Mountain Biking - Lighting Systems...

OK, so winter is here for a while! It's dark at 5pm! I just borrowed a friends Night Rider Evolution light system and had a blast!!! Never understood why someone would ride in the middle of the night before. Now, I realize 2 things. 1- you can start a ride while the sun is setting and not have to give a rat's ass what time it is or how much further it is to the car, will you be able to see? This makes for the opportunity to see some spectacular sunsets. 2- I actually rode my bike on technical singletrack in the pitch black of night with no moon! It was very exhilerating! The light really works, and works better than I had imagined it would!

So here's my question! I liked the Evolution, but its $200. Does anyone out there know of a "SOLID" lighting system that I should consider for more, or less money than this system! I also realized how nice a headlamp would be, but who's got $400 layin' around these days?

Thanks,

Mike

The Niteriders have good longevity and weatherproofing (they're nearly submersible, no surprise from a company that makes SCUBA lights too). It looks like the Evolution should be closer to $150-175. The 15W bulb may be worth buying as an upgrade over the 10W if you don't mind the reduction in runtime. The taillights are unbelievable, strongly recommended if you ride in heavy traffic, day or night.

I don't know exactly what you are looking for, but my friend just picked up a nice 2001 Specialized Fireball Sport set for $40 on sale at a Supergo markdown madness ($79 regular). If you live in Southern California or know anyone that does, check them out at Supergo. Unfortunately you can't buy them from their webpage. (http://www.supergo.com) I saw them and they seem to be pretty powerful. It came with mounts for the helmet, handlebars and tail I believe. Comes with a backpack to hold the battery in too if you want to helmet mount it too.

Cool, I'll look into the Fireball too! Keep it coming people...

Thanks,

Mike

I ride with a Nightsun Tri-lite. When all 3 lights are one it is equivlant to a 40w light. It also lights up every thing around. With the independently adjustable lights you can aim 2 to lite the sides of the trail and one stright ahead or any which way. Here is the link for the lites.

Tri-Lite (http://www.night-sun.com/htmldocs/trilight.html)

They are pricy being close to 400USD but they work great and have handled some good abuse.

Slainte:beer:

with lights you get what you pay for. If you buy a set of NiteRider HID Storm headlight you're gonna get the light of the God with is. If you get a cheapo $50 you're not gonna see much

The set my friend got retails for $180. It was just marked down from the $80 sale price to $40. It lit up the whole room we tested it in. It has a 12W and a 6W bulb. It depends how much riding you are going to do. Personally, I would rather save the money for some other components and go with a cheaper light set that would provide my sufficient lighting. $350+ for a light set is serious cash.

I have the NiteRider Storm...heh, heh, heh. Brightttt.

Before them, I had the Digital Headtrip - nothing but trouble. The mirochip kept messing up. Anyway, I would suggest the Trailrat (handlebar) for $100 or the Evolution (handlebar or helmet) for $150.

These are the best recommendations I can give you.

what's wrong w/ duct taping a couple of flashlights to your helmet and handlebars?

it's gotta be cheaper.

Don't you only ride to pick up on people? That's definitely the only reason I ride. Come on. Duct tape may score style points, but people might be turned off to it.

Pimpin ain't easy.....

Originally posted by stinkyonions
Don't you only ride to pick up on people? That's definitely the only reason I ride. Come on. Duct tape may score style points, but people might be turned off to it.

Pimpin ain't easy.....

doh!

hey, if she aint down w/ duct tape, i ain't down w/ her.....

:)