K
Ken Huizenga
Guest
I am looking into purchase of a good light system for riding exclusively on long country roads (100%
paved, and mostly straight) and about 1 mile of city streets to get out to the country. I want to
maximize the length that I can see debris, potholes, etc. in order to react in time. I am riding a
Gold Rush and am capable of speeds in excess of 20mph and over 30mph downhill or with the wind. (I
would slow down, if necessary, at night time for safety. However, part of the reason for getting a
really good lighting system would be to avoid having to slow down much.)
I would like to get at least 2 hours of riding time before recharging. I would also like to avoid
helmet mounted lights. Price is not a major obstacle, I am looking at a system right now which would
cost $340, and that's OK, if "that's what it takes." I willing to use both of my water bottle
holders if necessary for battery storage. Based on the above..., in consultation with one of the
major light system producers (Turbocat) I am seriously considering the following system:
Two light fixtures, independently aimable, with one 15 watt bulb in each light with two separate 6V
water bottle batteries (Ni Cad). One 15 watt bulb would be a flood light, focused fairly low/near
in. This would hopefully provide decent lighting up to about 60 feet out, while simultaneously
providing some light for cornering, lighting up signs in front of me, etc. The other light would be
a 15 watt medium spot, focused further out, beyond where the flood light is illuminating. This would
give me advance warning of anything in the road about 60-80 feet out or perhaps a bit more.
I'm looking for 2nd opinions on the above setup. Any suggestions in terms of different approaches
which you think could work better are appreciated. Of course, any system such as this is a tradeoff
between weight of batteries, riding time between battery recharge and expense. I am generally OK
with the "promised parameters" of the above system:
Desired Performance
==============
80+ feet of straight ahead illumination on the road
2.2 hours with both lights running full time
Cost / Weight
=========
$340 total weight just under 5 pounds.
What I'm asking is whether, in your experience, the above described system will deliver something
close to the above "Desired Performance". Also, if you have any suggestions for how to modify this
system to improve "desired performance attributes" without raising cost/weight or keep the same
Desired Perforance while reducing cost or weight...I'm all ears...er...eyes.
Also...if there are any obvious concerns with the above system...such as the potential for
excessive glare for oncoming traffic, etc., etc. please point out such things as well. Currently, I
would intend to ride with both lights on...all the time (at night). If I need to turn off either
the flood or the spot for oncoming traffic I should buy handlebar switches which are not part of
the current plan.
Thanks, Ken Huizenga Appleton, Wisconsin Folding Gold Rush
paved, and mostly straight) and about 1 mile of city streets to get out to the country. I want to
maximize the length that I can see debris, potholes, etc. in order to react in time. I am riding a
Gold Rush and am capable of speeds in excess of 20mph and over 30mph downhill or with the wind. (I
would slow down, if necessary, at night time for safety. However, part of the reason for getting a
really good lighting system would be to avoid having to slow down much.)
I would like to get at least 2 hours of riding time before recharging. I would also like to avoid
helmet mounted lights. Price is not a major obstacle, I am looking at a system right now which would
cost $340, and that's OK, if "that's what it takes." I willing to use both of my water bottle
holders if necessary for battery storage. Based on the above..., in consultation with one of the
major light system producers (Turbocat) I am seriously considering the following system:
Two light fixtures, independently aimable, with one 15 watt bulb in each light with two separate 6V
water bottle batteries (Ni Cad). One 15 watt bulb would be a flood light, focused fairly low/near
in. This would hopefully provide decent lighting up to about 60 feet out, while simultaneously
providing some light for cornering, lighting up signs in front of me, etc. The other light would be
a 15 watt medium spot, focused further out, beyond where the flood light is illuminating. This would
give me advance warning of anything in the road about 60-80 feet out or perhaps a bit more.
I'm looking for 2nd opinions on the above setup. Any suggestions in terms of different approaches
which you think could work better are appreciated. Of course, any system such as this is a tradeoff
between weight of batteries, riding time between battery recharge and expense. I am generally OK
with the "promised parameters" of the above system:
Desired Performance
==============
80+ feet of straight ahead illumination on the road
2.2 hours with both lights running full time
Cost / Weight
=========
$340 total weight just under 5 pounds.
What I'm asking is whether, in your experience, the above described system will deliver something
close to the above "Desired Performance". Also, if you have any suggestions for how to modify this
system to improve "desired performance attributes" without raising cost/weight or keep the same
Desired Perforance while reducing cost or weight...I'm all ears...er...eyes.
Also...if there are any obvious concerns with the above system...such as the potential for
excessive glare for oncoming traffic, etc., etc. please point out such things as well. Currently, I
would intend to ride with both lights on...all the time (at night). If I need to turn off either
the flood or the spot for oncoming traffic I should buy handlebar switches which are not part of
the current plan.
Thanks, Ken Huizenga Appleton, Wisconsin Folding Gold Rush