Originally Posted by
cyccommute
I'm not a believer in passive lighting. There are too many situations...cars coming from side streets or cars coming over hills as examples...where the car's lights might not hit your reflectors until too late. There's nothing wrong with having reflectors as back up...and they are usually required by state laws...but, personally, I rely on active lighting over passive.
True reflectors do rely heavily on the angle that the headlights are coming from. But in a way ... so do lights. Those little LED "be seen" lights probably cannot be seen from the side. In that case, reflectors would help. Personally, I wrap my road bike frame with reflective tape at strategic points (seat stays, seat tube, fork legs). The "round" tube ensures that any light will be reflected back to the driver. In addition I wear reflective green Nathan Snap Bands on my ankles and wrists. Those can be seen from pretty much any angle.
I bought some "Spoke-Lits" that provide and active blinkie light in the wheels. Actually they're more for fun to get the "solid light" effect when they spin up to speed. They are barely visible when you shine light on them.
And myself, for night riding I DEFINITELY have another light on my helmet. It is the same TridenX that is on my handlebars and if I'm not sure if a car sees me (or they bright flash me) I put that thing right on their retinas and take it away. Do that a couple of times, and they will KNOW you are there.
Looking at your picture, I'd say your lights are a little high. It could be a trick of the camera. Mine are aimed about 2 car lengths ahead for the hotspot on the bars and about 2.5 car lengths ahead for the helmet light.[/QUOTE]