Mountain Biking - Best Headlight System?

I've seen lots of different products out there, but I need to make a decision pretty soon. What's the best headlight system that can be used for wilderness trail and urban streets? I've noticed these higher powered lights cost quite a bit more than a simple safety light. I want some opinions from people who've used a headlight before I go out and throw $100+ at one of these things.


Thanks,
-Matt C.-

NightRider Trail Rat, or the Lights and Motion Commuter.

It's a toss up, but between the two, I like th L&M slightly bit more.

L8R

I use the Nightsun Tri-Light. I have found it to be the brightest. It is very pricy so not many use it but it is worth the money IMO. You can see it at the link below

Tri-Light (http://www.night-sun.com/htmldocs/trilight.html)

:beer:

I've actually got a NightRider Storm H.I.D. but that system is close to $300.00. Lights up the night like you wouldn't believe.

L8R

I just ordered my Trailrat 2 for winter riding. It arrives Tuesday after the bank holiday - can't wait :) !

I recently purchased a Niterider Cyclone and it really puts out the light. It's hard to imagine there is something out ther that is brighter. When I mount it on my road bike cars think I'm a motorcycle and really give me space.

I've actually got a NightRider Storm H.I.D. but that system is close to $300.00. Lights up the night like you wouldn't believe.

L8R


I just saw the NR Storm H.I.D. light at my LBS tonight. Man, that thing is bright. Its a tempting purchase, but at $300 its a tough sell.

I can't decide whether I want a helmet mounted or handlebar mounted light. Either way, I don't like how bulky any of the lighting systems are. I guess there's no option, though. If you want a powerful night riding light, there's going to be drawback due to the amount of battery power needed.

I'm leaning heavily towards one of the NR lights right now. I'll probably get one of the 10W lights that you can mount on either your helmet or handlebar.


-Matt C.-

I saw one of the Lupine HID lights at one of my LBSs the other day. I turned it on and this weird, tiny little blue column appeared in the light and got brighter and brighter. After a few seconds, I switched it of and turned round - all I could see were giant yellow shapes floating around in front of my eyes for about ten minutes - those things are awesome!

I just bought a Marwi Nightpro Elite (http://www.marwiusa.com/default.aspx?taxid=24&cid=productview&bbid=3&pid=49#42) today. Its a helmet mounted light, but there is a handlebar adapter you can get. Its smaller than the Niterider lights, and its 12w. It was about the same price, too. The whole system is small, and the NiMH battery lasts 2.5 hrs. on a full charge. I plan on using it tonight in the Moonlight Ramble (http://www.moonlightramble.com/). It looks like a quality product, can't wait to see how it works.

Oh, and last night I cruised around my neihborhood using a Cateye HL 500II (http://www.cateye.com/en/products/viewProduct.php?modelId=24&catId=7&subCatId=2). Its a little 2.4w halogen light that runs off of 4 AA batteries. It was quite sufficient for a night time suburban street ride. I wouldn't trust it on a rugged singletrack though.

Thanks for the help, all.


-Matt C.-

NiCad battery operated Cygolite. $74.99, 16.3 combined watts, narrow & wide beam together. has optional helmet attachment available.

I've used teh Vistalite Nightsticks for a 24hr event, regular commuting and some nighttime MTB rides. i have the 5w & 15W lamps and find that the 5w is sufficient for commuting whilst the 15w is needed for off-road rides. Also the set I bought came with a helmet mount for the lamps, which I would assume will help with singletrack.

One choice - Jetlites!

And a sales/support service second to none!

I have a bar light and helmet light. Together the 20W are overkill, but fortunately the 12W bulbs are more than upto the job!

Jetlites.

Jetlites.

Look them up. Buy them. Pricey perhaps. Don't mess with the best 'cos the best don't mess.

I also have Jetlites (12/20 dualbeam handlebar with intelligent switch) and for a halogen setup, they can't be beat. I however will probably get HID for a helmet light. I think it's best to have at least one halogen headlamp in the light setup as they are instant-on whereas HID has a slow startup time. The Lupines are simply amazing. They might be a bit pricery though.

http://www.bikelights.com/Products/arc_li_ion.htm

Opps, just posted a link without the text. Here is the link again: http://www.bikelights.com/Products/arc_li_ion.htm

I've been using these lights (very pricey). They look almost like a locomotive light to oncoming traffic (or so the passersby tell me). They light up the entire road, are rechargeable, and can be intimidating to those who might think to mess with you on a night ride. I cover the light with my hand when I'm on a bike trail and other bikers, joggers, strollers are coming toward me. They are heavier than some would like but the extra lumination is worth it to me.