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I've decided that on the days my legs are too tired or sore to run, I'd get some exercise in by riding my bike. It's a hybrid that I've had for a number of years. I haven't ridden it that often because it's usually in my garage being blocked by my car, and it's tough on a whim to have to move the car, get the bike out, ride, and then repeat the process. So now I've brought the bike indoors, where it's easier to get to (and stays cleaner, too!). I live 1/4 mile from a bike/running trail, so I can go miles in either direction and not have to worry about vehicular traffic. But I'm an early riser, and sometimes late exerciser, so riding in the dark hasn't been an attractive prospect. To address the low light situation, I bought a headlight and taillight combo. The manufacturer is Light and Motion and the Urban 500 Combo is what I bought. The Urban 500 is the headlight and the Vis Micro II is the taillight. There are no mounting instructions. A two-sided instruction sheet was included that talks about how to turn on and off the lights, how to charge them (USB) and how to tell if they're low on power, but no mounting instructions. I guess they figure people who buy these things know how. There are a couple of images, but nothing to indicate what goes where. I'm not stupid, so I can figure this out, but I'm curious if those of you who ride can give me any advice on the placement, use and tips on riding in the dark? You can't truly call yourself "peaceful" unless you are capable of great violence. If you're not capable of great violence, you're not peaceful, you're harmless. NRA Benefactor/Patriot Member | ||
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Recondite Raider![]() |
I like Cateye brand lights in the 800 or more lumens for a front light, and Planet Bike "Super Flash" for a rear light. Both of these are USB rechargeable. __________________________ More blessed than I deserve. http://davesphotography7055.zenfolio.com/f238091154 | |||
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Savor the limelight |
What kind of mounting hardware did it come with? Headlight on the handle bars and taillight on the seat post seems logical to me. | |||
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Member |
It looks like they mount with rubber straps. Straps should have a few holes, and the light should have a post to match up with the holes. Front light on the bars, rear lite on the seat post. Place lights where you want them, pull on the strap around the bars to stretch it a bit, then place the strap on post that is on the light. For front light beam adjust so it hits maybe 15 feet or so out in front of you. You want some decent splash to see down the trail, but enough light right in front of you to see any small obstacles that might be in your way. If you end up riding a lot in the dark, a helmet light is handy. It will light where you look rather than where the bike points | |||
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Member![]() |
I don't usually ride in the dark but I often get back on the fringes. My tail light (blinking) is on my seatpost and my front light (also set to blink) is on my handlebars. | |||
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Waiting for Hachiko![]() |
I can't remember the brand, but I bought a rechargeable headlight and tail light when I purchased my Trek 7.2 FX. The front light mounted with a quick release mount on the handlebar , the tail ilght mounts on a quick release mounted on the seatpost. It has a high beam, low beam and strobe. The rear red light has several blinking options. The cost back in 2015 was $95 for the set. Money well spent, the light is the brightest I've ever seen ! When I go on trips and take my bike, I use the headlight for my flashlight. Riding, it will toss a beam a good 150' in front of me. I bought it not so much for riding at night, but in case I get caught riding in the dark on a trail. 美しい犬 | |||
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Member![]() |
Yes, thanks. I was worried that the rubber straps wouldn't hold the lights securely in place. But it seems that if they are tight enough, vibration or movement on the bike shouldn't be a problem. We'll see... ![]() You can't truly call yourself "peaceful" unless you are capable of great violence. If you're not capable of great violence, you're not peaceful, you're harmless. NRA Benefactor/Patriot Member | |||
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Irksome Whirling Dervish![]() |
3M friction tape from Home Depot works wonder to keep a light from bouncing. It's not visible when the strap is on the bars. | |||
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Member![]() |
I've got Light & Motion stuff, both for my underwater video and headlight for my road bike. I've got the Urban 650. Twist the light perpendicular to the mount, pull the strap tight and the nub goes into the slot of the rubber strap. Twist the light into place. You'll be good. Steve Small Business Website Design & Maintenance - https://spidercreations.net | OpSpec Training - https://opspectraining.com | Grayguns - https://grayguns.com Evil exists. You can not negotiate with, bribe or placate evil. You're not going to be able to have it sit down with Dr. Phil for an anger management session either. | |||
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Member![]() |
Got it. Thanks! You can't truly call yourself "peaceful" unless you are capable of great violence. If you're not capable of great violence, you're not peaceful, you're harmless. NRA Benefactor/Patriot Member | |||
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Freethinker |
As someone who hasn’t ridden a bike in years, and even longer ago in the dark, but who drives where they are common, a bit of advice: Seeing and being seen are two different things in bicycle lights. Just today I was reminded of how important the latter is. A couple of cyclists were coming my way on a high traffic two-lane road and I noticed their flashing white lights at a significant distance and when the riders themselves were almost indistinguishable against the background. They weren’t wearing high visibility garments, but they should have been because they make a big difference as well. And although it probably wouldn’t be an issue for you, another observation is that when there is snow on the ground in the background, the popular lime green hi-viz color is not very effective; fluorescent orange is much better. Added: And I should make it clear that my experience today was in the daytime. ► 6.4/93.6 “It is peace for our time.” — Neville the Appeaser | |||
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Member![]() |
Tip: at the very least, attach a red blinker light to the back of your helmet & one to your seatpost or wedge pack or frame, I used to ride with three red blinkers: helmet, seat pack and back of jacket. Wearing high-viz is fine but as you know, in low light, not everyone has their lights on and your rear blinker lights will help. ...let him who has no sword sell his robe and buy one. Luke 22:35-36 NAV "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves." Matthew 10:16 NASV | |||
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Muzzle flash aficionado ![]() |
I don't care what they are, but HAVE SOME! I can't tell you how many times I've come up on a bicyclist at night with no lights or reflectors and wearing all black. I think they must have a death wish. It's frightening to me how close I've come to running one down. flashguy Texan by choice, not accident of birth | |||
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Member![]() |
Fenix bike lights Check out the Fenix headlights and taillight _____________________ "We're going to die. Some people are scared of dying. Never be afraid to die. Because you're born to die," Walter Breuning 114 years old | |||
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Objectively Reasonable![]() |
This, in spades. It's the easiest, cheapest, and arguably most effective aid to NOT getting hit. My "distance" bike has reflective tape on the seat stays and two red lights to the rear (steady and flashing) and my helmet has reflective tape. Evening/night or early morning, reflective ankle bands, and either a reflective vest or a jersey heavy on reflective material. Most of my jerseys, rain gear, or jackets are fluorescent green or fluorescent orange. Forward, dynamo-driven Busch & Mueller light. If a motorist doesn't see me, it won't be for lack of effort on my part. | |||
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Member |
I never ride after dark. I don't want to be a hood ornament. | |||
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Member![]() |
Go with a Water Rower instead. (Kidding. ![]() Year V | |||
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Fourth line skater![]() |
I have lights and I never ride in the dark. Most festival rides here require both a front and rear light to participate. _________________________ OH, Bonnie McMurray! | |||
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