Lights

Shimano 105 5700's come with reflectors that fit underneath :D

Ha ha, neat. I'd often wondered about that.

It would be more sensible for the regulations to require reflective patches on the shoes used with clipless pedals though.

Does anyone know a way to quick release dynamo lights? I've seen the QR bolts but the wire is the problem since it is fixed to the light.

I'll soon have 2 bikes with dynamo hubs and would rather not have to rewire all the time. I have a good light I'd like to use it on both bikes instead of forking out for a second one. It would also help to prevent theft.

I guess a normal spade connector could work but those are usually shrink wrapped to keep out rain - not sure if it would be good to expose the electrical connection to the elements?

Really? Depends where you ride, but wouldn't feel confident riding some of the lanes round here (Devon) at night without 500+L

I live right out in the countryside no lights what so ever and have been fine commuting with my smart lunar so as long as the hope is brighter I'll be fine.

Also need a new rear light.

Once my knees are better I'll be treating myself to new lights. Desperately want to get out for a long ride but cant't.

Does anyone know a way to quick release dynamo lights? I've seen the QR bolts but the wire is the problem since it is fixed to the light.

I'll soon have 2 bikes with dynamo hubs and would rather not have to rewire all the time. I have a good light I'd like to use it on both bikes instead of forking out for a second one. It would also help to prevent theft.

I guess a normal spade connector could work but those are usually shrink wrapped to keep out rain - not sure if it would be good to expose the electrical connection to the elements?

Look for watermate connectors, not cheap

Look for watermate connectors, not cheap

You're right - they're expensive! Strange if a scuba diving connector is the only solution.

There are these gold plated wire connection shoe type thingies found around car audio, both round and flat ones. Some come with extra sleeves to give protection. These plus some Crimp pliers should be plenty ok.

magnic light- contactless dynamo lights
Good Idea ,but side view is lacking though due to placement of the light.

Magnic Light Demo: http://www.magniclight.com - YouTube

I just got a Hope Vision 1 for £58.50 from CRC, pretty good price that I can't see being beaten for a while.

How? They're all £65 at the moment on mine.

10% voucher code "TEN£", but he must have bought something else to hit the minimum spend

That's what I thought, do they sell decent back lights too?

Edit just looked-

Blackburn Mars 3 + Hope vision one with the 10% off = £71.

Or I can go for the Smart Lunar R2 for £71.

Which is better the smart Lunar R2 (I've got the R1 and think It's awesome apart from the weather seals) or the Blackburn Mars 3?

What mdcc said, I didn't really need anything but got some spare cleats to keep in my parts box. Apologies for the slightly misleading post

No problem moog - I've just amended my post too.

That's what I thought, do they sell decent back lights too?

Edit just looked-

Blackburn Mars 3 + Hope vision one with the 10% off = £71.

Or I can go for the Smart Lunar R2 for £71.

Which is better the smart Lunar R2 (I've got the R1 and think It's awesome apart from the weather seals) or the Blackburn Mars 3?

magnic light- contactless dynamo lights
Good Idea ,but side view is lacking though due to placement of the light.

Magnic Light Demo: http://www.magniclight.com - YouTube

Pretty useless in London surely as they'll turn off every time you stop at the lights, will have to RLJ every time

Just received a Lezyne Mini Drive gratis through taking out a subscription to my bath time reading - Cycling Plus (Rouleur is too expensive to risk any dropping issues). Needed a light to replace my Fenix after the end cap decided to make a break for it cycling to work. Overall, happy (mainly because it was free), but not that impressed. My commute is 12 miles, should should be fine for that.

One to avoid, the Bontranger Ion as a back-up light. Made from ultra brittle plastic. Removed the housing to replace the batteries and it cracked. Removed them for a 2nd time and snapped completely rendering it useless. Lost receipt so no return.

I was in Cpoenhagen recently, and there were heaps of bikes with these on:

http://www.reelight.com/

They look like a nice option for a utility bike. Alson continue running when stopped.

magnic light- contactless dynamo lights
Good Idea ,but side view is lacking though due to placement of the light.

Magnic Light Demo: http://www.magniclight.com - YouTube

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dynamodirk/magnic-light-get-new-energy

all it needs is a capacitor to store some charge and they would stay on when stopped.
This is a Kickstarter project looking for pledges.
Definitely worth a punt I think!

such a brilliant idea but really useless because of the placement. they should separate the energy
pick up from the light.

I had a reelight front light until my bike was trashed. Great in theory but they are made out of recycled shite. the magnets on the wheels are really nasty they way they attach and the bit that goes on the fork is badly thought out for skinny 700c wheels (prob ok on 26" with bigger clearances. I'll try and get what I have left working again (they nicked the wheel with the magnets on it but I'm sure I can cobble something together.

Is there anything particularly stupid in wanting to use a decent LED torch with some sort of velcro/cable tie assembly for a front light?

Is there anything particularly stupid in wanting to use a decent LED torch with some sort of velcro/cable tie assembly for a front light?

Nope, plenty of people do it. Even for fully dark mountain biking in the woods at night.

I'll try and get what I have left working again (they nicked the wheel with the magnets on it but I'm sure I can cobble something together.

My front reelight died (I think water got in). Would you like the magnets?

Spirit of the forum ^ right there.

Nah, no one used the c word.

Which is better the smart Lunar R2 (I've got the R1 and think It's awesome apart from the weather seals) or the Blackburn Mars 3?

I too have a Smart R1, and it's an excellent light with one minor nugget; the weather sealant, the R1 ticked all the book (especially the low light mode for group riding, like the DD).

I have not tried the R2, but specification said the battery last half the time of the R1 (R1 claim 100 hours on low, whether R2 is half that), that might be worth pointing out.

To be fair, it's only when I rode a bicycle without mudguard is when the light gone wonky and need to be wiped clean properly, otherwise it's fine, there are some tips on this topic to make the sealant more effective I think, gotta look back.

Thanks Ed.

I'm planning on keeping my R1 too, which I think is awesome. May buy another R1 or an R2 (really want to run 2 lights together to be honest)

Then I'll be using the Hope Vision 1 up front.

Sounds like the smart rear lights are great value for money, just wanted to clarify before ordering another one!

As for batteries for the Hope vision one is something like this from 7day shop going to be OK?

http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_3&products_id=113333

Contains 4x AA 2900 MAH - surely that'll be enough?

Planning on charging up a few and always riding with spares.