Bike Lights
 

I am looking to purchase a good headlight sysem for night riding. I would like some input from others about what kind of system to buy. I'm only looking to do roadway night driving and nothing off road. I want something that will allow others to see me and for me to see the road. Thanks

What's your price range, and expected run time. There are so many combinations of bulb types (halogen v HID), battery tyes (Sealed lead acid, Nickel Cadmium, Nickel Metal Hydride, Lithium Ion...), and other considerations (beam pattern, helmet v handlebar mount...) Of course the prices can go from cheap to $500. It depends on your requirements.

I bought a JetLite (Starfire?) dual beam, halogen with NiMH battery for about $250 a couple of years ago. I use it for off-road and love it. The switch allows for 5 different light combinations: 6W, 9W, 12W, 20W and 32W power levels.

I'm don't mind spending a couple hundred for the light. I want something that will last a few hours. I prefer mounting it to the bike.

For a good budget system look into Cat Eye LED lights. They put out a good city beam and last 60hrs+ on normal AAs. Expect about $45-50.
For a bit more bling, Light & Motion makes the Vega model LED light. It has an integral battery and looks like a normal small light, but produces a large white beam. The reviews(Im still below the budget to get one) say its even good for trail riding, with an output roughly equivalent to an 8watt system. But with much more run time and a car charger.

Our department has been using the Niterider products for years, and they are sturdy and reliable. They are also very expensive....

If you're willing to go toward a fairly high-end light, take a look at Lupine's line. My wife and I each have one (I ride the Edison 10; she, the Passubio).

Incredibly well engineered, phenomenally bright, outstanding burn times, excellent engineering, light weight, etc., etc.

They start at moderate $ and run to Break the Euro range, but worth a look....

http://www.lupine.de/en/home/index.php

You are new, and have not bothered to search the forums. There's a bunch of threads on this already, including the super geeky one where this guy made his own very bright, long burning light for something crazy like $50. For visibility, a Sigma Tri-lite will get you seen, and it comes with change from a $20 note. Also look at Nitehawk - they seem to have some pretty good road stuff.

How much light do you need? For how long? How much weight are you willing to carry? You don't mind spending a couple hundred, but how much do you really want to spend? Do you have any environmental concerns, or is a big NiMH battery ok? Want to be able to use AA's?