The Chainlink

Bike lights to see the road ahead

Hello everyone,I did a quick search and didn't come up with what I needed.       I am looking for a bike light to be able to see ahead of me. As I ride on the lake bike path, I often times cannot see ahead of me. I have tried the typical lights and they only work a few feet ahead of me.    thank you for your help.

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Permalink Reply by Chris B on September 12, 2011 at 11:39am

I have a Light & Motion Stella 120 light, http://www.bikelights.com/ it's about 120 lumens, bright enough to see the path at night but in pitch black it would be nicer to have something brighter. The new one is 300 and I'm thinking of upgrading. I picked it up from Johnny Sprockets in order to see on that same patch of path.

 

One thing to consider for the winter is having to take lights on and off when it's cold out. A hub and permanent one is most convenient.

 

The Stella is nice and easy to take off, but when it's cold it becomes a pain to wrap the rubber around and put it on the handlebar every day, because you have to take your thick gloves off and be bare handed or use thin liners. I'd rather have a snap on system like many cheap lights have.


(and for the rear I am thinking of getting a Dinotte since in the winter it's always dark and I'm on the streets, I have a PBSF for the rear now which is ok.)

 

Another cheap solution some people use is get a 200 lumen flashlight and a flashlight mount for your handlebars, and rechargeable batteries.

Permalink Reply by Duppie on September 12, 2011 at 12:47pm

 


Which one are you thinking of? I have the 400R and that light is totally overpowered for anything else than street riding. Whenever I ride it on the path, I have to turn it down to the lowest setting, to avoid blinding cyclists behind me.

On the street however, it is great. I particularly like the Slow Pulse setting, which has light a low level, with a pulse every second or so. I've gotten compliments from drivers and pedestrians alike that I am so visible. This is what the pulse looks like:

 

Dinotte now has a 300R as well, a little less lumen output, but it is cheaper, the battery is contained within the unit, it has a quick release mount (like all the cheap lights), and can be charged using a USB port (no more proprietary chargers). If I was shopping for a rear light today, that would be my #1 choice for a rear light.

 

I actually send my 400R back to Dinotte to have them install the quick release mount on it.

 

Chris B said:

(and for the rear I am thinking of getting a Dinotte since in the winter it's always dark and I'm on the streets, I have a PBSF for the rear now which is ok.)

Permalink Reply by Liz on September 12, 2011 at 12:57pm

I use a head lamp on my helmet,  Its less expensive than the bike mounted lights, and gives the advantage of being able to see around turns, instead of just where your bike is pointed. You have to learn to look at other road users just using your eyes instead of your head to keep from blinding anyone. 

 

The model I have puts out 75 lumens, which is good for city/slower riding.  If I was going faster or on country roads I also double up with a bike mounted light.  

 

http://www.rei.com/product/807913/black-diamond-spot-headlamp

Permalink Reply by Joe Willis on September 12, 2011 at 3:12pm

I got this for my girlfriend and it is cheep and BRIGHT

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUPER-BRIGHT-56-LED-BICYCLE-HEAD-LIGHT-5LED...

Permalink Reply by NEMSS on September 12, 2011 at 3:50pm
I had the same problem. I ride down river road at 1am and the only light I found worthy of the challenge was the SERFAS TRUE 250. With 250 lumens it's like riding with a motorcycle headlight.
Permalink Reply by koala on September 12, 2011 at 4:35pm
I have a NiteRider Minewt 250.  Plenty bright for the unlit North Shore Channel Trail, and recharges using any USB port and a standard USB cable.  It comes with a handlebar mount and a helmet mount.  For me, it is a little too heavy to wear comfortably on a helmet, but I have done it in a pinch.
Permalink Reply by Chris B on September 14, 2011 at 9:51am

The 300R is the one I'm thinking of actually, being bright with the QR makes it perfect for my needs.

 

I've seen the oring mount ones but figured that is too much to take on and off every day. However I didn't now they would install the QR mounts on other lights.

 

(incidentally my rear fender looks almost the same for a second I thought "how'd he film my bike?" :)


Duppie said:

 


Which one are you thinking of? I have the 400R and that light is totally overpowered for anything else than street riding.

...


Dinotte now has a 300R as well, a little less lumen output, but it is cheaper, the battery is contained within the unit, it has a quick release mount (like all the cheap lights), and can be charged using a USB port (no more proprietary chargers). If I was shopping for a rear light today, that would be my #1 choice for a rear light.

I actually send my 400R back to Dinotte to have them install the quick release mount on it.

 

Permalink Reply by Casey Carnes on September 14, 2011 at 10:08am

Light & Motion has 3 new lights out that are pretty amazing for commuting.  Urban 150, 300, and 500.  All are bar-mount, internal battery, charged using the standard micro-usb plug.  Small enough to put in your pocket and not get stolen too.

Permalink Reply by Duppie on September 14, 2011 at 11:02am
It's a $35 after-market upgrade.

Chris B said:

[...]

However I didn't now they would install the QR mounts on other lights.

[...]

Permalink Reply by Molly on September 14, 2011 at 9:09pm
this is what I have right now and I can't see ahead of me.  I agree.....aim in down so as not to blind me.
Permalink Reply by Vanessa B on September 16, 2011 at 9:57am
Agreed - i have a light in motion stella.  It is the bomb.

Chris B said:

I have a Light & Motion Stella 120 light, http://www.bikelights.com/ it's about 120 lumens, bright enough to see the path at night but in pitch black it would be nicer to have something brighter. The new one is 300 and I'm thinking of upgrading. I picked it up from Johnny Sprockets in order to see on that same patch of path.

 

One thing to consider for the winter is having to take lights on and off when it's cold out. A hub and permanent one is most convenient.

 

The Stella is nice and easy to take off, but when it's cold it becomes a pain to wrap the rubber around and put it on the handlebar every day, because you have to take your thick gloves off and be bare handed or use thin liners. I'd rather have a snap on system like many cheap lights have.


(and for the rear I am thinking of getting a Dinotte since in the winter it's always dark and I'm on the streets, I have a PBSF for the rear now which is ok.)

 

Another cheap solution some people use is get a 200 lumen flashlight and a flashlight mount for your handlebars, and rechargeable batteries.

Permalink Reply by Joe Studer 8.0 mi on September 16, 2011 at 10:02am

I've been using Light & Motion lights for years.  They're great products, and last a long time.  The company also provides great customer service.  I've been thinking about getting one of these little commuter lamps.  Small but powerful.

 

Last year I purchased the Vis 360 (link here) as my main light (Seca 800) was a bit too powerful for my everyday needs.  The Vis 360 is a helmet mounted system with a front and rear light.  It's very light, with a self-contained battery. 

 

I like the helmet mounting, as I don't have to take it off my bike  (although, the "system" snaps on and off my helmet in like half a second), and because the light illuminates whatever I'm looking at.  A particularly stupid driver, for example.


Casey Carnes said:

Light & Motion has 3 new lights out that are pretty amazing for commuting.  Urban 150, 300, and 500.  All are bar-mount, internal battery, charged using the standard micro-usb plug.  Small enough to put in your pocket and not get stolen too.

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