Over the past twelve or thirteen years I’ve purchased at least a two dozen taillights—some were brighter than others, but the new Niterider Sentinel 40 Taillight is in a class all by itself. I am not one to gush over new cycling gadgets, but this taillight is the coolest product I’ve ever put on my bike! The folks at Niterider sent me one for review and now I am going to give this awesome light away to some lucky reader (see the details at the end of this article).
The Sentinel 40 has a super bright 40 lumen output (and thanks to a well-designed lens it actually looks much brighter than that). The taillight has four modes (two flashing, plus high and low steady). I never use the steady (always on) mode because a flashing light is so much easier for cars to see (plus it saves battery life). In the fastest flash mode the built-in 1000mA LiPo (lithium polymer) battery on this unit will last an amazing seven and a half hours. The charge time for this light is only four hours and uses a USB cable which is included with the light. As for size, the light is approximately 3.5 inches tall, 1.5 inches wide and 1.5 inches deep. For the “weight weenies” among us, it weighs a mere 2.5 ounces (73g).
I’ve saved the coolest feature for last: the Sentinel 40 has Laser Lanes which project two parallel bright red lines onto the pavement to give you your own personal bike lane. I honestly don’t know how far back cars can see this feature at highway speeds, but in town it a obviously helps. One warning: you are going to have to be ready at every stoplight to tell motorists about the lights since it seems like everyone is curious about them. Did I mention how cool these Laser Lanes look? By the way, the Laser Lane lights are real lasers, so don’t look directly into them.
Like most bicycle taillights, this unit can be mounted to either the back of most saddlebags or attached to your seatpost with the included clamp. While the clamp seems more robust (sturdy) than most clamps, I prefer to mount mine on the saddlebag so the light will sit up higher on the bike. I used to lose a couple of taillights every year because they would fly off my bike the first time I hit a big bump on the road (but I wouldn’t notice it until I got home). The simple solution is to mount your taillight on the saddlebag as usual, then wrap a zip tie (cable tie) around your light so it extends behind the clamp (I haven’t lost one since I’ve started doing this).
The Niterider Sentinel 40 Taillight retails for $49.99 and is available at your local bike shop or online for a couple dollars less (but be nice and buy this from your local bike shop).
I never keep the products that are sent to me for review, but I am going to really hate giving up this taillight! To enter the contest for the Niterider Sentinel 40 Taillight all you have to do is pick a number between 1,000 and 1,500 and enter it in the comment section below (you don’t actually have to make a comment). The contest ends at midnight (CST) on Monday, December 28, 2015. After the contest closes I will use a random number generator to pick the winning number. If no one guesses the exact number the person with the number closest to, but not over, the winning number will get this slightly used taillight. In case two or more people chose the same number the first person to pick the number will be the winner. This contest is for U.S. residents only and only one entry per household allowed. When the contest is over I will publish the results in the comments section of this article. I will send this product to the winner via U.S. Mail.
billgncs
December 17, 2015 at 12:33 AM
great light – especially when it gets dark so early!
All Seasons Cyclist
December 17, 2015 at 12:48 AM
Aside from the “coolness” factor of this light, it is the brightest taillight I have ever used. At at this time of the year I need a taillight on just about every ride!
Randy
December 17, 2015 at 1:43 AM
I will ride again next year, had to cut down 6 trees, rebuild the fence and had the roof, siding and windows replaced this year. My guess is 1359.
All Seasons Cyclist
December 17, 2015 at 4:43 PM
I was wondering about you — I didn’t see you out on the road all year!
Ty
December 17, 2015 at 2:14 AM
Cool light. Some European company has a headlight that projects a lane in front.
1331 is my number.
Ty
timscyclingblog
December 17, 2015 at 2:43 AM
Cable ties, hammer, gaffer tape and super glue are the main tools for fixing anything. For Computer problems, the hammer every time.
I always have two rear lights, one seat post mounted and one rack mounted.
Shame I’m not in the US 😦
All Seasons Cyclist
December 17, 2015 at 4:44 PM
I often use two taillights as well (one on the saddlebag and one on my helmet).
cyclerist
December 17, 2015 at 3:10 AM
Thanks for the review, it’ll help me decide which next light to buy 🙂
bgddyjim
December 17, 2015 at 3:33 AM
My number is 1,256.
Lately, I’ve enjoyed mounting my taillight on the left seat stay on the Venge. Cars seem to see the light better and it’s a better place for pace line cycling. This also works better with aero seat posts.
Lisa Miller
December 17, 2015 at 4:18 AM
1103
I really love the idea of projecting your own lane lines!
Sue Edwards
December 17, 2015 at 4:45 AM
My guess is 1111. I wonder if motorists see and use the laser “lane”?
elisariva
December 17, 2015 at 5:04 AM
Good to see you back! 1239
kperry
December 17, 2015 at 5:24 AM
1333. For us short riders who don’t have a lot of seat post showing, does this also mount on a stay?
All Seasons Cyclist
December 17, 2015 at 4:45 PM
Yes, there is a very sturdy mount that is highly adjustable.
Judy Crankshaw
December 17, 2015 at 6:19 AM
1064.
Nothing beats a good taillight!
sevencyclist
December 17, 2015 at 6:30 AM
1275
Ooh, laser lanes. Might get it just for that.
onecarexperience
December 17, 2015 at 6:34 AM
This looks like a great taillight! Let’s go with 1421. Very cool of you to give this away.
Bill
December 17, 2015 at 7:00 AM
Don’t know if my comment registered the first time I tried. My number is 1492. Thanks for the great review and helpful blog!
ragtimecyclist
December 17, 2015 at 7:02 AM
This look impressive. I’ve just got myself a Moon Comet which is fantastically bright and, crucially, is USB charged. Never going back to batteries!
Bob Quinn
December 17, 2015 at 7:54 AM
1007
JD Blom
December 17, 2015 at 8:46 AM
4,000
eenermai
December 17, 2015 at 8:48 AM
1112
Anthony
December 17, 2015 at 8:53 AM
The laser lanes is a really cool option, and at 40 lumens, it can be seen even is very low light.
My number is
1461
joboo1967
December 17, 2015 at 9:59 AM
1401
ericritter65
December 17, 2015 at 10:27 AM
maybe this will get me out later in the season! my guess is 1299
Jeff Katzer
December 17, 2015 at 10:28 AM
1222… Yeah, pick me!
Chris Buchanan
December 17, 2015 at 11:27 AM
1250
swimbikeread
December 17, 2015 at 11:44 AM
1311 I’ve been looking into buying this type of light for my commute!
the drunken cyclist
December 17, 2015 at 11:51 AM
1479
Marion Bailey
December 17, 2015 at 11:59 AM
My number is 1207
Mike Carmain
December 17, 2015 at 12:32 PM
My guess is 1157.
Jason S.
December 17, 2015 at 1:08 PM
1349… Thanks for the review brother, hopefully I don’t have to buy this one. I bought the Planet Bike one you reviewed = )
Shawn Olesewski
December 17, 2015 at 1:48 PM
624 is my guess. Cheers!
Dave Evans
December 17, 2015 at 8:13 PM
1239
Robert joly
December 17, 2015 at 8:48 PM
1171
sedge808
December 17, 2015 at 9:14 PM
fab photo
Dennis
December 18, 2015 at 6:29 AM
Sounds like a great light — 1322
Sandra
December 18, 2015 at 7:09 AM
So glad you are back and going strong! 🙂
1333
Sandra
December 18, 2015 at 7:11 AM
Never mind. Someone chose that number
I will say 1455
Ian
December 18, 2015 at 12:15 PM
1199
Scott Dahlquist
December 18, 2015 at 12:59 PM
5
hogsmill
December 19, 2015 at 4:35 AM
1925
thehomeschoolingdoctor
December 19, 2015 at 5:36 AM
As I’m a di-wheel deadbeat for about 24 months now, I will not submit a number. I will dream about the day I get back on the bike and the day that I am di-hard enough to ride in the winter and be worthy of a light. Hope the family is content and secure.–Terri
spoonfuloflentils
December 20, 2015 at 7:27 AM
1219
Jeep
December 20, 2015 at 6:40 PM
1313
deagukat
December 21, 2015 at 3:06 PM
1498. I have read about this a couple of times now.
Dan
December 21, 2015 at 5:00 PM
1340
Looks like an interesting light!
collegeinnovator
December 21, 2015 at 6:09 PM
599
bribikes
December 22, 2015 at 7:52 AM
1,116
Laser lanes! How cool is that?
Pinkie B
December 22, 2015 at 9:07 PM
1067
Michael Pinker
December 23, 2015 at 8:22 AM
Your good advice is invaluable. 1425
Eric Overton
December 23, 2015 at 8:45 AM
1250
Don Galleto
December 23, 2015 at 9:47 AM
1334
barrentoblessed
December 23, 2015 at 8:03 PM
Hoping to ride in 2016! I’m on the mend following my back injury and tearing of the hamstring. No fun. I guess 1308
liberalhistorian
December 24, 2015 at 8:00 AM
1225
Merry Christmas everyone.
Ed
December 24, 2015 at 10:28 AM
Happy Holidays!
#1158 for me!
Norbert Kraft
December 24, 2015 at 12:22 PM
Amazing gadget !! If I don’t win this (very unlikely) I will be buying one right away .. even so; I think I will pony up for a spare. Love the laser feature.. Can I vaporize an angry motorist with it?
# 647
Eric Welsh
December 25, 2015 at 7:58 PM
1050. Forgot to put one in my Christmas stocking!
Jason
December 26, 2015 at 8:44 AM
1382
Karen
December 26, 2015 at 9:01 AM
#1102
Norbert Kraft
December 26, 2015 at 9:40 AM
BTW, I’ve been using a flashing rear light during the day and have definitely noticed motorists giving me a wider berth and generally being more cautious.!
#246
ddsheehan2013
December 26, 2015 at 10:46 AM
1244 – I’m also a veteran of many rear lights. I tend to have some on steady and one flashing in the city and only steady out of town. In any case, having my lane delineated as I ride would be an good thing.
Andy S
December 27, 2015 at 10:44 PM
I’d like to try one, as I’ve had my doubts about how well they can be seen. 1006.
Edward Nino
December 28, 2015 at 2:39 AM
1208
Anything for more visibility is a good idea, the cellphone makes bike riding a lot less safe.
Norbert Kraft
December 28, 2015 at 1:25 PM
Agreed about cellphones..However, as retribution, cameras on bikes (phone or GoPro) are great for evidence against bad drivers.. providing you survive.
432
ca
December 28, 2015 at 10:30 PM
1184
All Seasons Cyclist
December 29, 2015 at 3:41 PM
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!!! The winning number was 1250 and I will announce the winner in my next post.