Just started a new job (finally!) that is on the other side of my town- guesstimate 6 miles or so, depending on route, which I still have as yet to figure out.

Anyway, I currently only have just one light. I have doubts if it will be enough on it's own, plus I really want the redundancy factor if this one decides to start acting up. I can mount this on the bars or the helmet.

Without 'upgrading' to 26650 cells, what would you recommend to supplement/compliment what I already have? Budget is tight, but might order from a US vendor for quicker ship time (so long as it's a reasonable upcharge).

The one you have is an XM-L T6, you may want to look for an XM-L U2, a slightly brighter version. Or just get another of what you have. You won't do much better for the price. Also, buy extra batteries so you always have a spare fully charged. Get the 3100maH types for longest life. I think the batteries are as much $ as the light though.

Just check shiningbeam and it looks like they have 2 Rominsens that are XM-L U2. Both under $29, rated at 750+ lumens, both 2 mode (high/low), and both look like they'd throw a beam out a ways. Link to the lower cost one.

So, if I go this route (quite possible), put the new one on the bars and then my current on either on the bars in blink or the helmet on probably medium.