Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Anyone ride at night?

As the evenings get shorter I am faced with the fact that if I want to do any riding I may have to do a majority of it after dark. I really don't dig this since I live in the country and it is creepy (yeah as a man I can admit this) when riding in the dark out here. I have plenty of lighting for my bike so I guess that will help. Anyone else doing any night riding?

I do dark riding, but it is not usually at night, it is usually early in the morning. Make sure you have a good lighting and reflector system. I use a flashing red on the back of the bike and I have a nashbar headlight. I will wear a flourescent green vest, with reflective material in it also to be easily seen.

Not my favorite thing to do, but when you don't have much choice you do what you have to do.

Ride at night at least 2-3x per week.. Just get good lighting front and rear and you will be fine.. Check out the electronics forum for lots of good info on new lights..

Yep yep. Last night ride was from 10pm to 11pm :)
http://gallery.geekazoids.net/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=15027&g2_serialNumber=2

I ride quite a bit at night. I just avoid recreational riding around closing time. Have some good blinkies front and back.

I also enjoy riding at night, the biggest problem for me is getting blinded by the traffic coming the other way. I have good lights but I do get washed right out for a few seconds at the worst time when some obnoxious drivers don't dim their high beams. I had a few close calls and a spill into a ditch, it is better on less traveled roads, and I try do most of my night riding on those now.

-Ryan

I rode through the winter last year. I may stay closer to home than I would otherwise. And I tend to pick roads that are less creepy, rather than roads that are better in the daylight.

I don't ride at night but I do have a question. How do you see obstacles in the road, like holes, cracks, debris?

I don't ride at night but I do have a question. How do you see obstacles in the road, like holes, cracks, debris?

I strong enough headlight will enable you to see that far in advance so you can still dodge it.

It's best not to do it alone because if anything happens there may be no one else around to help you. I learned the hard way.

Just got home from tonight's ride after dark. Lots of high quality lighting nowadays...

Get lights that blink as well. They work much better at getting drivers attention.

here is a link to a light that has a lot of good buzz right now and is only 90.00 shipped..

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=576697

I ride in the dark on my commutes and we also ride at night sometimes for our leisure rides of about 7 mile. Right now we have the cateye 3 led lights and we keep the rear light on blink and the front solid. I really want to get one of the magicshines like the above post links to.

I ride of road on my MTB at night not the roads though

I always carry a few blinkies with me this time of year in case I'm out longer tan I expect because of an issue

but I try to keep my road rides in daylight

With randonneuring, it's almost certain you'll end up riding in the dark for quite a few hours sooner or later. During the spring 300k I spent from 20:30 to 00:03 on the road in the dark. On the summer 400k my ride partner and I were out from shortly after sunrise on Saturday to sunrise on Sunday. We rode through the entire night.

He uses a Schmidt Edelux light and I have a Supernova E3. We each have 2 rear blinkies, I also have an E3 wired tail light. He uses a reflective vest, I wear an Amphipod harness. We both have reflective tape on our bikes and we both use additional LED lamps on our helmets.

I strong enough headlight will enable you to see that far in advance so you can still dodge it.

The problem there is that to get the kind of light on the road that I was used to from a single 50 buck motorcycle headlight, one has to go north of 400 bucks. Do some googling, there are sites out there that have actual pictures of what can and can't be seen from several "bike" lights. Of course, there are a lot of other factors, like what kind of average speed does one do... riding along in the dark at 10 is way different from 18. Terrain is another big factor, not that hard to get to 20-25 on a longish downhill.

Not to mention there could be situations where helmet mounted light(s) may be preferable.

I love riding in the dark, very soothing vs all the visual distractions you have during day light.

often the dark hours are the only time I get to do any riding, in the late fall its dark in the morning /evening on days I ride the bike into work

I dont get to commute much if at all during summer as I live at the camp most of the week and its a bit far 62 mile.

good lights are a must , I have a gens on both my bikes, my gear bike a Dyno hub with a home made 4 led front light and I use a cateye L1100 battery powered Led attached to my rack for rear.

on my townie fixed/ss I have a side wall generator with a older LED light up front and a dyno compatible hardwired tail light.

I also carry a spare cheap blinkie and a AA front light in case of failure or to use as flashlight if I have problems.

"John"

For me personally I think it is much safer riding at night than during the daytime here in So Cal.. Last night I rode around 10pm.. I was passed by 15 cars total in a 23 mile ride.. I have specific routes that are fairly well lit but I ride with 2 -p7 lights which put out a combined 1000+ lumens of light. I normally only need 1 of them on, but on some dark sections or if I ride through a park I like, I will put both lights on just in case rabbits or other critters are out in the road..

I have been riding at night for 20+ years, it takes some getting used to but once you get the right equipment, it is a very pleasurable experience..

The problem there is that to get the kind of light on the road that I was used to from a single 50 buck motorcycle headlight, one has to go north of 400 bucks. Do some googling, there are sites out there that have actual pictures of what can and can't be seen from several "bike" lights. Of course, there are a lot of other factors, like what kind of average speed does one do... riding along in the dark at 10 is way different from 18. Terrain is another big factor, not that hard to get to 20-25 on a longish downhill.

Not true. Geoman (http://www.geomangear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=138) is selling a bright LED for $85. I have a flashlight that uses the same head and it is very bright for a very small package. It easily approaches the brightness of HID.

For about $90 a lamp unit, you can also build a light that is about 3 times brighter. Look here (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=368772). Here's what 3 of those lamps look like

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r181/cyccommute/IMGP1312.jpg

$300 will buy a whole lot of light if you DIY:thumb:


Not to mention there could be situations where helmet mounted light(s) may be preferable.

I agree completely.

Interesting... wonder what just one would look like. I have seen "P7" mentioned by some. Sounds like it comes ready to go, they imply a clip is included, but don't list it in accessories... do you know the length of the wire from the head to the power unit?

Thanks

Interesting... wonder what just one would look like. I have seen "P7" mentioned by some. Sounds like it comes ready to go, they imply a clip is included, but don't list it in accessories... do you know the length of the wire from the head to the power unit?

Thanks

For the handlebars, they use an o-ring that wraps around the bar. For a helmet mount, you can use a Lupine that Geoman sells for $10.

The power cord looks to be about 2 feet long. (I don't have one and am just going by the picture).

I'll work on getting some P7 pictures a bit later this fall.

Long as it stays dry, I'll probably do a group night ride this Friday where we will go on some actually unlit narrow paths, probably quite slowly. I'm going to strap 2 cheap LED flashlights to my helmet to check out using a helmet mount "system." There IS a nice 6 mile loop where I live that is pretty deserted after 9 PM, but it is well enough lit that one can go without lights on the bike.

Since I commute to work and get off around 2:00 a.m. some nights and midnight on others, yeah I ride at night a lot.

Good thing I have some lights and found a very light traffic route.

+1 on helmet lights. I also have a very bright 115 lumens small flashlight velcro'ed to helmet vents for pitch dark very short stretches. Pick quiet smooth roads and enjoy the peace and quiet. My commutes are over an hour each way with about half in the dark.

I also wear safety glasses - amber lenses help with headlight glare either from cars or from oncoming bikes on the bike trail.

http://www.dinottelighting.com/ I am going to be using the DiNotte 800L for the headlight and the 400L for the flashing taillight. Not cheap, but I like the reviews.

I don't know if I would spend so much on the Dinotte 800 when the magic shine is basically the same type of setup for less then 1/4 the price. I know the magic shine setup is a newer system and hasn't totally proven itself.

Not true. Geoman (http://www.geomangear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=138) is selling a bright LED for $85. I have a flashlight that uses the same head and it is very bright for a very small package. It easily approaches the brightness of HID.

For about $90 a lamp unit, you can also build a light that is about 3 times brighter. Look here (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=368772). Here's what 3 of those lamps look like

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r181/cyccommute/IMGP1312.jpg

$300 will buy a whole lot of light if you DIY:thumb:



I agree completely.

Just curious but how hot do those lights get? Is there any concern with leaving them on for too long and buring out the LED or board?

Just curious but how hot do those lights get? Is there any concern with leaving them on for too long and buring out the LED or board?

Those lights aren't LED. They are overvolted halogen. Their output is much higher than any LED currently available and even higher than HID. Yes, they do get hot but they are housed in a metal housing made for car headlights. Follow the link:thumb:

Those lights aren't LED. They are overvolted halogen. Their output is much higher than any LED currently available and even higher than HID. Yes, they do get hot but they are housed in a metal housing made for car headlights. Follow the link:thumb:

Curious, owning them, would you consider mounting them on typical bike helmets?

Heck yeah, I love night rides. There is a certian peace that the day just doesn't have

I second the $90 Magicshine from Geomangear.com
Excellent company to deal with


It is significantly brighter than my $300 Cygolite Trion

Dan

Curious, owning them, would you consider mounting them on typical bike helmets?

Yes.

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r181/cyccommute/IMGP1300.jpg
http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r181/cyccommute/IMGP1305.jpg

The lamp doesn't get that hot. Lots of people put the same lamp in PVC fittings without problems but it does get warm. It really doesn't stick up more than many other lights I've used and I have a lower form light (made from a track light) that works too.

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r181/cyccommute/IMGP1292.jpg

Here's what a P7 flashlight looks like in comparison

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r181/cyccommute/IMGP0966.jpg

I don't know if I would spend so much on the Dinotte 800 when the magic shine is basically the same type of setup for less then 1/4 the price. I know the magic shine setup is a newer system and hasn't totally proven itself.

Can't argue that point.;)

I don't know if I would spend so much on the Dinotte 800 when the magic shine is basically the same type of setup for less then 1/4 the price. I know the magic shine setup is a newer system and hasn't totally proven itself.

When you start getting into the $450 price range and up, I don't see any benefit in sticking with a battery powered system. A wheel built around a 3N80 hub driving a Supernova E3 or Schmidt Edelux lamp will cost about the same amount and you'd never have to worry about running out of charge.
Sure, the argument can be made that for the same price you're getting 600 - 1000 lumens of output vs. the 60 - 80 lux (not really comparable measurements, I know) from the generator lights. But the output on a single E3 or Edelux is plenty of light for a nighttime 40mph descent.

The main thing we are all talking about regardless of our lighting systems and costs for such systems is enjoying our bike riding even in the dark hours. Never in my wildest dreams a year ago I would have entertained even the thought of riding in the dark much less riding period. To me that puts it all in perspective. I have learned sooooo much in my first year of riding and never thought I would enjoy it so.

The main thing we are all talking about regardless of our lighting systems and costs for such systems is enjoying our bike riding even in the dark hours. Never in my wildest dreams a year ago I would have entertained even the thought of riding in the dark much less riding period. To me that puts it all in perspective. I have learned sooooo much in my first year of riding and never thought I would enjoy it so.

True.
I've always enjoyed getting out and riding around the neighbourhood after dark, but it wasn't until I started commuting year-round and riding LD with the Seattle Randonneurs that I really appreciated the differences between day/night riding.
Spending 4 or 5 hours on a lightless road through the middle of farm country during the day can get boring: Corn corn corn corn tractor corn corn corn corn. The same area in the middle of the night becomes a surprise a minute: Corn, mouse, owl, corn, something rustling in the corn and you can't see what it is better ride faster, more corn, a snake...

Yes.

The lamp doesn't get that hot. Lots of people put the same lamp in PVC fittings without problems but it does get warm. It really doesn't stick up more than many other lights I've used and I have a lower form light (made from a track light) that works too.

Fabulous... thanks so much for the effort of puting up the images.

Looks like some extra wire to the switch to be dressed?? 2 feet to the power pack seems short for mounting that on a belt... or do you emply a different way??

Saw the flashlight, but I really don't need it as a flashlight, I have a bunch of small LED ones that throw more than enough light in flashlight situations. I jiggered one to my bars and it was fairly dim at 30 feet, but it did kinda open it a bit as it was pitch black without it.

Did my first night ride 3 week ago, it really was quite wonderful (in Central Park, big green area in the middle of a big urban environment). The typically frenetic pace of the daylight hours very much transmogrifies to tranquility. Then again, the main road is pretty well lit, so lights aren't THAT necessary. There's another potential ride right down by the Hudson River that probably isn't all that well lit, but it's been nasty windy there and poured rain on a night group ride that was scheduled.

Fabulous... thanks so much for the effort of puting up the images.

Looks like some extra wire to the switch to be dressed?? 2 feet to the power pack seems short for mounting that on a belt... or do you emply a different way??



There is wire coiled behind the light on the back of the helmet (you can just see it). That's about 2 feet of wire and my battery has a long lead on it too. I put it in a Camelbak so I don't need too long a lead. The power cord is just speaker cord from Radio Shack so you can make it any length you like. I also have some extension cords made of the same material if I do need a longer lead.

True.
I've always enjoyed getting out and riding around the neighbourhood after dark, but it wasn't until I started commuting year-round and riding LD with the Seattle Randonneurs that I really appreciated the differences between day/night riding.
Spending 4 or 5 hours on a lightless road through the middle of farm country during the day can get boring: Corn corn corn corn tractor corn corn corn corn. The same area in the middle of the night becomes a surprise a minute: Corn, mouse, owl, corn, something rustling in the corn and you can't see what it is better ride faster, more corn, a snake...

Greeeaatttt!!!! Now I really want to ride in the dark!:eek: LOL

Night riding is the best. And I believe is safer than the day. With proper lighting people see you sooner than in the day and they think your nuts for riding at night so they give you more room when they pass. I commute a lot. I work 6am to 6pm or 6pm to 6am. depending on the rotation. Usually half of my commute is in the dark especially this time of the year. I have also been known to not be able to sleep and go for a ride somewhere between midnight and 2am. I prefer it. Traffic is lighter, which is not too bad even in the day. I do get more not so supportive comments at night, but when someone passes by and yells something at me I choose to think they are complementing my bike.:)

i ride at night usually, i simply used a old innertube cut it into heavy duty rubber bands, and use them to strap my led tactical light on the handle bars, and i usually dont ride so much in town, because of intoxicated cagers, and a-holes in general that think its funny to run bikers into bar ditches, we have 2 jogging trails at the very north edge of town, the entrances to both are about 300 yards from each other, and in the same area theres a old army airbase with runways and old roads everywhere, we usually ride armed out there, just because one night a herd of javelina kinda spooked and ran out in front of us, my friend hit one, we got to see just how fast and far we could ride that night, i dont think any of them ever gave chase, but we wanted as much time and distance between us and them as possible, they can get dame vicious when they want,

Greeeaatttt!!!! Now I really want to ride in the dark!:eek: LOL

Watch the Spanish horror flick "Eskalofrio" and then go for a midnight ride through a sparsely populated wooded route. :eek:

As the evenings get shorter I am faced with the fact that if I want to do any riding I may have to do a majority of it after dark. I really don't dig this since I live in the country and it is creepy (yeah as a man I can admit this) when riding in the dark out here. I have plenty of lighting for my bike so I guess that will help. Anyone else doing any night riding?

If I didn't ride in the dark I wouldn't be able to do much riding/commuting from fall through spring. Riding in the dark is a blast and I think it's actually safer than riding in the day because you can not only see the other vehicles coming better, but if you are decently lit and reflective, they can see you better too. You'll get over the 'creepy' part fast with a good headlight. The cheap P7 flashlights throw off a lot of light...I combine mine with my old Vega as an additional/backup, or with my Stella if I need more than a couple hours of runtime.


It's best not to do it alone because if anything happens there may be no one else around to help you. I learned the hard way.

Best stay home then. :lol:

I ride in the dark, usually 2 times a week, home from night classes at the University. It is about 4-5 miles one way. The route I take varies depending on what I am feeling like and which bike I am riding, usually down side streets or bike paths that are pitch black, sometimes down the main road through town which is pretty busy at night still. I have a 4 LED blinky on the back and a single LED light out front. The front could be a little bit lighter and after reading everyone's suggestions I might look into a new front light =).

I ride in the dark, but not necessarily at night. 5AM. Very peaceful.

I get by with the Cateye HL-EL500 LED. Not real bright, as I have run into a few potholes, but some other options are just way too expensive.

I ride in the dark, but not necessarily at night. 5AM. Very peaceful.

I get by with the Cateye HL-EL500 LED. Not real bright, as I have run into a few potholes, but some other options are just way too expensive.

You could get a P7 flashlight, charger, couple of batteries and a handlebar mount for the price of that light you have...but would have about 10 times more light. The days of decent lights being way expensive have been over for like a year already.

Did some poking around yesterday, here's the most interesting stuff I came across:

http://nobmob.com/node/9475

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?p=2960073

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=526474

Thermal paste looks like the one necessary mod, replacing the wiring seems a tad overboard. In one of the threads, the AYUP CREE image kinda looks similar to my e-cheapo LED lights.

BTW, they all say it's an LED, not an overdriven halogen. BUT, halogens do get hot while LEDs don't...

NB: Sorry, I worded the following poorly. The above refers to the 85 buck Magicshine P7 variant, the following to another comment about ultra expensive lighting.

Sorry, but the "way expensive/overpriced" will seems to apply. When I went looking at lights, I found whole websites devoted to lights that started at 400 and ran up to 700.

Did some poking around yesterday, here's the most interesting stuff I came across:

http://nobmob.com/node/9475

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?p=2960073

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=526474

Thermal paste looks like the one necessary mod, replacing the wiring seems a tad overboard. In one of the threads, the AYUP CREE image kinda looks similar to my e-cheapo LED lights.

BTW, they all say it's an LED, not an overdriven halogen. BUT, halogens do get hot while LEDs don't...

Sorry, but the "way expensive/overpriced" will seems to apply. When I went looking at lights, I found whole websites devoted to lights that started at 400 and ran up to 700.

Hey, if you want to spend that kind of money when you can spend 50-70 bucks on a P7, charger, batteries, and mount...go for it...but don't use those prices as an excuse why you can't have plenty of light for riding at night. ;)

FYI, LEDs don't get hot, but the circuitry that drives them can.

My Dinotte 200L only gets hot if you run it while not moving - it's cooled by the wind.

I gotta agree with Nutdun - the 800L is porbably waaay overkill, unless you do a lot of night riding with long descents.

Peter White has a couple of very good pages up about lights - a general article (http://peterwhitecycles.com/plight.asp) and another about headlight beams (http://peterwhitecycles.com/headlights.asp).

Hey, if you want to spend that kind of money when you can spend 50-70 bucks on a P7, charger, batteries, and mount...go for it...but don't use those prices as an excuse why you can't have plenty of light for riding at night. ;)

I've got a fancy-pants, bike specific, $250 light on one bike and a P7 with a $4 mount on another. The difference in lighting is negligible - both are excelent. If I had it to do over again I'd have two P7s and two $4 mounts.