Headlamps: Bike mounted vs. Helmet mounted?

[steve-in-kville]

I ride in early mornings, usually leave between 4 and 5am. I've been mostly a bike mounted light guy but my newest NiteRider came with a helmet mount. I have a nifty handlebar bag that I really like, but cannot due to using a handlebar light. So I am thinking of trying the helmet light for the way to work tomorrow (the light can be snapped off the mount for the way home).

I also switch off bikes every now and again. So maybe this is the way to go??

Vote in the poll below. Look forward to the results!

[himespau]

I put mine on my helmet, but have a backup light on the bars.

[Seattle Forrest]

Both. I want a light to follow my handlebars, and another to follow my gaze.

[10 Wheels]

I have two on my bars and one on the helmet.

[CabezaShok]

Both. I want a light to follow my handlebars, and another to follow my gaze.

Ditto.
But, i dont put a super high powered light on my helmet, i put on a medium powered one. i want to get their attention, but not blind them.

[chefisaac]

I use both. More powerful one on my helmet and a little weaker one on my handlebar but will change that out someone or another for something with more lumens.

I love my helmet light. I connect it and then put the battery in my jersey back pocket. Love the set up. Then I put my coat on and then high vis jacket. Works out wonderful.

If you are looking to run your handlebar light, consider getting a handlebar extension (or high rise I think they are called).

[m_misek]

when I commute I prefer high output on the bars and 200 lumen on the helmet

[bamboopiper]

I've had much better luck with my light mounted on the bars since my head tends to move around a lot and I don't want to lose my field of vision.

[no1mad]

Currently only have one mounted to the bars. Planning on picking up one for the fork crown and the helmet.

Word of caution about the helmet mounted light (from others accounts and no direct experience myself): If you run a really bright light on the helmet in rain/fog/snow conditions, then you'll get 'back scatter' that could negatively impact your vision.

Also, as someone else pointed out, you can get a Minoura Spacegrip/Swingrip, Topeak Bar Xtender, and the like to raise/lower accessory mounting points. Or totally Fred it out like Sheldon did and run a double bar set up- controls on the lower one and gadgets on the upper.

[david58]

Both. The one on the helmet is for getting the attention of drivers. In the pitch dark, I run them both on lower power, but as daylight begins to appear, the helmet light goes on strobe.

[labrat]

Both.

I usually run a couple bar mounted lights in addition to the helmet light. But if I ever run short of battery or am forced to choose only one light it is the helmet light.

[no motor?]

Both. 2 on the helmet now, and 1 on the bars.

[1nterceptor]

One helmet mounted flashlight.
If I ever decide to go with 2 lights
in the future, I'll mount one on the
handlebars.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGpBHbEYqeo

[I_like_cereal]

In the dead of winter I use a blinky on the bar and a head lamp. During the summer its just the blinky.

[achoo]

Both, plus. I have a lot of lights.

One on the helmet, on or two on the bars, another on the front tube. One of the front lights is likely to be flashing.

[me and my bike]

both. one on my head helps me at intersections when i turn my head and look both ways.

[K'Tesh]

Both. I want a light to follow my handlebars, and another to follow my gaze.

And a third for backup in the event I forget to recharge the lights and am caught out.

[fusilierdan]

One small light on my helmet. Two lights on the bars. also I have a red light on the back of my helmet and two on the bike.

[alan s]

Both, but I'm confused as to how to cast my vote.

[Bent Bill]

Both helmet and handlebars
Have to be careful with helmet light though
To bright and you will blind on coming cars if you turn your head when you look at them
Or light up someones living room as you ride past people tend to get a little testy about that also

[a1penguin]

Both. I want a light to follow my handlebars, and another to follow my gaze.

+1. I put the more powerful (ie heavier) one on the bars and the smaller one on the helmet.

[Monster Pete]

My headlight is powered by a generator hub, and I don't wear a helmet. Bike-mounted it is then...

Besides, I'm not sure that adding extra mass to your helmet is a good thing.

[chefisaac]

Currently only have one mounted to the bars. Planning on picking up one for the fork crown and the helmet.

Word of caution about the helmet mounted light (from others accounts and no direct experience myself): If you run a really bright light on the helmet in rain/fog/snow conditions, then you'll get 'back scatter' that could negatively impact your vision.

Also, as someone else pointed out, you can get a Minoura Spacegrip/Swingrip, Topeak Bar Xtender, and the like to raise/lower accessory mounting points. Or totally Fred it out like Sheldon did and run a double bar set up- controls on the lower one and gadgets on the upper.

The back scatter is true. That is why I turn off my head lamp and use my bars only on days that it is raining hard or foggy.

[chefisaac]

My headlight is powered by a generator hub, and I don't wear a helmet. Bike-mounted it is then...

Besides, I'm not sure that adding extra mass to your helmet is a good thing.

You do not even notice it unless you connect the battery pack to the back of the helmet. I tried that and did not like it so I stash the battery in my jersey pocket in the back.

[himespau]

You do not even notice it unless you connect the battery pack to the back of the helmet. I tried that and did not like it so I stash the battery in my jersey pocket in the back.

doesn't that get hot? I run an extra long cable and have my battery on my seatpost.