Lighting recommendations needed

[FreshNewbie]

Indysteel, don't have recommendation about lights but wanted to say that I also read that article in the magazine and wished I could do it

[indysteel]

Indysteel, don't have recommendation about lights but wanted to say that I also read that article in the magazine and wished I could do it

FreshNewbie, be sure to check out the website for the tour company. They have other offerings, many of which sound really great--and not as hard. And did I mention the the eye candy.....

[FreshNewbie]

Lookinga at it right now, everything looks so good makes me wanna ride but it s cold and windy in NY today Oyy veyyy

[Fredwina]

I did a 300K with about 4+ hours of night riding (i am pokey ) using dual Cateye EL-500(previous gen. of the EL-530) and two Cateye TD-L600s as taillights. I got some very postive comments about the amount of light I was putting out.

[indysteel]

Ugh. I've been reading various posts on roadbikereview.com about HID lighting systems interfering with wireless computers. Granted, safety is WAY more important than keeping track of my mileage, but it's just got me more confused. As I was reading the posts about the more advanced lighting systems, I started daydreaming about doing some night riding, but given the other safety concerns involved, I'm not sure that ever would. At least not alone. It would be pretty cool (and peacefu) though. So, I'm having trouble deciding what I really need.....

I'll look at all of your suggestions and keep reading for now.

[Blueberry]

Ugh. I've been reading various posts on roadbikereview.com about HID lighting systems interfering with wireless computers. Granted, safety is WAY more important than keeping track of my mileage, but it's just got me more confused. As I was reading the posts about the more advanced lighting systems, I started daydreaming about doing some night riding, but given the other safety concerns involved, I'm not sure that ever would. At least not alone. It would be pretty cool (and peacefu) though. So, I'm having trouble deciding what I really need.....

I'll look at all of your suggestions and keep reading for now.

If you want to do more night riding (not the question I just answered), I would recommend the Planet Bike Alias as a starter. Performance usually has it for less than $100, and it's BRIGHT. NOT HID bright, but I've been mistaken for a car and never had trouble seeing. Of course, if you *really* want to get into night riding (I did), take a look at the Schmidt generator lights. I now have 2 Schmidts and one Shimano. Night riding can be addictive

[SadieKate]

Ugh. I've been reading various posts on roadbikereview.com about HID lighting systems interfering with wireless computers.

HID is great if you really need to SEE not just be seen. My Light and Motion ARC and my Sigma Sport wireless didn't like each other. The same light and my Polar s720i are just fine together. I have no explanation.

Truly, if you're thinking about spending some $$ for a light look at the MiNewt. The weight is about the same as a Cateye EL530, puts out incredible amounts of light, but nowhere near the cost of most HID.

If you're considering riding offroad after dark, you need a light that can be helmet-mounted, so take this into consideration if you're looking to spend $$. Again, the MiNewt is the lightest headlamp out there.

I found shopping for lights a huge headache. The manufacturers all use different ways to state watts and LEDS and blah-blah-blah. They expect you to compare apples to oranges.

[Blueberry]

Here's a link with the tunnel distances: http://www.virtualblueridge.com/park...al/tunnels.asp

They are generally not on steep sections of the road, so I would not worry *so* much about seeing. You can go slowly since they're not that long. I would invest more in rear blinkey lights. One of the better Cateye LED lights should get you through fine!

Hopefully some of the Asheville gals will chime in - there are several on the boards....

Enjoy yourself - it's fun riding, but it will bust your rear end if you're not in good shape (ahem - been there, done that). The other consideration is that traffic on the parkway is really heavy on holiday weekends.

Carrie Anne