Discussion: Daylight visible flashers for biking- new updates.

I've been using bright daylight-visible flashing lights whenever I'm riding on roads. With all the distracted texting drivers, we need all the visibility we can get. These can save your life for $75.

Like other LED lights, these have been getting better rapidly.
Something like a Planet Bike Superflash Turbo used to be considered a strong light. It's been left in the dust with newer generations. It also has a very narrow beam so it's only decent if it's aligned perfectly.


The Cygolite Hotshot 80 and Bontrager Flare R are both 4x as powerful, for the same size and similar cost. They have a slighty wider beam too, so alignment isn't quite as critical.

I have the Flare R and people say it's really visible in daylight.
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/equipment/cyclin...

Niterider just released their Solas 150 which will blow them away in overlal power. Still similar size and $.
https://www.niterider.com/product/solas-150/
**note- later reviews are saying the Solas is more about a wider beam than more intensity**

There are some uber-powerful flashers that run on separate battery packs and can be expensive, but the Solas looks like an incredible bang for the buck this year.

I've been using the Niterider Solas 40 for all of my bikes on every ride (day and night) except when doing strictly single track and love it. Even the 40 is super powerful, lasts a long time, and is USB rechargeable, and can withstand a power washer if necessary due to those super muddy rides. I can only imagine how bright the 150 is. As a matter of fact, no one wants to be behind me when riding due getting practically blinded by the flashing light it's so bright :) My mantra is to "make them see me".

Thanks for the updates 'Bent!

I have these little beauties ( http://silva.se/product/bike-lights/bike-light-sim... ) from Silva on my bike and find on flashing mode they are more than enough to say "hey, I'm here!" to other road users.

The rear light is super at night too either fixed light or flashing.

Cost €26-30 for a set and easily replaceable flat batteries means you are never stuck for visibility.

That would work in a country where cyclists are respected! We aren't always so lucky here. 'Bent's rear light is police-car-visible in daylight. This new one comes with a lower "don't bug my teammate" mode, which is very much needed.

It's gotten to the point you need to grab the attention of a texting driver. I saw a rider the other day with a bright amber flasher on the front and it really stood out too in broad daylight.

I was in my LBS today dropping the cookies & cream off for a post race service when I blinded myself testing these babies http://seesense.cc/features/

Tragically......... another cyclist killed here locally this past Friday. She was also very involved in the local orienteering club.

http://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2016...

Sometimes I question if even bright lights are enough when competing with distracted drivers :(

That's really sad. You're right - I stay on trails as much as I can. It's certainly not enough anymore to wear a brightly coloured jersey. With flashing daylight-visible lights, there is at least a hope that the driver will notice a flicker on his or her phone screen - sigh.

Cygolite just released a Hotshot Pro 150 too.
https://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_d...

http://www.cygolite.com/product/hotshot-pro-150-us...

Still don't know if it's enough to compensate for stupidity of the drivers. So sad to hear about more good cyclists getting hit, hurt and killed.

The SeeSense looks good, but in a different price bracket.

Close call yesterday riding into work before sunrise, car in my neighborhood blew through a stop sign and evidently didn't see me. Instead of getting t-boned, he swerved upon hearing the air horn I have mounted in place of a front water bottle with a trigger on the handle bars. He likely was just not paying attention, as I have blue lights around on my front rim, Schmidt Edelux II front light (very powerful dynamo powered headlamp), and two flashers on the rear including one that videos and stores up to 6 hours of footage while I'm riding.
I highly recommend the video option for regular bike rides on roads. That's the only kind of evidence that will give you a reasonable chance in court. I should probably buy a front camera as well. Stay safe out there!

Was almost hit again today, but this time while jogging and in the middle of a cross walk by Arlington cemetery on my way home from the Pentagon.
I think we are stuck in the high risk zone until most driving is done by computers vs. people.

Riding on the road is suicide at this point. I wish it were not the case. With a wife and kid, I will not ride on the road. At all.

Does having an incident recorded on the iFly or other camera actually result in penalties for the driver? Will police even consider it as evidence?

Andrew Cameron has taken videos to police in Ottawa. I don't remember the specifics but I know he was disappointed in what they're willing to do. That would probably change if a cyclist were hit but then it's too late.

had the planet superflash for years, and got a bontrager flare. there's definitely a difference, wish the battery lasted longer though (4.5 - 5 hrs on high)

Looks like MEC carries the Cygolite Hotshot Pro 80 now. No sign of the 150 yet.

For daytime road rides longer than 5 hours you may need a light with external battery, or a spare self-contained light.

Another bad*ss daylight visible taillight that won't break the bank:
http://gemini-lights.com/products/iris-rear-light

This is in a bit higher price bracket. Waterproof to 15M, clacks on with a magnetic mount, 180 degree visibility, mich bigger battery.
http://www.orfos.bike/products/red-flare

They make a front white flasher too. $120 US

Apparently someone compared the Solas 150 with the Bontrager Flare R. The Flare is actually more visible from behind in daylight if correctly aimed. The Solas has a much wider beam, so is visible from greater angle or if mounted less accurately. It would work well on a helmet if you can't get it facing backwards perfectly- there's more room for errror.

I think the Cygolite will have similar performance to the Flare, a strong medium width beam. They will be excellent if moiunted accurately.

The old Superflash Turbos had a very narrow beam.

Cygolite Hotshot 100 now at MEC for $42.50 Can. Cygolite Pro 150 is $52.50. Wow.

Any suggestions for super-visible, reasonably priced, helmet mount front/rear lights?

Or do any of the above have the option of helmet mount instead of bike mount? I didn't see any that obviously did at first glance.

My Flare R is mounted on my helmet. It had a good mounting system for that. Not sure about the Cygolite since I don't have one.
If you are helmet-mounting with a narrow- beam light, be sure it points exactly horizontal in your usual riding position, or use one of the wider beam lights like the Solas.

I have a Cygolite Hotshot 50 that I mount on my helmet with a couple of velcro cable ties through the clip that came with the light. It seems pretty secure.

Had a chance to see Coach LD's Cygolite Hotshot 100 in action last weekend. From a distance it was more visible than her orange jacket in bright sunshine. Worst possible conditions for a daylight-visible flasher and it still caught your eye. It would really stand out on a cloudy day. Perhaps Bash or BGY can comment whether my Bontrager Flare R on my helmet was as bright.

It was bright and I noticed that the helmet light caught my eye more than the seat light.

The guys at ITUO just announced a daylight- visible tail light.
It's 150 lumens, with a monster battery (which you can replace mid-race) , good side visibility and a solid review.
$60 US.

https://www.ituolights.com/products/ituo-bolt-tail...