Lights

Got any putting-on-a-tyre advice for me Ed? Cheers.

Yep;

Start by installing the tyres from the bottom (180 from the valve hole), and make your way to the top.

By the time you're near the valve hole, the tyre is already getting a bit harder to install, but make sure both side is installed so the last part is at the valve hole junction.

Push the valve inward to push the inner tube inside the tyres, so it'll be out of the way.

Then use tyre lever/hand (if you're feeling manly) to finish off the installation.

This should greatly reduced the chance of getting pinch flat on even the most diffcuilt tyre/rims.

Oh that's the front one. But anyway.

Yeah the front one goes round the handlebars. I don't think the back one would work on seat stays because the light would point out to the side, or up at a 45 degree angle.

The bracket from the front one might work though, the actual lights are physically identical so you could swap brackets, or Exposure might sell them separately.

Just tried it and actually it would point slightly upwards towards cars, which would be good, but the band isn't tight enough unless you have massive stays, so it would just fall off.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/smart/lunar-r2-rear-light-ec025959?utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=froogle&utm_campaign=froogle

did a search and nothing showed up for this,

Smart Lunar R2 - much brighter than the mars 4.0

That ^ looks good. What are the clamps like for smart?

I ask as I have become reliant on the cat eye square backed thing, which inserts into three types of mounting I use. Don't really want to buy replacements for that system.

i cant exactly remember, ill reply later after ive de-packaged mine.

google search reveals this

The Smart clip on mine (though not the same as above) is pretty strong, let says it definitely won't accidentally slip off your bag that is.

Just tried it and actually it would point slightly upwards towards cars, which would be good

No fucking way. A light that bright will dazzle drivers. And don't even get me started on how fucked up it would be with one of those things shining directly in your face as a cyclist.

I use two smart lunar R1 and they're bloody bright with fresh batteries.

the smart bracket has two diameter clasps in the box with the lights one for seatposts and another smaller one for things like chainstays. there's also 2 rubber strips to protect/pad out the inside of the clasps.

with the smaller clasp and the thicker piece of rubber wrapped around I was able to fit them to the rear tubes of my tortec rack. they would swivel sideways if pushed or if I leant the bike against something but were solid when riding about.

the lights clip securely onto the bracket too.

and finally the angle at which you mount the light on the bracket is adjustable so you could probably fit it on a chainstay and angle it down so it wasn't point up at a drivers eyes if you wanted, just dont put it where it'll get wet or could get knocked into the wheel.

I like the switch on my Mars, I had real problems with Knogs turning on in my bag. Came to use them and found they where flat.

Magic Shine 808 with Blackburn Mars- Perfec' combo for those winter miles.

Thanks hatbeard, just what I needed to know. I'm getting the one with two LEDs.
I'll get a carrier mount too, can move it from one bike to another using all three mounts.

@BMMF a big fat +1, get really annoyed at people's lights on mental strobemode in my face on unlit roads.

No fucking way. A light that bright will dazzle drivers. And don't even get me started on how fucked up it would be with one of those things shining directly in your face as a cyclist.

if you set it constant, it won't dazzle others, but on flashing mode, it will.

I leave mine on constant, much more predictable and because of the way the flare.. well, 'flare', no one can says they can't see me.

Unless you have just blinded them.

So having an extremely bright light shining in your face will only cause the pupil to constrict – crippling night vision, and negatively impacting vision in general – if said light is flashing.

Well, that's all sorted then.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/smart/lunar-r2-rear-light-ec025959?utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=froogle&utm_campaign=froogle

did a search and nothing showed up for this,

Smart Lunar R2 - much brighter than the mars 4.0

Same design and and manufacturer as
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Portland-Design-Works-Dangerzone-Taillight_41314.htm ?

Just point the light downward instead, it's still bright enough to be seen.

This whole line of discussion stemmed from someone saying they could probably only mount a light shining upwards, which would be a good thing.

By disagreeing, most people would infer that I'm okay with pointing it downwards, not directly into the face of those behind, as a suitable alternative.

Your post is completely redundant. Why bother with the authoritative tone when echoing the sentiments of others?

....... Why bother with the authoritabtive tone when echoing the sentiments of others?

Surely you jest. You DO realise that he is one half of the Jedward comedy duo right?

On my commuter, I have a somewhat unwieldy Fenix TK35 mounted on my stem (aimed down at the road ahead):

http://www.flickr.com/photos/16114972@N00/5421279317/

Specs:
http://www.fenixlight.com/viewnproduct.asp?id=86

On my commuter, I have a somewhat unwieldy Fenix TK35 mounted on my stem (aimed down at the road ahead):

how do you find the batteries on that? I went for the ld20 which is really good and it takes AAs

I bought the Li-ion 18650 batteries from Deal Extreme and rotate them weekly. I've not had any probs with the batteries and carry spares in case they run out, mid-ride.

If you get the light from HK - it only costs about £65.

Thats cool, I didnt think about buying those batteries in bulk. I just remember having to replace them on an old know ages ago and they were real expensive.

I just bought a MTE SF-23 as mentioned on the first page. The bike mount to go with it is £2.99. Took it out last night and for the price it works really well, good enough for unlit roads as well.

In my stupidity I'd presumed it would use AA or AAA batteries but it actually uses 18650 batteries so I then had to order a battery and charger (under a tenner).