Lights

[dlhurst]

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?

[radacrider]

I bought my son Planet Bike headlight and blinky taillight. They work pretty well and they are nice because they are both all in one (no extra wires or battery pack).

I have DiNotte AA headlight and taillight, very bright. They both require a wire connected to a 4 AA battery pack (includes a nylon case that attaches to the bike). Both can be mounted to a helmet, but you have the wire issue to deal with.

There are a ton of options out there, so much to chose from. A lot depends on how dark the road is for you and how long your commute is.

[Pedal Wench]

+1 on the Dinotte's. I have the AA versions and the Li-ion for different types of rides. I love them both, and use them all when I really wanna light up the night.

[Jen72]

I just bought the Planet Bike upper end duo for about $61 and I'm amazed at how bright they are. The guy at the lbs said they were all blown away buy the quality of the light for just a couple of batteries. I actually turned on my light the first night I had it, set it on a parked car on the street and rode my bike away then back toward it just to make sure it could easily be seen and It was blinding. Unless you are commuting and riding in the dark a lot I don't think you need to buy one of the expensive 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.)