Actually 90% of my riding will be after sunset due to my work schedule and my lifestyle...I figure why spend 30 or 50 bucks on an OK one when I can just get a good one not have to worry about it? Anyways...That's about it. As far as 4 hour life, if I don't charge it one night I don't want it to be totally dead the next time I go out Same thing as with my iPod and Laptop. anything that runs on battery I want to have extra life.