General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Lights on the bike... Rss Feed  
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2008-09-10 2:28 PM

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Rowan University - Health & Exercise Science Major
Subject: Lights on the bike...
Hey Everyone!

Well, now that college has started up once again, I've begun to ride in the early mornings before my first class. But i'm pushing it with the level of light for the first 20 minutes or so and i'm kinda thinking that its not smart to go out and not have any lighting source on my bike.

I'm looking for suggestions on what brand and style of both front and rear lights are the best...if i had a light on the front of the bike that lite the road fairly well that would be great and then a light that flashed in the back so that people know im their!

Thanks!


2008-09-10 2:50 PM
in reply to: #1664890

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The Land of Misfit Toys
Subject: RE: Lights on the bike...

That's very wise of you to have a light. My only wreck with a car came from riding home from a workout a bit too late (dusk, not dark). While I don't have brand suggestions, I just wanted to say that getting a flashing light not only for the back, but also the front is probably the way to make yourself most visible. You do have to consider whether that will distract drivers though.

Your local bike shop or even a sporting goods store should carry what you need. I also recommend trying to wear lighter colored clothing if possible.

2008-09-10 6:32 PM
in reply to: #1664890

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Las Vegas, NV
Subject: RE: Lights on the bike...

A few recent threads on this same question.   Really depends on your budget for the lighting.   REI's had some great sales on the Nite Rider line, not sure if they are still on or if it was a labor day only thing.   I've got a Sol and really happy with it.   For the rear I just picked up a Cat Eye 5 led unit this week and it's -really- bright.  Should be no issue with cars approaching from behind.  

Todd

 

2008-09-10 6:37 PM
in reply to: #1664890

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Subject: RE: Lights on the bike...
Agree, for the back you want the brightest flashiest, most obnoxious light you can find. 
2008-09-10 6:41 PM
in reply to: #1664890

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Las Vegas, NV
Subject: RE: Lights on the bike...

This was the rear one I purchased.... Cateye TL-LD610.   It's bright enough that it hurts to look directly into the flashing lights.   I think retail on it was $25.    I just wanted one that mounted to the seat post as opposed to the belt clip things.    

 

cateye

2008-09-11 10:46 AM
in reply to: #1664890

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Douglasville, ga
Subject: RE: Lights on the bike...
Planet Bike SuperBlink for the back. So bright it can be seen well in daylight. About $22 and has a mounting system that can go on a seatpost, rear stays, or belt/backpack.


2008-09-11 10:57 AM
in reply to: #1664890

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Fenton, MI
Subject: RE: Lights on the bike...

Check out instructables.com

There are some very inexpensive, yet highly effective solutions there.  I love to make my own gadgets, so its as much fun as it is function for me.

I've also bought some 3w LED flashlights from Sam's and configured conduit hangers to clamp onto my bars.  I aim one higher to reach out and illuminate the road ahead, and another lower to flood the area right in front of my front tire.  It works really well.  I haven't used it since last spring though.  I need to dig it out. 

2008-09-11 11:27 AM
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2008-09-11 8:40 PM
in reply to: #1664890

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Harrisburg, PA
Subject: RE: Lights on the bike...
I just recently purchased lighting for my bike, since it's staying dark later in the AM. For the rear I got a Trek 'disco tech' for $20. I like it because I can just clip it to the back of my saddle bag, and it's easily removed if I don't need it. For the front I got a Planet Bike 'beamer 3' white LED. The owner of the LBS showed me this one and a slightly more expensive 5 beam model, and demonstrated that the 3 beam model was brighter and sharper than the 5 beam model. Can't find the box but I believe it too was around $20 or so.

Interesting tidbit...I mounted the front LED light on the handlebar, but it caused an issue with my Sigma wireless computer, so I had to move it to the otherside of handlebar and now everything works fine.
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