Lights

[Selkie]

I bought a headlight and taillight at Wal-Mart and they work well but I want the best because I am biking in the dark, before the sun rises. Any suggestions?

The best? Lights and Motion's SECA 700 Ultra. Since I have to ride after dark because of my work schedule, I need a reliable, high quality light with a longer run-time. I need a lamp that allows me to see and to be seen. This one is the best---in fact, the battery does not have a decreased run time in cold weather, which has happened with other systems I've used. Be advised that it is not cheap.

My back up headlight is the Di-Onotte Li-on that another poster recommended. It's ok, but I'll probably replace it with a L&M Stella eventually.

I'm a big fan of L&M's products and the company. They've done right by me on several occasions.

Tail lights? I clip several smaller red lights on my seatbag . I purchased here at TE--they can run steady and have a variety of different "flash" patterns. They take AAA batteries and work like a champ.

[wackyjacky1]

My morning commute takes place in the dark. I have a Planet Bike 1-watt headlight and a Planet Bike Superflash taillight. I think they're awesome. I also wear a reflective vest for added visibility.

[out_spokin']

+1 on Light & Motion. I've had the Solo for several years of winter commuting and love it....for taillights I have a couple of older $10-$15 5 light blinkies. I think 2 really makes a difference -- the differing patterns get the attention and the 2 makes depth perception easier for folks behind you.

I got a planet bike superflash for my partner -- WOW they are bright. Will probably add one to my collection soon.

[Yelsel]

Di-Notte here too. I have a 400L mounted on my helmet. My commuter has a dynamo hub, and I have another 400L mounted on my road bike; right now I have a Li-ion battery but want to get a regular battery setup, since I want two "different" headlight light sources. I have Di-Notte 400L taillights on both bikes. Chargers both at home and at work. I also have bar-end blinkies, and have battery operated rear blinkies on my seat bag. My commuter has reflective sidewalls as well. I have a downtube amber light, but haven't mounted that on the commuter (yet?) - it might be better for the mountain bike winter commuter. I am also looking at a solar rechargeable amber light with a strap for your ankle or wrist -- I've been looking for an amber light I could put on my left arm for turn signals, and the solar+battery combo for only $25 is gravy. Yes I am lit up like a Christmas tree, and I've spent about as much on lights as on bikes. But I am a big fan of being as visible as possible, especially since part of my commute is on a four-lane roadway where cars go up to 45 mph -- the traffic is light and the cars will get over if they see you, though!

I plan to put a tire generator and light on my new around-town errand mixte bike. (The 6 volt generator is $51, and you can get good lights for $50 and up). These are *very* bright - you light up the roadway for you to see as well as warning approaching traffic. You can also get a back generator for a bright taillight. I also really like bright helmet-mounted lights, you can quickly flash people as a "light horn" to help make sure they see you.

(Also have RoadID -- one with tag info and one with online info -- and helmet mirrors. Um, safety is pretty big with me.)