Originally Posted by
johnnymoses
I would like to see a new thread for highly recommended lighting systems people are using today, discussed in terms of:
Rechargeable
Single point power switch (I prefer not to spend several minutes clicking and flipping switches for 10+ different lights on my bicycle)
Visibility, range, and lighting spectrum/radius
Mounting capabilities/flexibility (what are all the places on/off the bike these can be mounted, including trailers and helmets)
Reliability and life span
Water and element proof/resistant
Price point
Pros and cons
Availability, warranty, refund/replacement policy, and level of customer service??
There is a whole section of the forum that at least in part is dedicated to that "Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets" section of the forum.
Me personally I've pretty much given up on the current crop of bicycle specific lights (not to say that other people who only very occasionally find themselves out on a bike after dark or in nasty weather aren't capable of having their very basic bare minimal lighting needs met by such products) except for the very highest priced and best quality ones which cost way more then I am willing to spend when I have other options.
Commercial tractor-trailer grade generic modern rugged high power LED tail lights mounted and wired up by myself to lighter weight 4-cell LiFePO4 batteries (12.8v is close enough to 12v) do the job wonderfully for my needs and the best lights for the lowest price I have found but they do require you to actually twist wires together yourself and figure out how to make your own mounts. Not to mention that cyclists who are always concerned about every last gram of weight would probably have a stroke on the spot if I told them how many grams my lights and battery packs weigh but way more light and lasts for hours and hours of riding time and its really only a few pounds extra weight, far less then what you will add to your own mid-section in tummy fat if you didn't bike.