Another which lights thread with a difference !

Zorba

Ok so due to my increasing paranoia about cycling at night time, (dunno why this paranoia is taking hold because most of the time i feel safer cycling at night time than during the day), i'm looking for some back up lights to compliment my existing lights.

All i'm looking for is a back up, i'm happy with the amount of light out of my existing lights so just want something for a just in case moment.

Ideally i'd like a set that would strap to my helmet and sure the better light out of them the better, got the free RSA ones but they've given up the ghost already.

Been looking at these 2 if anyone has any experience or comments about them or other recommendations it would be appreciated, oh and i'd be hoping for a set under the €50 mark.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/cateye-sl-110-loop-light-set/rp-prod64510

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/topeak-headlux-helmet-light/rp-prod47006

Thing about the topeak one is i'm not so sure the back light would be visible because chances are your helmet would be point down which means the back light would be pointing at the sky !

HivemindXX

I have the Nite Rider lights which are very similar to the Cateye ones you linked. In fact I was going to get the Cateye ones but couldn't find them.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/nite-rider-lightning-bug-light-combo/rp-prod70835

They have a number of advantages (all of which are shared by the Cateyes I'd imagine).

They don't require any mounting brackets fitted to the bike or even tools. I got them because I realised the bike I had cycled in to work didn't have brackets and I wasn't going to be able to cycle home using the lights I had with me.

The batteries they use last a really long time when not in use. This is ideal for lights which get left unused for months on end. If you have to use them in an emergency you don't want to find the AAA batteries have drained or they need to be plugged in to a USB port for 30 minutes.

They easily fit in a pocket or a saddle bag with your tools but are plenty bright enough for an emergency backup.

Zorba

HivemindXX wrote: »

I have the Nite Rider lights which are very similar to the Cateye ones you linked. In fact I was going to get the Cateye ones but couldn't find them.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/nite-rider-lightning-bug-light-combo/rp-prod70835

They have a number of advantages (all of which are shared by the Cateyes I'd imagine).

They don't require any mounting brackets fitted to the bike or even tools. I got them because I realised the bike I had cycled in to work didn't have brackets and I wasn't going to be able to cycle home using the lights I had with me.

The batteries they use last a really long time when not in use. This is ideal for lights which get left unused for months on end. If you have to use them in an emergency you don't want to find the AAA batteries have drained or they need to be plugged in to a USB port for 30 minutes.

They easily fit in a pocket or a saddle bag with your tools but are plenty bright enough for an emergency backup.

Thanks for the link, they do look tempting, but can they be mounted on a helmet, can't really make out from the CRC website pics.

And what's the light like outof them ?

beauf

I have one Cateye SL-LD100 I wouldn't recommend it. Light is only one side and quite low powered.

I've got some cheap knog clones (silicon lights) in moutain wharehouse on the kids bike and they are decently bright as a backup.

I've seen some riders and one guy at work simply attach a regular rear flasher to their helmet or bag, and tbh works better than anything I've seen. (for lights in those kinda places, head, bag etc.)

Lights like these
http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_898071_langId_-1_categoryId_212469

or those 4 led flashers. Like this
http://www.amazon.co.uk/7dayshop-Power-Multi-function-Waterproof-Bicycle/dp/B004FEXNI8/ref=sr_1_40?ie=UTF8&qid=1389476227&sr=8-40&keywords=Bike+lights

Love to see how good something like this is though...
http://www.lezyne.com/en/products/led-lights/sport#!zecto-drive-rear

beauf

You might need to get creative with some velcro and cable ties to mount the lights ideally.

HivemindXX

Yeah,they have stretchy rubber bands which hook around something on your bike. I just tried and there's no way they will stretch enough to go all the way through the vents on my helmet. Maybe with some designs it might work but like beauf said the most likely solution is to put cable ties through the vents and then attach the lights to them. It's not how they were designed to be used though.

Light is fine. Better than the old style flashers with two AA batteries and three LEDs but not nearly as bright as my main lights. From the 'be seen' perspective I have no concerns using them when I have to. The front one would not be sufficient for you to see on unlit roads though.

beauf

Some of those hiking lights headband might work.

Zorba

Thanks for the replies, from what i've read on this thread and from the research i've been doing looks like i'm better off getting some velcro or cable ties to hold lights onto a helmet, thought they would've invented a decent set of lights with stretchy bandy things by now !

The Noble Nudge

I was in Petersons looking at these bad boys before Christmas rechargeable and look the job.
Interesting sales technique of shining the light in my eyes all couple of hundred lumen to blind me......wasn't willing to open the packaging to let me see if it would fit over my helmet so didn't buy that day....
Anyone else got one seem pricey enough but if they do the job,
http://www.peterson.ie/c/179/head-lamps

The Noble Nudge

http://dx.com/c/flashlights-lasers-999/bike-lights-947?page=1