Wet and Dark Commuting - Lights Advice?

[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!!!