Wet and Dark Commuting - Lights Advice?

[newfsmith]

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I also have a reallite (or is it a reellight?) that's an oversized rear blinker, but it doesn't fit on the red bike so I use regular blinkies.

Actually it is a RealLite. I have several. They are very easy to hang on a rear rack trunk or a pannier. In this case, bigger is more visible.

[Quillfred]

Thanks to all who responded. I think I will try a 15W Cygolite. They seem like a good like for the $. Today I just bought a lightly used 2004 Redline Conquest Pro for my wet commute. I can't wait to switch out the tires, add fenders, lights, new pedals and a little gore-tex.

It is so great to see so many willing to bike commute. The women here on TE are inspirational!!!

Carole

[newfsmith]

Did you get disc brakes or rim? Disc would be perfect in the wet.

[amg]

I recommend more than one light front and rear - for visibility of you to cars, not the path in front of you - and reflective tape on your bike. Trust no one in a vehicle to do what you expect them to do, they're crazier than us. Some people around here have helmet mounted rear red LEDs, which I think is a great idea. Then you're still visible should the worst happen and you get separated from your bike.

The wet winter commute is exhilerating once you get out there - it feels like you're part of a secret underground community of crazy cyclists, exchanging nods with the people you see regularly and taking guerilla bike shortcuts while the cars are stuck in traffic. I always have a better day for it. It's great...even with the doughheads driving SUVs who are inching into the bike lane trying to turn right while talking on their cellphone. I find yelling to get their attention very cathartic after a long hard day.

[DebW]

I ride with a 10W light on my helmet as well as flashing lights on front and rear of the bike. Something about being able to put light where I'm looking makes me prefer the helmet-mounted light. The other advantage is that when a car approaches you from a side street and you're not sure if the driver has seen you, you can flash your light in the driver's eyes and be pretty sure he/she knows you're there.

[Quillfred]

The bike actually came with non-disc Avid brakes. I can switch out to disc though. After buying Cygolite's 16W handlebar light, new Shimanon 520 pedals, rack, fenders, rack bag, winter gloves and shoe covers I am just about set except for a helmet cover that I will buy from our lovely TEAM ESTROGEN.

Thanks for the extra light tips. I am a safety freak.

I just got done from my first clipped in ride. Almost, but didn't fall (yet : )

[CorsairMac]

The bike actually came with non-disc Avid brakes. I can switch out to disc though. After buying Cygolite's 16W handlebar light, new Shimanon 520 pedals, rack, fenders, rack bag, winter gloves and shoe covers I am just about set except for a helmet cover that I will buy from our lovely TEAM ESTROGEN.

Thanks for the extra light tips. I am a safety freak.

I just got done from my first clipped in ride. Almost, but didn't fall (yet : )

I figure the more we "shine" the more we'll be seen! Good luck on the commute - let us know how it goes!!

and Bravo on the first clipless ride!! Well Done!!!

[Richard Janson]

Actually it is a RealLite. I have several. They are very easy to hang on a rear rack trunk or a pannier. In this case, bigger is more visible.

The RealLITE can be seen at night from over 2 miles away. It has 18 LEDs and can come with a seatpost mount or a recumbent seatback mount. They can only be ordered through www.NecessaryOptions.com, or by calling me at 517 675-7340.

[maillotpois]

I have a Moab also and love it. I used it on my 600k brevet. I found the battery issue to be problematic as well, but I ended up using it as a headlamp, with the battery in a pocket, so it really was no big deal. I love the headlamp - you can put light right where you want it.

[Geonz]

I have a Reallite - what with that thing and my hokey spokes and headlight and flashing taillight on my camelbak (but it wasn't even the HI-Viz one), that's what made that guy in the truck holler "Got enough F**in' LIGHTS??"
The warranty statement is worth the purchase :-)

[crazycanuck]

Hey,

We have a few sets of lights & can suggest either: homemade lights(i can get ian to give you more info-they can be a bit heavy but they last about 6hrs)
Or Cateye double shots-much brighter than my niteflux light!

I normally ride in the dark & have been searching for a perfect light....

I'll also try and scan a couple of articles from the Aust MTB magazine that discusses making homemade lights.(it's fun..!!!)

c