(Part 3) Best bike lights & reflectors according to redditors
We found 1,663 Reddit comments discussing the best bike lights & reflectors. We ranked the 591 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 41-60. You can also go back to the previous section.
I don't really agree with this. Especially if most of your riding is done in the city, where you're using your lights to be seen, not to see.
I go for quantity over quality because it's just too easy to either forget your lights on your bike and have them stolen, or leave your lights at home.
I bought a dozen sets of cheap silicone blinkers from the dollar store (this kind) and now I have a couple in every bag, at the office, at home, etc. I'm never without lights and I really don't care if they get stolen (I've already had a few sets ripped off my bike).
usb chargable, and I use both myself:
rear light
front light
$40 reg and now on sale for $30.
You could outfit your bike with front and back lights + wheel LED lights for about the same.
IMHO it's a great idea and folks with too much disposable income and empty water bottle cages may spring for one or even two but more frugal folks who buy products that are time tested and not compromised to make a bullet point on a sales slick will go a different route.
For extra visibility, you could add a $3 light to your main tube and let it flash up at you and add a helmet mounted light/flasher that you can aim directly at cars when you look at them.
I could be wrong but 30 bucks is a lot of money to spend on a water bottle with no insulating ability - those leds and batt system will presumably be DOA in a month.
I can't imagine this product is going to last more than a couple months riding through street bumps, rain and such + being the internals subjected to constant immersion - the design is fucked, the batts and LEDS should have been sealed in the bottom and completely walled off vs. putting them in the top and making water run through the middle . Just my 2 cents. Sorry OP.
If I am wrong I suggest you update your marketing with some verbiage and images that support the exhaustive and thorough testing you underwent in order to confidently issue a full 1 year warranty on the product. (there is nothing whatsoever about a warranty so once it passes the usual 30 day return window you are fucked when it dies)
Oh, and those 3 reviews? All within a 3 week period in AUgust and none are verified buyers. Fakespot says reviews are "D" rated.
Not to mention they're not even that expensive. Nice rear rechargeables can be bought for $15, mine even came with a multi-tool for that price.
Front lights can be found rechargeable for like $50 which, to be honest, I haven't seen anything cheaper than that rechargeable or otherwise that produced a safe amount of light for winter riding here.
Well, before doing that I think getting some decent lights and reflectors would be a good plan. It's not even expensive these days.
Outrageous the colliding driver didn't see the cyclist, on a straight road, but that is independent from the fact it's pretty easy these days to be much more eye-catching on a bicycle.
Drives me crazy how many people have actually removed the reflectors from their bikes, and think their little coin-cell blinky is doing anything significant. Even this pair of rechargeable lights for $13 are way more eye-catching than what you have in this video. I have a few of them, find them excellent be-seen lights, though for me they're a backup for a better pair of primary of lights.
When it comes to reflectors - focus on the moving parts. Reflective tape on pedal cranks is a good one, and of course pedal reflectors and reflective ankle wraps do well too.
The OLD Cygolight Hotshot is a steal at under $25 bucks. I actually don't always use it on my regular commute at night because I have had cyclists behind me complain how bright it was.
I recently was asking myself this same question, and consensus seemed to be the Air Zound is the loudest horn.
Delta Airzound Bike Horn , colors may vary https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000ACAMJC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_l5xYxbDSGJVRP
But I don't like the idea of needing an air reservoir for my horn. I have been using this for a while:
Hornit dB140 Cycle Horn with Remote Trigger https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006TDEV20/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_l7xYxb01YQYW2
It's very loud but ruined by the sound it makes: it's a chirping noise and people look up in the trees on shared paths instead of looking back or moving over. I ordered and just yesterday received this:
ORP SmartHorn and Bike Light - BLUE https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L3NK1O8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_K8xYxbH94B542
A light/horn combo, with two different sounds. It's loud, and if you get it off the Orp website they include the remote trigger for free. Haven't had a chance to try it out yet but my initial impression is very good.
This is what I use for my handlebars: Night Rider Lumina 650
Bright USB chargeable lights FTW! I like to be able to see what kind of pot holes and rocks I'm approaching. Also, with 650 lumens, you can seriously intimidate cars. Their driving behavior changes noticeably every time they see me.
I also have a Cygolight Hotshot for my rear, but I just got a new bike and now cannot find a way to attach it to my aero seatpost. First world problem, I know. Suggestions?
It really depends on the condition of the roads, presence of streetlights, etc, etc. I use a niterider 650 on med or low mostly as where I am is well lit. I'll go high if it's dark and the pavement is shitty. Right now, best price for lumens is the Cygolite Metro 360. They also have a Streak 280 model for $10 less. One thing to keep in mind is run-times with the battery. Read up on all the modes and what the runtime is for each.
What's your price range? That affects the options quite a bit.
How dark is your area - are you looking for something to ensure cars can see you (i.e. do you have streetlights on your whole route) or are you going to need the light to actually see? That affects how much power you need.
For taillights, I love the PDW Danger Zone. Not that expensive, quite bright, and its variable flash setting is very attention getting. I have one on each of my bikes and never leave home without it.
For headlights, there are a lot of options out there. I commute down some dark bike trails at night, so I have a Niterider Minewt 600, which was the predecessor to their current Lumina 650. It's stunning - waterproof, durable, extremely bright (on high, I can go 20-25mph in pitch black with great confidence, and most of the time I just leave it on low or medium for fear of blinding people), very good battery life (I recharge it a couple times a month), and USB rechargable so I just bring it in at work occasionally and charge it there. It's not the cheapest, but if you're planning on bike commuting long term it's a solid investment (I've had mine for over a year and it shows no signs of dying any time soon).
I like this one https://www.amazon.com/CygoLite-Hotrod-50-Rechargeable-Bicycle/dp/B013FIWQ5U
My plan's also to just put some reflective tape. My spokes and parts of my bike are black so something like this will probably work well while being inconspicuous.
I don't know if this will stop them, or create a sound war, but you could try honking back at them.
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B006TDEV20
Ideally you should have a small saddle bag mounted under the saddle with a spare tube and other essentials. This has a reflector strip that illuminates pretty well. Then on the seat stay you can mount the actual rear light.
I use a HORNIT. It has 4-5 different sounds. The one that I prefer is like a loud robot chirp.
Its good in conjunction with shouting. Its not the best on the avenues as the noise gets lost, but with the the closer confines of the cross streets its pretty effective.
That being said I still need to shout as a last resort.
(http://www.amazon.com/MagicShine-MJ-808U-Bicycle-Improved-1100-Lumen/dp/B009GSLUR4/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1410312742&sr=1-2)
I have been using this sucker for over a year with no problems whatsoever. It was recommended to me by other riders on here. At around 80 bucks, it is a bargain. The battery pack is heavy but seems to be well made. Much more reliable than cheaper cree copies you can find for about 25 bucks.
while the 1100 lumen claim might be a bit far fetched, mine is noticeably brighter than my buddies $300 lights.
I only have one and thusly mount it on my bars. with only one light, it is safer to mount to the bars rather than helmet as you can see shadows of trail obstacles. I am planning on investing in a second 808 and either gettign the helmet mount kit or just zip tying the fucker to my helmet.
I posted this at r/cycling with no responses so I'll try here since it seems more active.
I am in need of a light (soon).
I am starting to ride my bike to work, and with winter setting in I'll be riding in the dark when it's not freezing out. I ran across these two lights on Amazon, are they any good?
1st choice: http://www.amazon.com/Best-Rechargeable-Lumen-Bicycle-Light/dp/B00GJZ015Y/ref=sr_1_1?s=cycling&ie=UTF8&qid=1410199224&sr=1-1
2nd choice: http://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-LIFETIME-GUARANTEE-SHIPPING-INTENSITY/dp/B00GGR0XD0/ref=sr_1_3?s=cycling&ie=UTF8&qid=1410199224&sr=1-3
Those were the top two ranked so I'm not married to them, just trying to get a feel for what I should look at.
I'm riding on streets/frontage roads for 10 miles each way, about 40 minutes of ride time each way. I'm not opposed to an external battery pack. If it matters my bike is a Trek 3900 that is a few years old.
Thanks!
get a dynamo to power your headlamp?
I just ordered one of these. It’s a bike headlight, but it looks similar to the Shred Lights. I’m planning on attaching it to my pints fender with heavy duty Velcro on the toe side so it shines around my lead leg.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H97Z2G7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_utSIDbZWHW2N3
Here is the non-mobile link from the comment above
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A decent amount as it gives you a 360 “glow” but when I don’t use my headlamp I clip this white light onto my shorts https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IIPBYB2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_u.mUBbCEV5CVC and it’s perfect.
Personally? I prefer lights with standard li-ion batteries, like 18650's. You're going to get a more consistent brightness through each charge cycle and the life of the battery, you can invest in batteries and continue to use them with other devices, etc.
That said, I haven't found a taillight that took standard li-ion batteries that I liked. I went with a Cygolite Hotshot SL, which uses an internal li-ion battery, usb rechargeable.
For the headlight though, I use a flashlight and mount with my 18650s - I have about a dozen of them I use for all sorts of projects, along with a few 18350s, 18500's, 14600's, etc. So for me it made sense to get one of these. Bonus, it came with two more batteries for me to use.
Both the cygolite and a flashlight with a mount are easily removed, and last a long while. I take mine off and toss them in my bag to bring with me to work every day.
https://www.amazon.com/Magicshine-Waterproof-Perfect-Mountain-Rechargeable/dp/B015HBGDDE
I wear these, one on the front of my shorts and one on the back. I also run against traffic and I watch like crazy. I'm not interested in dying because a driver didn't see me--and it's MY responsibility to be seen.
I realize you're probably looking for clothing, but in addition to the good recommendations you're bound to get here, try Lightweights. I swear by them for all of my wheels -- lighter than reflectors, and far more effective (anecdotally speaking). Apparently they make rolls of tape now, not just the little stickers for spokes.
https://www.amazon.com/Lightweights-Power-Reflectors-Wheels-86-Piece/dp/B002KYFWQ6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1479480518&sr=8-1&keywords=lightweights
https://www.amazon.com/Lightweights-Stealth-Tape-100-Inch-Roll/dp/B001P3UR9U/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1479480518&sr=8-2&keywords=lightweights
NiteRider 650 $100
I've got one of these and love it to death. Helmet and bar mount, 3 levels, strobe, USB rechargeable, etc etc. Durable as hell too.
They aren't the best for illuminating the road, but do a good job of making me visible to cars:
Front
Back
Wheels
For less than $5 you can be plenty visible. And they are so cheap that I don't mind leaving them on my bicycle. They take a few weeks to arrive from Hong Kong, so I buy a few and keep them in a drawer.
For a "real" front light I'm a fan of Cygolite. Crazy bright, rechargeable, and waterproof/water resistant. Just a hassle that I can't leave it clipped on for fear of theft.
There are two types of lights, ones to see by and ones to be seen by. Any that is good enough to see by will be too bright to be seen by (dazzle etc). You want one that can do both. Something like the Cateye Volt 1600 can be ran full brightness when on the MTB trails and can be turned down to commute by.
If you just want one for commuting the Volt 300 is fine (and cheaper!)
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.
I used these if you want a clean set up with no wire. I carry an extra battery just in case. However the headlight last like 5 to 6 hours
Vision 2 USB Rechargeable Bike Light, Powerful 1000 Lumen Bike Headlight LED Fits all Mountain Bikes, Road Bicycle, Waterproof & Installs in Seconds https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GGR0XD0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Z9LaAbAR4B2SD
Since you want the light to shine in a plane above the floor, you should check out diffusers for bicycle lights like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Bright-Eyes-3-Pack-Clear-DIFFUSER/dp/B00RKP6GZG
Watch this!
Safety first
Thank you.
I just popped this seat on my Trek. It's great. Went on several 2 hour rides and didn't feel any discomfort.
Front headlight
Rear light
Have you checked the chain for wear? Since it is older the chain likely needs to be either cleaned quite well or replaced all together. Replacing a chain is a lot simpler than it sounds but you will need to get a chain removal tool. The whole drive train should probably be cleaned as well.
It's called 'Lightweights Stealth Tape'. I'm pretty sure it's just a cut and repackaged roll of 3m reflective tape.
Yep and they are pretty bright. I use to use two blitzu 120T lights and they were considerably bright and only $15 each. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00W7Y27CQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_RlG2xbP69Q54V
https://www.amazon.com/NiteRider-Lumina-Boost-Headlight-Black/dp/B071ZJYF78/ref=pd_cp_468_3?pd_rd_w=1JaU8&pf_rd_p=ef4dc990-a9ca-4945-ae0b-f8d549198ed6&pf_rd_r=AV9Y4VA6XCT4EN2A43TZ&pd_rd_r=fa9bf33f-52a9-4004-b558-dc644e645d85&pd_rd_wg=w9ZRV&pd_rd_i=B071ZJYF78&psc=1&refRID=AV9Y4VA6XCT4EN2A43TZ
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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015HBGDDE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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These are the two that I use. They both light it up back in the woods at night no problem. The top one has more of a concentrated beam, while the other is a lot wider of a beam.
115 dB? I laugh at your 115 dB :-)
I bought this one from amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Magicshine-Waterproof-Perfect-Mountain-Rechargeable/dp/B015HBGDDE
I like to leave it on the bike when I'm riding evenings, so I can turn it on if it starts to get dim. Seems to work great for that. I've never timed how long the battery lasts, I think it died once on me mid ride, when i hadn't charged it from two prior rides. I didn't really get a warning, just decided to turn off. You can also get a larger or extra battery if you're concerned about the light making it through the end of the ride. Though that will make it harder to keep under your budget.
I would definitely recommend getting both a helmet light, and a bar light, just so you have some backup, especially if you're looking to pick up a cheap set of lights.
The one I linked only comes with bar mounts, though I believe you can purchase an addon helmet strap. I've not used one though. It has a battery pack that you can strap to your frame. The battery strap is velcro, seems nice and secure. The bar mount is a rubber loop that stretches. It's secure enough that I don't think it'd ever come loose, but it may shift position if you hit some rough terrain. My night riding is generally paved, I can't speak to confidence how well it holds up in the rough.
There are different widths
1/4" By 37.5' Black Reflective Pin Stripping Tape https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000B58EIE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_wAksybN6FVAT7
It comes in different colors. With black you can not see it on my board in the daytime.
this is the one that I have on the Marbel that is a Little brighter and made by 3M it is only 100 inches. Which was long enough for the deck and the 107mm flys.
I changed the bearings to reds following: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0B43P1zPmZQ and the front wheels roll much much longer and i get a bit more mileage now (awesome job to the original poster)
I added the nose guard from http://www.motionboardshop.com/products/oberand-noseguard-loaded-vanguard-longboard
I added blitzu lights that fit perfectly around the trucks. Back: http://www.amazon.com/Blitzu-Cyclops-120T-Rechargeable-Light/dp/B00W7Y27CQ
front: http://www.amazon.com/Generation-Blitzu-Cyclops-Rechargeable-Headlight/dp/B00W7XFCH4
to prevent scratches i added 3M car door guard strips i had lying around to the bottom. They are hard plastic similar to what are on sliding gloves long boarders use. I got them from auto zone, after a few hits just peel them off and stick new ones on. They are designed to stick onto car doors on cars going 60 mph or faster so it stays put
These are what the lights look like at "night", basically in the bathroom in total darkness: http://postimg.org/image/bpdwkbh57/ my camera can't pick up the brightness level properly but these basically light up the whole floor in front of you and for a good 4-5 feet out which is why i prefer they naturally point down so i dont blind anyone
Amazon has one: http://www.amazon.com/Bike-Bicycle-Dynamo-Generator-12V/dp/B000OBWMGK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1382548184&sr=8-2&keywords=bike+dynamo
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XJU7L9Q/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_dWGAwbYYRJ553
Maybe just the metro 850 for $40?
Or the fenders: a good SKS Longboard set is in the $40-50 range.
For a tail light, I like the hotrod better than the hotshot. Hmm, there's now an even brighter model to consider.
Do you already have a battery pack with a USB plug for re-charging your phone? If so, get a light that plugs into that. Like this: https://smile.amazon.com/Urparcel-1200LM-Headlamp-Headlight-Bicycle/dp/B00GFLQMAK/ or https://smile.amazon.com/OVERMAL-6000LM-Waterproof-Bicycle-Headlight/dp/B01LYRLTGI/.
I have one like the first link and it works great for the occasional dark commute. I also got these diffuser lenses to help turn the spotlight into more of a horizontal pattern: https://smile.amazon.com/Bright-Eyes-3-Pack-Clear-DIFFUSER/dp/B00RKP6GZG/
It should be for attaching a light. Usually 'Commuter' bags have this so you can attach a red light to be seen while riding a bicycle. That is why the loop is also painted to be reflective.
Something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Bonuses-Running-Visibility-Accessories-Reflective/dp/B00SSQGKVG/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1478212182&sr=1-1&keywords=backpack+light
It's a Magicshine MJ-808 with a water protected battery pack.
The only thing I don't like about it is the beam, it's to straight forward so you can miss some things on the sides. Though I know you can buy another lens to change the width of the beam.
Worth. Every. Penny.
This horn has prevented cars from hitting me while on my bicycle multiple times.
I just bought this Cygolite Metro 360 head light and this Cygolite Hotshot tail light a few days ago. They are well reviewed and seem blindingly bright when I look at them inside. Several different flash modes and are both USB rechargeable.
As for other products which can save your life, a cell phone and a credit/debit card will be useful if you're stranded somewhere. Wearing a Road ID will be helpful to emergency personnel if you're unable to communicate.
Based on the usage you described, I think the best bang for buck is the following:
Front light: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HU11ZG
Back light: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RYAKHC
If you want to go even cheaper, I picked these up for my girlfriend last week and was shocked at how awesome, small, and bright these were: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001RC9NHG
The thing with reflective gear is that someone else's light has to bounce off of it for you to be seen. Around sunrise and sunset, lots of drivers won't have their headlights on. Reflectivity also won't save you if someone's about to door you.
Personally, I've taken to riding with my front light on at all times (rear on at night). We have bike share bikes in town that do it anyway, so it's not that out of place. The difference between having it on and off in traffic is noticeable. People actually see me, and don't try to turn in front of me. To avoid going through so many batteries, I've tried a few USB rechargeable lights. The Cat-Eye Volt 300 has been my favorite. Serfas is a little bit cheaper, and more aesthetically pleasing, but doesn't last as long between recharges as the Cateye.
It might have been, but I have a 2 or 3watt rear blinkie light. When I ride at night, I'm a damn Christmas tree. I like seeing and knowing I'm seen :)
Good on the cops for keeping everyone safe, I try to give benefit of the doubt as well. I just don't give them a chance either. Most cops are good, but there is always that 10% rule in effect.
I have one of these, and other models. Always keep a spare charged
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E1NQ6T6
Rear: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00E1NQ6T6/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1415985141&sr=8-2
Front: anything you can get a good deal on over 500 lumens. Of you mtb at all I would go for a 1000. I have this one: http://www.performancebike.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/mProduct4_10551_10052_1126905_-1_ (found on Craigslist used for 140$)
These are great, I have them on my wife's bike and mine.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01IIPBYB2?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_yo_pop_mb_pd_t2
I bought us crazy bright headlights for actual mountain biking. The ones I recommend above I got on a lightning deal for like 8.99 a set. We night ride on the beach in FL and that set isn't good enough for a new moon night but great for bc safety in the city.
I've got this light set: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XJU7L9Q/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The headlight has a bright center with a decent yet dimmer "spread" so the focus point is on the ground and the spread will still light up a stop sign from about half a block away.
I use the CatEye Volt 300 USB Rechargeable Headlight and it has been working great for about five months. I work 1-9pm so my night rides are dark. It does a great job of making myself visible as well as lighting the road for me. There are brighter lights out there but this one has a pretty good pricepoint IMO. Not sure if it was said elsewhere but don't blind people with the strobe, solid works just as well.
I use this one:Apace Vision. It comes as a pair. It's not USB rechargeable, but the battery seems to last a very long time. It has several ways to attach to your bike. One of them is a clip (like an old beeper) that you can slip through that loop on the back of your seat bag. That's how I do it and it hasn't moved 1 mm since I put it on. It has three modes (two blinking and one steady). It does the trick.
I also have a Cateye that is USB rechargeable, but it doesn't have that clip mount. It uses the rubber band kind of mount (for mounting to tubes or seat posts). I like the Apace Vision.
I usually run x2 of these, cheap and very bright, with a wide angle diffuser on one.
You should try out the Hornit 140 if you want a loud as balls electric horn. Look up some videos of it on youtube if you want to hear how it sounds. It takes 2 AAA batteries if memory serves and it lasts for months. You can wire it to your bars then route the cable to wherever you've mounted the horn. I believe it was developed in South London.
https://www.thehornit.com/faqs
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hornit-dB140-V2-Worlds-Loudest/dp/B006TDEV20/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1518620074&sr=8-1&keywords=140db+horn
MagicShine has lots of VERY affordable, high lumen lights. From 900 to 1600 depending on how much you're willing to spend.
I now have one of these lights for riding at night. I think that it's great and you can really see what is in front of you when riding at night. I used to have something like this, but found that it was only good for making yourself visible. I do all my riding in the city and even with street lights I still prefer the brighter lights.
I've got two lights I've got off amazon (front, back) and don't really have any frame of reference. Do you have any idea of how 'bright' those are? Or have suggestions? :D
buy this thank me later
For the headlight
I generally have to ride kitted out because I can't be in the sun for very long. I find my entire kit very comfortable though more so for being outside. If its a quick trip it isn't worth the time to change. Any more then that and I'll be physically cooler, and more comfortable on longer rides. I can't be outside for too long because of vitiligo without covering up anyways.
I use cameras for multiple purposes. To document interactions, to document idiotic actions -- even mine. Their main purpose though is to have a record in case of an accident and for that purpose I want to be able to clearly identify the driver and license plate. This requires good resolution front and back. I'm tempted to just use two generic go pro style cameras but then I'll have to remember to turn them on, charge them, etc. I'd like one battery pack at most and maybe one switch.
I have a very bright front headlight similar to this that runs off of a battery pack. We have a total of 4 battery packs that we use over 2 different bicycles. The backlights I have are AAA powered and I keep a backup (lights and batteries). I currently switched lights and I have about 6 of the new ones and maybe 3 of the old ones. I also typically care 2 or 3 cheap "to be seen" emergency lights.
Best experience is having a really crappy day at work and taking all the frustration out on the way home crushing my record. I'm just too physically exhausted to be upset. Then, after I've relaxed I perk up and realize that I just crushed my previous best travel time.
My worst experiences excluding being hit or nearly hit would be engaging with idiots that yell at me. Normally I let it go but sometimes I won't because I'm tired of it and I'll catch up to yell at them. For me to have the desire and ability to do this I've got to be pretty pissed which means I'm potentially running into a really shitty situation blind. I never worry about it in the moment, but after the fact in reflection I feel pretty stupid even if I haven't had anybody go physically psychotic on me.
I don't worry about getting injured while flying in an air plane, riding a buss, driving a car, or letting a co-worker who thinks she is the female version of Andretti drive me around. To me cycling isn't any more dangerous then any of these activities. Some of them its actually less dangerous. I try not to let fear paralyze me. I read what I can to learn how to ride the safest I can. I'll position myself in such a way that I'm the safest I can be based on experts and their research.
I'm not sure what would make me more comfortable on a bike. Maybe a bluetooth speaker that gives me several mounting options and has a quick release retention system so I can take it with me. Currently I'm using this I've modified it to work with a velco strap on its rubber mounting. I mount it on the stem just before the drop bars. I'd prefer other mounting options, and better battery life. Currently it only works for about 4-5 hours.
https://www.amazon.com/Bike-Bicycle-Dynamo-Generator-12V/dp/B000OBWMGK
I have a MiniNewt NiteRider 600, it's the older version of this one
It totally lights up dark trails at night and I'll never go back to a "be seen" light. It's well worth the $$ and mine is going strong after more than 2 years and lots of drops. When I switched I noticed a marked difference in the respect drivers give me. If I'm headed down the road and someone wants to make a turn in front of me, they wait til I pass from a lot farther back than they used to.
Also, front light should be steady so you can see and back should be blinking as it suggests a slow moving vehicle and people will give extra care. If you have a second light in back, the dimmer one can be steady and that helps a little with gauging distance as they approach.
For the wheels:
Lightweights for Wheels... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002KYFWQ6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
For my helmet
LiteMark Reflective Black Variety... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072Y1RDYX?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Vest
The 247 Viz Blaze Reflective Vest... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075RD1ZQZ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Black reflective tape roll (they have all sorts of color though)
Lightweights Stealth Tape, 100-inch Roll, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001P3UR9U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_jHtpDbRBYNQVG
Ankle bands
Leg Shield Reflective Ankle Bands... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L0H4GJ8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Wrist bands
Reflective Wristbands (Pair) -... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0128J7U80?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I have two of these strapped on my trampa trucks:
https://www.amazon.com/Updated-Rechargeable-Headlight-Bicycles-Mountain/dp/B07H97Z2G7/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=bicycle+light&qid=1563820629&s=gateway&sr=8-4
Cheap, rechargeable. Easily replaceable if they get lost or something.
http://www.amazon.com/Bike-Bicycle-Dynamo-Generator-12V/dp/B000OBWMGK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1330631840&sr=8-1
Scrap the batteries, Use one of these
I'm not looking for a huge lit path, but at least somewhat of a path.
what about this?
https://www.amazon.com/Bike-Bicycle-Dynamo-Generator-12V/dp/B000OBWMGK
And it's a great way to stay in shape!
You don't need to spend much on the bike frame itself, but you will need a light for the front, one for the back, a few tools to help you change your own tires and tubes (look into them, not expensive), patch them, et cetera. It sounds daunting but it really isn't, and it's fun knowing you have control over your thing. Like with a computer when you build one.
Cyclists in Boston chain their bikes up to lamps and signs (trees I think are illegal in some cities, so I don't), and bike racks of course. There's the threat of theft though I never experienced it. I always leave my bike in a visible area on the street, so that if someone were to try anything they'd be in sight of a camera or something nearby. Or unfortunately, target other bikes (which sounds bad since by taking up front realty, others can't chain there, but that's just how it is).
Start by taking advantage of the fact that you're going to a university. You may have a student run bike shop where you can go ask all these questions, a local cooperative where you can learn to do basic repairs for very cheap, and often times they'll have really good pricing on items you may be interested in like a good quality U-lock or a rear rack (which I highly recommend).
What /u/reddanit said is good advice, you want a ulock and a cable for the front wheel. Look up the Sheldon Brown method of locking, that's what you'll want to do. Check out this picture here. See the rear rack in the back where the lock is? I attach it to my rear rack with a bungie cord and it stays in place really well. Don't use the included on bike mounting hardware that comes with the ulock, it's trash.
For music, either do what your friends do and listen to it out loud with a bluetooth speaker, or don't listen at all. It's just not safe to use headphones.
I've never used a mirror, don't consider it necessary at all. They just end up breaking or flopping around.
Tell us more about your commute and we can recommend what to carry with. If you're never more than half a mile from a bike shop while on your commute or if it's only 1-2 miles, it may not be worth bringing a tube with you. I never do.
For lights, again, do some research about your university. Some offer free little blinky lights. Otherwise, this is an area I would not recommend skimping on. I really like the Cygolite lights. Check these ones out:
Best of luck!
For my black dogs, I have the Ruffwear Track Jacket and these lights, which I clip to the Track Jackets. I also have an orange reflective vest for me.
i use macon bern helmet and attach my blitzu cyborg 120 lumens using cable ties at the back of the helmet
BLITZU Cyborg 120T USB Rechargeable LED Bike Tail Light. Bright Bicycle Rear Cycling Safety Flashlight, Fits Road, Mountain Bikes, Helmets. Get The Front Headlight and Back Set for Kids Men and Women
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the light is super bright, i think put the light on the helmet has better visibility if compared put it on the boardside
One of these right here!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015HBGDDE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_lUzaCb3S17NPE
Do you also do any cycling? One thing you could do is buy a nice bike light which could also be used as a handheld torch. If you don't bike, this would probably add cost unnecessarily.
I have used this one for about a year now, and I love it. It's super bright, waterproof, and comes with 2 usb rechargeable batteries. I've also used it handheld to supplement a headlamp for night trail running. Not sure about shipping outside of us.
Sounds like a really cool adventure!
I've had an earlier version of a Magicshine light for 6 years. Have replaced the battery once in that time. Stupidly bright at max setting, more than bright enough to descend tight singletrack as fast as I care to. ~4 hour run time using mixed settings.
I'll highly recommend getting a good bar light, and a helmet light. Good lights are expensive but oh so worth it - they're bright, rugged, long-lasting, etc. Lighting up the trail like you have car headlights is so much fun, especially if you've only used crappy lights before!
Here's my picks. They might not be the best, but I like them. All have USB charging too.
Bar light: Fenix BC30R. Sturdy, accurate battery meter, long lasting, bright. Not crazy expensive but it's wayyy nicer than most cheap lights. Doesn't dim over time too; it's good at keeping the same brightness until it dies.
Helmet mount light: Niterider Micro 750. It's reasonably priced on sale, but doesn't last that long on high mode - and gets dimmer over time. Not an amazing light but it works - I just wish the helmet mount was better.
Red light no.1: Cygolight Hotshot 100. Cheap, bright, reliable, many blinky options. I like that it has a clip, so I usually attach to my pack.
Red light no.2: cheap oval LED light like this; mount it on my helmet so cars can see me better. A light "to be seen" doesn't have to be bright or amazing, and it seems the more lights the better in traffic. Having two lights far apart (like helmet and bottom of pack) helps depth+speed perception for cars/riders seeing you.
I clip this light to the reflector mounting bracket and use the supplied band to keep it from accidentally popping up.
I use a 3800 Lumen headlight and a Topeak tail light:
headlight
taillight
The headlight is obnoxiously bright. Its like a single car headlight and I can actually see where I'm going with it. Mounting is a challenge since it has a large (4xAA) battery pack that is separate from the light itself so I had to use lots of zipties. Its dedicated to the bike its on because swapping to another bike would be a hassle. It comes with a charger so thats nice, but the weather proof plug is pretty tight and can be hard to disconnect sometimes. The light is also fairly large so it might increase your aero drag by a little bit.
The Topeak taillight has been great, it screws directly to the Topeak rack I have so it will not fall off. I've lost too many taillights to count just from them literally falling apart as I ride or getting jiggled off and run over by cars. I even had one fall down a sewer grate.
I also have a Cateye headlight that has a little strap clamp so its easy to swap between bikes. Its not very bright but it been reliable for a few years.
I got a bunch of these so I'd have a tail light for each bike and they have actually been pretty good.
Front and rear. The headlight is USB chargeable and the tail light is powered by 2 triple A batteries. I'd prefer to only have to charge one thing at a time, but that's just me.
http://www.amazon.com/Bike-Light-Rechargeable--SUPERBRIGHT-Lumens/dp/B00XJU7L9Q/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1451926060&sr=8-3&keywords=shark+500+bike+light
Shark 500 would be even better.
It’s this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H97Z2G7
I really like the USB rechargable NiteRider Lumina Series. The build quality of the lights as well as the mounts are just amazing. They currently have three models...
350 Lumen
500 Lumen
650 Lumen
Each version has three main brightness levels, plus a fourth dim level as well as a flash mode. If you are riding through city streets with streetlights, the 350 model is more than enough, and can be had for right around $60. I have the 650 version which can completely illuminate pitch black trails, even on moonless nights. On it's highest level, cars will sometimes honk/scream at you, it's so bright. On city streets, I use the lowest level.
For the tail light, I use another NiteRider product called the Solas. This is a VERY BRIGHT 2-Watt USB rechargable tailight. This run can be had for about $35.
I'm not sure about front lights - realistically i think you need to spend around a hundred and get something like the niterider 700 lumen lights - but i just picked up a sigma 5-led for $15 at my LBS (cheaper amazon link below) and cars seem to avoid me in much the same manner that they would avoid a low flying ufo or a small explosion.
http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-Sport-11812-SIGMA-TAILGUARD/dp/B000YBCOE0
These are $120 but they're said to be very good.
http://www.amazon.com/NiteRider-Lumina-Wireless-Rechargable-Headlight/dp/B008VFBJ6A/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1375955990&sr=1-1&keywords=niterider+bike+lights
bottom line, with lighting you get what you pay for. MTBR has their annual bike light shootout: http://reviews.mtbr.com/2013-bike-lights-shootout
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Content_10052_10551_-1_HeadLightBuyersGuide
I have this light. A bit more than you wanted to spend (£30), but it's by far the best light I've owned.
Cygolite Metro 360. Bright, USB rechargeable, and very cheap at $60. Outperforms $100 lights.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00E1NQ4P2?pc_redir=1407570264&robot_redir=1
I just got into road cycling earlier this year. This is my gear:
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The other gear I have that I recommend:
Here is the mobile version of your link
Waiting on his one to arrive. $50 seems like a good deal.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00GGR0XD0/ref=ya_st_dp_summary
They're super cheap clip on lights I bought on Amazon, I'm planning on using them when I e board...just to clip to my bag to be seen... This is the link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01IIPBYB2?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
Front
Rear.
You're welcome.
Edit: I also wear these on my not-so-bulging biceps
I bought 2 of these. I really like them and they are decently priced. The external batteries are really nice too
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JR4FGAO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
also, very very bright light. I suggest this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JR4FGAO/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Here you go
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001P3UR9U/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1419299145&sr=8-1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GGR0XD0/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Super bright. I owned one for three years and the switch stopped working. Lifetime warranty....they sent me another one.
just got the cygolite tail light for $23. Bright as fuck and pretty water resistant.
Headlight I went with Serfas 505. Pricey for $70. you could potentially get something as good for cheaper, but the light is solid. Waterproof too, I've left it in the rain a few times.
I ended up with these but then I needed some for the back and so I've got these on the way as well.
The MagicShine 808 seems to be what people are liking these days. It's a Chinese made clone, but the company has some branding and does warranty's and quality control. It looks like a great value point and a solid compromise between expensive/nice NiteRiders and no-name deals.
Beam pattern makes a big difference. I can see better with my 400 lumen light with special optic than with a higher lumen round/symmetrical reflector.
I use one of these on my chinese "1000 lumen" light. Not quite as good, but really helps put the light where you can use it.
https://www.amazon.com/Cycle-Torch-Rechargeable-HeadLight-Flashlight/dp/B00XJU7L9Q/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=shark+light+bicycle&qid=1557270984&s=gateway&sr=8-4
-My favorite is my Cygolite Hot Rod
https://www.amazon.com/CygoLite-Hotrod-50-Rechargeable-Bicycle/dp/B013FIWQ5U
It's a fantastic light. Extremely bright with a very long-lasting battery. Fits around my aero seat post without problems. The downside is that it costs $30.
-I also have this Monilon taillight:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IF1UBRC/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It's a little less bright than my Hot Rod, and it's made out of a noticeably cheaper plastic. It also doesn't have rubber bumpers to protect the finish of the bike. the upside is that it costs $7.58, so it's a great deal if you don't want to spend much money.