Originally Posted by 01 CAt Man Do

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ON the other hand I agree that reflectors ( the newer kind ) are very good. While I use all kinds of active lighting ( including wheel lighting ) there are reflectors that work well enough to be considered good enough to be used alone. One example is pedal reflectors. I've seen more examples of this than perhaps any other kind. Active lighting is better but reflectors work. Currently the best type of reflectors I've seen for bikes is the straw-like 3M reflectors for wheels. I've only seen these being used a couple times but they are absolutely awesome. Because they are round they pick up light from all angles. They are HIGHLY VISIBLE!. I've been so impressed with how they work that I've considered buying some for my bike. ( even though I already use wheel lights and standard wheel reflectors ) These 3M straws work so well I could consider not using wheel lights and really not have to worry about a loss of "see me" visibility. ( * in my case I would probably use about 9 or 12 per wheel arranged in a tri-pattern. No need to put one on every spoke although that would be even more visible. )

Originally Posted by CaptCarrot

Well I am not going to comment on what has gone before, but I will share what I am using.

The gallery for my Bike can be found in the Cannondale Hooligan Facebook Group

This is my bike:



On it I have

Hub Dynamo - Shimano Alfine DH-S501

Main Front Light - Busch & Müller Lumotec IQ Cyo R Senso Plus

Main Rear Light - Busch & Müller Toplight Flat S Plus LineTec

Front and Rear Backup Lights (2 pairs) - Reelight SL120

Lights in my pedals - Pedalite KPL200

Spoke reflectors - Wowow Reflective Spokes

I am well lit, can see and be seen, and not a battery in sight.

Lights are always there and always on.

Originally Posted by CaptCarrot

Batteries/Dynamo - each have their place.

For forgetful me, the led/dynamo setup is king. It is always there, never needs batteries or bulbs. I forget to take lights, to take them off, to replace batteries and to recharge them - hence why I like my dynamo so much.

If I were downhill racing in the middle of nowhere at night, then batteries would probably be better.

As to cost. I needed to have my front wheel re-built anyway, so it made sense to do it at the same time as I wanted a hub and have non-standard wheels.

I bought the Shimano DH-S501 32 hole disc brake hub in black from Rose Versand - current price is £56.37 GBP + £7.60 GBP P&P
I bought 40 DT Swiss Champion 2mm x 174mm spokes and nipples in black from Taylor-Wheels for €37.95 EUR + €9.99 EUR P&P
I bought my lights second hand from ebay, but the equivalent lights from Rose Versand cost
- B + M Lumotec IQ Cyo RT Senso Plus 40 lux (black) - £60.66 GBP
- B + M Toplight Flat S Plus (standard) - £11.19 GBP
The wheel build cost £20.00 GBP at my LBS

Total cost, £176.39 GBP (approx €208.50 EUR or $275.50 USD)

So yes, high initial outlay. But worth it for the hassle free, always there, lighting.