Rear bike lights coming off

Chomeur

I had a discussion about this before http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=63706335&postcount=35 and it's just happened again. Light fallen off, driven over and smashed. It wasn't a slot in one that I've had problems with before but had a strong rubber clip that held onto hooks on either side of the light. But it wasn't up to a bumpy road in London.

So OK that's three years that it hasn't happened to me for, but still very annoying. I guess something with a velcro strap must be the solution?

Nasqueron

Why not get something like this with a proper screw on fastener?

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/cateye-tl-ld610-led-rear-light/

esuhl

I ride my bike at speed across rough ground and have NEVER had a light fall off. If they're coming out when you're on the road, then there must be something very wrong with the fitting.

I've got Blackburn, Knogg, Cateye, Philips and unbranded Chinese lights on my bike.

Over time the clips that hold the Cateyes in place have broken, so I've attached some rubber bands to hold them on the mounts. And the Knogg strap tore, so now the light is held in place with cable ties that simply slide on and off to hold the light in position.

If I hadn't kept an eye on the condition of the lights (and noticed when clips/straps were failing) then it's possible one of the lights could fall off whilst I was riding, but otherwise it really shouldn't happen.

What lights are you having problems with, OP?

Thanetia

Rubber straps should come in a variety of sizes so that you can get them suitably tight - in my experience they hold in place very well once you have the right size. As per esuhl, what make of light is it?

Chomeur

Nasqueron wrote: »

Why not get something like this with a proper screw on fastener?

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/cateye-tl-ld610-led-rear-light/

Looks like it slides in from the right doesn't it?

Chomeur

Thanetia wrote: »

Rubber straps should come in a variety of sizes so that you can get them suitably tight - in my experience they hold in place very well once you have the right size. As per esuhl, what make of light is it?

It was this http://www.wiggle.co.uk/lezyne-strip-drive-rear-light/. I had it fitted on tight. Now that I look I see that in fact I have only had it since March last year. I could try sending it back although it is damaged beyond repair.

Nasqueron

Chomeur wrote: »

Looks like it slides in from the right doesn't it?

That particular one does yes, clips in from the side (left or right depending on which way you mount it). I have mine mounted on the back of the bike between the rear forks behind the brakes and the battery lasts ages so don't need to remove it very often and the screw comes undone fairly quickly to remove the mount if needed (as in, undoing by hand, not coming loose through use).

Was just an example of an alternative to rubber straps, I have 3 cateye ones with similar fixed mounts as well as an Aldi one with a rubber strap and have a few older lezyne ones with rubber staps I have for my main road bike as they're lightweight and good for being seen, rather than seeing like my heavy commuter ones, and I've not noticed any issue with the rubber

Chomeur

I suppose sliding in from the side might be better than from the top at least because the jolts that it has to cope with would be up and down as my bike goes over a hole, rather than side to side. I have another light for now but maybe I'll try your suggestion if (when) this current falls off.

Johnmcl7

I was going to recommend a Fibre Flare light as they attach via elasticated straps and no mount needed although they seem to have disappeared from the UK shops.

John

Jackmydad

I usually make up brackets with something called "All round banding" which is a galvanised perforated metal strip available with or without black plastic coating. Couple of small plated screws and nuts needed as well.
You have to buy a reel of the banding, but it's useful for all sorts.
Available off the better known auction sites. (I'm not sure if you're allowed to mention here?)

Chomeur

I now have a Pulsar light with one of these http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Moon-Universal-bracket_88954.htm?sku=306286&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=google_shopping&gclid=Cj0KEQiAw_DEBRChnYiQ_562gsEBEiQA4Lcssl_hCbZEU8OCA_Do1mB7LMu9uDPTsxJrsJ0sAVRDBhMaAn4E8P8HAQ#. The bracket holds the light very tightly and the arms of the bracket sit against the saddle post so there's less room for the rubber strap to come off. It seems very solid but we'll see...