Rear Light (I know!!)

[jamin100]

I know there are loads of threads on "what light" etc but I have a little problem for my specific requirements....

I have a Boardman CX that I use to commute to work a few times a week. I have a RSP astrum rear light which is great but ive recently taken my panniers off and now use a saddle bag. The hook on the saddle bag means that the light points lower to the floor than I would like.

I ideally I would also like a 2nd light (not sure which) but not sure if there is anywhere else on the bike i could mount one. Im only looking for a small unit so nothing that requires an external battery.

Here is a rear view of my bike currently...
The pic probably doesnt show how low it actually seems to be pointing

 

[Nebulous]

You can put a light on the seatstay, mounted lower down. Just ensure you don't foul any cables!

I was commuting on a mtb, and had a cateye light on there. I think it was a TL170.

 

[Svendo]

I'm lucky my frame allows mounting on the seat stay above the brake bridge, and I have one on the seat stay as high as possible without fouling the wheel.
Useful tip: protect the frame with a wrap of electrical tape under the lights bracket to prevent rub and dirt damaging the finish.

 

[andrew_s]

It looks like there are rack mounts above the wheel.
Get a strip of steel with holes in each end (meccano or from a hardware store), bolt one end to the rack mount and bolt the clip section of the seatpost mount to the other

This strip of steel is a front reflector bracket. The clip is for a Smart 1/2W

 

[boybiker]

I have one of these (red) lights attached to the back of my helmet and I can have it on strobe or constantly on.

 

[sittingbull]

....The hook on the saddle bag means that the light points lower to the floor than I would like....

maybe stick something behind the lower half of the light to push it away from the saddle bag - maybe a plastic screw-on bottle cap?

 

[fossyant]

You need more than the 1 x Astrum. You need two, at least..... as a back up.

I have two Magicshine 818's and two Astrums now, as the smart super flash didn't like any water......

What is your mounting issue - I say that as we all have some 'bodge' options for you to consider.

 

[fossyant]

Looking at the rear end picture, bin the saddle bag !

I've gone past the 'what the work bike looks like' stuff - but my system obscures the seat post, so we all adapt.

 

[MrJamie]

I have a Smart Lunar R2 halfway between the rear axle and the vbrake mount on each side, which could really work well for you - You can buy 2 for about £25 at Tredz iirc. From most rear angles especially at a distance both are very visable and bright, at some angles where one is obscured by the tyre the other is of course in perfect sight. Ive seen no problem with it being a bit lower down and I have one of them little Knog Frog rear lights (£3 on the bargains thread atm) on my helmet higher up I also have a cateye L1100 (i think thats the model code) which I can clip onto my saddle bag like you have but I dont often bother with it.

Another good alternative if you have no side lighting is to buy a pair of fibreflares and run one down each seat stay either side of the wheel, very eyecatching and good side lighting too. Last time I looked I found a pair for £35 which is rather cheap.

Whichever you buy, the best tip ive read on here was to buy a cheapy tube of silicone grease and use it around the battery compartment opening to stop water getting in and knackering the light.

Also, if the strap on the saddlebag is slack you could try to get someone to sew it a bit tighter for you so it doesnt sag as much, or maybe try a safety pin.

 

[musa]

I'm running fibre flares down the seat stays best price was 46 via price match at cycle surgery

 

[defy-one]

I'm running fibre flares down the seat stays best price was 46 via price match at cycle surgery

^^^^ could you take a pic? They look interesting.

 

[jamin100]

Thanks for the responses, I've decided to get rid of the bag (cheapo) a d replace it with either a topeak wedge dry bag or Ortlieb classic saddle bag. Both have been ordered so I'll decide which one I like when they get here.

I'm still going to need another light though before the dark nights set in

 

[musa]

^^^^ could you take a pic? They look interesting.

Yeah will do any second now

 

[musa]

 

[MrJamie]

I'm running fibre flares down the seat stays best price was 46 via price match at cycle surgery

Just checked, theyre still £35 on Freeflow Bikes for the pair, not sure if its an error tbh. Tempted to get a pair just because of the discount.