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least common denominator
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: San Pedro,CA
Posts: 22,506
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Bicycle folks, Head/Taillight recommendations?
I know we have a bunch of bicycle experts here, I live a block from a bike/jogging path and thinking maybe a bike ride after work would be a good thing.
I don't need ten thousand candle power but would like to not get run over and be able to see/avoid the occasional raccoon or possum crossing the road. Prefer something that takes common batteries (I have a recharger for AA and AAA) And won't break the bank, a quick look at Amazon I see lights from $10-$30 but I don't want a piece of junk that falls off the handlebars or works intermittent either. This being PPOT I fully expect someone to recommend a titanium/carbon fiber $5000 unit. ![]() game on!
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Gary Fisher 29er 2019 Kia Stinger 2.0t gone ![]() 1995 Miata Sold 1984 944 Sold ![]() I am not lost for I know where I am, however where I am is lost. - Winnie the poo. |
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I see you
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: NJ
Posts: 29,921
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I'm happy with my Cateye. $30 at REI when I boughht it.
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Si non potes inimicum tuum vincere, habeas eum amicum and ride a big blue trike. "'Bipartisan' usually means that a larger-than-usual deception is being carried out." |
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in the dead of winter i walked into a bike shop to look at the very same thing. lights.
i walked out, confused. my tiny shop had 30 units..it all got very confusing, very fast. i retreated to research...then winter ended. ahhhh..
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poof! gone |
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least common denominator
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: San Pedro,CA
Posts: 22,506
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The cateye head/taillight is the $30 option on Amazon... always been happy with their product.
Then there is a 'planet bike' for $15 and a 'BV' of $10.
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Gary Fisher 29er 2019 Kia Stinger 2.0t gone ![]() 1995 Miata Sold 1984 944 Sold ![]() I am not lost for I know where I am, however where I am is lost. - Winnie the poo. |
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Registered
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Bay Area, CA.
Posts: 2,048
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depending on your budget
niterider lights are really nice, I have been using these lights for many years our distributor carries niterider cygolite nite ize planet bike lezyne |
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Model Citizen
Join Date: May 2007
Location: The Voodoo Lounge
Posts: 18,958
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This might seem like total overkill but I commute year round:
•Light and motion headlight, (Suuuuper bright!) •2 white froglights on the handlebars that flash •4 red flashing lights on the rear •1 red flashing froglight on the helmet •reflective sidewalls All my gear is neon yellow with reflective accents I'm sure the hipsters who ride around black think I'm a dork, but I'm visible on dark rainy nights and mornings. (And lots of ebay vendors sell the coin batteries cheap, so I replace them often)
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"I would be a tone-deaf heathen if I didn't call the engine astounding. If it had been invented solely to make noise, there would be shrines to it in Rome" Last edited by herr_oberst; 04-17-2013 at 10:45 AM.. |
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Amazon.com: ATC CREE XML T6 LED 1000 Lumen Bike Light / Bike Bicycle Light HeadLight headLamp with improved battery and charger: Sports & Outdoors
I've tried 3X to write a psot explaining why this is so great, the site keeps eating it, so here is short version reliable, waterproof, use it daily in Portland winter 600 honest lumens spot beam - can buy diffuser to spread comes w/ handlebar mount, battery in pouch, charger I mount on helmet - the spot shines where I look $28-35, various sellers knockoff of a Magicshine light that costs a lot more 1 hour on high, more on low or strobe leave light unplugged from battery when not in use, otherwise the illuminated button can drain battery in several days
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1989 3.2 Carrera coupe; 1988 Westy Vanagon, Zetec; 1986 E28 M30; 1994 W124; 2004 S211 What? Uh . . . “he” and “him”? |
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I ride w/ white/red CR2032 blinkies on front/rear of bike, 2 red CR2032 blinkies (main + spare) on rear of helmet, the above-linked light on front of helmet, a similar (old NiteRider MiniNewt) headlight on handlebars, Knog "Blinder 4V" 4-LED taillight on bike seat post, and TACX "Lumos" bar-end lights on the drop bars. Like herr-o, I'm a Christmas tree. I commute year-round, often on dark rainy pre-dawn mornings/nights, on city streets. So far, no driver has behaved in a way that suggested they didn't see me.
tacx.com - Bicycle lighting
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1989 3.2 Carrera coupe; 1988 Westy Vanagon, Zetec; 1986 E28 M30; 1994 W124; 2004 S211 What? Uh . . . “he” and “him”? |
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Registered
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Fullerton,Ca
Posts: 5,463
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Quote:
Questions to ask do you want to SEE? or just be seen? If you want to see is this road or off road? Off road you should need more since there's a lack of streetlights ! The Planet Bike Super Flash is hard to beat on rear lights.
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" Formerly we suffered from crime. Today we suffer from laws" (55-120) Tacitus |
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The $15-30 PlanetBike AA powered lights are good for being seen by others, in fairly uncluttered environments. They don't throw enough light on the road to let you see anything yourself. They can also get lost against a crowd of car headlights, city lights, reflections, etc - e.g. rush hour, busy street, night, raining . . . just not bright enough. Depending on where you ride, could be fine. Portland Design Works makes a good, not-too-expensive, set.
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1989 3.2 Carrera coupe; 1988 Westy Vanagon, Zetec; 1986 E28 M30; 1994 W124; 2004 S211 What? Uh . . . “he” and “him”? |
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Usa
Posts: 5,573
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There are alot of options out there for light use/commuter use. Some good suggestions have been mentioned already. I'm a big fan of NiteRider. Their products are outstanding. I've been running the same light set with the same two batteries in 24 hour races since 2001 or 2002. Never a failure - I'm even on the original bulb (yes, I have a spare). Bought another NiteRider this winter. These are the high end lights that put out enough candlepower to take xrays. When I ride at night on the road, I am often mistaken for a motorcycle. A really quiet one.
![]() But I also picked up a little USB rechargeable NiteRider light for my handle bars. I intended to use it just as a backup light in case my primary failed in a race. That said, it's become my favorite light for general uses. The claming system is robust enough for off-road racing, get about 5 hours of light from it depending on the setting, and even the low setting is surprisingly bright. They are the Lumina series. I've seen them new from about $80 and up (brighter/longer batter = more $$$). This light is just fine for most commuting, even some night trail riding if you aren't going fast. With the USB recharge, you can charge it anywhere and it's also small. Great little light. PLus, when you buy NiteRider, you are supporting those who support the sport (24 hour bike racing). angela (throwing downing shameless plug for her favorite lights) angela
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Hello http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/1102514-we-lost-amazing-woman-yesterday.html |
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+2 on a USB rechargeable NiteRider.
Besides selling a product that is as good as it gets, their customer care is awesome. |
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Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Bay Area, CA.
Posts: 2,048
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Quote:
my brother is custom frame builder, been building custom frames since 1992 SyCip Bikes - Handcrafted in Sonoma County, California the brighter the better when riding at night, be safe out there |
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least common denominator
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: San Pedro,CA
Posts: 22,506
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So far the NiteRider 150/cherrybomb combo at $40 off Amazon seem like my best bet.
Some of the reviews say the tail light is a little flimsy but this is just for street riding. Not for off road, just a bike path along a park on a quite residential street... and sissy SoCal conditions, no riding in the rain (though water proof is always a plus). Thanks for the replies!
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Gary Fisher 29er 2019 Kia Stinger 2.0t gone ![]() 1995 Miata Sold 1984 944 Sold ![]() I am not lost for I know where I am, however where I am is lost. - Winnie the poo. |
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least common denominator
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: San Pedro,CA
Posts: 22,506
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Though... this one is high on the list too... this and a $10 binking taillight would do the job for about the same price as the NiteRider combo.
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Gary Fisher 29er 2019 Kia Stinger 2.0t gone ![]() 1995 Miata Sold 1984 944 Sold ![]() I am not lost for I know where I am, however where I am is lost. - Winnie the poo. |
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least common denominator
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: San Pedro,CA
Posts: 22,506
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Quote:
Amazon.com: 4 Mode 1200 Lumen CREE XML T6 Bulb LED Bicycle bike HeadLight Lamp Flashlight Light Headlamp: Sports & Outdoors
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Gary Fisher 29er 2019 Kia Stinger 2.0t gone ![]() 1995 Miata Sold 1984 944 Sold ![]() I am not lost for I know where I am, however where I am is lost. - Winnie the poo. |
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Registered
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 17,408
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Nightrider Lumina 650 (lumens) is what I run on my bike. For years I never ride at night. I jsut started riding again and talk with a friend at his bike shop and went home with the Nightrider. Very happy with their product through this winter season. The cheap just isn't bright enough when there are other light source around to drown out your light making very difficult to see.
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Quote:
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1989 3.2 Carrera coupe; 1988 Westy Vanagon, Zetec; 1986 E28 M30; 1994 W124; 2004 S211 What? Uh . . . “he” and “him”? |
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cygolite metro 300 usb rechargeable, great light. Should be able to find for about 50 bucks. Both my lights are USB rechargable and it is very convient.
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Chris 89 930, 87 930, 86 930 Ruf BTR tribute, 89 Ruf CTR tribute |
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