Originally Posted by noisebeam
My wifes front light is a brand called "NightRider" - it uses a separate battery. My front blinking light (which I can see was inadequate) is called a Planet Bike Dual Spot - I had it in blinky mode which probably made it worse. All had freshly charged batteries
I ask as I hope to commute as winter arrives and want the right lighting system.
Al
Nightrider products are very good. It sounds like you're already halfway there. I don't have much experience with Planet Bike products- been a Cateye fan my entire riding life. I use their taillights exclusively. My night bike is set up with a Cateye LD600 taillight on my seatpost. This light has 3 blinking modes: chase, random, and sync( I like the random mode best). On my rear reflector bracket(yes, I still use one of those) I use an LD500 set as a running light, plus it has a passive reflector in case the batteries fail. On the handlebars I use a Cygolite Night Rover NiCad Extra: 6.5w low beam, 10w high beam, 16.5w combined. On the stem I use a Cateye LD170F on steady mode, turned 25 degrees to the right to get the attention of vehicles in intersections/ driveways.
All of this plus pedal reflectors and reflective stickers on my helmet makes me feel quite comfortable during my excursions into the night. Total cost for my comfort: about 95 dollars.