Originally Posted by
ItsJustMe
If I had to keep the price down really low, the following items comes in at $42.77.
This flashlight
These batteries
This charger
This handlebar mount
This taillight
I'd actually get two of the taillight. That light is very similar to the Planet Bike Superflash. I have one and it's held up well for me. I feel that I want TWO taillights because you never know when one has failed unless you have eyes in the back of your head.
This setup is nearly identical to what I have except I have a P7 flashlight by MTE which is about twice as much money (and is about twice as bright) but the flashlight I linked to above is quite good for the price, about as bright as a Dinotte 200L (for 6x the price).
This is a very good setup for < $50, I don't think you can really beat it.
The caveat is that this WILL take 3 to 4 weeks to arrive from China. You can get this stuff from closer sources but it will drive the price up into the $80 to $100 range for the whole package.
^^^ I agree. I own similar flashlights and a Dinotte. While it is an excellent light, the Dinotte gathers dust because it is more of a pain to use. I prefer high intensity flashlights and a flashlight holder on the bars.
Many places like Lowes, Radio Shack, and Home Depot carry ~200 lumen AA flashlights. If I was being careful with money and didn't want to wait for DX I would get one of those high intensity lights that they keep by the checkout counter, some rechargeable AA's and a charger.
Some folks may differ, but anymore I hardly ever ride with my lights on high mode. Medium works fine and my batteries last much longer between charges.
Get a PBSF for the back. DX has a high intensity red flashlight for $10, but some people say it has no side spill, which could be a problem in heavy traffic. Also, it takes 18650's.
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/ultrafi...2-cr123a-20333 Mine has been nothing but a joy and it works well on rural roads with cars coming up behind.