Dim rear lights

[Pale Rider]

Too bright front lights in another thread reminded me I've seen a handful of rear lights recently which I regard as too dim.

I suspect I may have one, an otherwise neat little Lezyne light which has a reflector about the size of a 2p piece.

It's hard to judge, short of propping the bike up in the dark somewhere and legging it back down the road to have a look.

The rectangular Busch and Muller lights on my ebikes have a bigger reflector and probably do the job.

On t'other hand, a rear light can be too bright just as a front one can.

What are your thoughts on the brightness of rear lights?

Too dim (possibly): https://www.cyclerepublic.com/lezyne-femto-drive-rear-led.html?gclid=CJjUzJaJu9ICFULGGwod308I6g

About right (probably): https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/lighting/busch-muller-toplight-line-plus-rear-dynamo-light/

 

[Salty seadog]

Too bright front lights in another thread reminded me I've seen a handful of rear lights recently which I regard as too dim.

I suspect I may have one, an otherwise neat little Lezyne light which has a reflector about the size of a 2p piece.

It's hard to judge, short of propping the bike up in the dark somewhere and legging it back down the road to have a look.

The rectangular Busch and Muller lights on my ebikes have a bigger reflector and probably do the job.

On t'other hand, a rear light can be too bright just as a front one can.

What are your thoughts on the brightness of rear lights?

Too dim (possibly): https://www.cyclerepublic.com/lezyne-femto-drive-rear-led.html?gclid=CJjUzJaJu9ICFULGGwod308I6g

About right (probably): https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/lighting/busch-muller-toplight-line-plus-rear-dynamo-light/

I have the Lezyne macro/mini drive combo, Two actually. I use the rear on the low steady setting, (not a fan of flashing lights ). Just looking at how much it lights the house as I leave means I'm happy with it.

 

[Slick]

I have one as well, I also have a cheaper one which I never realised just how bright and dazzling it was until I loaned it to another cyclist after we got caught out on a ride that took much longer than anticipated. I found it really irritating when I was caught behind it, and promptly dumped it once I got home. Can't say I've noticed too dim, but too bright is a menace front or rear from any vehicle.

 

[PaulSecteur]

I have some (exposure blaze and specialized flux) that might err on the side of too bright. But some of my rides are in rural areas on winding country lanes where the extra brightness can light up a good way behind me so drivers know im there without being in line of sight. When group riding i turn the flux off and turn the blaze upside down so its angled down and not so irritating to those behind me.

 

[Low Gear Guy]

I also prefer the B & M light with large reflector, mounted on the back of the pannier rack.

Reflectors are quite good at reflecting car lights and don't run out of battery power or otherwise fail.

 

[steve50]

Thishttps://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Cycling-Lights-Reflectors/Smart-LAM321R-Lunar-R2-Rear-Light/B00452O6LI/ref=cts_sp_2_vtp?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_p=1212178027&pf_rd_r=CWMXXJR4QZM9NA3GWRVS&pd_rd_wg=cAoGT&pf_rd_s=desktop-detail-softlines&pf_rd_t=40701&pd_rd_i=B00452O6LI&pd_rd_w=5D7CZ&pf_rd_i=desktop-detail-softlines&pd_rd_r=CWMXXJR4QZM9NA3GWRVS&_encoding=UTF8
is the best rear light I have ever owned, the claim is it can be seen from a mile away. It is VERY bright but it can be angled to point slightly down so as not to dazzle other road users and it has a good battery life.

 

[MichaelW2]

I have a Smart clone of a B&M rear rack lamp. Dynamo powerered and always on from Oct to April.

 

[winjim]

Vistalite 300 for me 'cos I is well old school. Getting on for 25 years old, dim as a dim thing but acts as a reflector. Also have mudguard and pedal reflectors.

I hate bright lights but I love reflectors.

 

[Accy cyclist]

I've had one of these for 2 years. https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Bikes-Cy...id=1488583517&sr=8-4&keywords=moon+rear+light I keep it pointed slightly downwards so it doesn't dazzle approaching traffic. As i look behind me i can see the reflective road signs glowing red. That's powerful enough i'd say.

 

[mjr]

Dim rear lights seem rare now unless the battery is failing. Too bright and too narrow beam (no side visibility) seem much more common.

 

[Slick]

Dim rear lights seem rare now unless the battery is failing. Too bright and too narrow beam (no side visibility) seem much more common.

Too narrow would best describe the ones that I see.