Light suggestions on forks???

[ecub]

I want to put lights on my forks, so I can be seen by cars from the side, especially at intersections. I was looking at the Planet Bike Superflash turbo taillight, but I'm not sure if it has mounts so I can put them on my forks. Plus, I'm concerned of the side visibility, that it might annoy or blind me as well.

Sorry, no LED wheel lights and I don't want to put LED rope lights on my bike and make it look like a christmas tree or something.

[SOME_1_ELSE_1999]

Serfas Seat Stay Light
the best light for the job ultra bright and doesn't require any mounting brackets

[ecub]

Nice. I've seen those before, but never knew what brand/model they were.

[55x11]

I want to put lights on my forks, so I can be seen by cars from the side, especially at intersections. I was looking at the Planet Bike Superflash turbo taillight, but I'm not sure if it has mounts so I can put them on my forks. Plus, I'm concerned of the side visibility, that it might annoy or blind me as well.

Sorry, no LED wheel lights and I don't want to put LED rope lights on my bike and make it look like a christmas tree or something.

many people put Superflash on seatstays - is that what you mean, instead of fork? I think superflash has some pretty good visibility from the sides. Blinding effects for any AA-battery style lights are way off the mark.

[ecub]

I prefer to put them on the front forks, since they, besides the wheels, are the first parts of the bike that is visible when approaching the intersection. I prefer lights without the 180 degree visibility, becuase it means, I will see it as well. I already use Cateye TLD1100 as a rear safety light.

[Mr. Versatile]

I commuted for 20 years, 36 mi. round trip, half of which was done entirely in the dark. I had, what I thought was a very nice combo of lights, reflectors, clothing. I always had 2 lights, head & tail lights. If it were me, and I'm not trying to talk you out of anything, I'd put reflective tape on the fork blades instead of lights. I think reflectors would be less confusing to motorists than lights placed there, whether blinking or solid. In fact I think in many instances riders are better off riding with more reflectors, fewer lights. Actually, IMO/IME the very best thing I've seen for the purpose you describe (get ready to flame me as a Fred) are the curved reflectors that come with the bike that fit between the spokes; white in front/red in rear. I used an excellent headlight & tail light, but the rest was reflective stuff.

IIRC, in 20 years on the trip to work in the darkness, I may have had 4-5 of what I would term "close calls." The trip home in daylight averaged a close call every week or 2. I'm retired & no longer ride at night. My eyes aren't good enough anyway. I sold all my lights.

[ecub]

I commuted for 20 years, 36 mi. round trip, half of which was done entirely in the dark. I had, what I thought was a very nice combo of lights, reflectors, clothing. I always had 2 lights, head & tail lights. If it were me, and I'm not trying to talk you out of anything, I'd put reflective tape on the fork blades instead of lights. I think reflectors would be less confusing to motorists than lights placed there, whether blinking or solid. In fact I think in many instances riders are better off riding with more reflectors, fewer lights. Actually, IMO/IME the very best thing I've seen for the purpose you describe (get ready to flame me as a Fred) are the curved reflectors that come with the bike that fit between the spokes; white in front/red in rear. I used an excellent headlight & tail light, but the rest was reflective stuff.

IIRC, in 20 years on the trip to work in the darkness, I may have had 4-5 of what I would term "close calls." The trip home in daylight averaged a close call every week or 2. I'm retired & no longer ride at night. My eyes aren't good enough anyway. I sold all my lights.

You sir, have been flagged for making inappropriate comments. :P j/k


I do have reflective tape. It's just I want to have some kind of lights to draw attention to me. Reflective tape is good at almost direct line sight, and the driver may/may not have time to react. Yes, I'm a little overly cautious.

Unfortunately, my Madone and Top Fuel didn't come with reflectors.on the wheels. My Trek 8.5 DS does have the reflectors on the wheels, which I haven't removed. But I still would like to have some kind of light.

[e34john]

Knog frogs

[velocanman]

You could wrap the forks and frame with some LED or electroluminescent strips. That would stand out. And throw in a couple valve cap lights for good measure.

[Cat 3 boy]

Be very careful when fitting anything to your forks, in fact just don't do it!

When I was a kid I put a front light on my forks & 5 miles later it slid into my wheel, sending me head first onto the tarmac. Straight to hospital & lots of sutures.

[Joe Dirte]

Not quite a fork mount but interesting design IMO Tacx Lumos.
Tacx Lumos - YouTube

[ecub]

Be very careful when fitting anything to your forks, in fact just don't do it!

When I was a kid I put a front light on my forks & 5 miles later it slid into my wheel, sending me head first onto the tarmac. Straight to hospital & lots of sutures.

Never thought it would fall, but thanks for the heads up. I'd probably tape it to make sure it's secure.