Advocacy & Safety - Headlight/Taillight

Hey all,

Looking to get some lights for my bike. I was thinking cat eye at first, because they're readily available and cheap, but I hear they suck now. I'm looking for minimal profile, sturdy, functional, and cheap as possible. I'm not poor but I am going to college so I'm not rich. I don't need those crazy lights that would be best considered headlights (they illuminate the road as well)... If it lights up the road a bit that's cool, but all I really want is for the light to tell cars I'm there.

Thanks,

Kyle

If you have enough ambient light from street lamps and such that you don't need a light to see the road, I would recommend any of the small LED headlamps that has a flash option. I have a small Cateye EL-120headlight (the smallest, cheapest one they make) that I use both as a backup to my main headlight and for extra visibility in the rain or fog. I'll also use it when it's not quite dark enough to need my main headlight but dark enough that I want to draw some extra attention to myself. I don't feel this light is very visible in the regular mode but the flashing mode does a much better job of catching someone's attention. It has a quick release mount so it's easy to take with you and I've been using the same 2 AA batteries that came with it for about a year and half now.

It really matters if you're trying to just be seen or trying to use the light to see with. There is a lot of great combos out there and hopefully your LBS has a display that lets you try them out. I've experimented with a few different styles of lights and I've settled on a 5 LED light that has some serious bang to it. I spent about $30 for a front/rear combo and I've never looked back. I also have a headlamp that I can strap to my helmet for that extra bit of light when I want to really be seen or I really need to see. You can pick up a 3 LED (2 white/1 red) brinkman headlamp for about 5 to 9 dollars at any xmart.

Really I must suggest that you just go and try some lights in the store and see what you like. I suggest LED's because of the brightness, clarity, and insane battery life. (100 hours or more).

I've been using a Cateye HL-EL500 since they came on the market. I can tell you that this is an awesome headlight. Yeah, it's bright alright. It will get you noticed. I think they're on sale at Nashbar. If this is not for you, check out the Niterider Fazer series. Nice LED lights, not too expensive. LEDs don't draw nearly as much current as the good old filament bulbs, hence the much longer run time. (and they don't burn out at in-opportune times either. Nice!)

For a tail light, I use the Vista Light Eclipse, in "christmas tree chase" mode. It's bright, and oscillates up and down, so it's quite visible. It clips to my seat bag well, but I re-inforce it with a rubber band.

I send you a pat-on-the-back for wanting to use a headlight. With the headlights on the market today, there is simply no defense for not using one.

I took your guyses advice (before trackhub posted---thanks though!) and got a combo kit that my LBS recommended. I got one they said many people use for commuting, the Safas ultrabrightled tail light and ultrabright head light. It's a multi-led deal with 3 in the headlight and 4 in the tail light giving 150 hours battery life with batteries included. Both together were $35. Mounting seems sturdy enough, so I'm happy. Also it's pretty light. The head light might even give me some illumination if I find myself in a weird place, but I def. won't rely on it, because it's pretty weak.

Been through quite a few lights, only ones still working are nightrider. That's the only brand I'll buy now.

Sounds like you're good to ride Kyle. Once again, I applaud your decision to use proper lighting.