Headlight for 26 mile commute

[Stiffneck]

I need some advice on headlights. I am starting to commute at least once a week on my flat-bar roadbike. 13 miles each way. Flat ride except for a couple of Pedestrian Freeway Overpasses. 1/2 unlit paved but occasionally rough bike paths, 1/2 busy streets.

Here is what I am thinking. Rechargeable battery, 10 Watt light, 2 hr+ run time. Under 3 lbs, preferably under 2 lbs. Preferably <$100. $ 150 max. Don't want to build my own light.

Looking at Cateye ABS 10, several Cygolite models, Light&Motion Commuter, NiteRider Trail Rat 2, VistaLite.

Any feedback on these choices?
Any other suggestions?
Is 10W bright enough?

 

[Babbar]

Originally posted by Stiffneck
I need some advice on headlights. I am starting to commute at least once a week on my flat-bar roadbike. 13 miles each way. Flat ride except for a couple of Pedestrian Freeway Overpasses. 1/2 unlit paved but occasionally rough bike paths, 1/2 busy streets.

Here is what I am thinking. Rechargeable battery, 10 Watt light, 2 hr+ run time. Under 3 lbs, preferably under 2 lbs. Preferably <$100. $ 150 max. Don't want to build my own light.

Looking at Cateye ABS 10, several Cygolite models, Light&Motion Commuter, NiteRider Trail Rat 2, VistaLite.

Any feedback on these choices?
Any other suggestions?
Is 10W bright enough?

I'm interested in a quality light set, too. I just changed offices and my hours changed so that I can no longer ride in the early afternoons. When we go off daylight savings time, my ride time will be about 1/2 dark.

Since I ride on neighborhood streets during the week, with not a lot but some traffic, plus we have some juvenile morons who think that breaking glass against the curb is jolly good fun, I need something that will hold up for about an hour or more and be BRIGHT!

 

[Xsmoker]

For a real deal Performancebike has the Viper Nite Hawk for 19.99. 5w @4hrs. sealed lead acid. Heavy, but does weight really matter for a flat commute anyway. I bought this light for trail riding and am happy with it, the 5w is sufficient. Nite Hawk also has a 10w @2.5hr, the Raptor, for 49.99. on Nashbar. But for my money I'd take the Viper for 20 bucks, since I got mine at the LBS for 65 a few weeks before it was on sale at Performance.

 

[pj_s]

Winter is coming in holland as well. Haven't made a choice of light yet but it will definitely be based on LED technology. Due to low power use the baterries will last about 30hours, ie about 10 times as long as halogen.
My girlfriend commutes about 35kms per day, got fed up charging batteries and switched to a cateye opticube based on LED technology last year. Says its bright enough so I'll probably go for that...

good luck, pj

 

[stevek]

LED sucks for lingting surfaces though. it may be bright but thats about it. I wish it would light up an adea.