Bright rear lights

[David Robinson]

Has anyone a view on which battery operated LED lights that give the brightest light so as to be seen. I would probably use them in flashing mode at least part of the day. I vaguely remember reading a comparatively recent review of lights in one oth the Cycling magazines. I thought of the fibre flare. Thanks

[Mick F]

This one's great.
http://ctcshop.org.uk/cycling/p/CTC/22/ ... 360025767/
I bought one a couple of winters ago and I'm VERY pleased with it. To get the best out of it, it must be aligned perfectly.

[531colin]

Drivers complain this one is too bright, which I guess means they have seen it!

......http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b0s39p2265

[PW]

Smart 1/2 watt Superflash beats most things I've seen. Unfortunately I hear a rumour they're going out of production.

[531colin]

Smart 1/2 watt Superflash beats most things I've seen. Unfortunately I hear a rumour they're going out of production.

We all had smart superflash the winter before last. then this one came along......
................http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b0s39p1824

Which was brighter and didnt fill up with water, but this winters winner (so far!) is the one I posted earlier..........
...........http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b0s39p2265

Got to be some advantages, working in a bike shop.........

[eltonioni]

I love my Smart ½w. Just received a Mars 4 1w and it's no brighter than the Smart but twice the price though it might not let the water in.

[Steve Kish]

As both a motorist and a cyclist, I find that it's far more difficult to judge the distance to a bright flashing rear light than to a static one. FWIW, I always use my Smart Superflash on static mode with a smaller and much less bright rear helmet light on flash mode.

[philg]

I've had a few Smart 1/2W and they all filled with water/died an early death - it will be a while before I buy another Smart.

THIS however is brighter and much better designed for water ingress, so that's my recommendation. Pretty quick delivery from USA too.

It's arguably too bright for night riding in a group, but really stands out in daytime.

[DavidT]

As both a motorist and a cyclist, I find that it's far more difficult to judge the distance to a bright flashing rear light than to a static one.

Agreed. I'm pretty sure research into such things is overwhelmingly conclusive that;

Flashing is better at drawing the attention of any observer
Static is better at allowing the observer to judge the distance

Subject to your riding environment, and the observers involved - you pays your money and takes your choice

Many riders (self included), will have a static and a flashing. My static, and fixed lights are B&M D'Toplights which I am more than happy with. I use various flashing units.

[gilesjuk]

Blackburn Mars 4. 1 watt LED.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=29543

I also have one of these, about as bright as you can get:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=22877

These are very very bright for their size, very useful as they attach easily:

http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/LISKLED/sku ... bike-light

[De Sisti]

As both a motorist and a cyclist, I find that it's far more difficult to judge the distance to a bright flashing rear light than to a static one. FWIW, I always use my Smart Superflash on static mode with a smaller and much less bright rear helmet light on flash mode.

As a cyclist and a motorist, I find that when I'm driving and a cyclist with flashing rear LEDs is ahead of me, the last thing I think about is "how fast are they riding?" My first thought is, cylist ahead, act accordingly. I mean, in reality, if you see a cyclist with flashing rear LEDs, your own common sense should tell you that they are probably doing <30mph. How much more accuracy is needed?

I know of a lot of people, cyclist and motorists, who appreciate seeing flashing lights, as it draws one's attention to the cyclist being ahead. I am not aware of any scientific research that states that it's difficult to judge a cyclist's speed at night when they have rear LEDs attached to their bikes. If there is, I'd love to read it.

[irc]

I run a Smart Superflash on one bike. No water problems but it is mounted on the seatpost right up under the saddle on a bike with full mudguards.

I run a few Cateye LD600s and LD610 more than bright enough and well sealed. I've used them for year round commuting with no failures whether seatpost, rack, or seatstay mounted..

Bike Radar rate the LD610

http://www.bikeradar.com/beginners/gear ... d610-25074

[Starfire]

I agree with Mick F, I think the Cateye TL-LD1100 is a very good light for the price. I have four of them, one fitted to each of my bikes and one on my ICE trike.

[David Robinson]

. FWIW, I always use my Smart Superflash on static mode with a smaller and much less bright rear helmet light on flash mode.[/quote]

What helmet light do you use thanks david

[Cunobelin]

The best "helmet light" I have seen is the "Fibre Flare" fits easily to a vented helmet, is very bright and large