Posts Tagged ‘lighting’

In short, save your money boys and girls.  While sleek and sexy, functional it is not.  While I took the Flea, its charger and instruction manual out and examined them thoroughly before my purchase, I missed several things that would have, in hindsight, kept me from purchasing the finicky little bug.    Here’s a list of the things that should have been included or were included and should have served as warning in the instructions:

1.  The ‘Charging’ section of the instructions use the words ‘carefully’ and ‘do not force.’  They should say, ‘Warning:  If you’re going to use this product on a regular basis, it’s doomed to fail shortly after you buy it.’

2.  It also says blinking will stop once charging is complete.  Great.  One time it stopped blinking during charging and the light and then, in blinking mode, it didn’t last the 35 minutes to work.  Thanks.

3.  No claims about runtime are provided.  Performancebike.com’s description says that the Flea will have 3-6 hours of runtime depending on the mode chosen.  These claims are bullshit.  I’ve never gotten more than 2 hours out of flashing mode.

4.  There are no instructions about what milliwatt output your battery should have in order to charge the light.  I use rechargeables for all my biking needs as its the right thing to do when you use batteries as much as I do.  How do I know they’re working correctly for this light? (Rechargeables typically have a lower milliwatt output than Lithium ion or other standard batteries.)

5.  No indication of charge time is given.  Typically, with something that has an internal chargeable battery, this information is provided.  Typically, batteries with shorter charge times have a shorter life than batteries which charge via a slower or trickle charge method. Maybe Blackburn should talk to SigmaSport about how to provide battery-related information.

When charged and flashing, this light is impressive.  Drivers of undesirable vehicles definitely notice you.  However, due to the unpredictable nature of the runtime, I had to attach a backup light which I use more than the Flea.

Pros: Great illumination for something so small

Cons:  See above, Dainty charger which does not lend itself to multiple uses or transport, poor instructions/product information

Overall Rating:  Two Broken-Down Undesirable Vehicles.

After moving to Memphis, TN from Warsaw, IN I discovered after a few rides that while traffic wasn’t too heavy, safety lights would probably be wise. I usually ride with two rear-facing LED flashers and one forward-facing safety LED white light. Not long after beginning this practice I noted how many batteries I was tossing in the trash. I know, I could have recycled them but finding a place in Memphis to recycle batteries is probably easier than I think but wasn’t on my agenda. Instead, I jumped unknowingly into the world of rechargeables with little knowledge of rechargeables. I bought an Energizer charger which accommodates both AA (2450mAh) and AAA (900 mAh). I needed this feature as my taillights used AAA while the headlight used AA.
At this point I should note that I still do not know much about rechargeable batteries and probably never will. If you see an error or would like to comment, please do so.
I have had few problems with these batteries. They run both the headlights and taillights equally well and none have failed (not able to be charged) after repeated use. I have only used some about a year and those probably only have 10-20 cycles on them. They do have an extended charge cycle so don’t think you’re going to charge these suckers while you’re gearing up for your ride. I’ve heard the long charge time (trickle charging or something like that) is good though because it allows for more charge cycles on the batteries. If you try to use these for any sort of mechanized electronic device, you will likely be disappointed. They don’t run my digital camera or run my son’s electronic cars very well. These are designed for lower output applications. I would like to know what’s designed for high output applications and whether they’ll charge on my current charger. Maybe one day I’ll look into it.
The Energizer batteries earn a 3 Broken Down Car Rating. (I don’t know enough about rechargeables to give them a better rating without looking more ignorant than I already look.)
Likes: Work well in LED lights.
Dislikes: Don’t run high input devices, pricey
Best Uses: LED lights and not much else.

I usually try to buy Planet Bike products as a certain percentage (15%, I think) of their profit goes towards bicycle advocacy.  I bought two Superflashes as I like to be highly visibly on my daily commutes.  The Superflash has a unique flash pattern and the flash is pretty super.  However, adjusting my seat in route the other day I bumped the Superflash which dismounted, hit the ground and in true safety light fashion, burst into several pieces.  While none of the pieces were broken by the impact, one rail of  the mounting bracket on the light was broken and thus, the light could not be mounted again.  Fortunately, I had two lights mounted to the seatpost.  I like the light but the mounting bracket should be beefed up.

I give the light a 3 Broken-Down Car rating.

Planet Bike Superflash