Questions tagged [lighting]

Front, rear, and side lighting for your bike as well as helmet lights. Incandescent and LED lights. Dynamo hubs, rechargeable batteries, and step-down circuits from ebike batteries are also included as long as they result in the production of light.

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Is there a bright bike light that is theft-resistant? [duplicate]

I usually take my bike light with me so that it doesn't get stolen. However, this can be quite annoying during commuting, as I sometimes park my bike 4-5 times in different places during the day. ...
Skeleton Bow's user avatar
5 votes
2 answers
728 views

Do hub dynamos with higher power output exist?

I know there are dynamos with 3 W as the highest output, but are there commercial dynamos available with even better effect? See, I don't mind pedaling with a bit more drag if I can get better ...
MiNiMe's user avatar
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4 votes
3 answers
78 views

Best type/designation of 2-strand wire to buy in bulk for generator and ebike lights

As a US-based shop mechanic, every time I try to buy 2-strand wire that can do the same things as what comes with generator and ebike lights, it gets deceptively complex. A lot of what's out there ...
Nathan Knutson's user avatar
2 votes
0 answers
62 views

Hacking Bike Lights: SuperNova E3 Pro 2 with a TL3 Pro

My Challenge (besides trying to overcome the temptation of putting things together that don't quite belong) is trying to get the SuperNova E3 Pro 2 to keep the "parking mode" on with a TL3 ...
Daniel's user avatar
  • 21
7 votes
5 answers
1k views

head and tail light connected to a single battery?

All the head/tail lights on the market appear to have their own separate battery and separate switches, so you basically need to manage the charge state of two batteries, and you better not forget to ...
Rawbert's user avatar
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7 votes
11 answers
4k views

Is there a bicycle light which is hard to steal or very portable?

I was out with my gravel bike the other night and I didn't thought it would be dark before I would be back. So I didn't bring my attachable lights because its kind of big and bulky. Is there a ...
Schwenk's user avatar
  • 396
2 votes
2 answers
392 views

Dynamo light with replaceable cables

I am looking to buy some new dynamo lights because the (halogen) front light which came with the bike is not bright enough. I have a 2.6W dynamo and was looking at the B&M IQ-XS and the B&M ...
Jan-Pieter's user avatar
7 votes
8 answers
2k views

How strong should lights be for a route partially in a city and partially outside city on a public road?

I'm commuting 3 days a week 20 km one way (40 km daily) on an e-bike in the UK. It takes around 50 minutes. Days are getting darker and I am about to buy a better light. I'm tempted to buy a 1600 ...
Piotr Golacki's user avatar
17 votes
4 answers
5k views

Is there a benefit to turning off dynamo-powered lights?

I have a bicycle with lights and a hub Dynamo. I am looking for generic answers that apply to more setups but if that's not possible, the bicycle I have is a Stevens Randonneur 2021. My bicycle lights ...
Rabee's user avatar
  • 293
1 vote
1 answer
53 views

How do I mount a light intended for a tube to a flat rack?

I have a rack like this: This works really well for me, for the most part. Alas, I am mounting my taillight like this: So, in the past, I've had some PVC pipe affixed to the side of the thing. Now, ...
user1833028's user avatar
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3 votes
1 answer
116 views

Front light has no cable to connect the rear light

I bought a Eyc T plus front light for my bicycle. I then realised that the light is missing a cable outlet for the rear light (a in the picture). How do I make the rear light work. Do I simply try to ...
Stücke's user avatar
  • 1,408
2 votes
1 answer
438 views

Does direction of rotation matter for dynamo hubs? [duplicate]

I'd like to install a dynamo hub in a trike application where it will spin "backward" compared to how it would spin on a normal bicycle (I can't turn it around because I need the disc brake ...
BetterSense's user avatar
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3 votes
6 answers
3k views

150 VS 300 VS 450 lumen rear light for daytime use

Which one would be good for riding in daytime especially when it's sunny?
Sam's user avatar
  • 318
5 votes
10 answers
8k views

Where can I put my rear light that is designed for the seatpost if the saddle bag is in the way?

I have a Lezyne Strip Drive 150 but my saddle bag is in the way so I can't use it on my seatpost. If I increase the height of my seatpost then that would be uncomfortable, so what can I do?
Sam's user avatar
  • 318
16 votes
6 answers
7k views

Legality and morality around wearing a red / blue flashing light on a bicycle in the UK?

I recently bought a red and blue flashing light to wear on my helmet when I cycle into work in London. I abide by road rules, cycle safely, never cycle on footpaths, obey stop signs and traffic lights ...
PyRsquared's user avatar
0 votes
2 answers
725 views

Why do my USB charging ports fail?

I've now had four USB rechargeable front bike lights fail due to the USB port. I plug in the USB micro cable and nothing happens. On one new Niterider light it worked only for a few days. On another, ...
scidoc666's user avatar
3 votes
3 answers
1k views

Why are there no/very-few bicycle-specific lights with replaceable 18650 Li-Ion batteries?

Most (higher end) battery-powered bicycle lights have built-in Li-Ion battery or a battery pack nowadays. There seem to be no front lights using replaceable 18650 cells. Rear lights with replaceable ...
Konstantin Shemyak's user avatar
13 votes
3 answers
4k views

Is my helmet/camera/light setup dangerous?

Do you think the mounted camera and light on the helmet is safe?
Joan's user avatar
  • 239
4 votes
2 answers
440 views

Which strategy of using the bicycle light should I select?

I use my bicycle for commuting, mostly over the secondary roads closed for the majority (not all) car traffic. There are other cyclists, dog walkers and runners on these roads. Using the light often, ...
nightrider's user avatar
  • 7,462
2 votes
2 answers
753 views

Where are light connector terminals on an E-bike?

There are many various lights currently on the market that are marketed as "designed for E-bikes". They have external power connectors. Of course, the voltage must also match but I am not ...
nightrider's user avatar
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-1 votes
1 answer
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Can someone tell me what brand of bike light this is?

It is a USB chargeable light and supports a strobe mode as well as a few different brightness settings. Thanks very much!
sente's user avatar
  • 101
0 votes
1 answer
119 views

Damages to LED from accumulated snow?

On my bike the rear light is a LED integrated in the fender. The gap between the LED group and the tire is quite narrow. The make is the same as in the picture below. From the last time I cycled onto ...
L.Dutch's user avatar
  • 7,081
2 votes
2 answers
2k views

What gauge wire is used for dynamo hubs and lights?

I have some non-standard bikes to hook up so rather than ordering the kits with fixed length wires, I want to just order appropriate double strand (or coaxial) wire in bulk, along with the connectors, ...
WPNoviceCoder's user avatar
0 votes
2 answers
101 views

Which bike light, aren't that to be seen kind enought? [closed]

I just bought a giant escape 2 and have been using it to go to work. When is time to come back home is already dark and I'm planning to get a light. Asked about one in nearby bike shop and they ...
KcFnMi's user avatar
  • 139
27 votes
2 answers
6k views

Are Penny-Farthings Legal to Ride on Public Roads (UK)

Are Penny-Farthings legal to ride on public roads in the UK? Note: For laws regarding riding Penny-Farthings on public roads in other countries-ie "US" or "EU"- please start a new ...
F1Linux's user avatar
  • 2,203
1 vote
3 answers
493 views

Rear dynamo light (tail light) or reflector without rack?

I have a light / reflector designed to mount to a rear rack. It has two horizontal holes for bolts, like this: I do not have a rack. But I do have rack mounts like these on the seat stays: Is there ...
sdgfsdh's user avatar
  • 867
4 votes
1 answer
315 views

How do you repair or lengthen a B&M Luxos Control Cable?

Maybe this would be better off in electronics, but since it's bike gear specific, I thought I'd try here first. I need to have longer control cables on B&M's Luxos U headlight/charger combo. This ...
WPNoviceCoder's user avatar
11 votes
5 answers
4k views

Mounting the front light on the frame instead of the fork or the handlebar?

I've had my front light mounted on the handlebar for the last 4 years or so. I never liked the bulky look and more importantly, how it jumps around in a response to my handlebar movements (if I'm on a ...
WhatHiFi's user avatar
  • 227
0 votes
1 answer
2k views

How reliable is the "smart" brake detection on a $20 tail light? [closed]

Here are some "smart" tail lights I found on Amazon: Having the same looks, prices, description grammar, no-name random "brand" names and sometimes even stock photos and videos, ...
WhatHiFi's user avatar
  • 227
7 votes
3 answers
3k views

Where is the Shimano e-tube project light connection setting?

I'm trying to install some aftermarket hardwired lights to my eBike which is running a Shimano steps e5000 drive system (bike is a Reid urban+ ebike). I've verified that the lights work and are the ...
protango's user avatar
  • 173
7 votes
2 answers
627 views

Are dynamo hubs specific to particular lights?

I am looking to purchase a dynamo hub, such as those made by Shimano, Son, Exposure etc. and a set of lights to connect to it. What I want to know is if any dynamo light will work with any dynamo hub, ...
sdgfsdh's user avatar
  • 867
7 votes
5 answers
2k views

Can I get a bright rear light using AA batteries, or is there a compelling reason why nonreplaceable batteries are so widespread?

The short version: I like the convenience and the ecology of using rechargeable AA/AAA batteries in a rear light. Yet the rear lights using AA batteries I see on the market have puny power. Does ...
Sam7919's user avatar
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2 votes
1 answer
1k views

Can I use reflective tape instead of a rear reflector in the UK?

My road bike isn't fitted with a rear reflector as I got it second hand and I think they removed it. If I purchased some red reflective tape and fitted it around the seatpost/seatstay, would this make ...
Noah P's user avatar
  • 137
2 votes
4 answers
826 views

LASER bicycle lights

Is there any reason there are not yet LASER bicycle lights, given some cars already have them? It makes more sense in bicycles, has they have not a 12V bulky battery like a car, and are more energy ...
sergiol's user avatar
  • 372
2 votes
0 answers
2k views

Color conventions for side (wheel) reflectors (yellow and white)

Spoke reflectors, as far as I know, often come in two colors: yellow and white. Is there a convention as to which one should go on the back wheel and which one should go on the front wheel? For ...
Clément's user avatar
  • 221
0 votes
1 answer
980 views

AXA bottle dynamo noise

I'm looking for advice on AXA HR Traction bottle dynamos and others like it if there are any, as I have seen others on this forum discuss them specifically on other threads. My partner is running it ...
djuna_moon's user avatar
3 votes
4 answers
801 views

Preventing lamps being stolen / thieves' motivations

My bicycle's front lamp has been stolen AGAIN. I thus far have spent over 100 Eur on bicycle lamps that can be slid onto a mount on the bike, and more on rechargeable batteries for them. This needs to ...
UTF-8's user avatar
  • 379
3 votes
3 answers
276 views

Mounting a 12v motorcycle light on bike seat rails?

So now that I built a 12 volt (more like 11v) battery for my bike I would like to accessorize it with some 12v lights to get a unique look. I'm looking at motorcycle tail lights, but they all have two ...
SurpriseDog's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
137 views

Rechargeable Bicycle Light Storage

For an expensive rechargeable bicycle light that is bright enough for daytime use, does it detract from charged state if left in a hot garage in the summer? In other words is it better to bring in ...
NVCYCLER 's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
104 views

Lights for Rixen Kaul Klickfix shopper basket

I am looking for a solution to attach lights to my Rixen Kaul Klickfix shopper basket: Any suggestions? Would this clip work with the basket above?
florabol's user avatar
12 votes
3 answers
6k views

Can I legally use front facing blue light in the UK?

I have a white front-facing light and a red light at the back. However, I was wondering if I could add the blue light at the front as well from a legal standpoint. Whether it is flashing or constant ...
Lukali's user avatar
  • 223
1 vote
5 answers
1k views

How to choose the light bulbs for a given dynamo

I have a 16V 8W bottle dynamo and two light bulbs: one is marked 6V 0.05A and is working properly other does not have any inscription and ceased to work. I would like to replace the second light ...
Pedro Rolo's user avatar
22 votes
6 answers
8k views

Should unconventional colors be avoided for lighting?

Red/amber lights in the rear of the vehicle, white lights, in front of it: that is the good old convention and certainly switching their places is a bad idea. A quick search, however, shows other ...
user avatar
3 votes
3 answers
3k views

Replacing a normal hub with a dynamo hub

I'm the owner of a Kona Sutra 2017. I'm pretty happy with this bike, but I'm looking to get a dynamo hub for it, with some lights and maybe a charger for my phone. So far I managed to figure out that ...
Allan Kimmer Jensen's user avatar
1 vote
2 answers
6k views

How to tell if this light's bulb is blown? And what kind of light is it?

See photo. Is this a normal LED? I'm trying to troubleshoot it and can't tell if the bulb\diode is fine.
PIXP's user avatar
  • 493
2 votes
2 answers
1k views

Front light that "pulses"

I'm planning to start using my bicycle again for commuting and need to get a new front light (I'm in Australia, so it's dark early in the evenings at the moment). I've seen a few in use by other ...
Richard Ev's user avatar
5 votes
2 answers
424 views

Is there a route-planning tool that clearly indicates tunnels?

I'm planning a ride (Strava route) in the Alps, and I know there are some tunnels in the area. Coincidentally by taking the old road I'm planning to avoid the ones I know about. I'd like to have a ...
Chris H's user avatar
  • 57.3k
3 votes
2 answers
699 views

AC dyno light on battery pack?

I'm running a Supernova E3 PRO 2 of my dynohub. However I would like to use my non-dynohub front-wheel whilst still being able to use the same lights on battery power. The lights have an internal AC/...
Wijnand's user avatar
  • 131
1 vote
2 answers
1k views

Is it legal for cyclists to use amber bike flashers for visibility (in BC, Canada)?

Amber bike lights can improve daytime visibility. This makes sense because white light looks similar to sunlight and amber light stands out more clearly. Being seen sooner means that drivers have more ...
Brian's user avatar
  • 1,043
1 vote
2 answers
149 views

Using head light as bar light?

Lately I have been using a head lamp, installed on my helmet, while commuting to work. For improving safety, and considering that I have a bar fixture for a handlebar bag which is unused for my ...
L.Dutch's user avatar
  • 7,081