Grumpy-Grandad wrote:Earl Spool wrote:What is everyone's take on flashing front lights?
I only ride during daylight hours and have the following lights:
Front. Two, 1 flashing, the 2nd constant. Mounted on the handlebars, one on the left and one on the right.
Rear. Two, 1 flashing, the 2nd constant. Mounted one above the other about 6" apart.
First : I'm grumpier than you could possibly be.
Second - my lights ensemble : on the front,I have two Hope Vision 1 lights and a 'SERFAS e-LUME 1600', on flashing mode (this replaces a previous LUME 1500 from a couple of years ago - the flashing function on the 1600 seems to me to be a lot more than 100 Lumens brighter then the 1500) .
My philosophy is that the Hope vision 1s are, as far as I know, the brightest replaceable-battery lights available with 3 varying brightness settings, which can be adjusted when necessary, and the flashing light serves to identify me as a cyclist. I have all three in line on the handlebars - which are drops, and they sit close together (on the tops) so almost read as one.
I do my best, but it can still test a motorist's respect for human's life.
Just as an aside - the Hope Vision 1 lights are brilliant - they have a flashing function and three brightness settings, and I have them differently angled, one angle shines on the road surface and use on Greenways/cycle paths etc and the other light is more nearly horizontal giving a better spread on unlit lanes,cycle-paths etc and visible from a greater distance. I only have them on the brighter settings when in traffic,because I feel the need to compete with vehicle lights.
An HGV driver told me that I should have one pointing slightly upwards because, from his high-level, directional cycle lights are easily lost in surrounding lighting. I have five rear lights, on the basis that we need to have more than one, and one could stop working! I do point one of the rear lights upwards, having received the HGV driver's comment.
The SERFAS light is integral battery - the battery isn't replaceable en route. The Hope lights give 3-hours battery life on the brightest setting, which I've found to be necessary on long rides in darkness on unlit Yorkshire Dales lanes. Integral battery lights all seem to me to have short burn periods on high settings, and carrying some spare batteries is better (in my opinion) than having to carry spare lights. The SERFA will flash happily all night from a fully charged battery. Also, in real dire emergency, batteries can be bought from all-night filling stations and off-license shops........many Co-ops stay open to 10.00pm.
A great sadness for me is that HOPE no longer sell their Vision ! lights!