WATERPROOF rear light?

JonEdwards

So over the years I've killed numerous Cateyes (contacts rusting, pcb solder joints failing), and the Smart light I had recommended to me by the LBS lasted one wet ride before it filled up with water and first wouldn't turn off, then wouldn't turn on, leaving me to ride home in the dark with no rear light. It's been fine since now its dried out, but still not impressed.

So what rear lights are actually WATERPROOF, and why do there appear to be so few on the market? Surely its the next most basic function after "emitting red light " and "being able to be attatched to a bike".

Thanks!

cougie

Is your rear light mounted on the seat post - right behind your wheel - and you havent got mudguards by any chance ?

I've had the Smart light for years with no problems - usually mounted on my winter fixed on the seat stay - but I have guards on that, but even on the MTB where its on the seatpost - it doesnt have a problem with that.


I think pretty much all lights will have problems with a constant spray of water on them - so look at addressing that ?

JonEdwards

Is your rear light mounted on the seat post - right behind your wheel - and you havent got mudguards by any chance ?


You are quite correct. I absolutely CANNOT STAND mudguards for a whole variety of reasons. (lets not get me started)

I think pretty much all lights will have problems with a constant spray of water on them

Then IMO "pretty much all lights" are badly designed and as such, not fit for purpose. Hence the question to find out which ones are not in the "pretty much all" category without me having to spend a fortune finding out. :?

Seat stay is an option - but would put the light much lower down, only really visible from one side and I suspect I'd catch my foot on it. Will check though.

cougie

I too had a thing about guards for 20 years or so, then I bit the bullet - and they really are great ! OK - not for my race bike, but for the winter - makes cycling so much better.

I have a conventional frame so I can put the light high up on the seat stay anyway - so visible from both sides.

I'd always say that two rears are far safer though - so maybe two Smarts - one each side if you have to ?

edeverett

Have a look at the BLT Super Doppler - I have a front one and it is *much* better built than cateye lights. I'll be getting one for the rear when my last Cateye fails.

Mettan

JonEdwards wrote:

So over the years I've killed numerous Cateyes (contacts rusting, pcb solder joints failing), and the Smart light I had recommended to me by the LBS lasted one wet ride before it filled up with water and first wouldn't turn off, then wouldn't turn on, leaving me to ride home in the dark with no rear light. It's been fine since now its dried out, but still not impressed.

So what rear lights are actually WATERPROOF, and why do there appear to be so few on the market? Surely its the next most basic function after "emitting red light " and "being able to be attatched to a bike".

Thanks!

I put electrical tape around the seal on mine - obviously, you might lose a tad of side light, but the rear facing portion is the same. If you want to keep the side light, you could always try sellotape (although it might lose some of its adhesion when wet).

cougie

Possibly even a dab of vaseline round the seal of the lamp ?

FSR_XC

If money is no real issue, have a look at the dinotte lights.

Build for off roading, they can handle a bit of water.

http://store.dinottelighting.com/shared ... oducts.asp

I know a couple of people that have ordered them directly from the States and the customer service is excellent.

GyatsoLa

The Blackburn Mars is excellent, a very powerful light and its very solidly made. Mine has survived quite a few muddy rides with no obvious ill effects.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Black ... 360037937/

JonEdwards

I put electrical tape around the seal on mine - obviously, you might lose a tad of side light, but the rear facing portion is the same.

Tried that after the first failure. Still packed up tonight. :-( Which was dry!

I should also add that I regularly dump my bike in unsavoury areas and do a lot of short hops, so something that's quick and easy to remove is important. Multiple lights would really be a PITA.

The ones that seem to hold up best are the Electron Backupz. I've used them on my MTBs for ages and they seem to survive anything, even washing with a hosepipe. A shame they're not all that bright (although i do have the 6 LED version on my good road bike which is pretty effective)

Blackburn Mars is an option, or does anybody know anything about the BLT Fantom XR9. Claims to be a) waterproof, and b) have a magnetic switch, which is another failure mode removed....
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=22864

Martin Van Nostrand

Knog LEDs are encased in silicone rubber.
You can drop then in a bucket of water and they will work fine.
Very easy on/off. Cheap.

Nuggs

My Sunn rear light is advertised as being suitable for scuba diving, which suggests some serious waterproof properties!