Commuting - Better to get a second battery or a second charger?

After years of lugging a charger with me both directions, I'm thinking I need a better option since it's a pain (particularly if I forget to pack the charger once).

Unfortunately, batteries and chargers are expensive. I can get my battery at $150 and the charger through the LBS at about half that.

If they were closer together, I'd go for the battery. The weight doesn't bother me and I like the idea of having enough juice for some really long rides. However, I'm wondering what others would recommend?

After years of lugging a charger with me both directions, I'm thinking I need a better option since it's a pain (particularly if I forget to pack the charger once).

Unfortunately, batteries and chargers are expensive. I can get my battery at $150 and the charger through the LBS at about half that.

If they were closer together, I'd go for the battery. The weight doesn't bother me and I like the idea of having enough juice for some really long rides. However, I'm wondering what others would recommend?

A second charger is nice but you may not have enough time to get a complete charge at work (depending on the charger, of course). A second battery never hurts either, however. You might even get more use out of the second battery. Check at Battery Space (http://www.batteryspace.com/) for a cheaper battery or even a charger.

I went for 2 chargers (and 2 handlebar mounts, now it's just the battery and light I need to switch between bikes). However, now w/ investment in 2 chargers and 2 handlebar mounts, I feel locked into this lightset. I suppose I should have felt that way before buying all the extra stuff, so maybe everything is just fine...

+1 on batteryspace.com

You might also search the Total Geekiness (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=42629) thread for ideas.

Personally, I did the batteryspace thing and modified both of my 2 hour NiteRider lights to 4+ hours. MUCH less than $150.

The old batteries took 15 hours to charge. :eek:
The new batteries charge in 3-4 hours. :beer:

I bought a charger from batteryspace.com after I fried mine. $23 + shipping, worked out to $30. Works great!

IF I WERE you, I would consider getting a bigger battery to get the full capacity that you're after. OR get a second battery AND charger from batteryspace.com.

Did you get a new light system recently? Niterider Rage HID? It's rated for four hours burn time - do you have a very long commute?

For me, charging my lights is easy. I just hook up the charger when I park the bike at home each day. If I were dealing with two batteries or two chargers, the hassle of the battery shuffle would drive me bonkers.

Holy cr4p! Looks like I can get a battery and charger for barely more than the price of a charger. Better yet, I can just get the battery for $40, throw it in a bottle, and cannibalize a NR cord so I can charge and use it.

Quick question -- I notice batteryspaces smart charger seems to be able to handle a lot of different kinds of batteries. I'm wondering if NR is basically using the same technology? In other words, can I use my NR charger for my 13.2V NiMH batteries with a batteryspace 13.2V NiMH battery?

http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2650

Actually, this would be my pick. Go Li-Ion, nearly double your range. $100, includes charger.

Quick question -- I notice batteryspaces smart charger seems to be able to handle a lot of different kinds of batteries. I'm wondering if NR is basically using the same technology? In other words, can I use my NR charger for my 13.2V NiMH batteries with a batteryspace 13.2V NiMH battery?

Dunno, this might be a good question to ask at the batteryspace.com forum or in an email to the batteryspace guys.

I wouldn't run without a battery big enough to go both ways, unless it was unreasonable (like if I rode 3 hours one way). But +1 on batteryspace chargers. You should be able to get a good smart charger from them for any system for $30.

Quick question -- I notice batteryspaces smart charger seems to be able to handle a lot of different kinds of batteries. I'm wondering if NR is basically using the same technology? In other words, can I use my NR charger for my 13.2V NiMH batteries with a batteryspace 13.2V NiMH battery?

Yup, batteries is batteries. Pick up a batteryspace generic NiMH charger.
I use this one, and I think it's what you'd need as well:
http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2051
Of course you'll need the right connector, just cut off what they provide and solder yours on.