MTB'er preparing for winter

chedabob

I've been looking at these lights for cycling on the road now that the nights are getting darker earlier. Does anybody know if they will fit a 31.8mm seatpost and 31.8mm bars? Also, how difficult are they to remove? I don't want to leave them on when I'm going off-road as they'll just get shook to pieces.

I also don't have any reflectors as they've either fallen off or come loose and become a hindrance. Would a high-vis jacket and front and rear lights be enough for me to be seen, or should I be looking at some other options?

sc999cs

It depends upon the police in your area. It's technically illegal to ride in the dark without a front, rear and pedal reflectors.

I've not heard of anyone getting pulled up in my area but the London cyclists seem to get stopped every time they go for a ride. I believe that sometimes reflective cycle clips, or hi-vis wrap on ankle bands are unofficially considered a suitable alternative to pedal reflectors as you still get the up and down motion which catches the drivers' eyes, but again it most likely depends on the police officer at the time.

Regarding the lights (just looked at the pictures) these have quick releases IIRC so should be very easy to remove and the bands are long enough for your components. If you're not sure email the supplier you are going to buy from and ask them - then if they don't fit you can return them

Edit - actually rear might be bolt on - too hard to tell from the pictures so you're best to email the retailer and ask.

bumpitybump

>> how difficult are they to remove?

easy, both just clip off

nich

The rear cateye one looks the same as mine, and if it is, the fit is universal (by applying a thick optional rubber band) - you better phone them to check mind, I've seen cateye lights that are specific to a size, and also those that are universal.

High Viz jackets are bright, but be wary if you use a rucksack - your'll be minimising the usefulness of the high-viz by covering it.

I use a high-viz rucksack cover, which is also waterproof.

http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/polaris- ... 36541.html

chedabob

I think my bag (Deuter Speedlite 15) has reflective strips on the back.

Thanks for the advice guys. I've emailed Merlin to see what they say about the lights.

pshore

When driving I always notice the people in reflective hi-vis waistcoats more. I think its about surface area and the reflective part being higher up so you can often see cyclists when they are behind another car.

I got my Wow-wow reflective waistcoat off fleabay for £5 delivered. Bargain. I use it all year round rain or shine and value it it more than an expensive rear light. If you have a rucksack iit is possible to wear it over the bag but you do look a bit Hunchback of Notre-Dame :-)

Cateye lights are generally quite good. The only weakpoint is the FlexTight bracket. I can never remove the bracket without resorting to a pair of pliers grrr. The light detaches easily though.

I leave my cateye on the bike if offroading at night purely for the road sections (my other light is a P7 deal extreme but thats another story) and it has survived the bumps and crashes.

Phil.