Front Light and Mirror Recommendations?

homoon said:

I'm interested in buying a light for night rides. In my case I'll probably only use the light when I'm on a ride that begins at dusk and lasts a few hours. I'd like something that illuminates the road enough to see pot holes.

Do I need to be looking at rechargeable lights or would just the typical front mount $50 version work? What brands do people have faith in?

Also what are people's opinions about mirrors? Helmet mounted or handlebar mounted?

Thanks much for any input.

Aaron

Go rechargeable for the light. Otherwise you will spend a fortune on batteries. Good halogen lights start off at around $75-100. I use a Light and Motion Solo for commuting and it works quite well. I don't think that you need to go as high as the $350 models to get decent light.

As far as mirrors go, it is personal preference. I used to use a mirror, but don't anymore (although I should for my work commute). I liked a glasses or helmet mount because it is close to the eye and you can pan behind yourself by rotating your head a little bit. The handlebar mount ones have a larger field of view, but tend to get knocked out of adjustment.

I'm very much a fan of helmet-mounted mirrors. I just bought a new Bell Ghisallo, and tried a Take-a-Look mirror, which is designed to be mounted on glasses but can be helmet-mounted with an adaptor.

I'm very impressed! The adaptor mounts easily and is unobtrusive. The mirror weighs next to nothing, and adjusts easily and over a wide range. Best I've used.

Thanks much for both of your responses. Im going shopping this weekend.

John M said:

Go rechargeable for the light. Otherwise you will spend a fortune on batteries. Good halogen lights start off at around $75-100. I use a Light and Motion Solo for commuting and it works quite well. I don't think that you need to go as high as the $350 models to get decent light.

As far as mirrors go, it is personal preference. I used to use a mirror, but don't anymore (although I should for my work commute). I liked a glasses or helmet mount because it is close to the eye and you can pan behind yourself by rotating your head a little bit. The handlebar mount ones have a larger field of view, but tend to get knocked out of adjustment.

I is your light bright enough to see pot holes in the road? This is one of my main concerns. I took a bad spill last summer and want to avoid any more road rash. 🙂

homoon said:

I is your light bright enough to see pot holes in the road? This is one of my main concerns. I took a bad spill last summer and want to avoid any more road rash. 🙂

If you really need to see, one possibility is to use two lights. Mount one on the bike handlebar and aim it a little low at the ground, and use a second one mounted on the helmet. The helmet one will illuminate exactly where you look and the bar mounted will illuminate the road. Some off roaders use this type of combo to illuminate the trail and to allow looking farther ahead or off to the side of the trail.

Good luck.