New lights

[downfader]

Went into Halfords the other day to look at a bike for a work mate and give an opinion. Annoyingly they didnt have it (it was a "sold as seen" due to lack of a brake and some damage for 20 quid), but had a look at the other gear whilst in there.

I found myself some of those 3m spoke reflectors, its buy one get one half price. Stuck a couple of those on thr front wheel to see how they work this morning. Had the fork light on and half way in I kept thinking "what is that glaring back up at me from the road ahead?" It was the 3m doing its business.

I also bought a set of THESE but have only just installed them on the bike. So now I'll have 2 front and 2 rear again.. only trouble is how tight the bars are for lights and a bell. Anyone commute with these lights? How do you find them? I think the side cut outs on the front lamp will serve me well.

 

[cyberknight]

I use 2 of the rear lights along with a standard smart flasher and i normally get plenty of room .

 

[Davidc]

I've used the rear ones for a couple of years and think they're excellent, but bought the new higher powered one to replace one I've broken and it's a bit better still with a wider beam.

many reports of problems with water making the rear one misbehave. I use a smear of silicone grease on the joint and haven't had problems, other people use other ways to seal them well.

 

[downfader]

I've used the rear ones for a couple of years and think they're excellent, but bought the new higher powered one to replace one I've broken and it's a bit better still with a wider beam.

many reports of problems with water making the rear one misbehave. I use a smear of silicone grease on the joint and haven't had problems, other people use other ways to seal them well.

Yeah silicone grease was what I've advised others to do in the past. When I find the watering can I'll test it. I'm told they use a thicker rubber insert now so it might not be a problem.

 

[DrSquirrel]

So now I'll have 2 front and 2 rear again.. only trouble is how tight the bars are for lights and a bell.

Tried mounting some kit below the bar instead? can get stuff closer together then

Or an extension bar
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/minoura-swing-grip-sg3-handlebar-extension/
Cheaper and simpler ones if you look around.

 

[Cheule]

Hmm 29.99 for the 10 Lux set or 31.96 for the 25 Lux. Thinking about the 25 Lux set to supplement my Mars 4.0

 

[Plax]

I have treated myself to a set of Ayups for the front, but on the rear I use the Smarts. Like them so much I have 3. 1 for the Galaxy and 1 for the hack that stay on all the time (the 1/2 watt ones). As I like 2 rear lights I bought the 1 watt lunar smart which I will clip on to my saddle bag or my jacket. I have noticed a problem with water ingress on the one I leave on the Galaxy. It will refuse to switch off so usually when I get in I just take the batteries out until it dries out. It has done this a couple of times for me now, but always works after its little paddy.

 

[downfader]

Tried mounting some kit below the bar instead? can get stuff closer together then

Or an extension bar
http://www.wiggle.co...ebar-extension/
Cheaper and simpler ones if you look around.

Hate ext bars. Have used them before.

Got it to JUST about fit late last night.. Perhaps I need a smaller bell? Trouble is I dont like hammer bells, I like the type with the comb or the double hammer inside the unit that whips around. It says "bike" quite well

 

[fossyant]

Ditch the bell, it's something you do when your not a kid !

 

[GlasgowGaryH]

Ditch the bell, it's something you do when your not a kid !

+1

 

[DrSquirrel]

Hate ext bars. Have used them before.

Got it to JUST about fit late last night.. Perhaps I need a smaller bell? Trouble is I dont like hammer bells, I like the type with the comb or the double hammer inside the unit that whips around. It says "bike" quite well

Me too, same as having loads and loads of stuff stuck to the bar. Could be an easy option to mount 2 lights up front with only one "unit" to remove as and when.

What about mounting your (if you have one) cyclecomputer/gps on the top tube near your stem... or the bell on your seat post.

I have noticed a problem with water ingress on the one I leave on the Galaxy. It will refuse to switch off so usually when I get in I just take the batteries out until it dries out. It has done this a couple of times for me now, but always works after its little paddy.

The rubber gasket is affected by button presses, if you press it too near the rubber seal, it can push it in and hold it there leaving a nice gap for water to get in.

Grease it up slightly if you can inside, and be light on the pressure when switching it on/off.

 

[cyberknight]

Or just sellotape round it, the lights last long enough to male it a worthwhile proposition.

 

[downfader]

Ditch the bell, it's something you do when your not a kid !

I'm sure Arthur Conan Doyle would disagree!

 

[heretic]

I've lost a couple of those 1/2 watt lights recently. The belt clip jumps out of the holding bracket on bad road surfaces after all that frost. Try drilling both halves of the clip and twisting some fusewire through/ round it. I haven't had water problems yet but there have been a few complaints they're too bright.

 

[Davidc]

I've lost a couple of those 1/2 watt lights recently. The belt clip jumps out of the holding bracket on bad road surfaces after all that frost. Try drilling both halves of the clip and twisting some fusewire through/ round it. I haven't had water problems yet but there have been a few complaints they're too bright.

I had that early on. One way to tighten the fitting is to drill a hole and fix a pop rivet in it to reduce the width of the channel it slots into. Makes getting the light in and out very tight but it can still be done when leaving the bike parked in public.