Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - How many lumens are needed?

I have been shopping for a new light recently, and have narrowed the list down to two.
The first is rc-n3. I like the easy access the batteries and the nice size. That said, it is running below 200 lumens on AA.
ShBeam has a 18650 that runs nearer 250 lumens. The only issue there is the cost and availability of batteries.

I am looking to order from them because of the quick shipping and the decent prices. does the difference in lumens make a large difference for my evening ride home from work? I ride in time where there is a good amount of light, i just want to have a nice one for the darker side streets and the cars coming towards me.

I have been shopping for a new light recently, and have narrowed the list down to two.
The first is rc-n3. I like the easy access the batteries and the nice size. That said, it is running below 200 lumens on AA.
ShBeam has a 18650 that runs nearer 250 lumens. The only issue there is the cost and availability of batteries.

I am looking to order from them because of the quick shipping and the decent prices. does the difference in lumens make a large difference for my evening ride home from work? I ride in time where there is a good amount of light, i just want to have a nice one for the darker side streets and the cars coming towards me.

Lumens is a measure of how our eyes see light. You could probably see a difference between a 200 lumen light and a 250 lumen light if you were standing still and shining it on a flat reflective surface. While moving, however, you'll probably not notice a huge difference. Asphalt swallows a lot of light because it isn't all that reflective. Concrete is very reflective and you might notice it there.

The the first light is running at 180 lumens and the other is at 250 lm, I'd probably go for the one with AA batteries. Whatever you get, go for 2 of them. Stuff happens and it a little appreciated fact that it gets dark when the sun goes down;)

AA batteries (NiMh) are nice and readily available at the local store. But 18650 are not hard to find either. Look at a battery specialty shop such as Batteries Plus or an online retailer. You can buy several cheaper than just getting one. As a last resort there are plenty of 18650s and chargers on e bay. Even if you decide on the AA battery option, you will still need rechargeable NiMh batteries and a good quality charger. You may think that if your batteries die, you could just swing into a convienance store and buy some alkalines .. Be careful, not all lights perform well with alkalines. If this proves to be the case with your light, then you may be just as well off getting the 18650.

Otherwise I agree with the above poster, the lumens difference is not enough to worry about. Choose the one that suits you.

Whatever you get, go for 2 of them.

+1

I take this opportunity to express my new opinion on lights. Buy the best/brightest that you can afford two of. The spread of light on the front of the bike is much more visible than one really bright light. It gives you relative size when viewed by others and that is as important as seeing what is in front of you.

And, As cyccommute referenced, stuff happens. Redundancy is important

Take your budget, divide by two, shop for the appropriate light, buy two