Need decent cheap rear light - recommendations?

[loudlashadjuster]

Moon Comet, every time.

Hugely visible from almost all angles as it is not focussed/point source and light as a feather. Even on the lowest setting it is very bright and yet the battery lasts 6+ hours. Totally aero too if you mount it vertically

OK, it's not throwaway cost (£15-20) and you probably wouldn't want to leave it on the bike, but as it's a rubber strap job it literally only takes a few seconds to fit or remove.

[neilbauer]

This http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/LISMRTR1/smart-r1-lug...

They were £2.99 for a while, don't be fooled by the price they are bright.

Flash and steady light modes.

[Stiggolas]

I bought a couple of those when they were £2.99 each!
They had no brackets but I already had a bracket after I fell off and smashed the lens off one!
You can switch the very bright LED off and just have the dimmer ones on. Ideal when riding offroad in a group.

[neilbauer]

I clip it to my rucksack as an extra measure £2.99 you really can't go wrong

[Kell]

I can honestly say that in 20 years of commuting in London I've never had a problem with cars not seeing me from behind.

You have to bear in mind that almost all cars are directly behind you and their headlights light you up. Whereas when you're approaching cars, they could be coming onto a roundabout, or pulling out of a junction, or just not paying attention, so I'd spend a lot more time, effort and money worrying about the front one.

I think, so long as your light has a fairly wide viewing angle, pretty much anything goes.

[bakerstreet]

Cateyes are good. The quick release works really well, so if you are leaving the bike anywhere, you can just unclip the light and take it with you.

I have the TL3 and TL6 rear lights and both are over 4 years old now. I do tend to wrap them in insulating tape to keep the water out.