Blackburn Flea Bicycle Light Continues to Flash

Landers Pece1964 · Tuesday 25 October 2022

Rechargeable "See Me" blinkie - Blackburn Flea 2.0? Any users?

Old 11-01-10, 12:18 PM

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Rechargeable "See Me" blinkie - Blackburn Flea 2.0? Any users?

My search didn't turn up exactly what I'm looking for so here goes.

I want a rechargeable but as small as possible "see me" blinkie for my road bike. This isn't for illumination but for safety.

I know the arguments for a removable battery. Thanks but no thanks.

I'm thinking I like what I read about the Blackburn Flea USB 2.0.

Anybody have this light?

I will consider a similar light. I am not commuting nor will I be riding at night. I do not want a removable battery.

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Old 11-01-10, 12:55 PM

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I have a set of Fleas (front and back) and I like them just fine. You will read reviews on the net that these lights stop charging after a few uses. I think the problem stems from the fact that the usb charger can be plugged in both ways into a usb port. One way it charges, one way it does not as it has contacts on only one side. When the lights charge, they will blink. If they don't blink, try flipping the charger around.
Another issue is over charging. The lights do not have a charge controller, they just trickle charge from the usb port ad infinitum. To deal with the extra input, the lights will actually blink after you take them off the charger, burning off any extra charge. When the lights are blinking a powerful stream on the charger, it is time to take the off.
One last thing, the attachment straps that come with the lights are a little weird. They won't mount properly if your seat post or handlebar, or whatever else you plan on using to mount them, is too skinny.
Overall, once you get over these "features", the lights are nice and quite bright. Blackburn will also replace them should they break down as they have a lifetime warranty. For the price, you can't go wrong.

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Old 11-01-10, 01:39 PM

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I have the first generation flea tail light, which charges by attaching magnetic contacts on the light to an AA or AAA battery. kind of a pain to charge, but easy to do, just takes several hours. It's a very bright light, lasts quite a while (we're talking charging once a month or so). Nestles in just on top of the seat tube where the chain stays connect. I would buy another.

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Old 11-01-10, 02:39 PM

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Have both front & rear fleas (that charge using usb). Like them a lot... no problems. Use them about 2 hours/day. charge them every day or two. highly recommended.

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Old 11-01-10, 05:28 PM

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Thanks for the quick input.

Went to the LBS and had to order the USB 2.0. Glad to be able to give them some business but sorry I ain't gonna buy the old in-stock ones that charge from the batteries. They may be great but I've got USB chargers around the house out the wazoo.

Maybe a close out table would work for 'em.

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Old 11-02-10, 07:33 AM

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Actually, poso, the USB charger comes with the lights. It is not a plug-in type (USB mini/micro etc) but actually uses the same contacts that the old version did. You place the light on the charger and the magnetic charging contacts keep it in place (I charge mine sideways, so the contacts are plenty strong). This way, you can also get the battery charger adapter as well as a solar charger if you so choose, both of which use the magnetic contacts. Hope that cleared it up for you.

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Old 11-02-10, 10:46 AM

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Old 11-03-10, 08:09 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by doc0c View Post

I think the problem stems from the fact that the usb charger can be plugged in both ways into a usb port. One way it charges, one way it does not as it has contacts on only one side.

Huh? As an IT guy I'll say without a doubt if you can insert the plug into the USB port either way it's either poorly designed or you're forcing it.

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Old 11-08-10, 12:50 PM

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It doesn't use a standard usb connector... it's just a tab on a printed circuit board with the correct shape to fit into the usb port... and has 2 strips on one side of the tab to pick up the power... so it can be inserted either way... leaving it to the user to make sure they insert it correctly. Reduces cost, and it works. I like it.

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Old 11-08-10, 01:00 PM

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Well I just picked up the Flea USB lights this morning from the LBS.

Either the shop removed the demo mode or they've quit shipping that way.

Yeah, the USB is just a flat panel but you would have to not being paying attention to screw it up.

My first impression is these are exactly what I'm looking for! Tiny and bright. Charge level color code is straight forward reading and the hook and loop mounting strap is easy to move from bike to bike.

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Old 06-05-11, 12:00 PM

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Red face Six months of use Product Revue

I really like these little lights.

Quick recharge times. I'll plug them in and check my email and see what's new on BF or Cycling News and they're done!

I have two tiny nitpicks. I wish the front light was in a quick release cradle like my cyclo-puter. I still fumble around with the hook and loop strap attachment.

It's probably a good thing that the rear clip is so strong but it is a real struggle to get it on the loop on my seat bag.

All in all I feel it was money well spent and give it a

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