Another 'lighting' related question - Positioning

[akb]

I am struggling to find a spare place to put my lights/reflectors on my bike, especially at the rear.
I have, at the moment, just 1 x Smart light at the back which I have attached to my seat post. The seat post also contains a saddle bag which I need for PRK and multitool.
I also would like/need (law?) to put my rear red reflector back on to my seat post but I dont have any room!

I would also like to purchase another cheapo rear light as a back up / and additional to my rear Smart. But I dont have any room left on the post and the adapters are to big a dia' to put them anywhere else on the frame.

Any suggestions? Bike is just a Trek 10 hybrid. Can I buy 'universal' adapters to postion lights etc on different areas of the frame to that supplied?

Cheers,

Anil.

Edit: Forgot to mention I dont have any issues with the front set up, 2 x lights mounted on bars, reflector mounted on stem. Works a treat!

 

[400bhp]

I stick a second light on one of the posts on the triangular down tube. The tube is thin so I pack it with a part of an old innertube.

 

[akb]

I stick a second light on one of the posts on the triangular down tube. The tube is thin so I pack it with a part of an old innertube.

Thats the position i was thinking but couldnt think of words to describe! Does the innertube trick work; part of my commute is on a gravel / bumpy cycle track and I can't risk/afford bits falling off.

Cheers,

Anil.

 

[fossyant]

You mean Seat Stays. Yes the innertube cut down works well - I have 2 smart superflash (now R1) on the pannier rack tubes - used a seat stay mount, and cut some innertube down (make it same width as the clamp) and wrap round enough times for the clamp to get a good bite. They cut down on vibration to the light, but if done correctly won't move at all.

 

[akb]

Cheers both.

Other suggestions welcomed!

 

[fossyant]

Are there any light loops on the saddle bag ?

You are a bit limited with saddle bags - so will need to use the seat stays. Other option might be one of those extension bars you can use on handle bars, but I suspect it could get fouled by the bag.

 

[siadwell]

I also would like/need (law?) to put my rear red reflector back on to my seat post but I dont have any room!

To comply with the law, yes you should have a red rear reflector.

You may be able to fiddle with the way the reflector is mounted on the mount (if you see what I mean) so that the reflector itself is below where the mount goes on the seatpost. This might enable you to squeeze the reflector on, although mudguards might partly obscure it.

How about looking for lights that are mounted horizontally rather than vertically? The RSP Astrum and Cateye Rapid 3 spring to mind.

Failing that, there is a Cateye rear light or two (AU100, TL570?) which have a built-in reflector that meets the official standard, although the lights themselves are likely to be less powerful than alternatives.

Or you could just use a couple of decent rear lights and forget about the reflector - it's of minimal practical use anyway.

Found this very similar thread... https://www.cyclechat.net/

 

[akb]

Are there any light loops on the saddle bag ?

You are a bit limited with saddle bags - so will need to use the seat stays. Other option might be one of those extension bars you can use on handle bars, but I suspect it could get fouled by the bag.

I have the smaller version of this which has a loop at the end of the bag? Is this a light loop? It also has a key chain type lead internally of the bag; but not sure what this is for too! Sorry for my ignorance?
If this is a light loop, how does it work?

 

[400bhp]

I have the smaller version of this which has a loop at the end of the bag? Is this a light loop? It also has a key chain type lead internally of the bag; but not sure what this is for too! Sorry for my ignorance?
If this is a light loop, how does it work?

I have One of these seatpost bags and the loop is for holding lights. I have to use this as, like you say, the bag takes up the whole of the seatpost.

 

[fossyant]

With the bag loops, most lights can use these pretty securely. You then end up with a spare light mount as it doesn't need one.

 

[akb]

Excellent, I shall have to have a look and see if i can find an adapter for my lights.

Again, thank you very much for your help.

 

[zigzag]

i had no seatpost space available for rear light, but attached one where the seat stays join above the brake caliper. i've attached another light to the saddle bag loop and also removed "topeak" badge, poked a hole and screwed large reflector for added visibility.

 

[zigzag]

Beware: I used one of these for my back light on the last FNRttC and on rough road surfaces the light flew off three times! A strategically placed elastic band solved the problem.

oh yes. i always fold a piece of inner tube around the loop - makes a very tight and secure fit.

 

[400bhp]

Beware: I used one of these for my back light on the last FNRttC and on rough road surfaces the light flew off three times! A strategically placed elastic band solved the problem.

I know - i've lost a light because of that. I did mean to caveat my reply.

 

[scouserinlondon]

i had no seatpost space available for rear light, but attached one where the seat stays join above the brake caliper. i've attached another light to the saddle bag loop and also removed "topeak" badge, poked a hole and screwed large reflector for added visibility.

[attachment=5812MGP0758.JPG] [attachment=5811MGP0762_cr.jpg]

That looks wicked.