Originally Posted by
scoatw
The Fasttech light does seem like a good product and worth the $$. But what happens if you forget to recharge it the night before and half-way thru your commute the light starts to dim. It's not like you pull some spare batteries out of your pocket and your back in business.
"Doctor! Doctor! It hurts when I do this"
"Then don't do that."
There are a few steps that can be taken to avoid your scenario. First, don't forget to charge your batteries. Charging isn't that onerous.
Second, carry a back up system or, better yet, get a second light. At $40 to $50 per unit for the double lamp and $25 $40 for a single lamp unit, having multiples isn't all that expensive.
Third, carry an extra battery if you don't charge it every night when you get home.
Fourth, decrease the output. Most of these lights have multiple settings. If the battery starts to go, you can squeeze out a little more time by going to a lower power setting.
Fifth...boy, this options list is getting long...carry a backup to the backup. Even if you ride with dynamo lights, you should carry a backup of some kind. Stuff happens and it's a little known or, rather, a little appreciated, fact that it gets dark when the sun goes down.
Sixth...and not necessarily finally...I almost guarantee that if you forget to charge your battery and it goes out on the way home, you won't forget to charge it again. Experience can be a harsh mistress.