Bike Lights....light up the rider options?

bsharp77

We've had many posts and suggestions on lights for these dark mornings / evenings and although I'm happy enough with the lights I have, watching riders in recent weeks makes me think a small light that actually lights up the rider would be a good idea - it just gives a better representation of the rider on the road - last week I passed a rider on my home commute, and all I seen was this small flashing light floating along a dark road until they were nearly past me, at which point I seen them...fair enough I seen the light, but it would be better to have some idea of what is coming towards you on the road!

Ive just got a rapha softshell jacket in black (only colour available) which makes me more anxious - although I know its the car lights that are supposed to light you, I would just like that extra bit of something to make myself shown, without being too over the top.

Im fairly sure I did see a light somewhere that included a small light on the rear of the unit as well to provide some ambient light on the rider, but can't seem to find it.
Just wondering if anyone has seen anything integrated that might be worth a try? (otherwise I may try a small low powered light facing the wrong way on the handlebars as an experiment).

bendertherobot

It's an ok idea. You don't see cars coming either, their occupants are not lit.

It's not ideal lighting the rider as it takes away some of you light perception. I tried it once. I reversed a low power light and shone it towards my abdomen. I have no idea how visible it made me. But it meant that I had that light in my peripheral vision when I was trying to see what my other light did ahead of me.

Anonymous

Do you mean this?

http://www.bikeradar.com/commuting/news/article/ding-downward-and-forward-facing-light-exclusive-first-look-44378/

I have a Pro Viz jacket for commuting. Its the new more breathable one and am really pleased with it for commuting.
Was thinking of having a bar mounted light facing me to illuminate myself, but ruled out trying it.

I saw a guy with a light flashing on the ground directly beneath bike which looked quite effective.
Have recently strapped a Rapid X front light to down tube but not sure how effective it is.

fenix

Yeah I don't think its a great idea either.

But if its dark - reflectives are your friend.

Go put your kit down the end of the room and shine your torch at it from eye level or take a flash pic.

Even better if you get someone to take the pic of you as you wear it.

Hopefully Rapha have bunged some reflectives on ? Same with your headgear.

If not then buy a hi viz reflective gilet to go over your kit - plenty of ones to choose from.
For your helmet - you can buy reflective tape in all colours - even black.

You don't want to reduce your night vision by having a light shining at you, and it's not going to be as effective as reflectives.

Or look up tyreflies - a flashing light fitted to a valve cap - at any angle bar straight on its very obvious you're a bike. https://www.google.co.uk/aclk?sa=L&ai=CzVw3ymRcVuDnDKGcjAaX6pywCrr6pa4H2o_O4rwB0rSCqsMDCAkQAiDezc8eKAVgkQTIAQepAmlViucsL7k-qgQmT9Dg4XfLrdvVrbIFcoJgfNvb3Wf_93ZuagSDF9N9oFOrrIPLHWfABQWgBiaAB-Kl4xyQBwOoB6a-G9gHAeASgoHM69SavbXXAQ&sig=AOD64_0hyv0kfNj2vz8ljcIAPOZ2IsjCTw&adurl=http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-134428-41853-0/2%3Fipn%3Dicep%26icep_id%3D67%26mtid%3D1673%26kwid%3D1%26crlp%3D50600204586_563391%26icep_item_id%3D261886117888%26itemid%3D261886117888%26icep_meta_categ_id%3D131090%26icep_etrs%3DN%26icep_epid%3D-999%26icep_ctlg%3D-999%26icep_cond%3DBrand%2BNew%26targetid%3D121152510546%26rlsatarget%3Daud-133395220866:kwd-121152510546%26rpc%3D0.00%26rpc_upld_id%3D0%26device%3Dc%26icep_msku_flag%3Dn%26icep_cbt%3Dy%26adtype%3Dpla%26loc%3D1010751%26poi%3D2826%26campaignid%3D207297426%26adgroupid%3D13585920426&ctype=5&clui=6&q=&ved=0ahUKEwjEpriHtbjJAhWE0xoKHfDwB5cQpysICw&ei=ymRcVsSZC4Sna_Dhn7gJ

fenix

And this might be worth a look when it comes out at the end of the year.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dingbikelight/ding-bike-lights

Doh sorry - this is the light already linked above...

UPDATE - they've had production problems and its not going to be February at the earliest I reckon before we see them... (fingers crossed)

bsharp77

Thanks for the replies guys, I actually have signed up for a Ding, but its been delayed which is making me look for alternatives in the meantime. Good point about cars occupants not being lit bender.
Might try the tyre flys just to give me a bit more presence on the road.

The wiggle softshell is turning up tomorrow, so maybe the bright orange will inspire confidence and I can send the rapha back!

Anonymous

Bright orange won't make much of a difference at night though will it?

Not sure I like the Ding concept that much. Think it would feel a bit odd cycling with a rectangular light box on the floor all around me.

bsharp77

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19752377#p19752377]Carbonator[/url] wrote:

Bright orange won't make much of a difference at night though will it?

Not sure I like the Ding concept that much. Think it would feel a bit odd cycling with a rectangular light box on the floor all around me.

Yeah you're right on the orange visibility in the dark carbonator - I think its a psychological thing I need to get over - wearing all black in the dark just feels wrong!

Regarding the Ding - the box of light might not be to everyones taste, but at least it will be unobtrusive to both other cyclists and cars, I personally think its a great idea and will definitely give a bit more presence on the road (if the light lives up to expectations). Of course the main feature is that it will be available in orange to match my Domane!

fenix

The DHB will be good from behind - but from the front - I don't think there are any reflectives ?
Even Aldi seem to do a lot better than the big brands - they really go big on reflectives.

Do you have anything reflective on the ankles ?

timothyw

I recently bought a few of these (reflective snap bands to go on ankles and wrists):
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/130658040066

Dirt cheap and very effective - I feel a lot more visible now, and don't need to worry if my 'night vision' or similar reflective tights are in the wash.

I do also wear bright colour jerseys - these are most effective in gloomy conditions because UV light (which makes them fluoresce) is better at getting through clouds than visible light - at night they make a small amount of difference, but are certainly more visible than dark colours or black!

surrey_commuter

these will light you up like a Xmas tree especially from the side
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pack-Premier-Spoke-Reflectors-ROADUSERDIRECT/dp/B009N3DSA4

Always impressed when I see people in Pro-viz. Do bear in mind that if you have a rucksack you will need to light that up - reflective covers work well.

fenix

I am always amazed by cyclists who have lights and then put stuff on their luggage rack that blocks most of the light, or the bloke who had a light beneath his saddle - but his big work coat was hanging down over it...