(Part 2) Best bike headlight-taillight combinations according to redditors

Note: finally posting this as USPS finally paid up on my claim.

USPS truck sideswiped me as we crossed an intersection. Driver was cited and USPS paid my claim. I got out of this with some minor road rash and a strained muscle, but otherwise no injuries.

One more of the bike http://www.imgur.com/gallery/3QQxtxC

Pedal is sheared off the axle, wheels are annihilated, as is the fork, stem faceplate is torn up along with the saddle, and cranks are bent. Rain gear was all destroyed as well due to sliding across the pavement. Helmet also toast.

Also, since the question keeps coming up:

Yes, I did have lights. Tail light was destroyed/thrown from bike. The headlights had been removed by me at time of photos as I didn't want them getting lost/damaged further. Vis 360 was mounted to helmet. Also had a Planet Bike Spok which is slightly viable in the second picture, under the saddle.

• Vis 360
  
  
• Cygolite Metro 550
  
  
• Planet Bike Super Flash
  
  
• Planet Bike Spok

I've created a short list of everything I have, linked items are the ones that I recommend.

Things for the road

Frame/ Mini pump

Saddle Bag

Patch Kit

Tire Boot (You can make your own for cheap, but these are still good)

Tire levers (See Multi-Tool, Levers Included)

Multi Tool (Super-Recommend)

Bike Lights

Spare Tubes (Optional for the road)

Bottles of choice

Sunglasses of choice

Gloves of choice (Important! For preventing impossible-to-heal palm scrapes)

Cycling compter

U Lock (no cable locks! they're garbage) <<I Have 3 of these, but then again, I live in Oakland.

Things for home

Floor pump

Tools (Pretty much covered by Multi-Tool, but there's things you may need like cassette tool, chain whip, etc)

Wet and Dry chain lube

Clothing (Optional, I only have the shoes and windbreaker)

Hi-Vis Jacket

Clipless shoes, I recommend SPD for easier walking

Jersey

Padded Shorts, or Bib shorts

Windbreaker

Leg Warmers

Most importantly, you need knowledge of cycling. Look up videos on youtube about safe riding on the road, traffic laws, hand signals, how to repair your bike on the road and at home, how to take a fall, and as much theory that you can)

EDIT: Do not let me trick you into thinking that a multi-tool is a replacement for the big-boy tools that are available on the market. Some of those tools are actually worth the investment. However, be that as it may, do your research first, because there's some overpriced crap out there ^^^Park ^^^Tools.

I'm a recent transplant too (only been a month and a half). People bitch about L.A. not being bikable and I've found it to be bullshit. In fact, it's easier to commute because NO ONE is usually in the bike lanes.

The key is to understand that 1) Drivers aren't used to bikers so you have to kind of educate them - not being aggressive but being assertive in your lane 2) People aren't aware and texting and driving so just assume no one has seen you and they're going to cut you off until you know otherwise - eye contact is a powerful thing.

I guess it all depends where you're from for context. I thought L.A. would be nuts to bike in for a commuter and find it less intense than where I'm from.

Lights and helmet are a must. If you commute and don't have them, you're an idiot (I intend full offense). I've been curbed by a car (not here - in Vancouver) and my helmet saved my brain - it only takes once.

My research on lights (which was embarrassingly extensive), turned up this as the best choice (I considered every factor).

They're totally bright - like obscenely bright on the front (to the point where I turn it away from traffic when I'm stopped at a red). I'd rather be seen and seen as annoying than be seen dead.

You can also go whole kitschy hog and get some rim lights for your bike.

I would definitely vote for taking your bike inside wherever possible. To me (having traveled a lot and lived in a variety of big cities), L.A. (for the most part - some places are the exception) is a pretty safe city BUT petty crime happens in any big city.

Definitely remove your front tire if you're parked - especially for a long period of time. Removing your back is going to be a pain in the ass if it's everyday - and you risk bending your derailleur if you do it all the time (it sits on the curb and gets fucked).

I picked up some insane ABUS bike lock and never use it because I worry too much and bring my bike indoors.

People are quite tolerant about bringing your bike inside because: 1) It almost never rains so your bike doesn't track dirt inside and 2) they get that there is petty crime in the city.

The BIG key to commuting is understanding traffic flow and which streets are more bike friendly than others. That takes time to get, but, if you ping people here, you can get a sense of it.

Reply with ANY questions. I'm not the most experienced biker here, but I have learned a bunch in my six weeks. L.A. is a fucking awesome place to ride - so many great paths around town - and had a fantastic community of cyclists (in part because there are so few of us). I've had so many people say hi riding, let me join their peleton with zero attitude, check in whenever I'm stopped to ask if all is ok - shit, I had a dude play tour guide with me for hours last weekend.

Bike.

It makes L.A. a whole different experience.

This is a really good set. I have them on one of my bikes and it lights up like a Christmas tree. Kind of expensive compared to some other options though.

Solar LED lights over doors

Yi Home Camera in your front window pointing at path/door

London Bar for the front door if you have a yale lock

Bright LEDs have gotten a lot cheaper recently so £50 will easily get you some good lights. Kind of hard to list the best lights as there are so many of them.

A cheap set like this on Amazon should be fine for most people. I picked up these planet x ones a while ago although swapped the back one for a knock off Fly6 camera light from Aldi.

Hotrod is micro usb

All good advice, except:

> bright, flashing head and tail lights

I don't have the link at the moment, but there have been some studies that show that solid lights are better than blinking for persistent knowledge of bike locations and for not subconsciously aggravating drivers. Also, in Boston, I think you're supposed to have white in front and red in the back.

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I recommend getting a red and white one of these: http://amzn.com/B0084BB3MG & http://amzn.com/B0084BB3OE
They're super cheap and easy to put on and take off. I've been using them for a while.

And for a front headlight that illuminates the ground in front of you, I've been using one of these: http://amzn.com/B0081O93N2 Also easy to take off (well, leaves the housing, but nobody's going to steal that), and turns into a flashlight.

And all three of those flash, if you decide you do want flashing lights.

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Also don't forget reflectors if your bike doesn't have them. http://amzn.com/B0006JI0V6

Some tires (Michelin City I think is what I have) even have reflective material on the sides -- that's useful too.

I mostly ride at night. You may think I go overboard here, but drivers here are legendarily bad. I have a bright orange windbreaker with reflective stripe (think like a pit crew jacket) but I only wear that in cool weather, which is a ways off for me still. Here's what I wear (aside from trying to wear light-colored T-shirts):

1.) Bright headlamp on my helmet. Good to view the road, has a red light on the back of the helmet on the battery pack to help make me visible from behind. I also find it very useful to make sure cars see you - if you're approaching an intersection and you're not sure, just glance at the driver. When you do, you're flashing a head-height light in his face, more or less straight on level (don't stare and blind him, obvs.). He'll see you.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PWB4R7R/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

2.) One of these little dinky flashing red bike lights clipped on the back of my backpack:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F635KH4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

3.) I also am pretty happy with the DIY supplemental light rig I've made for my OneWheels, it greatly increases the board's "headlights". I plan to post a tutorial here soon for anyone interested. Cheap, durable, bright, and easy semi-permanent install (you don't need to take them off the board to charge them. But if you need to take them off, it's not hard to do.)

4.) You could also look at various reflective stickers/rail wraps/sidekicks for the board itself. OWArmor makes some - I have a circular sticker that just lines the rim of the wheel on both my boards. Float Life put out some pretty neat reflective Sidekicks recently, but they may be sold out now.

5.) If I didn't already have a helmet, I'd consider this: black by day, reflective silver by night:

https://www.amazon.com/Triple-Eight-Gotham-Reflective-Darklight/dp/B01N7CP18W/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=reflective+helmet&qid=1566214933&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-1

These are great, cheap, bright, and water proof Get spare batteries too.

I have these bike lights and they can be attached to pretty much anything. Super light and small

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00W191R0U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3qUWDbHJE8SSZ

I have tried a ton of different setups and imo a flood on your bars and a spot on your head is the best way to roll.

This probably won’t be a popular opinion around here, but the $24 1200 lumen bright eyes light on amazon is a heck of a light. I’ll admit, it likely isn’t a true 1200 lumens (my guess would be 800-1000), but it is plenty bright and absolutely reliable in my experience. I have dropped hundreds of dollars on the fancy night sun setup in the past and the advantages just don’t justify the premium with options like this around. Note, it comes as a spot but there is a flood lens available. That is it’s only downside, that flood lens has a pretty shitty spread. I have to imagine there are flood lenses for other lights that would fit but it hasn’t bothered me enough to look into it.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0183RPQ0K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_C.ZYDbMGBV5P0

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B075H5Z567/ref=mp_s_a_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1517462023&sr=8-10&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=bicycle+light&dpPl=1&dpID=51g3sSFa20L&ref=plSrch

I use this one, it was $50. Its very bright and works damn well. I use it for winter fatbiking and its far brighter than a 1200 lumen one i bought from the LBS. i expect this one would be the same other than it has a battery pack.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B015FFO5DM/ref=sspa_mw_detail_2?psc=1

The Streak 310 is newer and the same price though: http://www.amazon.com/Cygolite-Streak-Hotshot-Light-Combo/dp/B00LXTOZCG/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1420768081&sr=1-1&keywords=streak+310+hotshot

My commute in the Minnesota winter also requires a good light. I have a night rider that I like a lot. The older version of this:
NiteRider 6777 Lumina Boost/Sabre Combo, 900/80, Black (Pack of 7) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0714NFJHJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_3zX4Bb6R4X7ZR
It is bright and the battery is decent.

I bought the predecessor to this a few years back: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0183RPQ0K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I just wanted a cheap setup to see if I liked night rides. I did like it and the light works well. I mounted it on the handlebar. I wrapped some rubber mastic tape around the bar so the light's clamp would have better purchase and it stays in place well.

Just got this

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B015FFO5DM/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Gotta say I was pretty impressed. I haven't had much experience with bike lights, but I was riding around in a (usually) pitch black area and when I had it on I would at times forget I was even using a light. Has a dipped lens for near the bike and a headlight beam for distance. Works really well and I've been pretty impressed the two times Ive used it to far. Im sure there are better lights on the market but for $35.. Really nice imo

I always keep some simple LED lights on my bike. Just in case it gets later than I anticipated. The ones I linked are surprisingly bright and should be enough to be seen.

I also like to add some reflective foil. It doesn't rattle or break and hardly weighs anything. You can forget its there and are still seen more easily.

You can't go wrong with any gear by Swrve.

My favorite city tires are Vittoria Randonneurs.

I don't know much about rechargeable lights, but I use these and they've been going strong for years.

Tenho um câmara de caça parecida com esta. Basicamente envia MMS ou email via rede móvel quando detecta movimento.

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Podes também ter um sensor de movimento que active um alarme.

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Eu tenho ainda estas "lâmpadas"que carregam durante o dia e durante a noite activam com a detecção de movimento. Mas estas precisam de luz solar para carregar. Podes sempre ver similares mas que usem pilhas AA ou bateria carregável.

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Se tiveres conhecimento de Arduino podes fazer tu próprio usando sensores de movimento que depois enviam uma pequena mensagem via rede móvel ou via LORA. Sendo que com a LORA não precisas de pagar qualquer cartão SIM, no entanto, só conseguirás enviar uma quantidade muito baixa de informação.

A little over budget but well reviewed, bright, rechareable,etc.
Edit nrhinlke found better set http://www.amazon.com/Cygolite-Streak-Hotshot-Light-Combo/dp/B00LXTOZCG/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1420768081&sr=1-1&keywords=streak+310+hotshot

Honestly lights. I ride at night all the time and it's just so dangerous to not have them. I know plenty of people do but as someone that drives nowadays it shocks me how hard it is to see a cyclist at night without lights.


This set is stupid bright for the price, has a reasonable non-seizure inducing strobe, and has been through hell and back with me (the charging cover falls off is the only downside)

https://www.amazon.com/BLITZU-Rechargeable-Headlight-Waterproof-Flashlight/dp/B01N6E4MDK/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=blitzu+lights&qid=1557413659&s=gateway&sr=8-5

Thanks.

Lights are NR combo

https://www.amazon.com/NiteRider-6777-Lumina-Boost-Sabre/dp/B0714NFJHJ/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=nr+bike+lights&qid=1569522723&sr=8-4

I just added a bottle cage

I commuted on a 1994 Stumpjumper for the past few years at school. I used cheaper Kenda 1.95 road tires that are still good after I bought them summer 2011. I also put a rear rack that carried either m-wave panniers for grocery shopping, or a trunk for small stuff.

Lights are a big thing. You can get them cheaply, I've been using a planet bike set for a while. The tail light is either solid or flashing and is very bright, but the headlight leaves something to be desired.

Good luck!

I do all my riding at night but mostly paved trails. I did a ton of research before buying my lights.

Front:

MagicShine 872 - This is what I use. For Price per lumens you can't beat this thing. It's crazy bright. I have it on 50% most of the time sometimes lower. For distance it's about the same at 50% or 100%. 100% is just much brighter immediately in front of you.


I would actually recommend the MagicShine 808 though. It's a little cheaper and all my research showed the side by side comparisons the 808 actually throws light out a little father. It's just not as bright in the first 25 feet. Since I leave my 872 on 50% it wouldn't matter and I would get a little more distance.

http://www.amazon.com/MagicShine-MJ-808U-Bicycle-Improved-1100-Lumen/dp/B009GSLUR4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1409954087&sr=8-3&keywords=magicshine+872

Both have an external battery pack and don't use a USB charger though. Which for some people is a problem. I don't mind strapping the battery to my top tube.

Edit to add: Neither of these has a flashing or pulse feature. They do have an adjustable brightness level though. 872 has last for roughly 2 hours for me at 100%. The power buttons illuminate to give you a rough estimate of battery level. After a 2 hour ride with it on 50% the entire time it will show that it has more then 50% left. They say it will last 3 hours at 100% but reviews I read said it last 2 1/2 at 100% then dropped its self down the 75% then 50 > so on until it completely died at 6 hours. I've not actually done that myself though.

Rear:

I use Light & Motion Vis 180 - This thing is ridiculously bright and I love it. Full 180 degrees of visibility from the amber lights. It's very expensive though for a taillight.

http://www.amazon.com/Light-Motion-Tail-Silver-Moon/dp/B00LH1W9AU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=undefined&sr=8-1&keywords=light+and+motion+180

My research pointed to Cygolite Hotshot 2W USB being the best bang for your buck. I would have bought this but my LBS didn't carry it and I needed something that night for riding so i got the Light and Motion.

http://www.amazon.com/Cygolite-Hotshot-2-Watt-Rechargeable-Taillight/dp/B005DVA57Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1409954733&sr=8-1&keywords=Cygolite+Hotshot+2W+USB


Hope this helps.

This is a bit of an investment at first, but Timbuk2 bags last at least 15 years (I know people who have had them for that long, my boyfriend has had his for 7, and I just got a new one. All in very good condition). A classic messenger can be $40, rainproof (which is mostly why I'm mentioning it), and last forever and a half. I would suggest a size "medium" if you're just carrying your laptop and other flat rectangular things like papers and notebooks. If you're also wanting to carry extra shoes or things like that you might want a large.

You'll also want fenders for sure.

I don't know anything about gears so I can't help you with that.

You should get a front light and a tail light. These are what I have, they're very small and simple and easy to take off. You can probably shop around and find something that suits you best, but in general Planet Bike is a very good brand.

Four of my favorites are: red, my cat, volunteering, and biking.

Link

Thank you.

1. You have the basics covered, but Hammy will need a cage or aquarium. I prefer a cage because they get more fresh air and pay more attention to what's going on outside.
   
   
2. I named my first hamster Nibbles, which I think is the best hammy name ever. My brother had a golden-and-white one that he named Nugget. My next one was all one golden buff color, but I couldn't use the name Nugget, so after considering Fuzz Face, I named her Buttercup.
   
   
3. Hammy pic!
   
   
4. Light.
   
   5:
   
   I really loved my hamsters, and my son loved his (Janeway used to sit on his shoulder and hold herself upright with her little front paw on the arm of his glasses). They learn very quickly, even when you don't intend to teach them.
   
   For instance, the first time Nibbles put her teeth on me, I put her back in the cage because I didn't want to get bitten. I only had to do it once more, and she forever after used teeth gently on skin as her communication that she had to go back to her cage to pee. When all done, she would usually be ready to come right back out.
   
   I also accidentally taught her to climb upside-down on the "ceiling" of her cage whenever she was excited to see me. We had hamster treats that were just big enough to not fall through the bars when placed on top of the cage. But with a little climbing and a tug, she could pull them through and enjoy them. So, climbing on the cage ceiling became her version of a doggie meeting you at the door with wagging tail.
   
   I shall call him fluffy!

Pictures of the Franken-Leslie:

https://imgur.com/jyz2bec

https://imgur.com/UwMON7y

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Yes, there are lights! A small LED nightlight is secured to the bracket that holds the lower rotor and faces the same direction as the speaker, so both the light and the sound go through the baffle. The lights on the horns are these bike lights: https://www.amazon.com/REFUN-Bicycle-Light-Intensity-Multi-Purpose/dp/B07F635KH4/ref=sr_1_50?keywords=bike+lights+led&qid=1564146952&s=gateway&sr=8-50

Most likely a Planet Bike Beamer 1.

In the same vein, I use this light for mountain biking at night and it is the bomb. Will mount to a helmet.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B018U5Y0SE/ref=mp_s_a_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1506809363&sr=8-14&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=mountain+bike+light

Only potential issue with it may be that it washes out the wall, making it difficult to see holds. Can anyone speak to this? I've not tried climbing at night.

Prevention my man! When youre riding in the city, the concern isnt landing a jump wrong, it's being hit by a turning vehicle. Your light can be the difference between a truck running you over or not. And a helmet isnt going to save you from that.

No bike comes with lights. However, theyre cheap and effective.

I suggest these:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015R9Q4S?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

Theyre TINY so you can take them off when you park and fit them in any pocket, and theyre also extremely bright. Perfect for the urban area where theres enough light for you to see, but not enough for others to see you.

Mounted a cheap 700 lumen bike light onto my helmet and attached the taillight using some velcro tape, then covered the sides using some reflective stickers from RydeSafe. Visibility from all angles! Also have some shredlights that came with my board for extra visibility.

Helmet: Triple 8 Certified Sweatsaver

Bike Lights: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DZQJ28L/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Reflective Stickers: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ARS82HS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I got this and it works amazing (except when I lost it for a week).

Just returned from morning ride and noted a few more things...

I did add also a mirror to handle bars. This one to be exact.

This head light lasts over 12 hours:

The tail light it came with -- blah -- have a more robust one.

Also it took a while to find the right spot for air pump. I am considering a bag eventually but for now this is the location that works best. Other locations obstructed loading it on the carrier. Or it simply falls off the clip it came with, so I use one of the removable zip ties to wrap around the pump itself for now. If it stays in this location, I will trim the zip-ties shorter.

These are the pedals the store (REI) had on this one. I wanted to invest more time on the bike before considering switching to clipless -- to sort of "earn" 'em.

This post morning run bike picture.

Cygolite, for sure. Specifically: https://smile.amazon.com/Cygolite-Front-Hotrod-Light-Combo/dp/B01IO134OU/

The Blitzu Gator 390 is the best I've tried, and I tried quite a few more expensive ones

The ones I use are off Amazon and cost about $12 - rechargeable, quick release LEDs.



https://www.amazon.com/BV-Rechargeable-Headlight-Taillight-Resistant/dp/B0751Z83FC/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=BV+Super+Bright+rechargeable+lights&qid=1566235610&s=gateway&sr=8-3

I use the Planet Bike "Blaze" headlight and "Superflash" taillight. You can get them together for a decent price on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Bike-Superflash-Light-Headlight/dp/B0015R9PZI/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1452276078&sr=8-4&keywords=planet+bike+superflash

There are other, brighter, more expensive lights out there, but these are plenty bright for commuting after dark and won't break the bank. I highly recommend them!

Probably the Cycletorch Shark 500 light. Or the QCY QY8 Headphones, which in my opinion sound fantastic given their price point. I use both these almost every day on my commute home.

Was looking at either https://www.amazon.com/Blitzu-Rechargeable-POWERFUL-Headlight-Flashlight/dp/B014QEWX2I/

or

https://www.amazon.com/Bike-Lights-Front-Back-Rechargeable/dp/B071VD7JJN/

maybe I'll order both and see which ones I like better! Our 1st and 3rd shift cops don't give a flying falaffle what's on my bike.

They look like these lights.
I'm not sure why OP couldn't post them himself. They do look nice and easier to manage than the rubber band one that came with my Ownboard.

I've been using a combination of a helmet mounted night eyes 1200 and handlebar mounted cygolite metro 850 for night time gravel/trail riding. It's been pretty solid and it cost me less than $100 total for the dual setup. I really feel like the helmet mounted light adds a lot on the trail.

I bought three sets of these, three of these main 950lmn a roll of 3m and a couple cams