The Chainlink

Best location for rear lights - thoughts, suggestions, discussion

I did a search and couldn't find anything in regards to talking about where folks have found the best place to run a rear tail light.  I have usually run them on either a saddle bag or the seat post, but recently I have it mounted to the left side upper seat stay.  But I realize that approaching cars behind other cars may not see the light.  I do ride with a yellow back pack, bright yellow windbreaker, and I ride predictably so I am not darting to a fro, or running lights/stops.  

I am by no means against another light, but I don't want to look like a nightclub DJ from the back!  I have been thinking about getting another light, I currently run a PDW Radbot 1000 (REALLY like the light) on the back but couldn't hurt to get another.  

Where have other been running theirs?  Or perhaps where have you seen other cyclists mount theirs and made it more visible?  Perhaps something helmet mounted?  What is making you the most noticeable to our fellow (distracted at times) road users?

Discuss amongst yourselves.

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 I would say this depends greatly on where you tend to leave your bike.  The majority of my own parts thefts have occurred in the Wicker Park/Bucktown area.

Jeff Schneider said:

I've never had a fixed rack-mounted taillight stolen, nor have any ever come loose while riding.  Most of mine have been dynamo-powered, which probably makes them less interesting for thieves.  Of course, somebody could still vandalize a fixed rack-mounted light, but of all the components on the bike, that's probably the least valuable.  I'd rather have a busted plastic light than a dented frame.

jolondon30 said:

how many of you remove your back light when you leave your bike?  I have had a series of removable lights that go on my rear rack but inevitably they pop off when I go down a curb, whatever (don't realize it and buy a new light). so now I will fix attach my light but worry that somebody will damage it- or steal it.

I should probably just put in permanently then.  I just bought a more higher end  rear tail light from Amazon.  You guys are right that it's unlikely to be stolen.

If you install a Brooks saddle I'm sure you won't have any problem with your lights. :-)

I've never had a problem since the Mars has a pretty good catch/hook design on the mount. (Not sure about the 4.0 version). I ride moderate-aggressive at times and it always stays put.

I remove it when I park and just toss it in my pocket.

If you're concerned about yours just wrap it at the attachment in some thin wire or fishing line for peace of mind.

jolondon30 said:

how many of you remove your back light when you leave your bike?  I have had a series of removable lights that go on my rear rack but inevitably they pop off when I go down a curb, whatever (don't realize it and buy a new light). so now I will fix attach my light but worry that somebody will damage it- or steal it.

Does that include rack mounted rear lights getting stolen?

h' 1.0 said:

 I would say this depends greatly on where you tend to leave your bike.  The majority of my own parts thefts have occurred in the Wicker Park/Bucktown area.

Jeff Schneider said:

I've never had a fixed rack-mounted taillight stolen, nor have any ever come loose while riding.  Most of mine have been dynamo-powered, which probably makes them less interesting for thieves.  Of course, somebody could still vandalize a fixed rack-mounted light, but of all the components on the bike, that's probably the least valuable.  I'd rather have a busted plastic light than a dented frame.

jolondon30 said:

how many of you remove your back light when you leave your bike?  I have had a series of removable lights that go on my rear rack but inevitably they pop off when I go down a curb, whatever (don't realize it and buy a new light). so now I will fix attach my light but worry that somebody will damage it- or steal it.

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