headlight recommendation: Urban or Serfas

[Cyclesome]

Need to buy a headlight for my Specialized Ruby for group rides ending when it is dusk. The two LBS I deal with carry two different brands. One has True Serfas 500 and the other has Light and Motion Urban 500. Need advice on pros or cons of each to make an educated decision before investing in one of the lights. Any advice would be most appreciated.:o

[roguedog]

Was looking for lights a while ago for commuting. Found the MTBR light shootout really helpful.

Quick glance without in depth article reading.. my vote goes to the L&M 500

Here:

MTBR shootout page: http://reviews.mtbr.com/category/lights-shootout
Backyard Beam Comps: http://reviews.mtbr.com/2012-bike-lights-shootout-backyard-beam-pattern-photos
Trail Beam Comps: http://reviews.mtbr.com/2012-bike-lights-shootout-trail-beam-pattern-photos

L&M 500 mtbr test: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5x2BeaoErY
Serfas 500 mtbr test: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nopDUg5XQV8

Also, I don't know what you're looking for.. meaning, are you looking for as much light as possible with a small foootprint? Do you want to be seen as well as see?

I went with a Dinotte 600 for both front and rear tailight. Since I was commuting I wanted to be seen (tail) and to see .. even if it might be raining. It has a decent size footprint. It's not tiny but the ability to see was worht it to me. I did try Dinotte's 200 and it was excellent as well but really worht the upgrade to 600 to be able to see potholes in enough time on rainy nights. Oh and both have sizeable battery packs you have attached to your frame somewhere. It's not the lightest solution either.

Anyway, hope this helps...

[out_spokin']

Not aware of that light in particular but have had amazing success with an older Light & Motion headlight. Great customer service when I wanted an extra mount and had questions about battery life & compatibility.

[WindingRoad]

Light and Motion makes good lights. I've had a Stella 200L for some time now and she is still working great. Only thing I didn't like was the rubber strap broke and I had to order a new one to replace it after a little less than a year of having it.

For money though I would suggest checking out the NiteRider 600.

[pll]

I have a MiNewt Niterider 600 (http://www.niterider.com/rechargeable-new/minewt-600-cordless-new/). I would recommend it. I also have a Blackburn Flea. For the back, I have a Light & Motion Vis 180 (http://www.lightandmotion.com/bike/vis180.html).

I use the Niterider when light conditions start to change and I start my weekday early rides in the dark. The flea I use as a blinker in the front. In rainy/cloudy weather (and early in the morning), I use both the Flea and the Vis 180. I have not done rides close to dusk in a while. I just don't like the after business hours traffic -- people seem a lot more aggressive than in the early morning, and there is more traffic.

[Cyclesome]

Thanks for all the good insight. I believe I am going to try our the Serfas 500. I think I want to be seen as well, so I will need a tail light too.