another technical recommendation :)

Ringo · Post by **Ringo** » 21 Sep 2011 20:58

my new job is quite a nice commuter distance and so i'm toying with the idea of riding into work and back 2 or 3 days a week.

just wondering if anyone could recommend a set of good/cheapish lights.

what do you guys use on your bikes and would you recommend them?

cheers.

George · Post by **George** » 21 Sep 2011 21:02

An awful lot depends on whether you merely want to be seen, or whether you need to illuminate a road with no street lights.

Post by **CakeStop** » 21 Sep 2011 21:09

How much will you save in petrol / public transport costs during the first month?

AlanW · Post by **AlanW** » 21 Sep 2011 21:14

All depends on what you call cheap? But I would certainly take a look at the Hope Vison 1 LED light.

Ed Moss · Post by **Ed Moss** » 21 Sep 2011 22:46

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/exposure-flashf ... batteries/

Best lights I've ever owned, why risk it with a cheap set?

Clive · Post by **Clive** » 22 Sep 2011 07:03

I've just got a cheap £20 set which is fine for my occasional use needs. I hardly every cycle in the dark, but carry these in case I get caught out.
Occasionally need them towards the end of an audax as the days get shorter, where I usually carry a good headtorch too.

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001M8NOMA/ref=oss_product

Philip Whiteman · Post by **Philip Whiteman** » 22 Sep 2011 08:47

There are simple rules about cycle lighting:

If riding on lit urban streets:-

Purchase cycle lights to be seen. These are at the cheaper end of the range, often between less than approximately £80. Cheap Halfords kit will usually suffice.

If riding on unlit rural lanes:-

Purchase cycle lights to see. These are expensive and often in excess of approximately £80. I use the Exposure Joystick : http://www.wiggle.co.uk/exposure-joysti ... light-set/

Plus don't forget to purchase: -

- a yellow jacket with reflectors (Altura produce a good range of clothing) http://www.wiggle.co.uk/cycling-waterproof-jackets/ - reflective loop bands - available from Halfords

slogfester · Post by **slogfester** » 22 Sep 2011 10:39

+1 for reflective loop bands- especially around the ankles. Because of the rotation they are very effective, cheap and light. (Panniers can block visibility from the rear though).
Make sure they are long enough. Most I find in shops would only go around a ballerina's ankles!

Ringo · Post by **Ringo** » 22 Sep 2011 18:26

cheers guys.

i definitely want ones which will allow me to see on unlit roads.

those ones that ed recommends might be perfect. as you say, if i'm going to be using them most days throughout the winter then i don't want cheap ones.

and cheers for the advice on reflective clothing.

AlanW · Post by **AlanW** » 22 Sep 2011 19:55

Or you could go the whole hog and get some Lumicycle lights.

Chuffin' expensive, BUT when you can ride at fast at night as you can during the day, then it just shows how good they are.

Trust me, its money well spent when you spread the cost out over the years.

Philip Whiteman · Post by **Philip Whiteman** » 22 Sep 2011 20:56

Also, if you end up purchasing bib-tights or neoprene overshoes then consider the versions that come with reflective strips.

GrahamGamblin · Post by **GrahamGamblin** » 23 Sep 2011 11:21

This is a great little rear light, very bright, can be attached to frame or clothing, batteries seem to last for ages: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/smart-lunar-r1-rear-light/