Bright lights?

[Geonz]

+1 on Eden's observations - my experience is similar. Big And Bright helps me see and that's important, but for me to be visible things like position are more important.
I've waxed green enough to really like the idea of generators - and passive-aggressive dwerps can't turn them on while they're parked on the bike rack, either. (Goign to be peeking out there today - it's always on Tuesday or Thursday.) My Busch-Muller is well-engineered and shines a nice light and has that cute feature that keeps a little light going when I'm stopped. I do want to add hokey spokes 'cause they really announce "bicycle," but I lost the special thingies that attach them to the spokes
For my backside I've got a helmet mounted Trek Flare 10 that's visible from a *long* ways and many angles, and because of the height people think I'm something worth slowing down for. I noticed right away that the reaction distance was lots further back when I got this thing on, even when I was on my fast-bike-without-all-the-commuter-lights. There *is* soemthing to be said for not inducing seizures and using up 46 batteries, if I can effectively create a "slow down and figure this out" reaction without it... but I also have a string or two of little Christmas LED lights ($1.50 after the holidays) and my cheaper-than-reallite big red light.

I've gotten lots of compliments on my visibility, both when I was totally blinged out with the full Crhistmas Tree regalia and when I've waxed more traditional. I am also certain that little things like lane position help, too.

[lph]

Thanks all for your feedback, I reckon I'll stick with my usual collection of blinkies and medium-bright LEDs, and let the hype just pass me by Lots of good light tips here for next winter.

Geonz - on your lightswitcheronner: if you have some inexpensive lights you could have a lot of fun boobytrapping one with say, some glue, or a short needle, or preferably something that makes a small explosion. Or starts an alarm ...

Or you could just remove the batteries. Trying to turn on something that won't turn on is BORING.

[Running Mommy]

I just started using the Ironman ILS helmet. It has a white light in the front and a red one in back. Only downside is they don't blink. It's very easy to recharge, and I've gotten lots off comments about it.
I also use a blinky on my camelbak. And if I ride in the pitch dark (vs. at sunset) I use a light and motion helmet mounted light. It works great. But I must say the L&M's are a bit pricey! We've actually had ours for a few years.

[Geonz]

The silly thing's ductaped to the handlebars (and since it only getsan extra hour or so fo on time they're not *totallY* worn down). I'm going to have to take it off to put new batteries in (I have this problem with keeping light mounts and knowing which one goes with what.)

I did think of some pretty vile things to, say, rub onto the switch, especially that day I was on the rag

[KathiCville]

I just ordered the Dinotte 200L headlight today, using a 20% coupon, plus a teeny dividend from last year, at REI. Works out to be about $150. Got the one that uses rechargeable AAs. Not cheap, but of the headlights I read about here on TE and other cycling forums (especially commutebybike.com), it looks like a good one, for a decent price. .....I did a little night riding recently (road) and loved zipping around on semi-dark streets. We've got lots of beautiful open country roads 'round here that I know I'll enjoy riding after sunset and before dawn this summer---'especially when the daytime temps in July and August are miserable. .............I use blinkies, too! Red, blue and green, on the back of my little under-saddle bag, and on a wristband. Definitely eye-catching, but I don't get the feeling I'm going to run anybody off the road with 'em.

[Pedal Wench]

I just ordered the Dinotte 200L headlight today,

You'll love the ease it takes to slap them onto the bike. Shoot! Just remembered that I forgot mine for the night ride I'm doing tonight. Grrr. They're great, and easy to use, only if you remember to bring them with you....

[KathiCville]

You'll love the ease it takes to slap them onto the bike. Shoot! Just remembered that I forgot mine for the night ride I'm doing tonight. Grrr. They're great, and easy to use, only if you remember to bring them with you....

Cool! At first I couldn't see from Dinotte's website pics how the light mounts on the handlebar, but then I checked out a description on Peter White's Cycles page and realized, doh, how simple it is. Nice to know that it just pops on and off in a flash, 'cause I won't want it to be on the bike for most of my daytime rides! I'm already tracking the shipment from Pittsburgh to Virginia, LOL, just dyin' for it to get here.

[Velobambina]

I just ordered the Dinotte 200L headlight today, using a 20% coupon, plus a teeny dividend from last year, at REI. Works out to be about $150. Got the one that uses rechargeable AAs. Not cheap, but of the headlights I read about here on TE and other cycling forums (especially commutebybike.com), it looks like a good one, for a decent price. ......

LOL, I did the same thing. There's a guy at work who commutes by bike in the dark (unlit MUC) and he LOVES this light. I got mine as a secondary, backup light.

I have one of those super bright L&M headlights and I'm very pleased with it. Bought it in 2005 and still runs like a champ. It's bright enough that I can keep it on low beam and still light up the trail well enough to see, even in rain or fog. Sections of the MUC where I ride are unlit and on some mornings, pitch black. When I encounter a pedestrian or other cyclist, I am polite & simply turn the light beam to shine off the side of the trail. There are folks who don't move their beam and have bright lights. I just avert my eyes from the light---look down slightly---and have no problems passing by safely.

I have two tailights and blinkies, too. I'm not on the road much, since I live close to a paved MUC, but I feel safer being lit up [morning paper delivery dudes in their cars are a particular menace---think basic rules of the road don't apply to them]

[northstar]

I just ordered the Dinotte 200L headlight today, using a 20% coupon, plus a teeny dividend from last year, at REI. Works out to be about $150. Got the one that uses rechargeable AAs.

Have it, love it. Seriously!

[KathiCville]

I just checked shipping status and my new Dinotte headlight will be here this afternoon, yyyyayyyy! If it's dry tonight, I know what I'll be doing, LOL! Entertaining my neighbors as I zip around in the dark testing my new toy. (If I can get the batteries fully-charged in time, that is.....)

[Tess851]

Bright is good - not only for being able to see when I'm riding in the middle of winter in the relative country side (no street lights, winding hilly or mountainous roads with possible nocturnal animals making an appearance), but also so that other road users can see me. I use the nite rider classic dual beam, and would also like to get a helmet light for extra security / visibility for cornering etc. Rear lights = two - one on 'full' and the other on slow flash, at about eye level for a car drive. Also have reflector strips on my backpacks for commuting.

I definitely notice a difference with most drivers / other road users - they are more courteous and give me a wider birth on the road. Anything that makes me safer on the road is good

Choice was based on reviews and price. HID replacement bulbs are expensive, and a friend's just didn't seem to have the same light as the halogen, though is bright. Would love to see the difference between the nite rider and a turbo cat two beam system, but will have to wait for the $ to be available for that.

found this link useful to see a comparo:
http://www.mtbr.com/spotlight/lights...n_nonhid.shtml

[KathiCville]

I looked at the Nite Rider line, too, before settling on the Dinotte. Hard to choose; both have great features. My Dinotte 200L came yesterday and I charged up the batteries right away. (Mailman probably wasn't even down my driveway yet....!) It's been raining like mad, so I haven't put it on the bike yet. But I shone it out the door into the backyard to see what could be seen. Whoooooaaaa! The light itself is TINY, but the beam it puts out is incredibly powerful. And taking it on and off the bike is ridiculously easy. I can tell already that I'm going to love it! Can't wait to try it after sundown on one of my favorite quiet roads outside of town.

[KathiCville]

Finally got a chance (excuse?) to try my new Dinotte 200L tonight---just 3 miles zipping around the neighborhood. Love it! I'm not a fast rider, so can't imagine outrunning the beam. Combined with my usual blinkies and tail light, it's definitely a winner!........Those of you who have the AA version, do you charge up the batteries and store them in the battery holder (disconnected from the light) until use? Or is there a good reason not to store them in the battery holder, e.g. reduces battery life? From what I've read, the newest NiMH batteries hold their charge pretty well between uses.