In need of a real light
 

I have been using a Light and Motion Vis 180 for a long time now, the thing is almost starting to fall apart. It just so happens that I just got a job somewhere and I have to commute back home for 45 minutes after dark 4 days a week. My little blackburn blinky just isnt cutting it. I am in need of a front light drivers can see and that actually helps me see the streets! I need something that of course is going to be rechargeable. Im really only looking for a front light. At a local bike shop they sell 2 sets of light and motion lights one set is upgraded above my tail light.. soo the price range is around 150$ for those and Im not sure if thats an average deal or not. What should I go with?

Bicycle Light Comparison Guide - Modern Bike

perhaps this comparison will help.

Amazon.com : Ultra Bright 1600 Lumens Rechargeable Mountain Bike Light with Cree XP-G2 Neutral White LED - Bike Headlight - LED Bike Light-Suitable for: Mountain Biking, Downhill, Touring, Commuting - Long Battery Life -7.4V 5.2Ah BAK Rechargeable Li

This is the best deal on a quality package that includes everything you could need. You won't find anything better anywhere for less. Only caveat, the little M4 x8mm screw that holds the plastic mount to the shell is a bit short. I'd recommend replacing it with a 10mm long one and throwing in a #60 O-ring as a washer under the screw head, cost pennies at any big box store and makes a world of difference. In all other regards the NiteFighter BT40S package can't be beat. On sale for only $69.95 right now, fulfilled by Amazon so pretty much risk free.

Yeah you might see what look like good setups on for less, but none of them will be as reliable as the Nitefighter. It's the only one comes with genuine new high quality Li-ion cells (5200mAh BAK pack), will give long run time on each charge and last years.

Enjoy your commute, Wallonthefloor.

One of the best lights I own is the Phillips Saferide -
http://www.amazon.com/Philips-SafeRi...llips+saferide

You'll want to buy a set of better AA batteries than it comes with for it (they have a bad reputation) -
http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-R...ywords=aa+nimh

But the batteries charge just by plugging in the light, you do not need a seperate charger.

In my opinion it's the best light you can get for around $150 for road riding. Shaped beam, evenly distributed beam, lights up the road well.

Get Two of these...Great for the price. I have four of them.

Amazon.com : CREE XML XM-L T6 LED Bike Bicycle Light HeadLight HeadLamp 1200LM Blue : Sports & Outdoors

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...Testing003.jpg

They cost a little more than your budget, I run a dynamo hub with LED front and rear lights. I really like not worrying if my batteries have enough charge to make it home. Dynamo lighting systems are always there, ready to go, no matter the temperature or internal of last charge.

I am very happy with my Fenix BC30 bike light. The "trigger" controlled burst was used last night to prevent an suv from backing out of a driveway into me. Having a bright light makes my night rides (parks, bike paths, pot hole filled streets) so much more enjoyable and safe. I suggest taking a look at this bike light.

Fenix BC30 LED Bike Lights

This guy has sold "real" lights for >5 years and has thousands of satisfied customers. I own a couple Magicshines and a Gemini, and may get a Gloworm for handlebar mount and put the Gemini on helmet. Their batteries are some of the best sold anywhere - the MS in particular are a good value:

http://www.action-led-lights.com/collections/bike

Fenix bike lights. I have this one: Fenix BT20 Bike Light I like the idea of using my batteries and charger.

Many of the suggestions already made I am considering also, good lights. This is also on the radar because I might need 2 hr run times:

Budget 2-emitter, 4 18650 battery pack:Yinding YD XM-L2 Cool White and Neutral White | BudgetLightForum.com

Budget 2-emitter with one wider and lower minimizing blinding oncoming traffic:
http://forums.mtbr.com/lights-night-...r5-946489.html

These, like a lot of BLF threads get long and often have lots of beam shots so you can cut to the chase.

Right now I'm running a single 18650 900 LM flashlight (usually on med) and 80 lumen helmet light, with lockblock or Fenix light holders.

+1

I might get one of these for my girlfriend's bike. Today I went with the light and motion bundle that I said I was considering going with at my lbs. The Urban 650 has plenty of lumens as a front light, and I cant wait to try it out at night!

I use the Light & Motion Urban 550 and I find that super bright and super convenient. However, I paid only $85 for it last July at Amazon (seller was Clever Training), and now it's going for $100 more, which I would not spend/have spent. Here's the link anyway; it includes a L&M video highlighting the features which I really like and now require. Amazon.com : Light and Motion Urban 550 Lumens Bike Light (Galaxy Grey) : Bike Lighting Parts And Accessories : Sports & Outdoors

PS: I still use my "Blackburn blinky" (Flea front and back) the most. ;)

Save yourself $130 and get one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/SUPERNIGHT-TM-...cree+headlight

Super bright headlight. Add a diffuser and you're set.

Cygolite Metro
 

In the $40 something to approaching $60 range, the Cygolite Metro series is worth considering. (I've seen those prices $5 to $10 lower in recent months than the $47 and $59 prices I see today.)

Things to like:

• the "DayLightning" mode is very noticeable in daylight
• the "SteadyPulse" mode is useful in the evening
• one piece / no external battery required
• 110 grams / moderate size and weight
• sturdy handlebar mount
• USB rechargeable
• build quality appears fine

So this Light and Motion Urban 650 is perfect and what I needed. My only complaint is that the battery indicator light is usually red or orange by the time I get home, so the maximum brightness kills the light pretty fast but it has not died on me yet. What I absolutely love is the mount, I can easily move the light left and right on the swivel mount and up and down. Whenever any cars start moving into my lane I just shine it over towards them and they usually move away its super handy to make it look like you are coming into their lane. It is infact brighter than most car headlights I've seen unless you have one of those new electric cars with laser headlights.

Battery charge indicators are all notoriously fickle. The more responsible manufacturers will put a disclaimer in the instruction manual, explaining that battery voltage is unstable during use, so reading will only be accurate at start-up or about five minutes after lamp is shut off and voltage has stabilized. Also, for the same reason, you should not turn on the lamp for about the same five minutes after it has been charging, and also wait that amount of time before recharging. (Sorry I can't post a link, seems like all the online manuals were taken down from the site that used to host them; dunno if they were in violation of copyright or simply got hosed.)