I got a Giant LaFree that doesn't come with lights. As the days get shorter I will need to add them. I find now that I am older I need more lighting and my old 200 lumens don't provide enough. I don't need them to be wired in, but would like them rechargeable and at a reasonable cost since I don't ride a lot at night any more since I'm retired. Any suggestions?
Lighting
- Thread starter Black47
- Start date
Mr. Coffee
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- A Demented Corner of the North Cascades
What is your definition of "reasonable cost"?
I'd recommend getting a good quality bar-mounted light rated at 1500+ Lumens, and a helmet-mounted spot light that isn't quite as bright (800-1000 lumens). Also a decent solid taillight in addition to a blinky -- it is difficult for oncoming cars to judge how far away you are when all they see is a blinky.
Light & Motion makes good lights, but there are a lot of great lights out there and also a lot of total crap. If you have access to a decent bike shop go get some advice there.
I'd recommend getting a good quality bar-mounted light rated at 1500+ Lumens, and a helmet-mounted spot light that isn't quite as bright (800-1000 lumens). Also a decent solid taillight in addition to a blinky -- it is difficult for oncoming cars to judge how far away you are when all they see is a blinky.
Light & Motion makes good lights, but there are a lot of great lights out there and also a lot of total crap. If you have access to a decent bike shop go get some advice there.
Sifu Ben
Active Member
Don't buy into the expensive stuff all too quick. I just came back from a 16 mile night ride on dark country roads. Nobody does anything over 30 miles at night so battery life is not as critical as many think. Just need something that can last 2 hours. I have 2 of these Victagen lights at $24 each on separate bikes. They came with free tail lights are are very bright. I use these lights at low setting. medium at the most. They easily last 3-4 rides. I do augment lighting with a Coast LED head lamp that I bought from Costco for $24 for a 2pack. I've had the Victagen lights for 2 years and they have been trouble free. Very good mounting that you can adjust side to side. Having the battery separate from the lights make the lights lighter which puts less stress on the light mounts. Their tail lights use disk batteries which last for months, especially is used in flashing mode. https://www.amazon.com/Victagen-Hea...ild=1&keywords=victagen&qid=1598064579&sr=8-3
Sifu Ben
Active Member
To add on the Coast head lamp: the Victagen points where the handlebar does. The head lamp points where you look. It has 3 brightness levels (I usually run it on low) and can be focused from flood to spot beam. It uses AAA batteries. Alkaline disposables last longer but I use rechargeables which last maybe 2 hours.
Sierratim
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Nevada City, CA & Paradise Valley, AZ
My wife and I use the Fenix BC21R lights as our principal night time head lamps. They're rated at 1,000lm and use a replaceable 18650 lithium battery that can be charged in our out of the light. On trips we carry spare 18650 batteries so we always have lights even when we can't recharge. The lights are easily removed from their handle bar mounts which itself is very secure.
Our ebikes have daylight running and tail lights that are always on. We add flashing tailights and helmet mounted lamps to be sure we are seen, day or night.
Our ebikes have daylight running and tail lights that are always on. We add flashing tailights and helmet mounted lamps to be sure we are seen, day or night.
Thank you.
ElevenAD
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Ringoes New Jersey
i have this light on both my bikes and it has been flawless! its adjustable up to 2000lumens!
Amazon.com : Mountain Bike Lights Front and Back USB Rechargeable, 2000 Lumens LED Bicycle Headlight & Rear Lights Set for Night Riding : Sports & Outdoors
Amazon.com : Mountain Bike Lights Front and Back USB Rechargeable, 2000 Lumens LED Bicycle Headlight & Rear Lights Set for Night Riding : Sports & Outdoors
www.amazon.com
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