I just dug the MTB out of storage, and when I get around to getting it back in shape, there is a weekly night ride near here. Lighting isn't something I've thought about for over 20 years... and it appears to have made some tremendous advances. What can y'all recommend for a basic trail lighting strategy?

Thanks,
Vance

Packed and hot. We almost left when we saw the line to get in.

I was at the swap meet. I bought a 2005 Jamis Dakar XLT full suspension MTB with Hayes Hydraulic disks, Fox 130mm front and rear shocks, and SRAM components...Still had the dork disc and reflectors on it...looked brand new except for a small scratch on the rear triangle. $500. It ain't top of the line, but it also ain't bad for my first FS MTB. I was this close to getting a Litespeed Pisgah hardtail mountain bike, but it was $750 and the guy wouldn't haggle. Good price for the T.I. frame, but I found it within the first 5 minutes and had to make a loop before I pulled the trigger. It was gone by the time I got back.

Bought an old (but seemed in decent shape) RST Mozo pro 3.5" travel front shock ($40), Chris King headset ($30), Cannondale Headshock-to-1 1/8" headtube adaptor ($5) for my Cannondale MTB (soon to be a Single Speed...thanks jsigone, for the SS bug). and Thomson Elite seatpost for the roadie. So, around $600 lighter and got a bike and some decent conversion components.

Also, I bought some new Bontrager Race X Lite wheels for the roadie before Trek raised the price on the sale with the 'cash in lieu of gifts' I got for my birthday in October.

Pics whenever I get around to it.

I got an Easton EC70 seatpost and Aerus C4 Carbon Wing handlebars on ebay today...somebody take my mouse away.

That Jamis is a decent bike and a great buy, you will enjoy riding it. Congrats.

sounds like you SCORED at the swap meet. Here's the reviews on your new steed

https://www.mtbr.com/reviews/xc_full_...t_123101.shtml

For you SS needs, I got all my parts from here

https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...?category=1569

https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...?category=2622

I'm using the Dimension $5 cogs w/ the $20 Gusset Tensioner, I didn't need it for the
18t though.

That line was huge! I sat in the car 'till 8:30 (I got there at 8) and I was suprised by how long the line was. There was a lot of stuff I was looking for (can't beat an event like this for a college student on a budget to load up), but I did ok (I already posted my findings in the swamp meet thread).

I did just order a 2.4" WTB moto raptor tire. The size is overkill for the mountain biking I do, but it should help soak up the bumps a bit on my rigid mtb.

that particular 2.4 tire is HUGE, HUGE thread blocks so it will act very will for some extra cushion I think MOTOs are 760-800grams for the 2.4 and the Mutano Raptor Race 2.4 is 590grams, about 1/2lbs less per tire to spin around.....just something to think about.

Actually, This is the review, I think:

https://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Allmtn_F...t_123105.shtml

This review has the right fork and component set on it. Also, mine's the 20th anniversary edition, and is all black.

I have to get used to the weight...but I'm convinced after riding Daley that trails have become inversely improved compared to the advent of Full Suspension. I remember trails being pretty smooth, cause riders would make them that way...now they just leave the big ass rocks in, cause their 35" travel shocks will just roll right over them.

Alot of the rain we got few years ago took off that smooth layer that you last rode. So when are you gonna get the new MTB dirty?

Needs pedals...I really want egg beaters, but couldn't find any at the 'meet. Also, I need to bone up on my hydraulics...the bike wasn't in any shape to ride at all. Suspension adjustments, fitment, and a few other things are required before any sort of shakedown ride. The ride with you yesterday was more just an excuse to remind myself how inadequate my Cannondale is for the type of trail riding I want to do and to justify what I did today.

I need to devote the next 3 weeks prior to PIE to my roadie. Solve my neck issues, and get that last 10 lbs off before Palomar, Mesa Grande, and Wohlford.

I've lost 3lbs just on that Pie Tune up ride last week, glad I haven't gained it back yet Even with all the halloween candy

I'm with you though, I NEED to get my body ready for this ride. I want to hit up Palomar at least one more time befor ehte ride date, but seems everyweek is booked this month for rides. Might have to just take the day off for this one. I have jury duty on the 13th, maybe if I don't get picked I'll hit up Palomar when I get out

So for now, I just have repeats on Mt murder to look forward to. Might try some interval stuff on Del Dios Highway like I did today. That was fun. My riding buddy and I were laying down attack after attack on those climbs. I was hitting big ring attacks too I'm gonna ride Del dios again at lunch tomorrow.

Here's some beaters at an OK price, not swap meet cheap though

https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=5240
https://www.beyondbikes.com/BB/ItemDesc.asp?IC=QPD8499

My order from Nashbar finally came in. Three weeks after ordering!

PI Optik Jacket - got it at a SUPER price


Coolmax Headsweats Skull Cap

My order from Performance came in. Couple of pairs of DeFeet socks and my new Ultra SHORTS!

YEAH!!! Fixer has new shorts!!!!

But, but, but...it won't be the same without "the shorts." It's like the end of an era.

hehehe....I'll save those for my mountain bike rides!

Good enough.

yes but we were all gonna get a shot of another end if he didn't get another pair

The 2.55 WTB LT is a great tire. Its like adding 1 inch of suspension and all it needs is 26 to 28 psi deopending on your weight.

Any help on this one?

How about this timely performance sale for a reasonably priced starter light?

Interesting specs on the weight. I was originally going to get the race version of the moto tire, but opted for the regular wire bead version as it was a good $14 cheaper and for me the cost is more important than weight.

Vancemac...that would work for city/street riding...
I went on MErider1's Griffith park night ride...I have the 510s...a bit less power...actually I had 2 of them mounted...was barely ok...but everyone else had way better lighting so I was able to see better..
If I was alone..I am not sure it would be enough on the GP dark roads...
The better lights that I saw everyone else using were $150 at the low end....actually probably more...someday I will get a set of good lights..

Thanks Herb. This would be only for tagging along (at the back) of a group MTB ride on fireroads. So something like the one above might be okay for starters, it sounds like?