rear light

stefano
stefano Posts: 254
edited October 2013 in Road buying advice
I got a Smart Lunar R1 rear light, the older ½ watt version. It is a good one though not so waterproof. I am looking for a second light that is brighter, better in wet conditions and with USB charging if possible. Any recommendations?

Comments

  • PerformingMonkey
    PerformingMonkey Posts: 218
    No USB connection but this has been through all the mud, salt and rain I can throw at it on both my road and mountain bike.

    http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... t-11-45481
  • derosa
    derosa Posts: 2,819
    PerformingMonkey wrote:
    No USB connection but this has been through all the mud, salt and rain I can throw at it on both my road and mountain bike.

    http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... t-11-45481


    Just bought one myself on the back of excellent reviews.
    Big H

    May the road rise up to meet you.
    May the wind always be at your back.
  • Ride hard
    Ride hard Posts: 389
    I just bought a Knog Blinder R to replace a knog boomer I was tired changing batteries for. It's a superb light, fully waterproof (even you submerge it in water for hours on end) and by far the brighest I've seen. For you 80s kids out there it's also got a knight rider stylee mode.
    Reporter: "What's your prediction for the fight?"
    Clubber Lang: "Prediction?"
    Reporter: "Yes. Prediction"
    Clubber Lang: "....Pain!!!"
  • stefano
    stefano Posts: 254
    Ride hard wrote:
    I just bought a Knog Blinder R to replace a knog boomer I was tired changing batteries for. It's a superb light, fully waterproof (even you submerge it in water for hours on end) and by far the brighest I've seen. For you 80s kids out there it's also got a knight rider stylee mode.

    how often do you need to charge the Knog Blinder R?
  • derosa
    derosa Posts: 2,819
    A word of warning about Knog.
    Bought two of their Blinder lights last year and the batteries failed within 3 months - would no longer hold a charge. Sent them back. Definitely wouldn't buy again.
    Big H

    May the road rise up to meet you.
    May the wind always be at your back.
  • bendertherobot
    bendertherobot Posts: 11,684
    http://youtu.be/dMcP295DeTw
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  • Ride hard
    Ride hard Posts: 389
    stefano wrote:
    Ride hard wrote:
    I just bought a Knog Blinder R to replace a knog boomer I was tired changing batteries for. It's a superb light, fully waterproof (even you submerge it in water for hours on end) and by far the brighest I've seen. For you 80s kids out there it's also got a knight rider stylee mode.

    how often do you need to charge the Knog Blinder R?

    As I say, I've only just got it so haven't tested out what knog claims yet, but according to them its...

    Burn time: lasting up to 3.5 hours in Steady mode, 4 hours in Fast, 5 hours in Chaser, 13 hours in Peloton Mode and 20 hours in Eco-Flash.

    What also swayed me was the fact the light - apparently - never dims due to some internal jiggery pokery, so will put out a consistent light until the battery dies. This was one of the main gripes for me of battery powered lights that were mega bright with a fresh battery, but dimmed over time.
    Reporter: "What's your prediction for the fight?"
    Clubber Lang: "Prediction?"
    Reporter: "Yes. Prediction"
    Clubber Lang: "....Pain!!!"
  • t4tomo
    t4tomo Posts: 2,643
    Put some vaseline around the join on your Smart R1.
    Bianchi Infinito CV
    Bianchi Via Nirone 7 Ultegra
    Brompton S Type
    Carrera Vengeance Ultimate Ltd
    Gary Fisher Aquila '98
    Front half of a Viking Saratoga Tandem
  • stefano
    stefano Posts: 254
    Has anyone tried the Smart Lunar R2 in heavy rain?
    The reason I am asking is that last year in a very heavy rain night both my rear Cateye and Smart R1 failed…
  • slowbike
    slowbike Posts: 8,498
    heavy? not really heavy, but it was wet - wifes light mounted on her seat post and no mudguards - the electrical tape wrapped around the joint kept the water out.
  • t4tomo
    t4tomo Posts: 2,643
    I have 2 R1s and havent had any problem with water on either. I do have mudguards though and most wet commuting in done on brompton so mudguards and r1 is at top of seatpost so reasonably sheltered.

    I also have a couple of Knogs front and back and simlarly no problems although they do use batteries fater than the R1.

    combo of vaseline inside the join and insulation tape on outside will keep most things waterproof.
    Bianchi Infinito CV
    Bianchi Via Nirone 7 Ultegra
    Brompton S Type
    Carrera Vengeance Ultimate Ltd
    Gary Fisher Aquila '98
    Front half of a Viking Saratoga Tandem
  • stefano
    stefano Posts: 254
    oxoman wrote:
    I have the R1 and put a smear of Vaseline around the seal before closing it, got caught out a couple of times with very heavy rain without mudguards and still going s strong although mudguards fitted now.

    can vaselive damage the rubber seal in the long run?
  • Mettan
    Mettan Posts: 2,103
    I've got a Leyzyne Microdrive rear - standard 30 lumen flash with a 70 lumen daytime mode (for TT's) - great little light - easy usb charging - apply a quick wrap of electrical tape to secure it more solidly in its bracket (only take 20 seconds) - can get them for less than 30 quid in some places.
  • iPete
    iPete Posts: 6,076
    The new Exposure TraceR looks ace. I've got the front, solid unit with USB charging and a charge indicator.

    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/exposure-tracer-rear-light/
  • Hoopdriver
    Hoopdriver Posts: 2,023
    Cateye 1100 - had it for years in all sorts of weather. Very bright with a wide beam and side lights, very reliable and excellent burn times on a couple of AA batteries. No USB charging, though
    http://www.My-Bicycle-and-I.com
  • jermas
    jermas Posts: 484
    My Blackburn super flea has been good. It's usb charged, very bright, and has been watertight.
  • desweller
    desweller Posts: 5,175
    stefano wrote:
    oxoman wrote:
    I have the R1 and put a smear of Vaseline around the seal before closing it, got caught out a couple of times with very heavy rain without mudguards and still going s strong although mudguards fitted now.

    can vaselive damage the rubber seal in the long run?

    Could do. Silicone grease is a good if more expensive alternative.
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  • Tony Mc
    Tony Mc Posts: 180
    oxoman wrote:
    I have the R1 and put a smear of Vaseline around the seal before closing it, got caught out a couple of times with very heavy rain without mudguards and still going s strong although mudguards fitted now.


    If its really heavy rain I usually slot mine on the back of my helmet keeps it away from the road spay and is up high
    Getting there
  • ptlk66
    ptlk66 Posts: 52
    I recommend the Moon Shield, very bright, good choice of modes and USB chargeable - i got mine from eighteen bikes

    http://shop.18bikes.co.uk/products.php? ... 0s413p1671

    I also have the Lezyne micro drive rear light which is very poor by comparison.

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