Originally Posted by
cyccommute
Hmmm. You don't like helmet lights yet you seem to
know that they "greatly reduce depth perception". And you know this how?
I've ridden for over 20 years...on road and off...with helmet lights. Not only do they
not reduce depth perception, they actually improve your ability to see
and avoid obstacles while riding. Why do you think agarose2000 says that they are so necessary off-road? It's because they improve your vision.
And longer shadows? They don't do anything for being able to see better. I've mounted lights on the fork, on the bar and on the helmet. The fork mounted lights are, by far, the worst for trying to see anything on the road or trail. Long shadows just hide lots of stuff that you might not want to run over or into. Consider this: Do you see things better when the sun is overhead at noon or when the sun is very low on the horizon (and behind you)?
I KNOW that they reduce depth perception because I study depth perception professionally as a holographer. I don't get all my information about lights from marketing materials and on-the-box advertising as you apparently do.
If they are good for OFF ROAD use, it's because they give more light. That's it. More light is better OFF ROAD for the rider only. When there's the possibility of someone comming TOWARD YOU, as on the road or on a bike path, helmet lights are inconsiderate, ignorant and unnecessary.