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Old 11-09-24 | 01:40 PM
  #21  
Clyde1820
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From: USA

Bikes: 1996 Trek 970 ZX Single Track 2x11

Originally Posted by Insidious C.
I'm almost 65 years of age and my vision has declined. Currently I use two 700 lumen front lamps, managing the power to conserve batteries. What would recommend to have a more consistent bright light so I can spot branches and other hazzards while commuting in the dark hours. Would a generator hub help?
I'm of an age like you, where my nighttime vision has begun to drop off. (Always has been my weakest area, particularly if misty or drizzly.)

My speed is too slow to allow a generator hub to really shine. Underpowered, as some others have suggested.

I use a CygoLite Metro 1100, though it's fairly underpowered as compared to some of the newer units on the market. Mulling whether to do an 1800-2000 lumens (such as their Ranger 2000). When needed, a second light can be helmet mounted, allowing you to place the light exactly where you need it to be. For me, that produces enough light. Eventually, I can see me doing a ~2000 lumen unit on the bars and a ~1100-1500 lumen unit on the helmet. I don't go fast enough that I'd need much more than that, and I don't do windy, forested single-track routes where I'd need huge amounts of illumination.

One nice thing about lights like, say, the Busch & Mueller IXON/IQ headlights, is that the beam pattern is so very nice. One of those plus a helmet-mounted light would be hard to beat, I think. At least for a non-offroad route (like commuting). Get one of those that's bright enough, along with a helmet-mounted light of sufficient lumens (and candela/throw), then you ought to have plenty of light. With the correct beam patterns selected and good mounting point on the helmet, there's no need for it to blind oncoming drivers either.
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