Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Commuting lights

I feel like I've spent way too much on commuting lights as is. The cheapo mounts usually break and my lights fall off and break. I'm looking for an end all to this, something obnoxiously bright and easy to mount on bars or seat post. What do you guys use?

Good Lights
http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/b&m.asp

http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/dinotte.asp

See um here.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=509519

knog frogs, geckos, bulfrogs...all pretty cheap and easily removed.

..

knog frogs, geckos, bulfrogs...all pretty cheap and easily removed.

I've driven behind friends with them on, they do very little to help cars see you... And 10 wheels I appreciate the enthusiasm but I really don't have that kind of money or wan't something THAT serious I was thinking more something like this.... http://www.cateye.com/en/product_detail/550, plus i have a pretty bright trek light I can clip onto my messenger bag.. but as far as front I need something new as well.

Been using a Niterider Minewt USB for the last 6 months or so. Retails for 100 dollars, and as bright as my Schmidt Dyno with E6 light. Highly recommended for a great, affordable commuter light thats strong enough to actually see with, rather than just be seen with.

http://niterider.com/images/Miniandminiplus.jpg

http://www.cateye.com/en/product_detail/345

about 60 at REI
http://ecom1.planetbike.com/3034_1.html


I use the older white/red PBFlash and the saem headlight on my fixed bike. Does me just fine for commuting...

So a little less than $100. Thats about as little money as I can get away with and still be able to commute at 0400 with no moon and minimal street lamps.

Check out this thread on lights under $50 for some good ideas. http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=435347

10 wheels just sent me this link even cheaper http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/16526-225_PLBSF7-2-Accessories-35-Lights/Planet-Bike-Superflash-Tail-Light-offer?utm_source=Googlebase&utm_medium=datafeed&utm_campaign=FTP&offer=IN080GLB.htm&zmam=3075515&zmas=1&zmac=30&zmap=225%20PLBSF7

Just got one of these (http://ecom1.planetbike.com/3034.html). It's pretty bright -- if I stare directly into it it hurts my eyes.

you can get a pretty bright and cheap front light here (http://www.meritline.com/3-watt-led-aluminum-bicycle-light---p-30929.aspx).

i'm pretty happy with mine but i did have to rig it a bit to make it work. you're going to need to invest in a set of rechargeable batteries and get a charger first of all. also the mount to the handlebar is a bit loose so i just strap it down tight with a rubberband. finally, these flashlights aren't really meant to absorb shock and over potholes the contact between the leads and the led will slip and cause your light to shut off. this is probably the worst part of it but i've managed to add some thin padding material to make it less prone to accidental shutoff. if you're willing to deal with these issues, you won't find a brighter front light for under 60 bucks.

make sure to check the commuting forum. those guys are real nerds for lights. They have a TON of threads about this.

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/4753/photo702390.jpg
Flashlight + Plastic Straps

if you're serious about seeing, you should really consider a serious light.

the mininewt is probably great but honestly, if you have the means and value your life there's no cost that isn't worth it when you need to see everything and make sure no one overlooks you.

i am lucky enough to be able to personally recommend this:
http://bikeisland.com/images/LT1104.jpg
http://bikeisland.com/cgi-bin/BKTK_STOR20.cgi?Action=Details&ProdID=739

There's really no comparison to anything else. you can get all the low quality lights you want and nothing is going to do what this does. other lights might make you think you can see, but this is truly a different game entirely.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_TV4SZXYXBAM/SO8OPQY-VRI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/KDF_fPfRcNA/_MG_1717.jpg
not my picture, but you should understand just how much light and coverage this actually is.

if anything that picture is less than flattering.

for the rear i use a superflash, but if you have this much light in front of you no one's going to have a problem seeing even a knog frog or similarly ****ty light from the rear. it will be silhouetted against what may as well be the light of the sun.


if you don't have the means for something like that, i'd suggest getting the brightest mother****ing tactical LED flashlight you can find, one that puts out more than 400 lumens at a minimum, and mounting it to the bars with a custom mount. or your helmet. the risk here is that your mount will suck or that the focus will be unusable, but honestly nothing else should be considered if you go faster than 15mph at night.

There's only two types of light for bikes.

1) Lights that let you be seen, even $10 lights will do this on flashing
2) Lights that allow you to see - expect to pay at least $100+.

The dinotte 200L is the low end range on led lights - 200lumens.

http://media.rei.com/media/f/1357576.jpg

The mouting system blows though, but it can be had for $100.

i like what operator said~

I've used a decent Petzl Headlamp many times for a headlight and been really pleased. The ability to put the light where you want it is great, especially when a car isn't looking just give them a heads up in the face and they get it real quick.

Stupid fixter. You just want to be seen.

I use a Romisen flashlight ( http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-53/Romisen-RC-dsh-N3-CREE-Q5/Detail ), but its runtime on rechargeable cr123a batteries is becoming a nuisance. I'm looking into the Minewt at the moment, but may hold off and put it towards a dynohub.

As for the rear, a Cateye LD-1100 does the job.

I use a Romisen flashlight ( http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-53/Romisen-RC-dsh-N3-CREE-Q5/Detail ), but its runtime on rechargeable cr123a batteries is becoming a nuisance. I'm looking into the Minewt at the moment, but may hold off and put it towards a dynohub.

As for the rear, a Cateye LD-1100 does the job.

The minewt is a waste of money imho. 120 lumens isn't enough for anything, even pitch black. You'd be better off with a flashing front.

I picked up this kit (http://www.amazon.com/Blackburn-Quadrant-Combo-Bicycle-Light/dp/B000BNZ0ME/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1237151038&sr=8-3). Both lights are bright and visible on both sides, and the mounts are sturdy; but the lights are easily removed.

4Sevens appears to be having some kind of sale. I have a pair of Fenix L2D Q5's with LockBlocks on my bars and they work okay. The TK40 looks interesting if you're willing to stick with AA batteries:

https://www.4sevens.com/

I've got a Light and Motion Stella 200L for the front. It's pretty lightweight, easy to mount, and the battery runs for 5 hours on high (200 Lumens). That being said, it's going to eventually be mounted to my helmet, and I might get a Dinotte 400l, Minewt Dual, or a Trinewt for the bars.

There is no reason that you shouldn't have a Superflash (or two) in the back. I've got one on my bag, one on my bike.