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Thread: I need a light

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
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    Limbo
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    8,769

    I need a light

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    Not because I need to see the road, I don't have any immediate plans for night riding, but for the end of summer during the twilight hours so that cars can see me.

    i wonder how this would work for that purpose?
    2008 Trek FX 7.2/Terry Cite X
    2009 Jamis Aurora/Brooks B-68
    2010 Trek FX 7.6 WSD/stock bontrager

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    around Seattle, WA
    Posts
    3,238
    I think for cars to see you, a you need something reflective or casts light that moves! The little bar mount head light might provide light for you, but that doesn't mean cars would see you. Maybe a bright reflective safety vest? Can't remember where I bought mine.

    Of course the wheel lights might be over the top - someone had them on the list. But you could see the bike!
    Beth

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Uncanny Valley
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    14,498
    Just about everyone in my club uses a rear light - normally a flashing one for extra visibility. The only ones who use front lights are the ones who ride home from the meeting point, and need to be able to see the road.

    I'm big on hi-viz clothing, too, even for daylight riding, especially when I'm alone. So far I haven't gone for the reflective vest - awfully geeky - but I keep pawing them at the LBS.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    Massachusetts
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    2,556
    I think something the casts light to the sides as well as the front is a better bet for being seen at twilight from all angles and side streets. I opted for this one. It's a very bright piercing flash, so I think it does the job. I only use it on flashing mode, and I went through a set of batteries in a month.
    Oil is good, grease is better.

    2007 Peter Mooney w/S&S couplers/Terry Butterfly
    1993 Bridgestone MB-3/Avocet O2 Air 40W
    1980 Columbus Frame with 1970 Campy parts
    1954 Raleigh 3-speed/Brooks B72

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Arlington, VA
    Posts
    1,071
    I have a like-new Niterider Flight headlight that I'm going to sell. I paid more than $400 for it last year and am going to ask $200 for it. It's an excellent light---bright, three settings, very light/compact battery. I like my Lights&Motion lamp better, so I'm going to find a new home for the Niterider. PM me if you're interested.

    PS--for specs on the Flight system, you can go to niterider's website.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
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    Limbo
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    Thanks Deb, that looks just about right. Especially the price.
    I already have a Planet Bike blinky on the rear and people have even remarked about how bright it is during the day.
    2008 Trek FX 7.2/Terry Cite X
    2009 Jamis Aurora/Brooks B-68
    2010 Trek FX 7.6 WSD/stock bontrager

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Vermont
    Posts
    1,414
    I have the Cateye EL530: http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...Front%20Lights

    and the Cateye EL410: http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...Front%20Lights

    The smaller, cheaper one (EL410), actually has a more concentrated beam IMO. I think the 530 is overpriced for how (not) bright it is, and for the fact that it only has two modes ("high/steady" and "off"), but it does the job for my primarily city commuting where there's usually ambient light. If I'm riding at dusk and I can see fine but I'm worried about visibility, I'll just stick the 410 on my handlebars and put it on flash mode. If I'm riding in the dark, I'll put the 530 on my handlebars on high steady beam and the 410 on my helmet on flash (dorky but I think it really helps visibility)... One thing I do really like about these lights is that both of them have super easy mounts that can be installed and removed in 30 seconds.


    And in the fall/winter, I keep this tail light mounted on my commute bike and put it on flash mode if I'm riding at dusk or after: http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...0Rear%20Lights.

    It's super bright on flash mode.
    Last edited by VeloVT; 10-20-2007 at 07:34 PM.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Location
    Newberg, OR
    Posts
    758
    I use the Cateye EL410, as well. Easy on, easy off...very bright beam. It's a 'to be seen' light, so if you're riding when it's night time you'll need something else. The only drawback with this light, for me, anyway, is that I can't get it tight enough on my handlebars. When I go over rough road or railroad tracks it slips down a bit.
    Road Bike: 2008 Orbea Aqua Dama TDF/Brooks B-68


    Ellen
    www.theotherfoote.blogspot.com

 

 

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