http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Riding without lights en Sun, 31 May 2026 18:13:36 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4291&page=4#post-50166 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:54:45 +0000 Uberuce 50166@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>That's no moon..it's a space station! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4291&page=4#post-50145 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:57:02 +0000 crowriver 50145@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>My intermittent issue seems to be dependent upon weather conditions. Nice and dry: light is as bright as a small moon. Wet and windy: flickering like an old silent film. So it appears that I may instead have an issue with the bottle dynamo slipping on a wet rear tyre, rather than an earth connectivity problem.</p> <p>Just after I'd gone and bought speaker cable and nice wee connectors too... Bother!<br /> (Might just rig up a two cable system anyway when I get a chance). </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4291&page=4#post-48062 Fri, 25 Nov 2011 21:41:53 +0000 crowriver 48062@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>It's possible that even with the hinge open, the front light would work fine. Until I wiggled the hinge back and forth that is. What I suspect happens when the two parts of the frame move against each other slightly, the earth perhaps re-routes or the circuit is broken/strength of current weakened slightly, causing the light to momentarily dim or flicker out briefly, then back on. End. Loop. Repeat.</p> <p>Doesn't happen when freewheeling, even when not particularly fast. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4291&page=4#post-48049 Fri, 25 Nov 2011 19:21:00 +0000 Uberuce 48049@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>You could test your theory about the hinge by holding the bike up with the hinge open and turning the pedals by hand. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4291&page=4#post-48045 Fri, 25 Nov 2011 18:55:39 +0000 crowriver 48045@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Having a wee issue with my (bottle) dynamo driven lights on the folder. Front lamp has started cutting out/dimming intermittently, it's a bit 'bursty'. Mainly occurs at lower speeds or going uphill. </p> <p>At first I just assumed it was uneven pedalling action producing bursts of current, as on long downhills the light seems steady and bright. But then noticed (reflected in windows, bus stops, etc.) my rear light is nice and bright as soon as I get moving.</p> <p>It could be a loose connection somewhere, but having checked the cables it <em>seems</em> okay. This is a 'single cable' set up, so I'm thinking there may be an earthing problem? Earth directs back to the dynamo through the frame and front rack. Perhaps the issue is related to folder frame hinge flexing slightly when pedalling, which does not occur when freewheeling. This might explain why rear light has no earthing issues.</p> <p>I found <a href="http://www.camcycle.org.uk/newsletters/40/article9.html">this link for retro-fitting instructions to make a single cable system into twin cable</a>, and thinking of trying it for the front light.</p> <p>Anyone with more experience of dynamo systems care to chip in with comments, thoughts? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4291&page=4#post-47740 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:51:12 +0000 LaidBack 47740@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Big q of people with no lights across bike bath when I went by.</p> <p>I don't know the logic of not giving them away. I'm sure some people have had more than one set by now.....(!) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4291&page=4#post-47736 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:42:06 +0000 Kirst 47736@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I was somewhat disappointed with that free lights offer. My fella has left his hack bike at mine (as he lives in Essex and it's a hassle to bring a bike with him every time he visits) and he went on the 9th to see if he could get lights. They gave him hi-viz, but told him he couldn't have lights unless he came back later because if they gave him lights there might not be any for people coming later. If anyone can explain the logic of that to me, please do. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4291&page=4#post-47731 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:35:09 +0000 chdot 47731@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>And today</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chdot/6389823091/"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6091/6389823091_8ff23fb42f.jpg"></a><br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chdot/6389823091/">Free lights (etc.)</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4291&page=4#post-46917 Thu, 17 Nov 2011 01:46:09 +0000 recombodna 46917@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Damn missed it again....... was gonna turn up lightless and get some free lighs for the kids.......wot a pikey!! ( other stereotypes are available ) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4291&page=4#post-46914 Thu, 17 Nov 2011 01:29:37 +0000 chdot 46914@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>More free lights, today -</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chdot/6351316815/"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6047/6351316815_8e9262e98f.jpg"></a></p> <p>Yes, that's a policeman on the left. Didn't see him stopping anyone.</p> <p>"Middle Meadow Walk on 2, 9, 16 and 23 November between 4pm-7pm."</p> <p><a href="http://lothianbuses.com/news/2-general-news/883-we-are-helping-cyclists-stay-safe-this-winter.html" rel="nofollow">http://lothianbuses.com/news/2-general-news/883-we-are-helping-cyclists-stay-safe-this-winter.html</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4291&page=4#post-46437 Mon, 14 Nov 2011 10:06:31 +0000 Bhachgen 46437@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I actually passed a guy cycling on the Ratho-Wilkieston road last Weds with no lights at all. Unlit road, cloudy night (though the moon did come out later after I had passed Ratho) He was riding down the white lines in the centre of the road, probably that was the only way he could actually follow the road. I actually heard him before I saw him, at which point he was probably only 5 yards from me. That road's not too busy with traffic but once he got to the junction with the Newbridge road it would have been a different story. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4291&page=4#post-46395 Sun, 13 Nov 2011 19:38:07 +0000 crowriver 46395@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Put the wee bottle dynamo lights set on the wee Raleigh folder this afternoon. <em>Just</em> enough room between the rear stays: the left crank has about an inch and a half clearance when the bottle dynamo is disengaged. So a tight fit, but it fits and it works. Schwalbe Marathons have a special strip around the sidewall for engaging the dynamo - nice touch. The front light bolted on to a built in mount on the front rack, the rear one fits neatly in the bolt holes on the rear mudguard. Great!</p> <p>By the time I was finished it was twilight, perfect for testing out the new setup. First thing you notice is the increased rolling resistance, and a wee hum as the dynamo rolls on the rear tyre sidewall. The front light is surprisingly bright, and the rear is fine too. They're no halogen beams, but bright enough for town use. Think old school Dutch bike / British roadster and you'll get the picture. No capacitor on these cheapo lights so they go dim when the bike is stationary, and peter out a bit when pottering to a halt. Most of the time they are pretty bright though. </p> <p>Went on errands in the dark: delivering a penultimate batch of Spokes newsletters then a trip to the supermarket. Lights were great.</p> <p>Not sure how long the lights or dynamo will last, and they haven't been tested in the rain yet. So far though I'm really pleased, especially for the price. Eight quid off fleaBay.</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16542007@N00/6340745253/"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6108/6340745253_19f31fddb8.jpg"></a><br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16542007@N00/6340745253/">Dynamo light set</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4291&page=3#post-46277 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:25:04 +0000 Mabs 46277@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Think I've got it. Was just faired to twist hard enough. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4291&page=3#post-46276 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:22:58 +0000 Mabs 46276@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Popped down to the shop and got a set myself.<br /> My oxygen starved brain (asthma polaying up) can't comprehend the instructions. Can't wait to get them on though. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4291&page=3#post-46263 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 14:39:18 +0000 amir 46263@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Thanks JP for the lights tip. I have ordered some of these. It's harder to find places to fix lights on race bikes so these seem great. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4291&page=3#post-46234 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 13:20:16 +0000 spitters 46234@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>They're cool but I want front and back with the same device now ;) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4291&page=3#post-46232 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 13:17:54 +0000 Jackson Priest 46232@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Spitters, they only do drop bar versions at the moment - you would think they'd bring out a straight bar version too - maybe they will.</p> <p>Had a look on the interweb and found <a href="http://www.evanscycles.com/products/nitezone/redeye-led-bar-end-lights-mtb-ec008316">this</a> and <a href="http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/product/111714.html">this</a>, but both just seem to be red lights to be seen from behind. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4291&page=3#post-46228 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 13:05:02 +0000 spitters 46228@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Jackson Priest - those look cool and yes I did lol at the last image. Do they do a version for straight bars (or do the lights rotate?) as I don't have drop handles </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4291&page=3#post-46226 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:53:17 +0000 wingpig 46226@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Uphill round the untercrag path gives three (official non-grass-crossing) options for rejoining the road: where the path has a spur across to the kerb before the roundabout, on the middle of the roundabout itself when the road tangentially abuts the edge of the path and by continuing up to the end of the path (past the racks) then turning round and approaching as if having just descended the high road. It might not save any time to go up to option 3 if there's too much approaching traffic to do option 1 but at least one keeps moving.</p> <p>The last time I descended on the path (when not carrying a sleeping child and thus going at walking-speed) was last winter when I was testing it for slippiness after the first snowfall. Peds are too inclined to have their heads down and to drift towards the inside on the section past the trees where the path steepens a bit. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4291&page=3#post-46225 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:46:39 +0000 Min 46225@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Peds should definately wear something reflective if they are walking on an unlit cyclepath in the dark. Spitters is not exaggerating that they absorb all photons of light - even with my super bright light I still can't see them until I am almost on top of them. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4291&page=3#post-46224 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:42:07 +0000 Wilmington's Cow 46224@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"<em>errr... isn't there a cycle lane on the pavement at that stretch? (narrow and annoyingly close to invisible photon swallowing peds in the dark? yeah I think I'd stick to the road too)</em>"</p> <p>Downhill, certainly, the road is better (especially in the dark). Going uphill I can see the benefit of the lane, although then rejoining the road at the roundabout at the top, depending on the time of day and busy-ness, can be difficult. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4291&page=3#post-46223 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:38:35 +0000 amir 46223@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Pedestrians are difficult to spot crossing the road as well around there (should they have to wear lights, reflectives and helmets? [DUCKS]).</p> <p>Visibility was better on the closed road - fewer sources of light to spoil night vision. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4291&page=3#post-46222 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:34:11 +0000 Jackson Priest 46222@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>There were three people who appeared to be doing "laps" of the flat bit up the top. I mean maybe they just wanted somewhere car-free to cycle, but hardly seemed worth the effort!</em><br /> I think maybe they thought that this was the only <em>flat</em> car-free bit of Edinburgh. I mean, what's wrong with Princes Street?</p> <p>Further up this thread, or possibly on another thread (I'm too lazy to look back), somebody, can't remember who, mentioned that they'd seen a drop bar bike with lights stuck into the ends of the bars. Then the bike chain linked to <a href="http://www.thebikechain.co.uk/Tacx-Lumos-Bar-Lights-2011111004/">these</a> on their facebook page yesterday. I thought they looked pretty nifty, so went in on my way home last night and purchased a pair. From the front they look like this:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63975241@N08/6334431462/" title="101120111145 by cheesecaketruck, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6034/6334431462_b586cb564c.jpg" alt="101120111145" /></a></p> <p>and from the back they look like this:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63975241@N08/6334431226/" title="101120111149 by cheesecaketruck, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6093/6334431226_bf40e1c2b4.jpg" alt="101120111149" /></a></p> <p>They also have a flashing orange indicator light built in - don't think I'll use that, cos I'm a bike not a car, but you never know.</p> <p>Oh, the other thing was that they are the only lights ever which have made me chuckle the minute I took them out of the packaging.</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63975241@N08/6334422716/" title="Tacx bar end light 2 by cheesecaketruck, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6239/6334422716_384638feaf.jpg" alt="Tacx bar end light 2" /></a></p> <p>Not bad for 16 quid. I'll be modelling them at Arthur's Seat on tuesday night. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4291&page=3#post-46221 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:31:34 +0000 spitters 46221@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>errr... isn't there a cycle lane on the pavement at that stretch? (narrow and annoyingly close to invisible photon swallowing peds in the dark? yeah I think I'd stick to the road too) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4291&page=3#post-46208 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:58:41 +0000 Wilmington's Cow 46208@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>Everything</em> about that short downhill stretch is worrying. We can easily go 30mph and more, but the corve is ever so slightly off-camber and then there are the rumble strips (at least one set is on the curve proper), unlit, with drivers treating the park like a race track. What <em>should</em> be a fab downhill breeze turns into somethnig that I only indulge in once in a blue moon. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4291&page=3#post-46207 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:55:28 +0000 chdot 46207@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"and it isn't lit"</p> <p>Which is presumably one reason why motorists seem to assume there is no speed limit. </p> <p>It really should be permanently shut to through (motor) traffic. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4291&page=3#post-46204 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:48:14 +0000 amir 46204@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Last week was the first time that I have been on the Holyrood Park road going north east from the RC pool. There was some pretty awful driving going on and it isn't lit so I found it one of the scariest roads in the area. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4291&page=3#post-46202 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:42:47 +0000 kaputnik 46202@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>And before I forget, true to my word, issued my first seasonal reprimand to an unlit cyclist coming down Valleyfield Street the wrong way (one way street) and on the wrong side of the road and blocking me from turning left into it from Leven Street. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4291&page=3#post-46200 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:33:33 +0000 kaputnik 46200@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em> riding the wrong way around Arthur's seat </em></p> <p>There were three people who appeared to be doing "laps" of the flat bit up the top. I mean maybe they just wanted somewhere car-free to cycle, but hardly seemed worth the effort!</p> <p>I assume some people don't like the bit on the road in the dark, so they just go back and forth along the car-free bit. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4291&page=3#post-46191 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 08:18:51 +0000 Bigjack 46191@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I know I'm preaching to the converted here but if you have any friends who cycle and don't think lights are needed or are too expensive please point them in this direction for axample : <a href="http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_13&amp;products_id=112870" rel="nofollow">http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_13&amp;products_id=112870</a> </p>