bike lights
 

hey,
was wondering what everyone would suggest if I wanted to buy some new bike lights. ay responses would be great, thanks

Check out the Electronics section, there many threads about lights there.

The Light & Motion HID light, $349, Colo Cyclist, aka the deathstar:

http://www.bikelights.com/Products/Arc.htm

http://westwoodcycle.ca/images/libra...rc_sm_07_p.jpg

Best bike light I've seen. Like having an Audi headlamp on your handlebars.

Best place to ask is the Commuting Forum or the Electronics and Lighting Forum. In the latter there's a sticky (a thread at the top of the list) that addresses this general question: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=142723

The short answer is, it depends on what you need the lights for. Do you need them to see the road in front of you, or to be seen by motorists. I think Patentcad recommended a light like "an Audi headlamp on your handlebars." If you're riding on dark country roads on a misty morning, it would be a great light.

On the other hand, if you're riding through a city with streetlights, you might just need a $30 LED headlight. People have recommendations about those in the Electronics/Lighting forum, or do a Search within the Commuting forum.

I know when I first got my commuter bike, I read up on all the lighting ideas, and now I have a PB SuperFlash rear blinky, a generic Nashbar headlight, plus two small LED lights on the front and rear of my helmet when I'm out at night. Safety first! For more dorky ideas, do a search for "Stealth reflectors" or something like that -- people go to considerable lengths to be visible at night, to the point where many people say they feel as safe or SAFER at night than during the day.

I hope you find some helpful information, and welcome to BikeForums!

>> Do you need them to see the road in front of you, or to be seen by motorists. I think Patentcad recommended a light like "an Audi headlamp on your handlebars." If you're riding on dark country roads on a misty morning, it would be a great light.

On the other hand, if you're riding through a city with streetlights, you might just need a $30 LED headlight. People have recommendations about those in the Electronics/Lighting forum, or do a Search within the Commuting forum.<<

Correct.

I ride on pitch black country roads and in the fog sometimes. If you're riding in a more suburban/urban area with more ambient street and building lights, an LED light might be fine and the HID light could be overkill.

I just ordered a Nite Rider MiNewt X2 and can't wait to get it. A buddy of mine has one and the thing is bright.

You are new so here is a hint. What kind of light do you have now and what do you like or dislike about it? What kind of riding do you do and under what conditions? Budget? I have done a lot of research recently and would be glad to help. But you have to give us more to go on.

I bought the NiteRider Sol Mate and am very impressed with it. Light and small, comes with helmet mount if you want (more for MTBing) and the light output is great. Its brighter then my motorcycle's headlight (although it is old)

Headlight... Cygolite Dualcross 300... bought from Beyondbikes... simple setup, easy to use, several settings, 3-4 hour use on brightest setting (though I rarely run it on the highest setting). GREAT light...

Bell tail light... bought this cheapy from Walmart... Excellent light and very bright that we have on all our bikes... also offers several settings...

I currently run niterider firestorm HID and Light Motion Arc HID...and alas...a generic cateye blinkie. My rear is not that great but my front F.O.V is insane; I've seen cars giving me the finger coming toward me on the opposite side of the road only to realize I'm a lowly cyclist (ride softly but carry a big stick is my motto! or two):). I've yet to see another commuter with 2 HIDs. That said, I'm thinking of getting another HID for the helmet....just for fun. If a car passes close to me, I'll give him the "look"-- a dazzling blaze of E.T. UFO intensity light. However, It'd be until Christmas before I muster enough dough.

I have a Light and Motion Arc Li-On which I use in the depths of winter here in seattle when it is really dark in the mornings and evenings. The only way to describe the light is "the beast". It looks like a motorcycle light coming at you. If you are really concerned about safety, get an expensive light and this one is.

I also have a flasher Cateye cheapie that does not light up the road, but people will notice you.

run a cateye here, the one that takes 4 aa's and cost less than fifty bux. not really into lighting up a mile ahead of me, so it works just fine. lots of choices out there.