MrCjolsen

Just trying to decide what to ask Santa to bring me. Is a helmet mounted or bar mounted better. My ride to work is mostly two lane roads with some morning traffic.

Portis

I have this two sets of these. I run both sets normally, just for the extra light but one set works fine.

I would also look into these. I think these have a better switch design.

I have never had a helmet light but I don't like the idea of having the lights on my helmet. No real reason, i just like to mount stuff to the bike instead of to my body.

rykoala

I'm pretty happy with my CygoLite 12.5w dual beam system. I've heard about issues with the switches, but I've only had mine a couple of months, with no issues yet. What's nice with any dual beam setup is that you can use just one beam if you don't need both, and it saves battery time. I really like that about it.

Totoro

I got a Light and Motion Solo a.k.a. Commuter. Works great so far. Good battery life, not heavy, and very bright. Can be under $100 on sale. Just look around and be sure to use coupons if buying online.

cyccommute 

I prefer helmet mounted because you can direct the lights to where you are looking. It's like steerable lights in a car... much better. If you can afford it, get both.

As for lights, I use Niterider. The Trailrat is a good value and simple. On/off switch and no bells. But you'll need a better charger. Stay away from the Niterider digitals however. Everyone seems to have problems with them.

pricklycommute

i have recently bought one of the Nite Hawk Raptor 10w lights - on sale for $35 at performance. Oddly enough it seems a little brighter then my 10w Niterider, but maybe that's just battery age. I like having a water bottle battery versus one that hangs on the frame, and the Raptor comes with a smart charger too. A red LED lights when charging, and turns green when fully charged. Couldn't be simpler.

I have had bad luck with Niterider connectors deteriorating over time from use, and the lack of a smart charger for their basic lights got me looking elsewhere this time. 10-watts isn't much though (the bare minimum, IMO), but works for me. Something brighter would be a good idea if you ride in a lot of traffic.

budster

I like helmet mounted better for off-road with lots of turns, handlebar mounted better for the mostly straight and narrow.

Currently I'm just using a 4-aa halogen (Cateye HL500 II) to see, and a cheap 4-aaa 5-LED light to be seen. Off-road, I add a Princeton Tec headlamp. I'd like something brighter. I, too, am trying to decide what to ask Santa for... but I think I'll stick with my to be seen light" even then.

budster

I'm kicking myself for not ordering the Raptor a few days ago -- now they're sold out. They are available elsewhere for about $50, though.

slvoid

I'd second the light & motion solo.
Great company, great support, plus it comes with both handle bar and helmet mount.

froze

The Cygolite brand for the most part have the best deal and the brightest lights for the money. I have their cheapest Metro that has a total of 13 watts for 3 years and still have not had any issues with the switches. Performance also has the Viewpoint EVO dual beam job that is very bright (25 or 30 watts!) and the last I checked it was on sale for about $130; I would splurge the extra $30 and get that if you want a very bright light. https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=4320 This price could be reduced further if you can find a coupon.

kf5nd

Ditto!!! About $74 at REI

socalrider

I received this email today from Supergo.. 10 watt halogen for 75.00, decent deal.

https://www.supergo.com/profile.cfm?L...608&referpage=

I feel that the headlamp is very important for being seen.. I leave this in a flashing mode and when you look at an approaching driver and it flashed right at them, they will see you..

The great thing about the headlamp is that it is very lightweight, just under 3 ounces with batteries and uses w/ 3 aaa batteries..

It is a standard headlamp - Princeton Tec Aurora model and you just need 12 to 18 inches of velcro w/ a loop, just like a pump strap.. Loop it through your helmet and instant lightweight helmet light.. Here is a link to the light

https://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...cat=REI_SEARCH

Here is a picture so you get the idea of what I am doing..

https://www.geocities.com/mar10stuff/...metwaurora.jpg

late

I have the 15 watt version of this
https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...&estore_ID=483

When the bulb dies you can replace it with the 15 watt bulb, they are identical except for the bulb. Nice light.

Merriwether

The Nitehawk Raptor is a pretty good light, even without considering how cheap it is. A friend of mine has one on her utility bike. It's pretty bright for a 10W light. It is brighter than the NiteRider Digital 10W headlight, and it's not just the battery.

You may be firm in your budget, and I understand if you are. However, though it might strike you as outrageous at first, you might consider spending $200, rather than $100. You can get yourself a much better charger than the high maintenance trickle charger that comes with the cheaper lights. You will not regret the expense, believe me.

Patriot

I got this 16w Cygo-Lite from Airbomb for $80 shipped. Works great, so far.

https://store.airbomb.com/ItemDesc.asp?IC=LT7811