Lights vs Reflectors

[argie]

I have just got my shiny new bike (Dawes Giro 300) but have found that the only way to fit a pair of lights to it is to remove the reflectors. I plan on using this bike for long commutes down my local arterial road (mainly cycle path) but fear that during this 13.5 mile run my local constabulary are going to "bother" me about the reflectors. If I am using a set of good lights will they honestly give a toss?

 

[HLaB]

I believe Most lights have a reflectors built but I don't think the polis would give a toss if you're visible. To be honest judging by the amount of ninjas I've seen they wouldn't give a toss if you were invisible either.

 

[gaz]

frack the reflectors, just put lights on it. if mud or dirty water gets on the reflector it's as good as nothing, at least the light is still good with mud and dirty water.

 

[notsolazy]

If you want both like I do, buy some of these

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_271323_langId_-1_categoryId_165636

they are reflectors and the lights just slip on the top of them. they arent good for lighting the way but you can see them a mile off

 

[RedBike]

My road bikes have never had, and probably never will have, any reflectors.

I don't see why the only place for your lights is where the reflectors are; but if it is the only place I wouldn't hesitate to swap the reflectors for lights.

It's a very good idea to mount two rear lights. If for any reason (flat battery, water) one light fails then you have a backup.

 

[RedBike]

I've not seen the Halfords lights but they don't inspire confidence.

Have a look at the 1/2 watt Smart for the rear and whatever you need to be visable / see where you're going for the front.

 

[Rezillo]

For me, I'm not worried about what the police might do but I am concerned about whether my insurance company would cough up if I had an accident on a bike that was technically not road legal.

Any issues of reasonableness about obeying minor legal requirements go out of the window when it comes to insurers wriggling out of paying up by sticking rigidly to their terms and conditions for legit use etc.

John

 

[argie]

thanks guys!

 

[HJ]

If you want both like I do, buy some of these

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_271323_langId_-1_categoryId_165636

they are reflectors and the lights just slip on the top of them. they arent good for lighting the way but you can see them a mile off

When using binoculars. You missed off the end of the sentence...

 

[wafflycat]

AS has been said, many lights come with built-in reflectors these days. Of course you can always be creative about reflector & light fitting points on the rear of your bike, to enable you to have both.

 

[Llama]

get decent lights, and if the reflectors are in the way ditch them - lights are much more effective

 

[palinurus]

Whenever I buy a new bike it always takes me most of a weekend buggering around with it to get it just the way I like it. First job is always to remove the reflectors and throw them into my bits box. Occasionally the fixing brackets come in handy to bodge a light mount, and I once glued a couple of red ones to the back of my trailer.

I've never found a use for wheel reflectors.

 

[HLaB]

I've never found a use for wheel reflectors.

They're quite good for throwing at people

 

[palinurus]

They're quite good for throwing at people

They probably are, but first I must remember to fill my jersey pockets with them.

 

[smeg]

Some RTA laws really are anal - the one where you must have reflectors on your pedals - FFS

Would you want to be without them though? The only part of ninja cyclists in the dark riding black bikes w/o lights you can see are their pedal reflectors reflecting off your lights. Light would reflect of their front/back reflectors too if they hadn't have taken them off.