In addition to the big safety issue caused by not having lights when stopped, dynamo lights are fairly inefficient. This should fix most of that problem, between the use of a non-contact generation system and the higher efficiency light source, but I'm still curious as to how much extra drag it creates. More seriously, however, research has shown that flashing lights are an active safety hazard for bicycles. They're too distracting, and cause cars to actually veer into the path of the bicyclist, to the point where they're not even always a break even gain in safety. A version of this that gave out a steady light instead would be great, though.

I wonder why nobody has developed a generator light that has a lightweight rechargeable battery inside that can store energy generated during daylight.

For all you UK based Huggers you can get a similar (it may even be the same product) from http://www.goodbyebatteries.com

I have owned a set for a year or so and they are fantastic - very easy to fit in the first instance and they have needed no maintainance since.

To answer previous posters. There is no appreciable extra drag when riding and compared to a dynamo they are clearly a fantastic improvement in that department. I use these LEDs in conjunction with a set of standard rechargable lights to aid visibility when stationary so, to be fair, they have not entirely solved my problem, but the whirring scream of a dynamo is a thing of the past. Also, with regards to flashing, the speed they flash is dependant on the speed you ride obviously - I have a standard set with two magnets per wheel, but there is space for four so with extra magnets and a steady speed these lights would appear almost constant.

I agree, a battery storage of the generated power would be a good idea (possibly even implemented in such a way as to provide a constant light source rather than flashing), but one of the highlights of this product is its simplicity. It is well made and just works.

Those lights are cool, although I expect the design to blend more subtly into the overall bike design - maybe as a part of the brake discs... These guys apparantly designed the Puma Bike and other funky bikes - Maybe some day they'll give bike ligthing a twirl:-P

Hiawatha Cyclery in Minneapolis sells Reelights ($45).

Just to be clear, there is no such thing as a free lunch. There is _some_ drag introduced by these gadgets, but it's probably imperceptible. There are no bearings in this setup and the LED lamps are so much more efficient than the old bulbs.

It should be possible to keep the lights burning for a few minutes of stopping by adding a capacitor to the circuit. They've probably done this. Most of the hand-crank LED flashlights seem to use that solution.

These are available from Hiawatha Cyclery:

http://hiawathacyclery.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=26

I'd assume there is a capacitor between the generator and lights to even out the energy flow and provide light when stopped.

"research has shown that flashing lights are an active safety hazard for bicycles."

Interesting. Have you a reference for this?

See also Freelights:
http://freelights.co.uk/index.html
They also have a version with a capacitor to keep the lights lit at a stop.

- Some dynamo-powered lights have standlights that shine for a few minutes after the bike stops.
- The additional drag of newer hub dynamos is of little significance compared to all the other factors facing a practical commuting bike.
-"... research has shown that flashing lights are an active safety hazard for bicycles ..."
Please provide a link or some background to the research showing flashing lights are a hazard.

I had an older version of this. It had a capasitor in it so that it would still blink, for about 45 seconds when I had stopped. The biggest problem for me was keeping it firmly attached to the chainstay. If I would bump it it would move toward the magnet and drag in the wheel. It looks like mounting it on the Quick release lever may solve that but then the light is almost to low to be useful.

The ultimate answer is this but very expensive. http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/schmidt-lumotec.asp.

While these are certainly more efficient than a dynamo, don't be fooled into thinking it's not making an impact on your cycling. Sure if you're pushing heavy steel rims and fat tyres round, you're not going to feel it, but if you're running light road wheels, you'll notice the extra weight, particularly when you accelerate. Weight on the wheels is particularly bad as it costs you more energy while cycling as the wheels are rotating (much like weight on your feet when walking or jogging).
Given how long batteries last in normal LED lights, i'd prefer using normal LED lights and rechargables.

Yeh, sorry, hope folk didn’t get the impression we'd passed by other forms of bike lighting. For instance, there’s been the LightSpin, Sahalie, Safe turn, Spoke’n’Wheel, Jonta and Solar bicycle lights. And these hardly scratch the surface.

Interesting setup, I believe that they are mounted a little low for good visibility. I would also like a link to research showing flashing lights to be dangerous. some cities are now starting to REQUIRE a flashing front light after dusk and enforcement has been pretty rigorous in some areas.

Can't understand why you'd use such a thing high intensity LED battery lights last ages and give great light, enough to see by so I'll just stick to buying a few batteries now and again.

There are versions in which it keeps the light blinking at whot- the SL120 does that.

I use the freelight, which is very reliable and really really little drag that is not even worth mentioning. I am also getting the SL 120 soon.

REELIGHT is sold in France on www.Ni-shop.com. They have special xmas offers.

Hi All,

I ordered these lights some time ago from Reelight.com based in Denmark. Despite numerous calls ( long distance ) and emails to the distributor I have not got the lights - even though they have my money. I will avoid them if I were you

see it ---SL120
I am very enjoyment!

A fantastic investment for my teenage son's bike. He would never use other lights as it wasn't cool to carry them around or to turn them on if they were on his bike. Living in London and a 16 year old travelling nearly everywhere by bike is bad news if the bike has no lights (and illegal). Since installing Reelights I know that day and night he has pretty good lighting on his bike and it is one less thing to worry about. I found it fiddly but straightforward to install. I'd love to upgrade all the family's bike to the SL120s!

Hi,

The Reelight SL-120 is great -- blinks at full brightness for five minutes (maybe more!) after stopping. The "always on" feature means it's the perfect gift for any absentminded loved one (or absentminded you), who would never remember to switch on lights at dusk/night or bring with lights.

Note that alignment/idistance to the wheel magnets can greatly affect how long it takes to charge up the SL-120's capactior, and perhaps even the max. energy that can be stored in it. Get those magnets close!

When I installed a pair, I got the rear adjusted perfectly on the first go, the front was not as perfect. I discovered this quickly:after a short ride, the front would blink for only 30 seconds, while the back would blink five whole minutes. I adjusted the front magnets as close as I had adjusted the rear ones (near the thickness of hefty cardboard, and of course never touching) and now front and rear both blink for five minutes.

Don't know if having a bike blink for five minutes after locking it up and walking away has the effect of "look at me! steal this bike! Hey, at least steal these fancy lights!. But with luck, to half the potential thieves it instead says "owner of this bike is somewhat nearby" -- so maybe no effect on theft.

Are Reelights ok to fit to bikes with quick release wheels and derailier gears

Newer models the Reelight SL150 have a continuous light.
It seems this is much safer than blinking leds.
A condensor inside will offer you 5 minutes light when the weels are not moving.

The Reelights are mounted on the left side of the weel, so there should be no problem with derailier gears.
On quick release wheels there is no mounting problem, you only wil have a quick release Reelight.

There are 2 models of the SL150. The SL150 Compacted and the SL150 Extended. The Extended model should be mounted on wheels that have a larger than normal axe. The kind of wheels with their brakes or acceleraters inside the axes or wheels with on the left side a brake-disc.
For more technical info look on Reelights website.
At my opinion, the Reelights are cheap for what they're offering.:
Keep in mind that your safety and/or that of your chldren is very precious.