Good light for riding at night

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2008-08-27 7:30 AM

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Subject: Good light for riding at night

Hey all, I'm looking for a good light for road riding at night.  Some of the areas I go through have some street lights, others are tree-lined with no lighting.  I've currently got a the Cateye HL-EL135 on my bars - which really doesn't do jack (obviously) and the Black Diamond Icon 3-watt headlamp over my helmet.  Combined these aren't anywhere near enough light for the really dark sections for seeing the road (I've hit soooo many small potholes.. ouch!).  I'm thinking something around 10W will be sufficient, and I'd like at least 2 hr run time.

I'm looking at something like the Nite Hawk Emitter AL (I like that it uses 4 AAs, so if I kill them it's cheap to replace) or Phoenix, CygoLight Pace 135, the Light & Motion Solo, or the NiteRide Trail Rat 15W.  Any suggestions as to which one.. or something else to consider?

And for the record, yes I've looked at building my own light (based on some instructables I've seen) but with batteries, charger, shipping for the parts I can't find locally, and some tools it would probably cost almost as much as just buying one (not to mention the 4AA battery holders from Radio Shack do not fit in any water bottle I've seen). 

 

2008-08-27 7:40 AM
in reply to: #1631443

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Subject: RE: Good light for riding at night
I have had very good experience with the NiteRider sytems for mountain biking, so they should certainly work well for the road. A buddy of mine has a Light and Motion one and really likes that.
2008-08-27 7:57 AM
in reply to: #1631459

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Subject: RE: Good light for riding at night

i just picked this up at rei-outlet.com, there was a 20% off deal a couple of weeks ago that made it quite cheap.

http://www.rei.com/outlet/product/779070

 only used once but so far so good.  actually had a woman who was running with her dog say she thought a car was coming up behind her on the path.  i am not in super dark sections since it is city streets but i think it will work well.  there is also a second system on sale that has two lights...even better.

2008-08-27 10:47 AM
in reply to: #1631443

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Subject: RE: Good light for riding at night
I use a Night Rider (I think it's the Flight) with a HID light. It's very bright. Blindingly bright in fact. I have to be careful I don't shine it in someone's eyes as I ride by.

It's the best light I've found and I've tried a lot of them.

scott
2008-08-27 11:29 AM
in reply to: #1631443

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Subject: RE: Good light for riding at night

I've been using a NiteRider Sol and it works well.   Looks like REI's got some good deals on all the Niterider lights right now as well. 

2008-08-27 3:50 PM
in reply to: #1631443

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Subject: RE: Good light for riding at night
I use a Nite Rider Mi.Newtx2, cheapest price I found was $140 at

http://www.fullcycles.com/product_info.php/products_id/1152

I'd spend the extra $30 over a trail rat, last longer, has a better charger, etc.

Full cycles also has other brands and models to choose from. I never heard of them until I was searching for a light, but had no issues with there service.



2008-08-27 3:58 PM
in reply to: #1631443

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Subject: RE: Good light for riding at night
If cost is an issue, go to bikeforums.net and look in the electronics/lighting forum at the "Best light under 50 dollars" thread.

Rechargable or AA batteries with a flashlight on your handlebars mounted with a loc-block seem to be the best all-around value for a light that is bright enough to ride by.

2008-08-27 4:48 PM
in reply to: #1632056

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Fishers, IN
Subject: RE: Good light for riding at night
Do the batteries last long?
2008-08-27 5:03 PM
in reply to: #1631443


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Subject: RE: Good light for riding at night
I don't want to rain on your parade, but it is extremely dangerous cycling at dusk, night and in the early morning hours when you would use a light. Unless you are cycling where there are no cars,I suggest a trainer.
2008-08-27 5:55 PM
in reply to: #1633067

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Subject: RE: Good light for riding at night

LiquidHuman - 2008-08-27 6:03 PM I don't want to rain on your parade, but it is extremely dangerous cycling at dusk, night and in the early morning hours when you would use a light. Unless you are cycling where there are no cars,I suggest a trainer.

I've tried commuting on my trainer, but the boss at work complains that I haven't been arriving on time.

 

2008-08-27 5:56 PM
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Subject: RE: Good light for riding at night
LiquidHuman - 2008-08-27 5:03 PM

I don't want to rain on your parade, but it is extremely dangerous cycling at dusk, night and in the early morning hours when you would use a light. Unless you are cycling where there are no cars,I suggest a trainer.


I put more miles on my commuter bike in the dark than training on my tri-bike this year.

My only real close-calls were on the tri-bike.

Then again, my tri-bike doesn't have front and back flashers that are constantly blinking day or night, and my commuter does......

2008-08-27 7:58 PM
in reply to: #1631443

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Subject: RE: Good light for riding at night
The shop I rode for compared nine lights head to head, this one was by far the nicest and brightest beam for the money.

http://www.bikelights.com/Products/Stella180N.htm

The lights there were beating it were all $350+, this can be had for under $200.
2008-08-28 6:56 AM
in reply to: #1633379

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Subject: RE: Good light for riding at night

Nelg - 2008-08-27 8:58 PM The shop I rode for compared nine lights head to head, this one was by far the nicest and brightest beam for the money. http://www.bikelights.com/Products/Stella180N.htmThe lights there were beating it were all $350+, this can be had for under $200.

I was just at that site yesterday looking at that light!!  If anyone else in interested, I think Nashbar has it for $150.

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