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Rear light – Please help me choose

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  • October 6, 2014 at 4:27 pm #22521
    rich_hendo

    Hi,

    With the light fading and the weather starting to turn, I have realised that it is time to upgrade my rear lights.

    I currently commute daily for 11. 5 miles on unlit, country roads. Most of the way, the speed limit is 50mph (well, that’s what the signs say…) and the roads feed the M40, so are busy but free-flowing with other commuters. As such, I think I need to be taking more precautions to make sure I’m seen.

    At the moment I use a couple of cheap rear lights – which do the job – but I think it’s time for me to upgrade. I’m just unsure on what to get.

    Here are my criteria;

    1. Money – I am happy to spend a bit of money to get the right light(s)

    2. Waterproof/resistant – I don’t have mudguards or plan to stop cycling through the winter so I want the light to be tough enough to take everything the weather can throw at it

    3. Fastenings – I guess this is a similar point to above but I have read some reviews about bad fastenings and I don’t want to worry about my light falling off

    4. Bright – Last, but not least, I want to get something bright enough so that I am clearly seen from a long way off, especially in bad weather when a sleepy driver is approaching

    So far I have been looking at three models: Exposure TraceR, Cateye Rapid X and Knog Blinder. They all look good but also seem to have varying issues around fastenings, charging, brightness, etc.

    Which would you recommend? Should I be considering something else?

    Thanks for you help (and reading to the end of this!)

    Rich

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Viewing 14 replies - 16 through 29 (of 29 total)
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  • October 6, 2014 at 9:23 pm #817023
    0
    Cyclist

    When working the exposure
    When working the exposure flare is a great rear light, small unobtrusive on the bike, however I have had to send it back maybe 4/5 times over 2 years! And they still fix it free of charge so they must have had a bad job lot? But I have heard good things about the latest incarnation.

    Lezyne zecto drive… Great light, recharge at work on the laptop.

    October 6, 2014 at 8:33 pm #817021
    0
    arfa

    Lezyne zecto drive plus fibre
    Lezyne zecto drive plus fibre flare for me, both strobing.
    If you can find a quieter route, I’d go for that as the changing from daylight to darkness is a notorious time for driver complacency.

    October 6, 2014 at 8:16 pm #817019
    0
    climber

    I can vouch for the Cateye
    I can vouch for the Cateye 1100, bright and several options for flashing etc. Only downside (for me) is the batteries – it’s not a USB jobbie.

    The other I have is the Moon Shield 60 http://www.moon-sport.com/product-detail.php?id=11
    Really bright and small, for me it’s noticeable, even in the day, that cars give me a wider berth. And it’s USB chargeable. For me its the best. Seems to be pretty weather resistant as well. I haven’t used the Cateye 1100 since getting the Moon Shield.
    The other I’ve looked at is the Knog Blinder R http://euro.knog.com.au/cycling/lights/blinders/blinder-road-r.html

    My opinion for night riding is a steady noticeable light and no flasher, and for daylight a good flasher. For me the Moon fits the bill for both.

    October 6, 2014 at 8:14 pm #817017
    0
    CXR94Di2

    I have the catseye ld1100.
    I have the catseye ld1100. It’s is very good from rear and side . The battery life is great with 50hrs+ from two AA batteries. Multiple flash settings.

    October 6, 2014 at 7:37 pm #817015
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    joemmo

    Smart R2 are good and I also
    Smart R2 are good and I also like the Cateye 610 although as Simon says, the bracket is a bit poor.

    Not a rear light but I really rate the Cateye orbit spoke lights, they are really visible even from slight angles in front or behind.

    October 6, 2014 at 7:36 pm #817013
    0
    BrokenBootneck

    Fiber Flares are great but
    Fiber Flares are great but get the usb rechargeable ones as the points corrode on the battery operated ones.

    October 6, 2014 at 7:35 pm #817011
    0
    Sevenfold

    Cateye LD1100 – around
    Cateye LD1100 – around £25.00+ at the usual suspects. 10 LEDs in two separately controllable strips. Very bright, fair choice of mounting brackets – recommended.

    http://www.cateye.com/en/products/detail/TL-LD1100/

    October 6, 2014 at 6:38 pm #817009
    0
    Simon E

    I have found the Cateye LD600
    I have found the Cateye LD600 to be more than bright enough on the seat post. In the darkest months the 2 x AAA batteries last nearly two weeks before recharging and I carry a spare pair for peace of mind. Discard the crappy flex-bracket and get the appropriate seat clamp (£2.50, http://www.wiggle.co.uk/cateye-light-clamp/).

    For busy unlit roads maybe consider a unit with pulse mode or an additional light set to flash.

    Reflectives are good. My son’s bike is fitted with scotchlite spoke reflectors from Aldi and they certainly work. These ebay ones arethe same, Halfords and others sell them too.

    October 6, 2014 at 6:29 pm #817007
    0
    MuddyGoose

    Welsh boy wrote:2 of these
    [quote=Welsh boy]2 of these and a pack of rechargable AAA batteries. Go no further, place your order now.
    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/smart-1-watt-rear-led-light/rp-prod121160%5B/quote%5D

    I have the Smart R2 myself. The same thing just brighter and a few more pennies – http://amzn.to/1pHPeZI – still great value though.

    I’ve used mine through several winters, just remember to wipe the dirt off every now and again. Also I put the cover back on ‘upside down’ after installing the batteries; this way the switch is on the top side rather than the bottom in direct spray from your rear wheel. It’s symmetrical so it fits either way.

    October 6, 2014 at 6:13 pm #817005
    0
    CXR94Di2

    Exposure blaze MK1
    Exposure blaze MK1

    October 6, 2014 at 5:13 pm #817003
    0
    MaxP

    I have
    I have these

    http://www.evanscycles.com/products/topeak/redlite-mega-rear-light-ec033842

    http://www.evanscycles.com/products/topeak/headlux-helmet-light-ec033840

    And some poundland/Aldi blinkers and my back pack.

    October 6, 2014 at 5:13 pm #817001
    0
    MaxP

    I have
    I have these

    http://www.evanscycles.com/products/topeak/redlite-mega-rear-light-ec033842

    http://www.evanscycles.com/products/topeak/headlux-helmet-light-ec033840

    And some poundland/Aldi blinkers and my back pack.

    October 6, 2014 at 5:05 pm #816999
    0
    jacknorell

    Yep, those are good. You need
    Yep, those are good. You need at least 2x lights rearwards and 2x lights forward…

    Reflective tape is also your friend… or should be soon!

    October 6, 2014 at 5:03 pm #816997
    0
    Welsh boy

    2 of these and a pack of
    2 of these and a pack of rechargable AAA batteries. Go no further, place your order now.
    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/smart-1-watt-rear-led-light/rp-prod121160

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