lights for commuting

[kitten]

hi ladies! I need to get lights for my bike so i can start riding to work. My job is in retail so I'll be leaving and coming home according to their wonky schedule, meaning anywhere between 6am and 11 pm. My question is, what am I looking for in headlights, taillights, reflective, stickers, ect? I've noticed the prices are all over the place. I did buy some cheap lights last year that barely work, so any advice would be appreciated. My budget, like everyones now, is limited, so i don't want to waste what I do have. thanks!

[Blueberry]

Rear - Planet Bike Superflash. I have not found anything better. TE has a very good price on them last I checked (~10 less than retail). I ordered 2 from TE.

Front - I have generator hubs - so not the most economical. But I love them. I'd seriously look at this: http://longleafbicycles.blogspot.com/

Otherwise, I'm sure there are others who know more than I do. If you want more info on generator's, I'm happy to post - but I expect they're more than you want to spend...

[LilBolt]

Snoop around the Commuting section here. There are really great recommendations...something to fit every budget. I'm also a generator hub user (Schmidt), supplemented by a cateye blinky on my rear rack. Peter White has some useful information on the web.

[wackyjacky1]

Limited budget, I can relate!

I use a Planet Bike Superflash on the rear (awesome!) and a Planet Bike Blaze 1-watt headlamp (I had a half-watt Blaze, but it didn't throw out quite enough light for me).

I'm all about visibility, so I've also added a Spokelit light on the front wheel, and some of those cute reflective stickers TE has on their website (on the wheel rims, on the seat stays, and on my helmet). Top it off with a reflective jacket or vest, and you're good to go!

[madscot13]

I use a flashlight. it is quite bright and is useful at other times too.