Rear light

[Alcdrew]

So I see a lot about good front lights (one's from Tesco seem popular...) But what is a good (budget) rear light, that meets the British Standard so I would be legal on the road.

 

[gratts]

I have the Smart 1/2 watt Led
For the price it's blindingly bright!

And to be honest most cyclists I see don't seem to have a solid light, many just seem to have 1 flashing light?

 

[jay clock]

There is another thread.... http://www.cyclechat.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=21983

I got a Blackburn Mars last night and it is stunning. Whilst setting it up at the right level my eyes were hurting having to look at it! http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=29543

 

[John the Monkey]

If you can run to it, I'd suggest running two at minimum, a flasher (to attract attention) and a steady (to allow other road users to judge your speed and distance).

I had a Smart 1/2 w (it didn't survive my last off) and was well pleased with that, and the cateye one with an integrated reflector (which is nothing special, but ok). Keep the batteries charged, and make sure you don't inadvertently obscure the lights whilst riding (with clothing or luggage).

 

[Tynan]

both very bright lights, the Mars one had fittings to bolt to a rack

 

[HLaB]

I've swore by the Smart 1/2 watt before but I think I'll also add the Mars one to my rack to replace mt old cateye.

 

[fossyant]

Don't bother about British Standard - you won't get pulled. As said use at least 2 rear LED's and have one on constant.

 

[Alcdrew]

Thanks all, just ordered the Smart 1/2 watt light. I figure that and a couple of the little Tesco backup lights at 2.66 each should make me see-able by all.

 

[fossyant]

The little tesco ones are the same as the Sigma ones - but half the price !

 

[Tynan]

I wouldn't skimp on rear lights and there's no excsue anymore, change from £20 gets you a serious light

I've noticed lately the difference betwwen the modern multi led lights and the slightly older ones, it's the diference between a very bright light and a glow

 

[historyman]

I ordered the Smart light recommended here, and am very pleased with it. Thanks for the tip.

 

[Tynan]

they're good although perhaps not as robust as they need to be, they start to get a bit easy to open after a year's use, I've had a couple pop open on hitting a pothole, not a disaster when they're that cheap I guess, as long as you have a second light and enjoy pokin around in the dark trying to find the batteries

 

[historyman]

as spare lights to carry in case the main ones pack up i have some tiny, but quite bright (and dear - usu. £60, but ebay-bought for 40) Sogreni lights . Handy because v. small & light. Admittedly I have a shortish & well-lit commute home.

 

[Tynan]

use two all the time, you might not know when one packs up

and you get the benefit of two lights, they're so small and cheap now why not?

as posted elsewhere I now have a rather grand total of16 rear leds over five lights

 

[palinurus]

Agree re: Smart lights, they're not perfect but they're pretty good and cheap enough that you can have two, one fixed, one flashing or one on the bike and one in the bag as a spare etc..