Headlight Location: helmet vs. handlebars ?

I am getting my first ever headlight when I figure out what to buy. I have a question posted in this thread. http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=24162

I thought I would post this question here to see if someone can answer...

What are the pros and cons of headlight location? Handle bars, vs. helmet.

I am mainly a road rider (rual roads). I also have been enjoying some more mtb lately. From what I "think" I gather in reading old threads, one location of mounting is better per the type of riding. Best: road = handlebars; mtb = helmet.

Then, I have seen roadies with the lights on their helmets?

Thoughts? TYIA.

Miranda

I've tried both, and I think that helmet mounted definitely lights the way better - and you can "flash" drivers to let them know you are there (just don't put the light in their eyes too long blinded drivers = bad!) Look where you want to light and voila its lit. You can avoid blinding other cyclists (or drivers) just by looking down or away. That said I still have my light mounted on my handlebars... the cord for the battery is short and it was just too awkward to have the battery up on my helmet too. I think I can probably get and extension and keep the battery in my pocket, which I should do someday....

Read the link from Peter White Cycles I gave you in your other post.

I have one of each, but they are "see me"s. My 3rd headlight is the "see the way" and it was on the bars until it disappeared.

Not sure if I took it off and put it somewhere, or if it grew legs while locked up outside a store. (most likely the former)

An acquaintance we know recently attended a nightime campout and wore a head light/headband so she could walk around at night without a flashlight. It was really annoying because every time she looked at anyone she blinded them. We made her take it off. People were cussing at her left and right. :rolleyes:

I have my cat eye double shots on my helmet for varying reasons.

One, someone stole my dear's bike which had the handlebar mount for it & i've no clue where to get another one..:o

Two, I can't see the road even if i have it on my handlebars. THey don't point to where I want.

Three-I tilt my head or my light down when passing people on one of the bridges going to work.

Four-When not riding around, I turn the light off..I kinda blinded a police officer by accident :o (long story, i'd come accross a murder investigation & the officers were blocking the road & forgot to turn if off before i asked him which way i could go..)

People think the light's too bright but i can hardly see with it!

I have one of each.
The helmet mount is actually a backpacking light. it's handy for reading maps , computers , and such.
The bar ones mounted provides the most light.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zencentury

Read the link from Peter White Cycles I gave you in your other post.

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That was a very informative link. I did go back through and read it a second time from the first post. From what I gather, he bike mounts lights. I did not see any comparison discussion about mounting the light on the helmet. Thus, I can only assume he doesn't do it. Unless I am missing something. His geometry explanation about the light distribution on the road makes sense. Frankly, I had totally forgotten about "the tunnel effect". When I was in elementary school, I did have a light on my bike then. This made me remember back to the tunnel concept. But, my path had city street lights in that case.

I definitely prefer helmet mount for off road and even road. When riding off road on tight twisty trails, a handle bar mount just doesn't work as good. You need to look where you want to go, not where you currently are, which is what you get with handlebar mount.

For road riding, either works, although I do prefer the helmet mount. I also like to give the cars a little flash when commuting, makes me feel safer. Also, for heavy fog, I find it good to be able to flash the cars.

You do need to get used to having the light on your helmet, it is additional weight on your head that your neck might feel after the ride a little. Once you do it a couple times though, you'll get used to it.