Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Commuting
Reload this Page >

HID lights for city use?

Notices
Commuting Bicycle commuting is easier than you think, before you know it, you'll be hooked. Learn the tips, hints, equipment, safety requirements for safely riding your bike to work.

HID lights for city use?

Old 09-30-06, 05:47 PM
  #1  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
HID lights for city use?

With daylight savings time nearing an end, my evening commute will soon be carried out in the dark. I'm thinking about upgrading my lights this year, and have been intrigued by the possibility of using an HID system.

After reviewing previous discussions about HID lights, I am uncertain about whether this would be a good idea. On the one hand, I've read that HID lights do a good job of getting other drivers' attention, and can prompt them to leave plenty of room for the mysterious vehicle they see approaching. That part sounds great. On the other hand, I've read an occasional comment to the effect that HID lights may be too bright to use safely on roads. I've seen a few stories about drivers honking or flashing their brights, apparently blinded by the HID light's intensity. That part does not appeal to me.

In short, I like the idea of being highly visible to rush-hour traffic, but do not like the idea of blinding everyone around me. I live in a city, so there are a lot of other people around whose interests I feel I should take into consideration. What do you think: are HID lights too bright to use in city traffic? Is there some way of adjusting their position so as to make them less irritating to others?
kuupio is offline  
Old 09-30-06, 07:04 PM
  #2  
3 seconds
 
ColorChange's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Chicago, NW burbs
Posts: 2,935
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I love my L&M ARC iob the handlebars and a Dinotte on the helmet. Not too bright but I keep it pointed down a little.
ColorChange is offline  
Old 09-30-06, 07:40 PM
  #3  
Ride the Road
 
Daily Commute's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Posts: 4,059

Bikes: Surly Cross-Check; hard tail MTB

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times in 3 Posts
HID lights are about as bright as car headlights. That's the point.

Edit: I agree with the points 2manybikes and DCCommuter made below. City riding is the most useful place for HID's.

Last edited by Daily Commute; 09-30-06 at 08:07 PM.
Daily Commute is offline  
Old 09-30-06, 07:41 PM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 18,138

Bikes: 2 many

Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1266 Post(s)
Liked 323 Times in 169 Posts
They are bright but you don't have to look right at them. You can aim any light down if you need too. These lights are on cars too with the same result. People will flash their lights at you, they want you to put on the low beam you don't have. Don't assume they are blinded, it is a highly visible color too, annoying to some.. People will complain it's human nature. I was taught in driver training to look at the right side of the road if bright lights are coming at me.

When I accidentally aimed mine right in a cops eyes at a crosswalk, I apologized.
He said " It's OK............. that light is safer because it's so bright"

.......which is more important to you?

Car avoids you and accident is prevented, or you see some glass on the road in time to avoid it.

Guy going the other way does not complain or flash his lights.
2manybikes is offline  
Old 09-30-06, 08:00 PM
  #5  
52-week commuter
 
DCCommuter's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,929

Bikes: Redline Conquest, Cannonday, Specialized, RANS

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
The brighter the ambient light, the more light you need to stand out. The background light level in cities is very high. It's that simple.
__________________
The United States of America is the only democratic nation in the world to deny citizens living in the nation's capital representation in the national legislature. District residents have no vote in either the U.S. Senate or U.S. House of Representatives. www.dcvote.org
DCCommuter is offline  
Old 09-30-06, 08:45 PM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
ken cummings's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: northern California
Posts: 5,603

Bikes: Bruce Gordon BLT, Cannondale parts bike, Ecodyne recumbent trike, Counterpoint Opus 2, miyata 1000

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Same here. I took my old 100 watt light directly to an officer the first time I went out and asked him what he thought. He said, "As long as it is pointed down and does not shine in oncoming drivers eyes it should be OK." Now, with a 50 watter I get flashed every week or two. I just adjust the beam down a little until they pass. On MUPs I put a hand partly over it when I pass other path users and say, "I try to dim my light when I pass people."
ken cummings is offline  
Old 09-30-06, 11:08 PM
  #7  
Mmmmm potatoes
 
idcruiserman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Idaho
Posts: 1,921
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I hope it's going to work for me, since I ordered a L&M ARC last week.
idcruiserman is offline  
Old 10-01-06, 08:58 AM
  #8  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 18,138

Bikes: 2 many

Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1266 Post(s)
Liked 323 Times in 169 Posts
Originally Posted by idcruiserman
I hope it's going to work for me, since I ordered a L&M ARC last week.
After you have used it why don't you post your opinion of it?
2manybikes is offline  
Old 10-01-06, 02:19 PM
  #9  
Mmmmm potatoes
 
idcruiserman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Idaho
Posts: 1,921
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by 2manybikes
After you have used it why don't you post your opinion of it?
Will do.
idcruiserman is offline  
Old 10-01-06, 04:01 PM
  #10  
1coolrider
 
arcticbiker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 479
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
I use my Nite Rider Flight in traffic and on the trails. 3 levels of HID lighting plus led's. Also use a headmount for cross country skiing!
arcticbiker is offline  
Old 10-02-06, 06:56 AM
  #11  
No one carries the DogBoy
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Upper Midwest USA
Posts: 2,320

Bikes: Roubaix Expert Di2, Jamis Renegade, Surly Disc Trucker, Cervelo P2, CoMotion Tandem

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
I use my cygolite HID in town. I have it aimed down so that the center of the spot is about 20 ft in front of the bike (figuring speeds of 10-15 mph) and don't have any trouble with cars flashing brights or anything else. I didn't even think about it not using it in town.
DogBoy is offline  
Old 10-02-06, 07:29 AM
  #12  
2-Cyl, 1/2 HP @ 90 RPM
 
slvoid's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: NYC
Posts: 15,762

Bikes: 04' Specialized Hardrock Sport, 03' Giant OCR2 (SOLD!), 04' Litespeed Firenze, 04' Giant OCR Touring, 07' Specialized Langster Comp

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 4 Posts
You're worried about inconveniencing someone over your LIFE?
Think long and hard about that one.
slvoid is offline  
Old 10-02-06, 09:57 AM
  #13  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 18,138

Bikes: 2 many

Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1266 Post(s)
Liked 323 Times in 169 Posts
Originally Posted by slvoid
You're worried about inconveniencing someone over your LIFE?
Think long and hard about that one.

Now recruiting new members !
Attached Images
File Type: jpg
EBCC.jpg (5.1 KB, 43 views)
2manybikes is offline  
Old 10-02-06, 12:11 PM
  #14  
Chubby super biker
 
bdinger's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Nebraska
Posts: 1,980
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
On the path I take home from my fiancee's house at night, there is a guy who has a HID that's usually riding around the same time I am. That thing is STUPID bright, to the point where I have to focus on the right edge of the path to avoid looking at it. They have to be great for visibility but wow.. I dunno.

I'm mixed on the subject. I want one for the "stupid bright" visibility, but at the same time being on the receiving end of it kind of (really) stinks.

Go for what you think is best. You'll certainly be visible
bdinger is offline  
Old 10-02-06, 01:05 PM
  #15  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 147
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I too am struggling with the idea current HID models being inappropriate for road use w/ oncoming traffic, caged or not. Are there any models w/ optics that truly limit the amount of light projected above the road, the way automotive headlights do it? Simply aiming it down isn't enough, I don't think.

I don't think the equation is so simple as my life vs. someone else's inconvenience. It's rather finding solutions that are safe and relatively comfortable for everyone.
JackJ is offline  
Old 10-02-06, 01:13 PM
  #16  
Old fart
 
redden's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 611

Bikes: 02 Specialized Allez, Cannondale M700

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I've recently started using the trailtech 13 watt HID for commuting. I have it pointed far enough ahead to light the road for 2o-25 mph for the morning darkness. No indication that it's an irritation to oncoming traffic. Don't think it would be safe to blind on coming cars. For the daylight I point it up a bit for increased visibility, again no signs that it's an irritation to others.
redden is offline  
Old 10-02-06, 03:58 PM
  #17  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 18,138

Bikes: 2 many

Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1266 Post(s)
Liked 323 Times in 169 Posts
Originally Posted by JackJ
I too am struggling with the idea current HID models being inappropriate for road use w/ oncoming traffic, caged or not. Are there any models w/ optics that truly limit the amount of light projected above the road, the way automotive headlights do it? Simply aiming it down isn't enough, I don't think.

I don't think the equation is so simple as my life vs. someone else's inconvenience. It's rather finding solutions that are safe and relatively comfortable for everyone.

All the bulbs come from the same source. No other lenses. With the banking of a two wheeled vehicle you don't want the top of the beam chopped off anyway. When you bank the bike with the top of the beam chopped off it disappears. Some motorcycles have this problem. You are supposed to look at the right side of the road with lights coming at you. The rider coming at you can point it down, eventually it gets to the point where it is not blinding and the rider can see, maybe you could try one, or just demo one in the dark somehow? I have one that is more powerful than one car headlight, it's equal to 65 watts halogen, I can turn it down enough, All you need to do is turn it down and walk out in front of your bike and look at it. And adjust it. No big deal. Most of the 13 watt HIDs have a "low" setting too.
If there is not much other traffic on an MUP path one can put his hand over one side.

If the ground is wet or it is raining and a car is coming right at you , all the power you have will be needed to see a pothole or a bottle. If you commute all the time you should be prepared for that.
2manybikes is offline  
Old 10-02-06, 05:09 PM
  #18  
Portland Fred
 
banerjek's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,548

Bikes: Custom Winter, Challenge Seiran SL, Fuji Team Pro, Cattrike Road/Velokit, РOS hybrid

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 232 Post(s)
Liked 53 Times in 35 Posts
Originally Posted by kuupio
What do you think: are HID lights too bright to use in city traffic? Is there some way of adjusting their position so as to make them less irritating to others?
There is no such thing as too bright. Whatever lights you have, make sure it illuminates your path rather than other peoples' eyes and you'll be fine.

If you blind people by aiming your lights in their eyes, they won't be able to see you. Aiming an HID light down should prevent blinding others unless you have a screwball beam pattern.

Whenever you mount your lights, it's not a bad idea to lean your bike against something and look at your work from different distances and angles to make sure that you have achieved the effect you need.
banerjek is offline  
Old 10-02-06, 05:31 PM
  #19  
sport fanatic
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Posts: 478

Bikes: Trek 4300, Surly Cross Check

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
You guys found any good deals on the L&M ARC Li-ion lights? Looking at 600$ here (for non-Ultra version).
Alrocket is offline  
Old 10-02-06, 06:00 PM
  #20  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 7,279
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Somebody recently posted a link to a site that did a comparison test of different lights against a wall with distance markings on it. I can't remember which thread it was-- can somebody repost that link?
Blue Order is offline  
Old 10-02-06, 06:05 PM
  #21  
sport fanatic
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Posts: 478

Bikes: Trek 4300, Surly Cross Check

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Blue Order
Somebody recently posted a link to a site that did a comparison test of different lights against a wall with distance markings on it. I can't remember which thread it was-- can somebody repost that link?
https://eddys.com/page.cfm?PageID=493 from https://www.mechbgon.com/visibility/active.html
Alrocket is offline  
Old 10-02-06, 06:17 PM
  #22  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 7,279
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Thanks!
Blue Order is offline  
Old 10-02-06, 06:22 PM
  #23  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 18,138

Bikes: 2 many

Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1266 Post(s)
Liked 323 Times in 169 Posts
Originally Posted by Blue Order
Somebody recently posted a link to a site that did a comparison test of different lights against a wall with distance markings on it. I can't remember which thread it was-- can somebody repost that link?
The first page of the "light selection guide" thread has 6 or 7 links to different beam comparison photo pages. Eacxh link goes to a different comparison, not one photo.
Links to just about all lights, prices and relative speed with that light. Not to mention a great explanation of the three types of bulbs and bike light systems. And lots more. It's much better than the recent links posted it's all in one place, including those links. All this light stuff everyone is talking about was covered in this thread last year. And more.
2manybikes is offline  
Old 10-02-06, 06:24 PM
  #24  
Old fart
 
redden's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 611

Bikes: 02 Specialized Allez, Cannondale M700

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Wow the L&M light sure has an impressive spread. Is the L&M a flood and the NR a spot?
redden is offline  
Old 10-02-06, 06:25 PM
  #25  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 7,279
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Thanks 2manybikes!
Blue Order is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.