Got lights?

[TsPoet]

Yesterday, my commute was nearly all in the dark. My handlebar light (probably $30) isn't cutting it. So, I think I am in the market for a heavier duty light...and I'd like to get one with a helmet mount.
What do people have and love? Or have and hate? I don't want to quit commuting before the weather forces me indoors (hopefully I have at least another month left!).

I have a 5 w Dinotte. I've seen the MiniNewts. they are similar in size. I think the Dinotte is slightly brighter. The 3 w Dinotte is really more meant as a helmet mount, but the 5 w comes with a helmet mount, too.
IMHO - for a reasonably priced, reasonably small, reasonable good light - it's between these two.
The Dinotte comes with a neat battery setup - rechargeable AAs that are easy to get and charge and can be replaced with non rechargeable if you get out somewhere and need batteries.
Now if money isn't a factor and you are doing a lot of bike riding, some of the $$ halogen systems (Vega's especially) might be a good choice. Or, if doing randonnearing and need all-night light, a hub regenerator system.
Just saw this little business writup on WallStreet Journal
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1190...-Business-News

[northstar]

My Dinotte 200L showed up at REI today. I got it home and mounted on my helmet, and boy am I ready to go! Such fun toys! (And costly ones too...yikes!)

I haven't been commuting by bike the past few weeks because our morning light had all but vanished. I'm psyched to get back out there!

[kfergos]

Has anybody tried out the (humorously-named) Down Low Glow?



I've ordered one, but haven't tried it out yet (green isn't the only option, btw). But it looks like this is one possibility for getting drivers' attention plus illuminating your way pretty effectively.

[Voodoo Sally]

Wow, that is so cool!! I'd try that.

[Geonz]

I don't believe it handles weather too well. I get much the same effect with strings of LED lights ( http://www.save-on-crafts.com/chrisligandl.html )
... tho' they say indoor only, I've been drenched and they survived

I have a planet bike 'insight' that is also being phased out so if you can find it it's cheap. They don't keep big lights in stock at my LBS 'cause so few people want them... but that meant I could ask and we got out catalogs and I looked at all the brands in the world and got good advice about them.

On my main commuter bike, though, I have a dynamo hub. Bright light, no batteries.

[northstar]

I had the pleasure of commuting to school today with my new DiNotte! It's SO nice to have it mounted on my helmet. I was able to run it on medium most of the way, but switched it to high for the really dark stretches. I got the one with the rechargeable AA's.

It's good to ride to work again. It's not light here until after 7:00 a.m. now, and with my new light, I feel a lot safer. Yahoo!

[kfergos]

Got my new down low glow light -- it's SWEET! It's incredibly bright, lights up the road on the sides, just where you need light (but it doesn't cover the front at all). Cars gave me tons of room, even in the dark, and I felt totally visible at night. My husband verified that from a long distance I'm just a bright blue glow. It's amazing. If you ride in the dark, seriously consider spending this $100.



Also, it's guaranteed waterproof and detachable (just uses Velcro and rubber attachments) from the bike. I have a couple other pictures online here.

[northstar]

Got my new down low glow light -- it's SWEET! It's incredibly bright, lights up the road on the sides, just where you need light (but it doesn't cover the front at all). Cars gave me tons of room, even in the dark, and I felt totally visible at night. My husband verified that from a long distance I'm just a bright blue glow. It's amazing. If you ride in the dark, seriously consider spending this $100.



Also, it's guaranteed waterproof and detachable (just uses Velcro and rubber attachments) from the bike. I have a couple other pictures online here.

That is AWESOME!