Any good new tail lights?

[Carbonita]

Head unit changes RTL settings. I've disconnected the light network, keeping radar network, and light stays blinky.

Originally Posted by JMT3

I do have a RTL 515. Once it’s on 3 presses since I want it to only flash when a car approaches. I ride in a very low traffic area. Many times it will come on a while later and stay on. Even when I do the multiple presses multiple times. Eventually it will do want. What am I going wrong? The manual is very poor at explaining button pressing and the end results.

[biker72]

I'm a long time Bontrager Flare RT user but lately I've had battery problems. I got one via warranty and it lasted 3 months.

I've switched to the Lezyne strip drive tail light. They have models from 150-400 lumens.

[elvisthehorse]

This is the only light i use now. Cars behind me tell me it hurts their eyes!!

[roguedog]

Another Dinotte fan here though I don't have the new one. I'd just changed over my set of lights to USB c last year.. And then they release a new one

[herb5998]

I've used Bontrager RT cubes and Spesh Stix lights for a while they've been reliable and hold charges long.

I'd like to eventually try some of the Lezyne Alert models, that use sensors to detect slowing down/braking, and act like a brake light (more useful in groups). The biggest issue that I've seen with friends and co workers using them is that the alert mode kills battery life very quickly.

[slowpoke]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

One at least will need to be seat stay mounted. Looking for daylight visibility and under $50 (about) each.

Some of these lights y'all are recommending are 3x as much as OP's budget.

I've used a Cygolite Hotshot Pro 150, but feel the battery life isn't great. E.g. had to charge it every few days when commuting. I can't imagine the Hypershot improving things unless they're using a larger battery.

This is my running summary:

Budget $30 - Planet Bike Superflash Turbo (non-USB)

Medium ~$50 - Bontrager Flare RT, Cygolite Hotshot 150/250, NiteRider Sentry Aero 260, Lezyne Zecto

Premium $100+ - Lupine Rotlicht, Garmin Varia, Dinotte D6

The Superflash is perfectly fine if you're not weight conscious.

[kiwisimon]

Bontrager RT cube

i like it auto dims at night.

[fourflys]

I've always been a fan of the NiteRider stuff.. well made, from San Diego, great customer service, and has a range of well-priced products.. I'm sure the others are great as well, I'm just a bit of NiteRider fanboy.. (I do use a Varia though as well)

[sparky33]

Originally Posted by BdaGhisallo

Exposure tail lights are great. Good and bright and they have a ton of different mounting brackets.

https://www.exposurelights.com/collections/rear

These are great. Wait for a coupon or black Friday.

[djg21]

Originally Posted by Carbonita

Head unit changes RTL settings. I've disconnected the light network, keeping radar network, and light stays blinky.

I leave my light network (Varia RTL 515 and Varia UT-800 front light) set to Automatic on my Garmin Edge. It starts automatically when my ride timer starts (auto at 6mph) and the light beam/blinking adjusts automatically depending on ambient light. I have played with the Connect IQ apps, but always came back to the automatic control.

[bitpuddle]

Originally Posted by saab2000

I’ve got a couple of the Trek/Bontrager cube-shaped lights and they’re actually pretty decent..

I second the endorsement of the Trek ion / flare lights. Small, good for being seen and some nice mounting options.

I repurposed some old ones for my 5 year-old’s Woom and she thinks they’re fantastic.

[72gmc]

Originally Posted by bitpuddle

I second the endorsement of the Trek ion / flare lights. Small, good for being seen and some nice mounting options.

I repurposed some old ones for my 5 year-old’s Woom and she thinks they’re fantastic.

Now I’m thinking of my kids digging through my box of bike lights. Good memories!

[caneye]

I've got the Cygolite Supershot 250.
Have gotten a few complains from cyclists riding behind me that the blinking lights were too bright, so I had to switch to dimmer settings.
I also had the original Hotshot which was good value for money.
My 3rd Hotshot - Hotshot Micro - I keep it as a backup. The smallest of the 3 Hotshots but just a little bit cheaper.

I was using my Varia RTC715 on a long randoneur ride over the weekend and had to top up the battery with a powerbank. With blinky + camera + radar, it usually doesn't last beyond 6 hours (almost 2yo now).
I've given up trying to change the Varia light settings from the buttons, simply too confusing. I just do it entirely from my Garmin head unit.

I like the Bontrager Flare rear light. Small and blindingly bright.

Giant has a similar light at almost half the price - https://www.giant-bicycles.com/au/recon-tl-100-2020

[BobC]

Originally Posted by saab2000

I’ve got a couple of the Trek/Bontrager cube-shaped lights and they’re actually pretty decent. Light and compact. Not sure about seat mounting. I’ve got seatpost straps and they’ve been pretty good, and a riding buddy reported that they’re plenty bright.

These suck. There's a design flaw in the USB recharger connector & they invariably stop charging. 1 year warranty.

Hard pass.

[Talrand]

Originally Posted by elvisthehorse

This is the only light i use now. Cars behind me tell me it hurts their eyes!!

Blinding drivers doesn't seem sensible, neither is spending $199 for a tail light with so many options that don't blind people in charge of 2 ton vehicles trying to pass you available.