the generator lights but expense may be prohibitive for some. But knowing the generator lamps and their shapes of the illumination ahead are wonderfully wide while somewhat 'hooded' being courteous to other bicyclists and respectful for others makes the dynamo lights even more attractive.
are they banned at night and day or only at night?
Thanks for these reviews and recommendations. Your channel is great.
I usually run two sets of lights front and back with one blinking and one steady. The blinking to get attention and the steady to see and be seen. Blinking lights are terrible for letting a passing driver estimate how fast they are approaching and where you are. If I had only one light it would be running steady for that reason.
We are fortunate to be living in the LED era where there are so many options that are both cheap and really good.
I have two bikes with Shutter Precision generator hubs with Herrmans lights. The dynamo and lights come in at about $250-300 plus you need to build the front wheel so probably about $400 total if you get a new front rim. However it is awesome to just start pedaling and have the lights there without having to strap things on and adjust them every time out. If you are a commuter or tourer this is a huge benefit.
One option for mounting lights is to use a reflector bracket that attaches to the fork crown and either add a piece of handlebar or mount the light directly. This is a great option for a bike with front basket or possibly with a front bag.
I like lights that have a semi-permanent attachment so you can get things adjusted and just take the light off for charging without having to readjust each time. My Cygolite still is used regularly because of this.
No one mentions the Blackburn lifetime warranty. Basically they will replace any straps or parts that go missing or replace entire items if they go bad. I have gotten truly free replacement parts (no shipping, no receipts, no registration needed) on a 20+ year old pump, a light that lost a rubber part, etc.
Again thanks for the work you do.
This year I took the leap and built up a Schmidt dynamo hub that I bought from Peter White Cycles. It spins better than the old (admittedly in need of an overhaul) wheel that it replaces and looks so good! I used the dynasnap system so I can charge my phone or gps during the day while on tour. It's on my commuter, and it is super dependable so far. I've been riding in rain, snow, and dry heat. It is so nice to always be lit, and even though the lumens might not be as high as the cygolites that it replaced, the beam spread is so much more strategic, and I am totally comfortable riding at high speed on roads in total darkness. I take backup lights when I'm riding on singletrack, but I can charge them during the day! I have no regrets so far. Looks good and works well. I will be picking up one of the Blackburn countdown lights for my offroad evenings.
I use a Cygolite 680, and carry an extra battery, it is plenty bright enough. I run a basket on the front of my recumbent so I attached a piece of PVC pipe to the front of the basket to mount the light, works great. Baskets are very handy to have. As for tail lights I use the Cateye Omni 5's, I use several on my recumbent.
Nice lights. I use a Nightrider Lumina 750 on my front handle bar, on my front fork I have a Planet Bike Blinky Safety light and a Planet Bike Grateful Red on the back. Went to a local hardware store and they had these little red strobe lights for a buck fifty. I added them to the back of my panniers for a little more visibility at night. The battery has lasted forever. As you can probably can tell I like lights especially here in Vermont. Not a lot of bikes out at night. Take care and thanks for the very informative videos, Al
Yeah Grateful Red! I am a Redhead too!
Best thing that I ever did so far as bike lights go is buying a dynamo wheelset - there is nothing quite so nice as knowing that the lights are not going to stop. Currently I own 2 and both are Shimano, but on my next 'supple' bike its already decided that Hunt are supplying the wheels - not cheap, but more than worth the investment.
What do you make of the Shimano dynamo hubs? What lights are they paired to? Powerful?
@@jackhammer40k_The Shimano Hubs are great - cannot fault them. I use a Busch and Muller rear light and a Philips Saferide on both the bikes I have fitted with dynamo's and cannot fault them either, however the Philips Saferide is no longer manufactured.
For my next bike I intend to have it fitted with one of Hunts dynamo wheelsets - not cheap, but I have owned and well used a pair of their 4 season wheels for about 3 years now and am very impressed by the quality of their products and their service plus they are using the SON Delux12 Dynamo hub which impresses me even more than my Shimano's.
@@leqin thanks for taking the time!
For my mount, I just bolted on a piece of PVC pipe on my rack. I wrapped an old road inner tube to make it fatter and stickier. I'm using a cateye volt-400? for commuting. Awesome video, Russ!
I'm a year-round commuter in Colorado and I love my Light & Motion Vis360. I have an older model, but it works well. I think helmet-mounted light is where it's at. It also broke once and I sent it back to them and they repaired it. I am intrigued by dynamo hubs though.
Thanks. A useful overview, particularly the mount options.
Light and motion finally came out with a light that will charge while in operation and run for 3 hours at max power w/out charge. Previous models were only 1.5 hours at max power and would now charge while in operation. The Rando. Bought one and been happy with it.
Really like the Garmin radar for a rear light. Got the clamp mount for my bikes and I move it from bike to bike. It is the greatest thing for road sharing.
On my PDW takeout basket I use a 3/4" pvc pipe cap, hole drilled in center, and mount to braze-on on basket. The cheapo china light with separate battery strapped to top tube works great. For rear light Ive really enjoyed the cycliq camera/taillight which takes terrific night video...wayyy better than my front gopro session.
For really good eye-catching rear lights with good extra features the see-sense icon is excellent. Easy USB charging. Several mounting options. Strong silicone straps.
Useful info, learnt about some options I didn't know!
Thank you for showing the Gino Mount AND the Problem Solvers Mount. I didn't know mounts like that even existed.
And yes, the handlebar bags can definitely render lights useless.
I've used the Schmidt dynamo hub with a dyno front and rear light for about 10 years. It's a reliable lighting system. I also use a supplemental helmet light (has both front and rear light) from Lights and Motion. I like having the helmet light since the height of the light helps with visibility.
Vis 360 is a great light My favorite. Great in daytime traffic.
I'm a fan of Planet Bike's "Grateful Red" taillight. Great name, but an equally great taillight.
In the heat of the Texas summer I ride my 25 - 30 mile route at 2:30AM on rural country roads. I run 4 Cygolite taillights + the Fly6_CE on the back. On the front I run one Cygolite Metro 950 and I have a second 850 as backup when needed. I have the QR Problem Solver quick release extensions front and rear. I run a Cygolite 750 with an amber lens cover (I made the cover) mounted on the front QR pointed to the rear. This illuminates my legs, chainrings, and the road around me so I can see an attacking dog on a pitch dark road. The amber light allows me to accurately pepper spray dogs which I call training. I was carrying the Counter Assault Bear Spray which puts out a huge cloud of gas which no dog, no matter how aggressive, could tolerate. Most dogs learn not to attack after the second spray. I've gone back to the Saber Red Magnum pepper spray because it's easier to carry, is less expensive than bear spray, and is just as effective. I watch my videos of dog attacks and I have to say that bear spray is incredible and it is very entertaining to watch what happens when a huge aggressive dog growling with teeth bared enters the bear spray cloud. They immediately stop and have a come to Jesus moment. You can actually hear their feet slide to a stop on the pavement. I also run a Cycliq Fly12_CE on the front. Ride safe.
the Cygolite Hotshot 150 is my go to rear light...I actually had a guy pull up to the side of me while going down the road to tell my that the light was fantastic. I had it in it's "day lightning" mode which gives it great blinky distance.
That’s another good one!
I absolutely LOVE the Cygolite Hotshots. They last a LONG time, are bright and reliable. Excellent product.
I’m the opposite of Russ as I’ve broken many a clip, butI’ve never broken a strap.
For front lights I’ve been quite pleased with the Light and Motion urban series of lights.
Tail light wise, I like the Portland Design Works Fender Bot, which you mount on your fender. Looks great and no one can steal it. One slight bit of caution though performance can be a bit spotty in cold temps. I’m in western Wisconsin, so I’m talking about low temps that most the U.S. will never see, but if you do find yourself riding at 0 degrees Fahrenheit be aware that your light might cut out on you.
Hope we had those lights here in the Philippines. I use bike lights all the time since I work night shifts
Nice selection that you have..Myself I have been using Fenix BC30r it has the countdown as well, and the Fenix BC21r which I can carry a spare cell or two and never run out of light. Nitecore HC60 on my helmet, takes the same cells as the Fenix BC21r so my spare cells can be used in either headlamp or bar light. And for the rear I use Niterider Solas 100.
Excellent review!!! I've been impressed with my recently purchased Specialized Flux 1200 Headlight and Flux Expert Tail Light - super bright, solid construction, purposeful design.
Love the Flux 1200 as well. But, this past winter during a cold week in NYC the attachment bracket broke and I lost the light in a snow squall. Got another. Now I’m using the GoPro attachment. Had the Stix rear light and a week after loosing the Flux the silicone snapped while I was riding... lost forever.! Bad winter.
I use a Dinotte Quad red for a rear light, very very bright and supposed to be serviceable. Happy so far
This was a useful video! I have used the Specialized Flux light (the charger actually sold me on this one) but have started to rethink my tail light/backlighting. I use a bike back everyday that lives off the seat post which means the tail light is under it. Was looking at adding lights to my frame somehow or the end of the 2nd rack. Any suggestions there?
I used a NiteRider mini Newt for about 10 years (before they made them with USB chargers!). Recently got a newer NiteRider Lumina Micro 850 front light with integrated battery and usb charger. For a rear light ,the past year have been using the Portland Design Works Gravity Rear USB tailight with accelerometer. Love that feature! Previously used Blackburn Mars for 10 years. Loved that one as well, but changing batteries was a pain.
Hmm. I HAVE noticed that it does get hot to the touch but haven’t noticed any dimming. Most of the time I’m not running it in full blitz mode and use the lower settings since I use it mostly for commuting.
I like the niterider lights. many of them have go pro mount like adapters made for them. I generally removed my camera from my kedge garmin/gopro combo mount in winter and replace it with a light.
Niterider also has amazing lifelong support for their bullet-proof products. I had a micro-usb charge port break on my seven-year-old 500 lumen light that has served me on countless commutes/night rides in all seasons & weather without fail. For $25 service charge, they replaced the failed charge port, gave the light a new battery & updated lens. So essentially I have new light for my helmet, since I upgraded to a 1200 lumen light for the underside of the Garmin/GoPro mount. Happy customer.
Some good info and products, as usual from your excellent channel. Could you do an updated comparison of lights, and mounting options? Bikepacking lights, bags and accessories have come a long way in four years!
I also use Cycliq front and rear lights with cameras. Great for daily transport but battery life limited for touring/longer day rides.
If you have a good torchlight it is worth considering visit a hardware store. I found a 5 Dollar mount for my Fenix UC 35. Works like a charm and i can charge with a usual powerbank.
Good review but very difficult to cover all of the current choices (YEAH for more light)! I have been using both the city light and the Serfas 950. I think that both are good on the road but the Serfas is just a little better and brighter. The Serfas has a replaceable battery but of course its proprietary. It looks like a modification of a std battery to put the contacts on the same side. Just good enough for road/back roads in highest setting and good helmet light for night mount for MTB rides.
The mount on the city light is kind of a pain in the ass to fit in between the cables and the actual light mount needs to be tightened every other trip to prevent light wander. Also, it takes a different USB connector and the weather cover for the charge port fell off on the second or third trip. I just tape it up during rain so I don't have to dry it out before charging. Not really enough for helmet mount MTB and that would require additional mounts.
As for red blinky lights in the back I live in a curvy hilly area and having any kinetic based rear light has been a huge bonus. I have noticed that when i run a accelerometer based rear light that cars give me a little more space in the turns. Not a big difference but its nice not having a big ass truck on your ass entering into a wet hair pin. The hair tie attachment method of the cat eye works but is super annoying when it breaks. For attachment methods/choices i think Blackburn has the best strap/clip thingy.
And all bike lights work great when power goes out and you need a flashlight. Last weekend after the winter storm, the entire family used bike lights to illuminate the house. :)
I use that Cygolight, and really like it. The beginning of my commute has no ambient light, and I find I can use the lowest setting on my headlight. The middle of my commute is along a highway, and I use the headlight wash to look for obstacles. Now I just need to figure out how to make it play nice with my computer; they have to stay on opposite sides of the handlebar.
I use a Light and Motion Urban 1000 which has a GoPro mount capability-I attach it to my K-edge mount which has GoPro mount on the bottom and Garmin mount on top - if I need to clear my bag I tip it up a bit and it will clear it.
I got into dynamo lighting in the last two years. It would be great to have a brief rundown on those systems. I've fully converted but there isn't too much content out there really showing off its positives. It's a much bigger financial cost up front, but the amount of relief I've felt while also having a powerful light that can illuminate my path makes it all worthwhile.
Yeah. Would love to do a dyno light vid. Just can't decided which bike to outfit.
I also like front lights that meet German standards (like Schmidt and B&M) because they have a shaped front beam that doesn't blind oncoming traffic while lighting surface more.
@@PathLessPedaledTV Handsome Cycles seems to build wheels with good dynamo hubs. After your Mixte review, seeing I couldn't afford to build from that gorgeous frame or afford Rivendell, I wound up there checking out their She Devil. That site got me interested in dynamo. Disinclined since I grew up using an alternator that I would flip on a hinge onto my front tire (not rim?). It really made a drag and also a sound effect. Subsequent years of batteries. Lots of lights failed from friction rattling on bulbs when they were fancy (word with k ___) before led. Dynamo seems better for environment, but another challenge on stamina. (64 year old woman bike commuter forever.)
Had any issues with the countdown 1600 overheating and dimming on you? Mine does after 30ish minutes of run time on high or blitz. Not super confidence inspiring for night time MTB rides.
can you tell me what type of rubber is used underneath the plastic light mount?
I am having problems finding answers on the internet.
For battery powered lights have a look at Lupine North America. They are no doubt expensive but worth it in my opinion. They are lightweight and have a very high lumen output if you need that but also compact lights. All of their lamps and batteries are swappable. I have been using the same Wilma with the same battery for almost 10 years.
Cool! Didn't know that about them.
I need to find a way to mount my new citgo lite taillight to my dropper seatpost and it’s such an issue because the hard plastic mount won’t fit the diameter of my seatpost unless I remove and partially uninstall my damn seatpost!
I’m hoping this video helps, I am considering getting a rubber flexible mount. But I’m unsure if it’ll even work.
Any tips would help!
Thank you for this video. I am trying to figure out the best way to attach a rear light with a clip to the back of a rear bike rack that does not have any mounting spot - just a horizontal rod at the back. I want to find a way to attach the light so that it does not turn out of position.
I checked the price of the Blackburn Countdown and it hurt my eyes! ;-) But thanks for the info. Is the accumulator easily replaceable?
The Rayo light you briefly mentioned sounds a lot like the Seesense ICON. connects to your phone via an app and you can alter the brightness and flash or constant mode. The light has light sensors so flashes brighter and more rapidly when a car comes up from behind, it also has motion sensors so the light powers off when it not been moving for a while which is how the anti theft mode works it sends a text to your phone if your bikes moves.My biggest annoyance with rear lights is that most are designed to be mounted on the seat post which is poor if like us a bag is used. I have got quite good at lateral thinking on how to mount lights now, the elastic strap do work on bags like Apidura's bikepacking saddle packs with the light hooks I have got quite good at being able to angle the light so it is not pointing at the sky or the road.
Agreed with all your points. I like the horizontal see-sense mount that goes on standard rear rack mounting plate behind bags.
Having seen the comments regards dynamo lighting, Hunt Wheels sell a 650b wheel set with dyno-hub for gravel bikes. no idea how good they are though.
Cygolite rear blinkie, and planet bike superflash (both usb). Front I use the Planet bike Blaze 650, and the blackburn dayblazer 1100. Usb charge for all of them. One day I'd like to get the dynamo going but the price makes it elusive.
I need a center front fork mount (M6 caliber or fender or headlight mounting hole) for my Victagen headlight.
Nice job god bless
Did you buy the polyvalent? That review came out a while ago but it's appeared in plenty of videos since
Yes. It was one of my fave bikes from the year.
Thanks god bless
Check out the Lupine Rotlicht, there is also a Max version with extra battery life.
Nice vid as always! Not the same topic but do you have a link or brand/model name of fenders suitable to a gravel bike on 700c (rose backroad) and not to ugly??
Usually like SKS fenders. Lots of widths. Lighter than alloy fenders.
@@PathLessPedaledTV Thats a quick answer!! Thanks!
First of all, love your reviews and content. Since we're on the topic of lights, I wanted to bring attention to the window in the top right portion of your video. I feel like it's overexposing that part of your video and detracting from the cool background that you have set up. Just wondering if you would consider covering that up a bit (shades, curtains, books, some other object)? It's nice to have ambient natural light. However, I feel like it detracts from your background.
Do you know about
Lucid Brake ?
What about mounting issues? My lights rotate on the handlebars, seemingly no matter how tight I fasten them.
Shim with self sealing silicone tape.
Have you considered a generator hub for lighting?
Have it on the Brompton. Haven't committed to one on our gravel/touring bikes yet.
Found that this setup to be practical and can be easily set to flasher for the transitions at dawn and dusk. Rechargeable and lightweight, the Bolder LC40 is plenty bright IMHO, however one could bump to the Bolder LC90 for some off-road flood action. a.co/7qUToMH
Note: Rear I use Planet Bike Superflash 65R Bike Taillight (REI)
How about lights you strap to your ankle? It seems they make you more visible to drivers.
Just lost a $100 light, fell off during the day and I didn't notice until next morning. No more silicone straps for me. :'(
good video but you need to show the whole bike so its clear where to mount exactly
Great video Russ! I'm in the market for a good winter light myself. Keeping my fingers crossed for Christmas, lol.
If anyone else is interested, Problem Solvers has a great article about light placement options on their website, here: problemsolversbike.com/article/finally-beginning-to-see-the-light
Figured it might be worth sharing.
Keep up the great work! And i hope to see you back on a saddle again soon!
I've struggled with lights until I found Knog
My rear light has USB plug right off the housing, no cable required: www.knog.com.au/bike-lights/rear-lights/blinder-road-r70.html
My front light has heaps of programmable options, and can be used as a USB powerbank: www.knog.com.au/bike-lights/pwr-range/pwr-trail.html
Good Video.
My biggest qualm with internal battery packs is replacement. When that battery pack goes, or it nears the end of it's life, your very expensive light is junk. That is, unless you're a shadetree electrician who is handy with a soldering iron and can source a replacement battery from China. Assuming your light's construction makes it possible to replace the battery after assembly. Most manufacturers have embraced the very wasteful replace instead of repair mindset.
I have more than enough AA and AAA Eneloops to light a small city, they're easy to charge and replace, and I like having spare batteries to swap, if need be.
Some of the mfgs make lights with swappable batteries. I have a two year old Serfas 750 that has good runtime and I could swap the battery with a twist if I needed more runtime. I mainly use it for mountain biking where a dyno hub isn't as useful.
I use DiNotte XML-3 Headlight with QUAD RED Taillight. (store.dinottelighting.com/dinotte-xml-3-headlight-with-quad-red-taillight-p177.aspx)