Headlights

[clarky]

anyone have recommendations on lights to use on a bike for night riding...I plan on a 12 hour ride and need to find out if there is a major difference between a rechargeable light system and one that takes regular batteries...thanks in advance!

[Jisch]

The lights you get that use single use batteries are, for the most part, pretty basic. It would be difficult to use them for a "real" ride at night. All decent lights for night riding use rechargeable batteries.

There are a lot of different kinds. HID are expensive but bright, LEDs are new, not so bright, Halogen are somewhat bright and cheaper... As far as specific name brands, I'm not going to be much help there. You could check over at MTBR, I'm sure there's user reviews of lighting systems.

John

[bikerdom]

For a twelve hour ride you'll need the best battery. Lithium is all the rage right now. They last the longest and weigh the least. NiteRider HID's/Lithiums are running the longest but are big $$$. I've had great luck with them Check the reviews http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/lights/ and the web sites http://www.niterider.com/prod_moab.shtml . Keep in mind you'll be putting out some $$$ to get a serious light that runs for 12 hrs. You can't put a price on safety and that's what a bright light is, safe.

[kmdmac]

check out Princeton Tec Switchback series: http://www.switchback321.com/

haven't used them, but did A/B them with my Niterider 6volt stuff. they're pretty good, not HID's though.

burn time on LED's is very good. they don't draw much current.

in a 12 hour ride, I assume that most of that is in daylight? if so, then you're lookin' for a system that will get you 4 or so hours.

get two systems! in case one fails!

if $$ is the main concern, consider the Niterider MiNewt or the Switchback 1 along with the Princeton Tec Eos.

Eos runs on 3 AAA batteries for 60 hours. $42. good backup.

[clarky]

Thank You all for the information...race isn't until July so research is in order...thanks again.

[splat]

what race are you doing ? a 24 hr race ?

If so , get 2 recharagle Battery packs , a Quick charger. all venues I've ever been to have a charing station. have one pack charging while you are using the other and switch as needed.

[clarky]

Splat...I'm doing the Jay Peek 12 hour race...my first one so it should be interesting...the two battery pack is good advice..will definetly follow it!!

[clarky]

ok Splat...I'm jumping the gun a little...I'm really doing the Pats Peak race and looking to do the Jay Challenge next year...

[mcd]

and found this review.
http://www.gearreview.com/2007_led_lights.php

i actually emailed the guys who did the review and they gave me specific advice on which light to buy based on what i wanted in a light...pretty cool.

[YakFish]

Yesterday the UPS guy delivered my JetLite Phantom 20-watt halogen with 3 light settings to help preserve battery power. It was expensive but half of what many HID setups are. It seemed to be highly rated and it lit up my backyard well but now we are into deeper snow. Probably won't try it out for a little while since we are going to Maine for Feb. vacation. Saddleback Mountain reported 40" of snow from this storm!