Reddit mentions: The best bike headlight-taillight combinations
We found 288 Reddit comments discussing the best bike headlight-taillight combinations. We ran sentiment analysis on each of these comments to determine how redditors feel about different products. We found 103 products and ranked them based on the amount of positive reactions they received. Here are the top 20.
1. Cygolite Hotshot Pro– 150 Lumen Bike Tail Light– 6 Night & Daytime Modes– User Tuneable Flash Speed– Compact Design– IP64 Water Resistant– Secured Hard Mount– USB Rechargeable– Great for Busy Roads
- Extremely bright 150 lumen tail light stands out day and night on busy streets. Patent pending adjustable flash speeds lets you maximize motorist awareness with its unique and easy to use 2 button control.
- 6 lighting modes for day and night use (Steady: 2 hr to 210 hr, Zoom: 3 hr to 7: 30 hr, SteadyPulse: 4: 30 hr to 6 hr, Triple Flash: 29 hr to 75 hr, DayLightning Flash: 6: 30 hr to 37 hr, Random Flash: 5 hr to 30 hr). Wide range run time of 2 to 210 hours
- SteadyPulse mode shines a steady beam to help motorists gauge their distance while overlapping pulses keep them alert at night. DayLightning Flash bursts lightning-like flashes to make you stand out on busy roads in broad daylight
- Built to endure road cycling conditions with durable & water resistant body, and hard seat post & seat stay mounts, all while keeping a compact form & weighing only 75 grams. Designed for convenience with USB rechargeable design & low battery indicator
- Designed, engineered, and assembled in the USA. Founded in 1991, Cygolite is the proven bicycle light experts with exclusive designs and innovations crafted into quality products that are on the leading edge of safety
Features:
Specs:
Color | Red |
Height | 2 Inches |
Length | 5.5 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | Compact |
Weight | 0.2 Pounds |
Width | 4 Inches |
2. Cycle Torch Shark 500 USB Rechargeable Bike Light – Headlight & Tail Light Set- Fits All Bicycles, Hybrid, Road, MTB, with Quick Release
SUPER-BRIGHT BIKE LIGHT- Be seen and commute in confidence! Your new bike light is powered by a high output CREE LED with 500 Lumens to light up the entire Road. Also comes with a BONUS USB LED tail Light, to keep you safe all around.USB RECHARGEABLE bike lights with amazing long run time. Stop wast...
Specs:
Color | Black Combo |
Height | 1.6929133841 Inches |
Length | 5.3149606245 Inches |
Release date | September 2018 |
Weight | 0.220462262 Pounds |
Width | 1.7716535415 Inches |
3. Cycle Torch Night Owl USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set, Perfect Commuter Safety Front and Back Bicycle Light LED Combo – Free Bright Tail Light - Compatible with Mountain, Road, Kids & City Bicycles
- SUPER-BRIGHT BIKE LIGHT - Powered by 1500mAh Li-pol battery that provides enough power to light up the entire Road. Also comes with a Strong USB LED taillight
- USB RECHARGEABLE front and back lights with amazing long run time.The Night Owl USB Bicycle Light has a runtime of 2 + hours on high & 30 hours on Flash making it a top of the line light.
- EASY INSTALLATION - Guaranteed to fit all bikes. The headlight installs in under 5 seconds, no tools required, the silicone mount straps are designed for an easy and firm grip.
- BEST IN CLASS SAFETY - Our cycling light has a specially engineered double lens that makes you more visible to keep you safe on the road Day & Night. Did you know that about 80% of cycling accidents occur in daylight?
- WATER RESISTANT - Night Owl is IPX5 Rated, meaning 100% covered if you get caught in the rain. Ride safe and commute in confidence.
- FIVE LIGHT MODES : The Bicycle Headlight offers 5 different lighting modes depending on your preference. Include full brightness, half, low, flashing and pulsing mode.
- BRIGHT USB Rechargeable LED Taillight Included. Comes with wide angle visibility and 5 working modes plus easy on easy off silicone rubber strap.
- MULTIFUNCTIONAL: This bike light set is also good for strollers, kids bicycles & scooters, camping, family activities and more. Plus it makes for a great emergency light to.
- YOU COME FIRST - 1 Year Warranty Included, Cycle Torch proudly stands by our products and are fully committed to ensure the utmost customer satisfaction. Please contact us in case of any issues and we will resolve them ASAP to your 100% satisfaction.
Features:
Specs:
Color | Black |
Height | 1.968503935 Inches |
Length | 3.93700787 Inches |
Release date | November 2018 |
Size | One Size |
Weight | 0.49163084426 Pounds |
Width | 2.362204722 Inches |
4. BLITZU Gator 320 USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set Super Bright Front Headlight and Back LED Rear Bicycle Light for Kids Adults Men Women Road Cycling Safety Flashlight Easy to Install
- Complete Cycling Safety System – Comes with an aluminum bike bell that delivers a crisp ring tone that can be heard clearly, making the ride much safer. A 400 Lumen Headlight that Uses the Latest Led Technology to Illuminate Your Path and Keep You Visible During Both Night and Broad Daylight and a 120 Lumen Red Taillight that Has a 220° Wide-angle Beam Which Can Be Seen From Blocks Away.
- USB Type-C Charging Connector - Both the Headlight and the Taillight Are Equipped With the Latest USB-C Charging Technology. It Charges Devices Up to 10 Times Faster Than Basic USB. It's Easy to Use and There's No Up or Down Orientation So It Works Whichever Way You Plug It in. Runtime of up to 6+ hours on strobe mode. (3 hours on the highest setting.)
- Super Bright Day or Night - The 400 Lumen Headlight Uses the Latest Led Technology to Illuminate Your Path and Keep You Visible During Both Night and Broad Daylight. BLITZU DRLS Are Visible From Up to 1.2 Miles Away Even During Daylight Hours, So Drivers Have More Time to See and React. For Protection From Behind, the 120 Lumen Red Taillight Has a 220° Wide-angle Beam That Can Be Seen From Blocks Away.
- Easy to Install and Durable - Take Just Seconds to Mount Without the Need for Tools, Wires, Screws, or Extra Batteries and Accessories. In Addition to Fitting All Standard Bicycles, Lights Are Also Suitable for Use on Scooters, Strollers, and Wheelchairs. They Are Easily Removable for Storing and Charging. Rated at IPX5 water resistant, these lights have been built to withstand adverse weather conditions. Constructed with years of use in mind.
- USA Standard - Developed by a Team of American Designers and Engineers. Weather Resistant and Durable - Rated at IPX5 Water Resistant, These Lights Have Been Built to Withstand Adverse Weather Conditions. Constructed With Military Grade Anodized Finish (Front Light) Impact Resistant and Built to Perform. Constructed with years of use in mind.
- Multiple Lighting Modes - Headlight Can Also Double as a Handheld Flashlight and Has 5 Versatile Lighting Modes (High, Medium, Low, Strobe, Reflector Flash). Taillight Has 4 Modes (Steady, Disco Flash, Strobe, Fast Flash) Enjoy Enhanced Visibility and Comfort Knowing You'll Be Safe and Secure at Any Time of the Day
Features:
Specs:
Color | Black |
Height | 3 Inches |
Length | 4 Inches |
Release date | July 2018 |
Weight | 0.050926782522 Pounds |
Width | 1 Inches |
5. Cygolite Metro 360/Hotshot 2W Combo Light Set
Super bright 4 watt headlight with 360 lumens for distant throw; Ultra bright 2 watt red LED tail light for intense visibilityInternal rechargeable batteries saves cost of replacing batteries, headlight lasts up to 10 hrs. and tail light last up to 500 hrs. on a single chargeHeadlight 6 lighting mod...
Specs:
Color | Black / Red |
Height | 1.5 Inches |
Length | 4 Inches |
Size | One Size |
Weight | 0.11 Pounds |
Width | 1.5 Inches |
6. Super Bright Bike Light USB Rechargeable, Te-Rich 1200 Lumens Waterproof Road/Mountain Bicycle Headlight and LED Taillight Set with 4400 mAh Battery
- ✔FEAR NO DARKNESS: 1200 Lumen CREE XM-L2 LED Technology - This waterproof bike front light is bright enough to light up the trails and to see bumps on the road ahead when biking at night, it will definitely make your presence known on the road during evening rides or commutes
- ✔EASY TO INSTALL: Setup is straight-forward, no tools needed, simply hand turn the hardware until it's tight and secure on your bike handlebar in a desired location, simply screw off the light from the mount so you can take it with you when leaving the bike locked up outside
- ✔LONG RUNTIME: Powered by 5 volt 4400mhA rechargeable battery pack(included), the night riding light lasts approximately 4 hours on High(100% brightness), 8 hours on Medium(50% brightness), 12 hours on Low(25% brightness), Strobe(100% brightness)
- ✔VERSATILE USES: Except being a 360 degree cycle rotating torch for a bicycle, the mini safety flashlight can also be mounted on the included headstrap mount as a headlamp for outdoor sports such as trail riding, camping, fishing, hiking, trekking, hunting, night flying, sailing, caving, commuting and etc
- ✔UNIVERSAL FITMENT: The Te-Rich Bicycle headlamp fits tubes or handlebars up to 28 mm in diameter, compatible with handlebar of TREK, SALSA, JAMIS, SPECIALIZED, GIANT, DIAMONDBACK, SCHWINN, CANNONDALE, GT, SCOTT, MONGOOSE and more
Features:
Specs:
Color | Black |
Height | 1.3385826758 inches |
Length | 1.6535433054 inches |
Weight | 0.330693393 Pounds |
Width | 1.3779527545 inches |
7. Cygolite Metro 400 Lumen & Hotshot 2W Lumen USB Rechargeable Bicycle Light Combo Set
- This product is of 400 Lumen headlight and 2w taillight
- This Product is USB rechargeable combo
- Made in United States
Features:
Specs:
Color | Black / Red |
Height | 4 Inches |
Length | 8 Inches |
Size | One Size |
Weight | 0.25 Pounds |
Width | 4 Inches |
8. Cygolite Metro 700 Lumen Headlight and Hotshot 100 Lumen Tail Light USB Rechargeable Bike Light Combo Set, Black/Red
- Powerful USB rechargeable 700 lumen bicycle headlight and 100 lumen bicycle tail light combo set; lasts up to 115 hours on a single charge, tail light up to 270 hours
- Exclusive night and day modes provide enhanced safety (headlight: 6 modes, tail light 6 modes)
- SteadyPulse mode alerts with pulses as its overlapping steady beam lights the night; DayLightning mode's powerful flashes highlight your presence in broad daylight
- Low battery indicator alerts you when a charge is needed; lightweight, water resistant design (headlight: 140 grams, tail light: 60 grams)
- Cygolite, the trusted American bicycle light experts since 1991
Features:
Specs:
Color | Black / Red |
Height | 2 Inches |
Length | 5 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | Compact |
Weight | 0.55 Pounds |
Width | 1 Inches |
9. Malker Bicycle Light Front and Rear Silicone LED Bike Light Set - Bike Headlight and Taillight,Waterproof & Safety Road,Mountain Bike Lights,Batteries Included (2pcs Red & 2pcs Black)
- EASY INSTALLATION: Our premium bicycle lights can be installed in seconds without the need for any tools or other equipment. Add a light to your bike, backpack, helmet or other areas for maximum safety
- PREMIUM SILICONE ALLOY: We've carefully crafted Classic Glow Bicycle Lights using durable silicone alloy so they can stand up to weather, road use, and even low-impact drops. They're also waterproof
- VERSATILE LIGHT MODES: Each of our lights feature three specific modes of use-high, low and strobe-so you can be easily seen in early morning fog, dusk, nighttime, and dawn
- DESIGNED FOR SAFETY: These ultrabright LED lights feature two lithium ion batteries and offer visibility up to a half mile. This helps other riders, drivers, and walkers spot you when riding in low light or complete darkness. Package contains 2 units of Red Light in Red Silicon and 2 units of White Light in Black Silicon.
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: If you aren't completely happy with our LED lights, simply return them within 30 days for a full, no questions asked refund
Features:
Specs:
Color | 2pcs Red & 2pcs Black |
Height | 1.5 Inches |
Length | 5.1 Inches |
Release date | September 2018 |
Size | 5.1 x 2.1 x 1.5" |
Weight | 0.2 Pounds |
Width | 2.1 Inches |
10. Bright Eyes 1800 Lumen Bicycle Light Set - The Stamina - Super Bright Headlight w/Quad Cree Technology and Light Weight Military Grade Nylon Shell-Free USB Rechargeable Taillight for a Limited Time
- EXTREMELY BRIGHT 1800 Lumen CREE LED Technology - This Bike Light with new 10,400mAh battery gets Approximately 4-5 Hours on High, 7 hours on medium, 12 hours on Low
- SAFETY - MORE FEATURES than any look-alike - Strobe for Daytime Riding Clears Cars From Your Path
- EXTERNAL RECHARGEABLE WATERPROOF BATTERY - Incredible 10,400mAh BATTERY Encased in Military Grade Plastic - Allows Our Cycling Flashlight to Outshine The Competition
- BEST BIKE LIGHT SET for mountain BIKING / MX NIGHT RIDING / CAMPING / HIKING / RUNNING with Included Helmet Accessories
- LIFETIME GUARANTEE ON BICYCLE HEADLIGHT / 1-YEAR WARRANTY ON BATTERY - We're Always Here For Our Customers!
Features:
Specs:
Color | White, Red |
11. Reelight SL100 Flashing Compact Generator Bicycle Headlight and Tail Light Set
- Country Of Origin : China
- The Package Height Of The Product Is 1 Inches
- The Package Length Of The Product Is 1 Inches
- The Package Width Of The Product Is 1 Inches
Features:
Specs:
Height | 2.36 Inches |
Length | 5.91 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | January 2009 |
Width | 4.33 Inches |
12. Ascher USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set,Super Bright Front Headlight and Rear LED Bicycle Light,650mah Lithium Battery,4 Light Mode Options(2 USB cables and 4 Strap Included)
- ADVANCED DESIGN: USB rechargeable bike light, built in 650mAh rechargeable lithium battery for each light.
- FOUR LIGHT MODE OPTIONS: The Headlight and Taillight feature an one-touch switch with four different lighting modes depending on your preference. Include full brightness, half brightness, fast flashing and slow flashing.
- EASY INSTALLATION: The silicone mount straps are designed with two openings that tightly fit around many size seat posts, handlebars, seat risers, backpacks, helmets and stretch to keep lights secure and firm. They can be easily loosen and fasten, and no tools are required.
- MUTIFUNCTION: This bike light set is versatile enough for cycling, hiking, camping, or any outdoor activity and can be used as emergency flashlight. This is great for cycling at night or in places where visibility and safety are concern. So, just start your next adventure with us.
- BUY WITH CONFIDENCE: We are committed to providing our customers with high quality products, we are dedicated to ensuring your fully satisfaction. Please email us when you have any problem, we will solve the problem for you as soon as possible.
Features:
Specs:
Color | black & red |
Release date | July 2018 |
Size | 0.5*0.5 |
Weight | 0.3525 Pounds |
13. AKALE Rechargeable Bike Light Set, Super Bright LED Bicycle Lights Front and Rear, 4 Light Mode Options, 650mah Lithium Battery, Bike Headlight, IPX4 Waterproof, 2 USB Cables 3 Strap Included
- ● SMART CHARGING TECHNOLOGY. USB rechargeable bike light. All you need is a Micro-USB cable. Water resistant rated to IPX4 - Protected against splashing water from any angle.
- ●FOUR LIGHT MODE: Front cycle light supports full brightness, half brightness, fast flashing and slow flashing mode. Easy to detach and suitable for camping, walking dogs or outdoor adventure activities. Taillight features constant and flicker mode (4 MODE full brightness, half brightness, fast flashing and slow flashing mode) to alert following cars/ people.
- ● EASY INSTALLATION: Universal design mount, make one size to fit all bike Guaranteed, Mountain, Big Road Bikes, City Bikes, or any Bike including Kids bikes. The Akale bicycle light set installs in under 7 seconds. No matter what bike you are riding and its very strong adorable
- ● VERSATILE, MORE THAN A BIKE LIGHT - Can be used as an emergency flashlight, keep it inside your car, basement, attic, and emergency kit. Use it when you're running, jogging, hiking, camping, walking your dog, cycling, changing a tire, night time family/kids activities, power outage and MORE! Enjoy enhanced visibility and comfort knowing you will be safe and secure at any time of the day. Perfect gift for family & friends, order 2 and give one to your friend!GET YOURS TODAY!
- ●100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE - Always offer the best service for our customer. Our company provides customers with warranty of 18 MONTHS from the date of purchase, Please feel free to contact us when you have any problem. We will make refund or send a replacement as soon as possible.
Features:
Specs:
Color | Black |
Height | 1.57 Inches |
Length | 1.96 Inches |
Weight | 0.1 Pounds |
Width | 1.77 Inches |
14. I-WONDER Skateboard Headlights or Taillights, USB Rechargeable Safe Lights, Waterproof LED Flashing Safety Rear Light, Easy to Install for Longboard, Helmets, Bikes and Backpacks
- ✅SUPER BRIGHT TO KEEP YOU SAFE : The Light with a micro-COB chips(Super energy saving and bright), produces an extraordinarily 210° wide-beamed of light which is eye-catching from all angles. Featured with 5 different modes ,which highly improving your visibility in the dark ,and get noticed on the road.
- ✅EASY TO INSTALL AND TAKE OFF: (Under The Skateboard)The bracket is screwed onto the bridge frame of the slide plate. Then clip the LED lamp on the bracket. (Above The Skateboard)Match gaskets and screw the bracket. Then clip the LED lamp on the bracket. Note:Please mount it properly. The Light should not exceed the deck after mounted, to avoid crash.
- ✅MULTIPURPOSE TAIL BIKE LIGHT: Such as handlebar, the back of a helmet, even your body, you don't just have to be riding a skateboard to use this light - you could be out jogging or walking at dusk and you'll be seen from a great distance, kill two birds with one stone.
- ✅USB RECHARGEABLE: Save your money on batter, give you a good running time, just 2 hours charged time and automatic fully charged cut-off system, built in lithium battery, with environmentally friendly features, run time up to 4 hours.
- ✅COMMODITY CONTENT: Led Light*1, Fixed Bracket*1, USB Cable*1, Washers*2, User Guide*1, Screw M5-45 *2 LED lights specially designed for skateboards. We are committed to improving the customer's shopping experience with our service.
Features:
15. Housweety Bicycle Waterproof Silicone Light Flashing Light Lamp Head Rear Light Flashlight with Double LED (2-led) (Black Silicone, White Led)
- Officially authorized by Warner Brothers.
- A set of Gringotts bank coins are beautifully recreated and set in a collector's coin sleeve
- Each Galleon, Sickle and Knut is individually struck in rich detail and plated in either 24 karat gold, silver or copper.
- Intricately detailed
Features:
Specs:
Color | other |
Size | T6 LED flashlight(1800LM) luxury suit |
16. Blaze 45 & Superflash light set
- Front white head light and rear red tail light: strong front light and super blink rear light help you get noticed by drivers, pedestrians, and other cyclists when you are out for a ride. Combination package puts everything in one place for a convenient
- Long run times for up to 100 hours: multiple modes include steady and flashing patterns than can produce up to 100 hours of run time
- Super safe even for electric bikes: provides 180 degrees of visibility through side cut outs
- Highly visible even in daylight: produces a strong 45 lumen front beam and 7 lumen rear tail beam for use during daytime rides
- Simple to use battery operated: easy to mount and runs on 2 AA (front) and 2 AAA batteries (rear), both are included with the light set
- Combo bike light set with Superflash taillight and Blaze headlight
- Half-watt Blaze LED light provides wide visibility on the road or trail
- Superflash taillight includes 3 half-watt Blaze LEDs and 2 eXtreme LEDs
- Rear light includes bike mounts and clip mount for easy attachment
- Each light runs for up to 100 hours on single battery set; lifetime warranty
Features:
Specs:
Color | Black |
Height | 2 Inches |
Length | 7.25 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | March 2008 |
Size | One Size |
Weight | 0.3 Pounds |
Width | 4.75 Inches |
17. REFUN Bicycle Light - Front and Back Silicone LED Bike Light Set - 2 High Intensity Water Resistant Headlight - 2 Taillight for Cycling Safety– Spare Batteries Included
BRIGHT AND SLEAK LED BICYCLE REAR LIGHT WITH WATERPROOF SILICONE BODY - Refun tail light was precision crafted with the hand selected with high quality silicone material with high quality super bright bulbs. Package Included: 4 x Silicone Bike LED Light, 16 x CR2032 batteries (8pcs inside lights,...
Specs:
Height | 1.8 Inches |
Length | 7.7 Inches |
Weight | 0.2 Pounds |
Width | 2 Inches |
18. Cygolite Metro Plus 800 & Hotshot Pro 150 Bicycle Light Combo Set, Metro Plus 800 & Hotshot Pro 150 USB Rechargeable Bicycle Light Combo Set
Powerful USB rechargeable 800 Lumen headlight and 150 Lumen tail light combo setExclusive night and day modes provide enhanced safety (headlight: 9 modes, tail light 6 modes)SteadyPulse alerts with pulses as its overlapping steady beam lights the night; DayLightning's powerful flashes highlights you...
Specs:
Color | black, red |
Height | 1.181102361 Inches |
Length | 2.93307086315 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | Compact |
Weight | 0.5 Pounds |
Width | 1.968503935 Inches |
19. Planet Bike Beamer 1 & Blinky 3 Bike Light Set
Beamer 1 features: Nichia 5mm LED provides steady & flashing modesBeamer 1 feayures: FL1 Tested - Run times: 35 hrs (steady – 6 lm) and 100 hrs (flashing - 6 lm)Beamer 1 features: 2 AA batteries (included)Blinky 3 features: 3 5mm LEDs and built-in parabolic lensing provide steady & flashing modesB...
Specs:
Color | White Head/Red Tail |
Height | 4 Inches |
Length | 4 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | June 2007 |
Size | One Size |
Weight | 0.45 Pounds |
Width | 4 Inches |
20. Light and Motion Vis 180 Bike Tail Light
- 70 Lumen output certified to the FL-1 Standard
- Amber Side lighting for a full 180 degrees of visibility
- Simple tool free mount design compatible with optional Rack Mount and Aero Mount
- Solid, High Pulse, Low Pulse, Paceline Settings (4-32 hour run-time)
Features:
Specs:
Color | Silver Moon |
Height | 2 Inches |
Length | 7 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | One Size |
Weight | 0.2314853751 Pounds |
Width | 2 Inches |
🎓 Reddit experts on bike headlight-taillight combinations
The comments and opinions expressed on this page are written exclusively by redditors. To provide you with the most relevant data, we sourced opinions from the most knowledgeable Reddit users based the total number of upvotes and downvotes received across comments on subreddits where bike headlight-taillight combinations are discussed. For your reference and for the sake of transparency, here are the specialists whose opinions mattered the most in our ranking.
>It’s easy to buy a bike, but it’s often a lot harder to actually ride it. Bikes have a lot of advantages over cars, but ease of use is not one of them. If you don’t have a strong biking habit, a lot of excuses can and will creep in. “I don’t want to wear different clothes.” “What if it rains?” “I need to stop by the grocery store and don’t want to carry my groceries on my handlebars.” Let these excuses win often enough and your bike will end up in the dusty corner of the garage or basement until you sell it on craigslist for $50.00.
>
>I worked at a bike shop, and I built up a commuter bike to remove as many inconveniences as possible, so all I had to do different to take my bike instead of my car was throw on a helmet on and maybe a jacket. While my coworkers were bragging about how they reduced the weight of their bike by 20 grams, I was adding kilograms to mine to make it more suited for running errands in all kinds of weather. I’m sharing my process on how to remove as many excuses as possible and make your bike as convenient as a car, so you will be prepared to take your bike out in more situations without a whole lot of extra planning for every single trip.
>
>Couple things to point out: Most of what I’m going to recommend here is adding accessories to your bike to make it more convenient. So some of these suggestions will get a bit expensive. I am also linking to a few websites, including amazon, to better show you what I am talking about. These are not necessarily specific endorsements. If I don’t mention a particular brand, then it is probably just the first search result I found that looks like it meets my criteria. I do not have an affiliate program with any of these websites and I am not receiving any sort of compensation from them. And of course, all the information here does not replace actual research on your part or advice from a bike shop. I will point out any tricky situations I am aware of, and all of these accessories are designed so the handy home-user can install them easily. A lot of these accessories don’t come with instructions, so look up a tutorial online before installing. And if you don’t feel confident in your DIY skills, take it in to a bike shop for installation.
>
>First some essentials: I’ll get into specific issues with bike commuting and how to fix them in a minute. But before you start adding optional accessories, here’s a couple things every serious cyclist should have on hand:
>
> Helmet: Duh. Always ride safe. If you haven’t been happy with helmets previously, consider going to a bike shop and getting a nicer one that will fit better.
>
> Pump(s): Check your tires at least once a week. Biking on low tires takes a LOT more effort. I’d recommend a nice floor pump with a gauge, and a frame pump in case you run into trouble on the road.
>
> Patch kit/spare tube/tire levers: If you’re going to be biking for reasons other than leisure and need to be somewhere on time, make sure that a nail or shard of glass won’t bring your day to a screeching halt. Keep either a patch kit or spare tube with you, and learn how to take the tire off BEFORE you have to do it in a real-life scenario. Also make sure you know how to use your frame pump beforehand too.
>
> Tools (optional): Buying accessories for your bike can be expensive. Paying your local bike shop to install them will be more expensive. Most accessories I talk about here will go on with normal hand tools. EVERYTHING ON THE BIKE WILL BE METRIC! The most common tools you will need for these accessories are 3,4, and 5 mm Allen keys, various wrenches from 8mm to 15mm, and some screwdrivers. If you are planning to do bike maintenance yourself, a great place to start would be getting a good set of metric Allen keys, sizes 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10, and metric wrenches, sizes 6-17. There are more specific tools out there, but these will get you started.
>
> Chain lube: The most missed maintenance issue is chain lube. You should be lubing your chain once a week. This will keep the chain from squeaking but also extend the lifespan of the chain and your gears. Make sure you use a bike specific lubricant like this one. Spray lubricants like WD-40 can actually blast contaminants INTO your chain’s bushings, and if you’re not careful, they can get elsewhere and cause trouble. If you have disc brakes, be especially careful of getting anything on the rotors or brake pads. I once had to replace $60 worth of brake parts on a brand new bicycle because the customer got careless with WD-40. Apply the lube by hand and wipe the excess off with a non-linty rag.
>
>The weather When I vowed to ride my bike more, I had a long and wet June while I waited until I could afford a new bike. That meant a lot of days pedaling in the rain and daydreaming about all the accessories I would get to make riding in rain easier. Here’s what I got, in order from highest to lowest importance:
>
> Wet lube: In the essentials, I recommended dry lube. It works great, but it does wash off easily, so if you are going to be biking in wet weather, it’s good to use wet lube. It’s thicker, more viscous, and keeps the water out of the chain bushings. Since it stays on your chain more, it does attract dirt more. So I recommend wiping your chain down after your ride and relubing it with dry lube before too long.
>
> An impermeable saddle: If you’re thinking of biking in wet weather, think about that when you choose a saddle. Most regular saddles have no problems with rain. It’s only leather and perhaps the fuzzy gel ones that can be trouble. Consider that before throwing down for a leather Brooks saddle. In a pinch, you can throw a plastic bag over your saddle, but that takes away the aesthetic appeal a bit.
>
> Rain coat: Pretty obvious, but while you can get away with just a regular coat in the rain if you’re just running from the car to the store, you will get absolutely soaked if you do the same on the bike. If you’re buying a new rain coat, consider getting a hi-visibility one. With a little bit of digging you can find some reflective options that won’t make you look like you should be directing traffic. Also look for one with vents, since you’ll be exercising while out there and a rain coat can’t keep you dry if you’re sweating under it.
>
> Fenders: Keeps the rain off your back and knees. You can get a clip-on rear fender for pretty cheap that works well, but if your bike is there to get you around no matter the weather, it’s worth considering shelling out for a permanent set. Short of grabbing a rain coat, there’s no extra step before hopping on the bike. If your bike has disc brakes, make sure the fenders you get are disc brake specific. Your fenders should come with specific installation instructions.
>
> Waterproof pannier: Make sure any panniers you get are waterproof. Again, it just eliminates one step and one excuse to keep you from hopping your bike if there’s a light rain. See the Running Errands section for more details.
>
> Lights: I researched several different lights when building up my bike. My goal was to have lights that would always be on my bike, with no risk of theft. In the end, after weighing all the pros and cons, I stuck with a conventional set of headlights and taillights. If you are going to be biking at night, I’d recommend something with at least 450 Lumens for the headlight. Anything less and you’ll be relying on streetlights to see your path. Most places in the U.S. require the lights to blink to be street legal.
>
>You can buy theft-proof bike lights but the brightest light they have is 300 lumens, which in my opinion not bright enough for biking at night or in really bad weather. I’ve tried solar powered lights that need a special tool to be removed. The manufacturer’s website claims you can charge them up during the summer and ride all through the winter, but I barely managed to get them fully charged to survive a single round trip biking to work in the day time and biking back at night. And the light isn’t strong enough to light your path. I’m curious about lights that use your bike wheel as a generator, but they don’t work with disc brakes. Probably the best bet would be to get a dynamo hub and build up a wheel around that to your permanently mounted lights. Then you can have light anytime you’re moving without ever having to think about it and with no chance of someone swiping your light because you forgot to pop it off. It would require building a wheel from scratch, which in parts alone would have cost as much as the rest of my bike. That was more than I was willing to do/spend, so I just went with a 700 lumen headlight and have to remember to bring it with me.
>
> Cycling cap: A small brimmed cap that has a low profile to go under your helmet. Helps keep the rain out of your eyes, and doesn’t add much hassle. Just put it on before donning your helmet.
>
>It’s easy to buy a bike, but it’s often a lot harder to actually ride it. Bikes have a lot of advantages over cars, but ease of use is not one of them. If you don’t have a strong biking habit, a lot of excuses can and will creep in. “I don’t want to wear different clothes.” “What if it rains?” “I need to stop by the grocery store and don’t want to carry my groceries on my handlebars.” Let these excuses win often enough and your bike will end up in the dusty corner of the garage or basement until you sell it on craigslist for $50.00.
>
>I worked at a bike shop, and I built up a commuter bike to remove as many inconveniences as possible, so all I had to do different to take my bike instead of my car was throw on a helmet on and maybe a jacket. While my coworkers were bragging about how they reduced the weight of their bike by 20 grams, I was adding kilograms to mine to make it more suited for running errands in all kinds of weather. I’m sharing my process on how to remove as many excuses as possible and make your bike as convenient as a car, so you will be prepared to take your bike out in more situations without a whole lot of extra planning for every single trip.
>
>Couple things to point out: Most of what I’m going to recommend here is adding accessories to your bike to make it more convenient. So some of these suggestions will get a bit expensive. I am also linking to a few websites, including amazon, to better show you what I am talking about. These are not necessarily specific endorsements. If I don’t mention a particular brand, then it is probably just the first search result I found that looks like it meets my criteria. I do not have an affiliate program with any of these websites and I am not receiving any sort of compensation from them. And of course, all the information here does not replace actual research on your part or advice from a bike shop. I will point out any tricky situations I am aware of, and all of these accessories are designed so the handy home-user can install them easily. A lot of these accessories don’t come with instructions, so look up a tutorial online before installing. And if you don’t feel confident in your DIY skills, take it in to a bike shop for installation.
>
>First some essentials: I’ll get into specific issues with bike commuting and how to fix them in a minute. But before you start adding optional accessories, here’s a couple things every serious cyclist should have on hand:
>
> Helmet: Duh. Always ride safe. If you haven’t been happy with helmets previously, consider going to a bike shop and getting a nicer one that will fit better.
>
> Pump(s): Check your tires at least once a week. Biking on low tires takes a LOT more effort. I’d recommend a nice floor pump with a gauge, and a frame pump in case you run into trouble on the road.
>
> Patch kit/spare tube/tire levers: If you’re going to be biking for reasons other than leisure and need to be somewhere on time, make sure that a nail or shard of glass won’t bring your day to a screeching halt. Keep either a patch kit or spare tube with you, and learn how to take the tire off BEFORE you have to do it in a real-life scenario. Also make sure you know how to use your frame pump beforehand too.
>
> Tools (optional): Buying accessories for your bike can be expensive. Paying your local bike shop to install them will be more expensive. Most accessories I talk about here will go on with normal hand tools. EVERYTHING ON THE BIKE WILL BE METRIC! The most common tools you will need for these accessories are 3,4, and 5 mm Allen keys, various wrenches from 8mm to 15mm, and some screwdrivers. If you are planning to do bike maintenance yourself, a great place to start would be getting a good set of metric Allen keys, sizes 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10, and metric wrenches, sizes 6-17. There are more specific tools out there, but these will get you started.
>
> Chain lube: The most missed maintenance issue is chain lube. You should be lubing your chain once a week. This will keep the chain from squeaking but also extend the lifespan of the chain and your gears. Make sure you use a bike specific lubricant like this one. Spray lubricants like WD-40 can actually blast contaminants INTO your chain’s bushings, and if you’re not careful, they can get elsewhere and cause trouble. If you have disc brakes, be especially careful of getting anything on the rotors or brake pads. I once had to replace $60 worth of brake parts on a brand new bicycle because the customer got careless with WD-40. Apply the lube by hand and wipe the excess off with a non-linty rag.
>
>The weather When I vowed to ride my bike more, I had a long and wet June while I waited until I could afford a new bike. That meant a lot of days pedaling in the rain and daydreaming about all the accessories I would get to make riding in rain easier. Here’s what I got, in order from highest to lowest importance:
>
> Wet lube: In the essentials, I recommended dry lube. It works great, but it does wash off easily, so if you are going to be biking in wet weather, it’s good to use wet lube. It’s thicker, more viscous, and keeps the water out of the chain bushings. Since it stays on your chain more, it does attract dirt more. So I recommend wiping your chain down after your ride and relubing it with dry lube before too long.
>
> An impermeable saddle: If you’re thinking of biking in wet weather, think about that when you choose a saddle. Most regular saddles have no problems with rain. It’s only leather and perhaps the fuzzy gel ones that can be trouble. Consider that before throwing down for a leather Brooks saddle. In a pinch, you can throw a plastic bag over your saddle, but that takes away the aesthetic appeal a bit.
>
> Rain coat: Pretty obvious, but while you can get away with just a regular coat in the rain if you’re just running from the car to the store, you will get absolutely soaked if you do the same on the bike. If you’re buying a new rain coat, consider getting a hi-visibility one. With a little bit of digging you can find some reflective options that won’t make you look like you should be directing traffic. Also look for one with vents, since you’ll be exercising while out there and a rain coat can’t keep you dry if you’re sweating under it.
>
> Fenders: Keeps the rain off your back and knees. You can get a clip-on rear fender for pretty cheap that works well, but if your bike is there to get you around no matter the weather, it’s worth considering shelling out for a permanent set. Short of grabbing a rain coat, there’s no extra step before hopping on the bike. If your bike has disc brakes, make sure the fenders you get are disc brake specific. Your fenders should come with specific installation instructions.
>
> Waterproof pannier: Make sure any panniers you get are waterproof. Again, it just eliminates one step and one excuse to keep you from hopping your bike if there’s a light rain. See the Running Errands section for more details.
>
> Lights: I researched several different lights when building up my bike. My goal was to have lights that would always be on my bike, with no risk of theft. In the end, after weighing all the pros and cons, I stuck with a conventional set of headlights and taillights. If you are going to be biking at night, I’d recommend something with at least 450 Lumens for the headlight. Anything less and you’ll be relying on streetlights to see your path. Most places in the U.S. require the lights to blink to be street legal.
>
>You can buy theft-proof bike lights but the brightest light they have is 300 lumens, which in my opinion not bright enough for biking at night or in really bad weather. I’ve tried solar powered lights that need a special tool to be removed. The manufacturer’s website claims you can charge them up during the summer and ride all through the winter, but I barely managed to get them fully charged to survive a single round trip biking to work in the day time and biking back at night. And the light isn’t strong enough to light your path. I’m curious about lights that use your bike wheel as a generator, but they don’t work with disc brakes. Probably the best bet would be to get a dynamo hub and build up a wheel around that to your permanently mounted lights. Then you can have light anytime you’re moving without ever having to think about it and with no chance of someone swiping your light because you forgot to pop it off. It would require building a wheel from scratch, which in parts alone would have cost as much as the rest of my bike. That was more than I was willing to do/spend, so I just went with a 700 lumen headlight and have to remember to bring it with me.
>
> Cycling cap: A small brimmed cap that has a low profile to go under your helmet. Helps keep the rain out of your eyes, and doesn’t add much hassle. Just put it on before donning your helmet.
>
>It’s easy to buy a bike, but it’s often a lot harder to actually ride it. Bikes have a lot of advantages over cars, but ease of use is not one of them. If you don’t have a strong biking habit, a lot of excuses can and will creep in. “I don’t want to wear different clothes.” “What if it rains?” “I need to stop by the grocery store and don’t want to carry my groceries on my handlebars.” Let these excuses win often enough and your bike will end up in the dusty corner of the garage or basement until you sell it on craigslist for $50.00.
>
>I worked at a bike shop, and I built up a commuter bike to remove as many inconveniences as possible, so all I had to do different to take my bike instead of my car was throw on a helmet on and maybe a jacket. While my coworkers were bragging about how they reduced the weight of their bike by 20 grams, I was adding kilograms to mine to make it more suited for running errands in all kinds of weather. I’m sharing my process on how to remove as many excuses as possible and make your bike as convenient as a car, so you will be prepared to take your bike out in more situations without a whole lot of extra planning for every single trip.
>
>Couple things to point out: Most of what I’m going to recommend here is adding accessories to your bike to make it more convenient. So some of these suggestions will get a bit expensive. I am also linking to a few websites, including amazon, to better show you what I am talking about. These are not necessarily specific endorsements. If I don’t mention a particular brand, then it is probably just the first search result I found that looks like it meets my criteria. I do not have an affiliate program with any of these websites and I am not receiving any sort of compensation from them. And of course, all the information here does not replace actual research on your part or advice from a bike shop. I will point out any tricky situations I am aware of, and all of these accessories are designed so the handy home-user can install them easily. A lot of these accessories don’t come with instructions, so look up a tutorial online before installing. And if you don’t feel confident in your DIY skills, take it in to a bike shop for installation.
>
>First some essentials: I’ll get into specific issues with bike commuting and how to fix them in a minute. But before you start adding optional accessories, here’s a couple things every serious cyclist should have on hand:
>
> Helmet: Duh. Always ride safe. If you haven’t been happy with helmets previously, consider going to a bike shop and getting a nicer one that will fit better.
>
> Pump(s): Check your tires at least once a week. Biking on low tires takes a LOT more effort. I’d recommend a nice floor pump with a gauge, and a frame pump in case you run into trouble on the road.
>
> Patch kit/spare tube/tire levers: If you’re going to be biking for reasons other than leisure and need to be somewhere on time, make sure that a nail or shard of glass won’t bring your day to a screeching halt. Keep either a patch kit or spare tube with you, and learn how to take the tire off BEFORE you have to do it in a real-life scenario. Also make sure you know how to use your frame pump beforehand too.
>
> Tools (optional): Buying accessories for your bike can be expensive. Paying your local bike shop to install them will be more expensive. Most accessories I talk about here will go on with normal hand tools. EVERYTHING ON THE BIKE WILL BE METRIC! The most common tools you will need for these accessories are 3,4, and 5 mm Allen keys, various wrenches from 8mm to 15mm, and some screwdrivers. If you are planning to do bike maintenance yourself, a great place to start would be getting a good set of metric Allen keys, sizes 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10, and metric wrenches, sizes 6-17. There are more specific tools out there, but these will get you started.
>
> Chain lube: The most missed maintenance issue is chain lube. You should be lubing your chain once a week. This will keep the chain from squeaking but also extend the lifespan of the chain and your gears. Make sure you use a bike specific lubricant like this one. Spray lubricants like WD-40 can actually blast contaminants INTO your chain’s bushings, and if you’re not careful, they can get elsewhere and cause trouble. If you have disc brakes, be especially careful of getting anything on the rotors or brake pads. I once had to replace $60 worth of brake parts on a brand new bicycle because the customer got careless with WD-40. Apply the lube by hand and wipe the excess off with a non-linty rag.
>
>The weather When I vowed to ride my bike more, I had a long and wet June while I waited until I could afford a new bike. That meant a lot of days pedaling in the rain and daydreaming about all the accessories I would get to make riding in rain easier. Here’s what I got, in order from highest to lowest importance:
>
> Wet lube: In the essentials, I recommended dry lube. It works great, but it does wash off easily, so if you are going to be biking in wet weather, it’s good to use wet lube. It’s thicker, more viscous, and keeps the water out of the chain bushings. Since it stays on your chain more, it does attract dirt more. So I recommend wiping your chain down after your ride and relubing it with dry lube before too long.
>
> An impermeable saddle: If you’re thinking of biking in wet weather, think about that when you choose a saddle. Most regular saddles have no problems with rain. It’s only leather and perhaps the fuzzy gel ones that can be trouble. Consider that before throwing down for a leather Brooks saddle. In a pinch, you can throw a plastic bag over your saddle, but that takes away the aesthetic appeal a bit.
>
> Rain coat: Pretty obvious, but while you can get away with just a regular coat in the rain if you’re just running from the car to the store, you will get absolutely soaked if you do the same on the bike. If you’re buying a new rain coat, consider getting a hi-visibility one. With a little bit of digging you can find some reflective options that won’t make you look like you should be directing traffic. Also look for one with vents, since you’ll be exercising while out there and a rain coat can’t keep you dry if you’re sweating under it.
>
> Fenders: Keeps the rain off your back and knees. You can get a clip-on rear fender for pretty cheap that works well, but if your bike is there to get you around no matter the weather, it’s worth considering shelling out for a permanent set. Short of grabbing a rain coat, there’s no extra step before hopping on the bike. If your bike has disc brakes, make sure the fenders you get are disc brake specific. Your fenders should come with specific installation instructions.
>
> Waterproof pannier: Make sure any panniers you get are waterproof. Again, it just eliminates one step and one excuse to keep you from hopping your bike if there’s a light rain. See the Running Errands section for more details.
>
> Lights: I researched several different lights when building up my bike. My goal was to have lights that would always be on my bike, with no risk of theft. In the end, after weighing all the pros and cons, I stuck with a conventional set of headlights and taillights. If you are going to be biking at night, I’d recommend something with at least 450 Lumens for the headlight. Anything less and you’ll be relying on streetlights to see your path. Most places in the U.S. require the lights to blink to be street legal.
>
>You can buy theft-proof bike lights but the brightest light they have is 300 lumens, which in my opinion not bright enough for biking at night or in really bad weather. I’ve tried solar powered lights that need a special tool to be removed. The manufacturer’s website claims you can charge them up during the summer and ride all through the winter, but I barely managed to get them fully charged to survive a single round trip biking to work in the day time and biking back at night. And the light isn’t strong enough to light your path. I’m curious about lights that use your bike wheel as a generator, but they don’t work with disc brakes. Probably the best bet would be to get a dynamo hub and build up a wheel around that to your permanently mounted lights. Then you can have light anytime you’re moving without ever having to think about it and with no chance of someone swiping your light because you forgot to pop it off. It would require building a wheel from scratch, which in parts alone would have cost as much as the rest of my bike. That was more than I was willing to do/spend, so I just went with a 700 lumen headlight and have to remember to bring it with me.
>
> Cycling cap: A small brimmed cap that has a low profile to go under your helmet. Helps keep the rain out of your eyes, and doesn’t add much hassle. Just put it on before donning your helmet.
>
I have two light kits on my two bikes, and I really like both of them.
https://www.amazon.com/Cygolite-Metro-Hotshot-Light-Combo/dp/B01IO12Q4O/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1536965325&sr=8-7&keywords=cygolite+metro
You can also find that with just the headlight, but I like that both of them are easily rechargeable via micro USB. Both lights are super bright, and I’ve ran them for close to two hours with no issues with the batteries.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MG7677G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This second setup, I like best. The headlight and the battery pack are separate, and the taillight uses two watch batteries. The watch batteries seem to last about 30 hours of use.
Both of the kits I use are super easy to install, and both of them allow you to very easily unmount when you don’t need them. Both kits also provide powerful light facing forward in a long broad arc.
My set up is one on the handlebars (White light), one on the seat post (blinking red), one clipped to the back of my helmet (blinking red). I prefer the on-bike ones for MY vision because they're more stable and at a lower angle, so they tend to show the road a bit better. The red blinkers don't matter as much to me, I've found even the cheap ones help you be seen.
Considerations:
- Brightness (1,000 lumens is preferred for front lights if you have NO lighting on your route, otherwise you can get away with as little as 200)
- Battery set up (most are rechargable these days, but batter life can be an issue)
- Modes (some front lights offer different brightness levels and blinking options, useful to help extend battery life if you're in a well lit area or using them in daytime)
- Ease on and off (You'll want to take them off pretty much any time you leave your bike locked up... or at least take off the more expensive front light)
Models I've used:
- Trek/Bontrager makes good ones, I have older version of the ones seen here
- This guy (which was the first one I bought, not as expensive, not as bright, but gets the job done in lit areas)
As I said, rear blinkers come in such varieties that all seem to get the job done... but I like the ones that I've gotten for free from events and that came with other lights from amazon. Its also worth noting that I actually have my rear light on at all times when riding.... kind of like a daytime light for a car. While it makes you more visible it means you need to charge it much more frequently than otherwise.
5:
I really loved my hamsters, and my son loved his (Janeway used to sit on his shoulder and hold herself upright with her little front paw on the arm of his glasses). They learn very quickly, even when you don't intend to teach them.
For instance, the first time Nibbles put her teeth on me, I put her back in the cage because I didn't want to get bitten. I only had to do it once more, and she forever after used teeth gently on skin as her communication that she had to go back to her cage to pee. When all done, she would usually be ready to come right back out.
I also accidentally taught her to climb upside-down on the "ceiling" of her cage whenever she was excited to see me. We had hamster treats that were just big enough to not fall through the bars when placed on top of the cage. But with a little climbing and a tug, she could pull them through and enjoy them. So, climbing on the cage ceiling became her version of a doggie meeting you at the door with wagging tail.
I shall call him fluffy!
Hello! This is my second year bike commuting and I love it! The coldest days of the year in Baltimore look around -15C so it shouldn't be too bad! Things I use/suggest are the following
​
For you:
Bike helmet cover, something like this to keep in the warmth, but doesnt get too hot
Pair of ski goggles
Gloves
Buff
A pair of cycling only outdoor pants to wear as 'ski pants' over your regular pants like these
Wool socks (Costco has great merino wool ones)
​
For the bike:
Fenders
A nice set of lights like these
Bar mitts like these
​
And just make sure you keep up with cleaning the salt and grime off your bike!
​
Good luck!
I think you will be totally fine, most of the route has dedicated bike path, I would recommend a great tail light at all times day or night, this one in particular, (on the 2nd setting) it will make you very easy to spot in the day time as well as from a great distance. Cygolite Hotshot Pro 150 USB Rechargeable Bike Tail Light People see me from far away and give me a lot of room. I actually run 2 rear facing at all times, they are rechargeable and last for hours and hours. I always err on the side of safety. I've ridden much longer distances in a lot more traffic and felt safe. And actually in rush hour it's sometimes safer when all the cars are moving at a snails pace while you fly right by.
I've created a short list of everything I have, linked items are the ones that I recommend.
Things for the road
Frame/ Mini pump
Saddle Bag
Patch Kit
Tire Boot (You can make your own for cheap, but these are still good)
Tire levers (See Multi-Tool, Levers Included)
Multi Tool (Super-Recommend)
Bike Lights
Spare Tubes (Optional for the road)
Bottles of choice
Sunglasses of choice
Gloves of choice (Important! For preventing impossible-to-heal palm scrapes)
Cycling compter
U Lock (no cable locks! they're garbage) <<I Have 3 of these, but then again, I live in Oakland.
Things for home
Floor pump
Tools (Pretty much covered by Multi-Tool, but there's things you may need like cassette tool, chain whip, etc)
Wet and Dry chain lube
Clothing (Optional, I only have the shoes and windbreaker)
Hi-Vis Jacket
Clipless shoes, I recommend SPD for easier walking
Jersey
Padded Shorts, or Bib shorts
Windbreaker
Leg Warmers
Most importantly, you need knowledge of cycling. Look up videos on youtube about safe riding on the road, traffic laws, hand signals, how to repair your bike on the road and at home, how to take a fall, and as much theory that you can)
EDIT: Do not let me trick you into thinking that a multi-tool is a replacement for the big-boy tools that are available on the market. Some of those tools are actually worth the investment. However, be that as it may, do your research first, because there's some overpriced crap out there ^^^Park ^^^Tools.
Just one, I had bought a bunch of light up junk totally unrelated for a silly race, and it happened to fit perfectly around the board. Well, perfectly around my board, with those particular bash guards on.
I folded the light strip in half, marked it, taped it center front (just to hold it in place), and put the bash guard over it to lock it into place.
With the hot glue gun, I did one small section at a time. One squeeze of the trigger worth, and then pushed the light strip into it all the way, so it made good contact with the board. Don't try to smooth it like caulk, it'll get weird.
The light strip ends just as it reaches the rear bash guard with about 1 cm space left on each side. So whether or not it looks even depends on how well you centered the whole thing.
With the head and tail light on, it looks pretty good, I think. I Prime Now'd the same Blitzu bike tail light from another post on here that I can't find at the moment. And then ordered the headlight that I figured might fit on the front truck. It does. Barely. Sort of. If you turn hard, you might into some issues. I have yet to really test that before I get a second one. The neat thing is that the headlight(s) now point into the direction I'm turning.
A few more photos of various angles.
All good advice, except:
> bright, flashing head and tail lights
I don't have the link at the moment, but there have been some studies that show that solid lights are better than blinking for persistent knowledge of bike locations and for not subconsciously aggravating drivers. Also, in Boston, I think you're supposed to have white in front and red in the back.
---
I recommend getting a red and white one of these: http://amzn.com/B0084BB3MG & http://amzn.com/B0084BB3OE
They're super cheap and easy to put on and take off. I've been using them for a while.
And for a front headlight that illuminates the ground in front of you, I've been using one of these: http://amzn.com/B0081O93N2 Also easy to take off (well, leaves the housing, but nobody's going to steal that), and turns into a flashlight.
And all three of those flash, if you decide you do want flashing lights.
---
Also don't forget reflectors if your bike doesn't have them. http://amzn.com/B0006JI0V6
Some tires (Michelin City I think is what I have) even have reflective material on the sides -- that's useful too.
Cycle Torch makes a great system. They have what’s called Bolt lights, there are only $12 each and come in headlight and taillight varieties. They are very low profile and will fit on the bottom of your handlebars next to your stem.
The headlight version makes very little light however, but CT does make a dual beam headlight if you actually need night time visibility, and that one is very good too. See links.
Cycle Torch Tailbolt - USB Rechargeable Bike Tail Light, RED Rear Bicycle Light LED (Red) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GERQOSE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Y8-FDb6FRA9TD
Cycle Torch Night Owl USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set, Perfect Commuter Safety Front and Back Bicycle Light LED Combo - Free Bright Tail Light - Compatible with Mountain, Road, Kids & City Bicycles https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XJXP6V8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_v9-FDbK64TBKA
Well, before doing that I think getting some decent lights and reflectors would be a good plan. It's not even expensive these days.
Outrageous the colliding driver didn't see the cyclist, on a straight road, but that is independent from the fact it's pretty easy these days to be much more eye-catching on a bicycle.
Drives me crazy how many people have actually removed the reflectors from their bikes, and think their little coin-cell blinky is doing anything significant. Even this pair of rechargeable lights for $13 are way more eye-catching than what you have in this video. I have a few of them, find them excellent be-seen lights, though for me they're a backup for a better pair of primary of lights.
When it comes to reflectors - focus on the moving parts. Reflective tape on pedal cranks is a good one, and of course pedal reflectors and reflective ankle wraps do well too.
It's always suggested to get a new helmet. You don't know if it's been involved in a slight crash or had anything happen to it that would compromise its safety.
What kind of lights did you get??
I'd like to think I have some properly good lights and I've only spent ~$70 on them
Here's what I have: 2Watt Cygolite hotshot tail light ~$30 and another Cygolite headlight that can do short 600lm flashes, but has a few modes around 500lm or so, $50, but this is what I ordered last month for a friend who recently got into cycling, same 2W tail light & another headlight that's just a bump below the 550 I linked above for $60
Unless you've got some whopping mountain trail lights, I feel like $130 is a bit high, I'm all for supporting LBSs, but sometimes they get silly.
Anyways, stay safe & nice fucking deal on the bike.
Yes, I think a used hybrid sounds good (ideally find a bike co-op, or friendly LBS with used bikes) - preferably with fenders. Smoother tires (not nobby) will do the most to make riding more efficient, but don't go with skinny tires (ideally 35mm or fatter).
The great thing is you can choose how much energy to put in, especially if it's not extremely hilly and you have gears. Just choose a lower gear and let your legs spin at a fairly high rate (faster than 1 rev per second), low effort, and you'll get there. I don't think you should have any problem doing the whole journey by bike, it should be way less effort than walking. Just ride at whatever pace works for you.
Rain is annoying. Fenders on the bike make it much better, by keeping mud off you. Waterproof gear needs lots of vents to avoid getting very sweaty, unless it's cold. Cheap ponchos work quite well if you have fenders. Lights are especially important for being seen in the rain.
Riding downhill is trivial. If you're going too fast, use the brakes.
Locking up to a pole or bike rack is ok, but your bike will thank you if you can minimize leaving it for hours in the rain.
For no-nonsense, straightforward tips on every aspect of looking after your bike, and some riding tips, check out http://www.sheldonbrown.com/. for instance:
Bicycles are really quite simple machines, and the knowledge to maintain and overhaul them can be obtained fairly easily one step at a time, to the point where your transportation will be very frugal, very self-sufficient, and will make you fitter and happier.
lights can be fixed but imo it's more work than it's worth.
The front light doesn't hit far enough to be realistically useful when riding in dark-ish area, let alone pitch dark. Grab a cheap $15 flashlight and it'll be 10x more effective than the build in light. You also get to "choose" where you want the light to hit by simply pointing. Also my favorite thing about using a flashlight is you can shine the light at drivers to warn your existence. Super handy when they're making turns.
If you are worried about letting other people see you. (other than the flashlight pointing method I mentioned above) you can simply get those small bike lights like this and wrap it around the rails or use velcro/adhesive to stick it on the rails or fender.
Sorry that this happened. I see that you are still under warranty so I would say it's worth sending the board in if you really care about the lights. Otherwise it's really not worth it.
Anybody have any experience with Bright Eyes? It's atleast half the price of a similar Niterider or Sigma, but way more than other cheap Amazon lights. Reviews and user images seem good.
Bright Eyes 1800 Lumen Bicycle Light Set - The Stamina - Super Bright Headlight w/Quad Cree Technology and Light Weight Military Grade Nylon Shell-Free USB Rechargeable Taillight for a Limited Time https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071QXH72Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_NF1RDbMDMHTMF
I love my Shredlights, but I also found a decent budget light on Amazon that has a mount specific to skateboards as well:
I-WONDER Skateboard Headlights and Taillights, USB Rechargeable Safe Lights, Waterproof LED Flashing Safety Rear Light, Easy to Install for Longboard, Helmets, Bikes and Backpacks https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SK9G83X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_NQIPDbMPZB1BB
It has both a red and white light function with flashing modes, so it can be utilized for either the front or tail.
I also ride with a headlamp on my helmet that pivots so I can control my field of vision in front of me.
Sure thing.
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I do all my riding at night but mostly paved trails. I did a ton of research before buying my lights.
Front:
MagicShine 872 - This is what I use. For Price per lumens you can't beat this thing. It's crazy bright. I have it on 50% most of the time sometimes lower. For distance it's about the same at 50% or 100%. 100% is just much brighter immediately in front of you.
I would actually recommend the MagicShine 808 though. It's a little cheaper and all my research showed the side by side comparisons the 808 actually throws light out a little father. It's just not as bright in the first 25 feet. Since I leave my 872 on 50% it wouldn't matter and I would get a little more distance.
http://www.amazon.com/MagicShine-MJ-808U-Bicycle-Improved-1100-Lumen/dp/B009GSLUR4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1409954087&amp;sr=8-3&amp;keywords=magicshine+872
Both have an external battery pack and don't use a USB charger though. Which for some people is a problem. I don't mind strapping the battery to my top tube.
Edit to add: Neither of these has a flashing or pulse feature. They do have an adjustable brightness level though. 872 has last for roughly 2 hours for me at 100%. The power buttons illuminate to give you a rough estimate of battery level. After a 2 hour ride with it on 50% the entire time it will show that it has more then 50% left. They say it will last 3 hours at 100% but reviews I read said it last 2 1/2 at 100% then dropped its self down the 75% then 50 > so on until it completely died at 6 hours. I've not actually done that myself though.
Rear:
I use Light & Motion Vis 180 - This thing is ridiculously bright and I love it. Full 180 degrees of visibility from the amber lights. It's very expensive though for a taillight.
http://www.amazon.com/Light-Motion-Tail-Silver-Moon/dp/B00LH1W9AU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=undefined&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=light+and+motion+180
My research pointed to Cygolite Hotshot 2W USB being the best bang for your buck. I would have bought this but my LBS didn't carry it and I needed something that night for riding so i got the Light and Motion.
http://www.amazon.com/Cygolite-Hotshot-2-Watt-Rechargeable-Taillight/dp/B005DVA57Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1409954733&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=Cygolite+Hotshot+2W+USB
Hope this helps.
I have a Cygolite Metro 400 that I got as a bundle with a Cygolite Hotshot taillight on Amazon. They’re excellent. Used them regularly for three years and still going strong.
The bundle is about $50 here.
They have even brighter versions available too. the newest bundle is the Metro 700 + Hotshot and goes for about $100. The 400 is bright enough for me and I mostly use the medium setting. The taillight might be the brightest one I’ve ever seen.
I've been biking to work for over a decade now. I figure I save somewhere between $3000 and $4000 a year (just parking where I work costs almost $1000 every year!). The other month, I realized I had a bad wheel that needed replacement (factory defect I didn't notice for a long time). Rebuilding a brand new wheel and some other little maintenance things hit me at $180. There was a split second of outrage until I realized that's the only money I've spent on this bike, aside from a new tube or two, in 5 years.
If you do go the bike route, make sure you spend your money on a good helmet and great lights. There are some really great panniers out there that will allow you to grocery shop and carry tons of stuff. You'll never look back.
I highly, highly recommend getting a bike from Bikes Direct. They have some amazing bikes at amazing prices. The deal is that the bikes have some paint blemishes and aren't "perfect" so they can't be sold by the manufacturer. I had a hard time finding the paint blemishes on mine and they were on the rack the bike came with!
I commuted on a 1994 Stumpjumper for the past few years at school. I used cheaper Kenda 1.95 road tires that are still good after I bought them summer 2011. I also put a rear rack that carried either m-wave panniers for grocery shopping, or a trunk for small stuff.
Lights are a big thing. You can get them cheaply, I've been using a planet bike set for a while. The tail light is either solid or flashing and is very bright, but the headlight leaves something to be desired.
Good luck!
I'm sure they are cheaper but if you really want to ride at night this is the cheapest light I've found that provides enough light to be safe. It's legit probably 350-400 lumens. I can road bike at 18+ mph on trails pretty safe. The combo kit is $40
https://www.amazon.com/SUPERBRIGHT-Bike-Light-USB-Rechargeable/dp/B00OOENVYA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1498673195&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=shark+light+bike
These are great, I have them on my wife's bike and mine.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01IIPBYB2?psc=1&amp;ref=yo_pop_mb_yo_pop_mb_pd_t2
I bought us crazy bright headlights for actual mountain biking. The ones I recommend above I got on a lightning deal for like 8.99 a set. We night ride on the beach in FL and that set isn't good enough for a new moon night but great for bc safety in the city.
Here's the light I bought and love it for my Z1:
Bright Eyes 1800 Lumen Bicycle Light Set - The Stamina - Super Bright Headlight w/Quad Cree Technology and Light Weight Military Grade Nylon Shell-Free USB Rechargeable Taillight for a Limited Time https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071QXH72Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_y.tKDbX1D5HSG
The prices on amazon.co.uk are pretty weird, the relative prices of things don't match the USD MSRP at all. But £100 should be plenty to get a good set of lights. I'd look at your local bike shop to see if they carry Cygolite products for a decent price. The Hotshot is a great taillight and the Metro series is great for headlights. For some reason they're way overpriced online it looks like.
If you want to buy online, I'd consider this Light & Motion combo with the Urban 650 and the Vis 180 Micro. I'm not as big a fan of the Vis 180 Micro because the mount is a bit wimpy, but it's a good combo deal. Alternatively you could go for the Urban 500 and the Vis 180 (not micro) for a total of just a bit more, £130.
I run a bike light testing and review site; you can see reviews of all the aforementioned lights, as well as other suggestions, beamshots, etc. at The Bike Light Database.
I like this one. Has a flashing mode and is very easy to install
Cycle Torch SUPERBRIGHT Bike Light USB Rechargeable LED - FREE Taillight INCLUDED Shark 500 Set - 500 Lumens - Fits ALL Bikes, Hybrid, Road, MTB, Easy Install & Quick Release https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OOENVYA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xsnNDbK3PGXJ2
Yeah, the price is the big downside, but it's been a really great purchase for me. I've also just wrapped a cheap bike light like this around her collar and haven't had any problems with it.
Bike wise ive gone with a Genesis Criox De fer. The position is a bit more sporty and aerodynamic than a hybrid. And as its a cross bike its a bit more comfortable than a road bike.
Light wise ive gone with :https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00OOENVYA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
These are bright and reliable
Helmet doesnt really matter but id advise buying an okay quality one. The clips are a bit more secure on any helmet 20+
What id advise aswell isinvest in a pair of MTB shoes, it might seem unescesary but they make a world of difference when commuting
$25 set here: https://www.amazon.com/Cycle-Torch-Rechargeable-Light-Commuter/dp/B00XJXP6V8/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_468_tr_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;refRID=X9RX9ESYAV112Q2V38NS
Haven't used this one personally but it has great reviews, USB charging, and $25 is pretty cheap for a starter front/rear light.
I don't have any suggestions other than to avoid these I-Wonder lights sold on Amazon. I tried them and at first they seemed like a great, cheaper solution, but not long after using them the light came apart merely from vibrations in the road. It is just not up to par with riding on anything but perfectly smooth roads.
https://smile.amazon.com/I-WONDER-Skateboard-Headlights-Taillights-Rechargeable/dp/B07SK9G83X/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&amp;keywords=skateboard+lights&amp;qid=1571244114&amp;sr=8-6
I purchased this combo for head/tail lights. I found out about it from The Sweethome and have no complaints.
For my cellphone, I picked up one of these. I never use the bottle opener, but I can say it holds just about any smartphone in a steady grip over just about any kind of terrain. My only complaint would be that it sometimes allows the phone to tap on the stem when riding over rough spots. If you mount it horizontally on the handlebars, you aren't going to have the same problem, I suppose. I would still buy it again.
I picked up one of these bells. Very cool, tiny, tough and loud.
If you ride with drop handlebars, I fond a set of cross levers to be quite a lifesaver when I am hanging out on the middle of the bar.
A portable pump (I want one of these). I guess CO2 works, but what if you have a slow leak, no spare and you forgot to cap the patch kit glue?
A small saddle bag with spare tube, patch kit, multi-tool and tire levers.
A rear rack (but never one attached to the seatpost, please) for different bags, baskets or objects I want to haul around with me. I usually leave it off because I ride more for pleasure than commuting these days.
A decent U-Lock and cable to lock it all up. If you can afford it, one of these seems to be popular, though I live in a smaller town that doesn't need quite the same level of security.
I run one of these on the helmet and one on the bars. The beam pattern is great, very little shadowing
Superbright Bike Light USB Rechargeable LED - Free Taillight Included- Cycle Torch Shark 500 Set - 500 Lumens - Fits All Bikes, Hybrid, Road, MTB, Easy Install & Quick Release (Black) https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00OOENVYA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_unqlDbHV0B9WT
I use the Planet Bike "Blaze" headlight and "Superflash" taillight. You can get them together for a decent price on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Bike-Superflash-Light-Headlight/dp/B0015R9PZI/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1452276078&amp;sr=8-4&amp;keywords=planet+bike+superflash
There are other, brighter, more expensive lights out there, but these are plenty bright for commuting after dark and won't break the bank. I highly recommend them!
I have this light https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MG7677G/
You'll have to turn it on but it will turn off when it loses power. Good brightness but I would be happier if it had more flood
I've been good with a 450 lumen Cygolite on the front, and a Bontrager Flare R on the back.
But the Cygolite Hotshot Pro is a really good taillight too (guys in my group run them), so I'd recommend picking up a combo pack, like this one:
https://www.amazon.com/CYGOLITE-LIGHT-COMBO-METRO-HOTSHOT/dp/B07545T4Y9/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=cygolite+combo&qid=1550174357&s=gateway&sr=8-5
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Also, I always run two taillights for redundancy, I've had my tail light stop working before, and I didn't know, so consider picking up a lower cost hotshot as well, like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Cygolite-Hotshot-2-Watt-Rechargeable-Taillight/dp/B005DVA57Y/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=cygolite+hotshot&qid=1550174600&s=gateway&sr=8-2
What’re you thinking of the spoon? I love it so far. Great price and color options and super comfy. The light is an older version of the hotshot 150 I believe.
I am pretty happy with this Bright Eyes Stamina. It cost $90, is 1800 lumens, has a battery pack that will run for 12 hours (on low, 4 hours on hi), and has tons of ways to mount. It claims to be waterproof.
This has been perfect for night rides on my FS. Trying to beat the heat in the desert has been a real challenge. I had the Bontrager light that cost way more, is dimmer and kept fading on my longer rides until this upgrade.
The only down-side is, if you don't want to lug around the battery pack, you can't really use this light. It was recommended by a guy who was touring. If I can find the post again, I'll update this comment...
Edit: Here is the post I mentioned. It was actually from r/XBiking He's got two rigged up on his bike! https://www.reddit.com/r/xbiking/comments/csi67c/my_ultimate_doanything_bike_trek_920/
I’ve had the cycle torch 500 for a few years now ( hadn’t used it in a two or three years, but did the other day and they it still holds all its charge and is still super bright) and it’s amazing. I used the light nightly on my commute to and from work from 2013- mid 2015. The light is rechargeable and affordable. Also bright as hell!
cycle torch 500
Right on: I run a double set of the CycleTorch , and I love it for front and rear.
I have cheaper plastic pedals, so you’re right. It’d make all the difference to upgrade those. Any leads on a good, stout metal platform pedal?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XJXP6V8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9m2ODbVMWZ050
I’ve been using it for awhile, pretty good imo :)
This is a really good set. I have them on one of my bikes and it lights up like a Christmas tree. Kind of expensive compared to some other options though.
I have these on my bike but I really like them for running too. The rubber strap will go over one or two fingers and they're pretty light. They also clip on to a running belt (though I've noticed that people find light emanating from crotch level to be kind of odd) , or sweat band. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01EUQ7ZQG/ref=zg_bs_2367799011_3?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;refRID=ZX6BVTH7AQE9WEHS3BZG
40 bucks but this bad boy is blinding bright and the battery has held up. I commute every night 5 days a week for work no problems. Cycle Torch SUPERBRIGHT Bike Light USB Rechargeable LED - FREE Taillight INCLUDED Shark 500 Set - 500 Lumens - Fits ALL Bikes, Hybrid, Road, MTB, Easy Install & Quick Release https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OOENVYA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fgEIBb5VR6YHP
Here you go. HIGHLY recommend. I bought this same pair two years ago, been using it almost daily and it's still going strong. It's bright, rechargeable, and has endured heavy rain with no problems. Detaches easily (but not accidentally) and doubles as a solid flashlight.
That's pretty much how I started my 2 mile commute in 2015. I went reading and bought the Wirecutter's reccommendation at the time, a Trek 7.2 (though I did go for the 2014 7.4 Disc, since my shop had it on a good sale). I added fenders and a kickstand immediately, grabbed a cheap (but safe) Wal-Mart helmet and lights, and started riding when the weather was decent. As I needed them, I added elastic, reflective ankle bands to keep my jeans out of the chain, got a set of decent gloves for cooler weather, a rear rack and expandable trunk bag, upgraded my lights, and bought a cheap bike computer from Aldi.
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After a few years, I had a better idea of what I really wanted, so last fall I sold the hybrid and picked up a gravel bike to get off the 50mph highway and onto the gravel shoulder and replaced my helmet with a more comfortable and better ventilated one. I moved over the rear rack, bought new, larger fenders and a kickstand, but didn't bother with the computer and just got a handlebar phone mount since I track everything on Strava anyways.
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Of course I don't NEED all of this to bike commute, but it makes it easier/more comforable/etc. to do so. The only thing I've regretted is the fancy gloves: they work just fine, but I could have spent half the money and gotten something just as well suited to my needs. Thankfully I'm in an area with basically no bike theft, so I just use a cheap cable lock on the rare times I even bother to lock it up.
I ride with two whites in the front, and one red in the back. One front is always on, the other is on blink mode. Tail light is on blink mode. I use amazon lights listed below. Works great for me. I also carry a battery pack daily for my cellphone and other stuff anyway, so I just make sure to carry the usb cables with me so I can charge these lights in my backpack whenever I'm off the bike if I forget.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014QEWX2I/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N7S3UMP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I bought this set as good decent lights, not the brightest, but enough to see in city/town conditions in the dead of night, probably okay if you are very rural;
http://www.amazon.com/Metro-360-Hotshot-2W-Light/dp/B00E1NQ696
As for helmets, more cost generally means lighter/more ventilation, depending on how much either of these means to you.
On locks, I'd suggest a set like this;
http://www.amazon.com/Kryptonite-Kryptolok-Standard-Bicycle-FlexFrame/dp/B005YPK8G2/ref=sr_1_4?s=sporting-goods&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1396539131&amp;sr=1-4&amp;keywords=kryptonite+lock+combo
it will allow you to lock the frame/rear wheel with the U, and the front wheel with the cable. It terms of safeguarding your bike, it's more like defensive driving; how, where, time of day, amount of people around, prevalence of bike theft, are bigger factors than the size of the lock.
I always keep some simple LED lights on my bike. Just in case it gets later than I anticipated. The ones I linked are surprisingly bright and should be enough to be seen.
I also like to add some reflective foil. It doesn't rattle or break and hardly weighs anything. You can forget its there and are still seen more easily.
The little gummy ones are great and weigh pretty much nothing.
https://www.amazon.com/Cygolite-Metro-Hotshot-Light-Combo/dp/B01IO12Q4O
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Need lights for my bike. Thanks for a great search engine and this giveaway!
I have these bike lights and they can be attached to pretty much anything. Super light and small
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00W191R0U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3qUWDbHJE8SSZ
I have this one.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07545T4Y9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_-e-6Cb6PTKRYH
It does everything you want and is a cool hundred cheaper. The tail light is so bright my kids instant in riding in front. 800 lumens, the highest setting, it's roughly equivalent to a car headlight. You'll generally only use the low or medium brightness at night, blinky during the day.
My son has an equivalent setup from NiteRider. All good stuff, highly recommended.
These are great, cheap, bright, and water proof Get spare batteries too.
You can't go wrong with any gear by Swrve.
My favorite city tires are Vittoria Randonneurs.
I don't know much about rechargeable lights, but I use these and they've been going strong for years.
Provided you'll have access to AC Power every few days, you can use this. It's VERY bright and lasts for many hours on a single charge. It uses a Mini-USB port which is the older style and is a little bigger then the port used on an Android Phone {micro-USB} but still pretty common. There is a hook to mount it anywhere you've a small cloth loop and the included mount fits most round tube frames.
https://www.amazon.com/Cygolite-Hotshot-Rechargeable-Bike-Light/dp/B01IO12LCQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1522090328&amp;sr=8-3&amp;keywords=cygolite+hotshot
These aren't the same brand as the ones I got but same shape and clips. They works great.
https://www.amazon.com/Ascher-Rechargeable-Headlight-Resistant-Included/dp/B01EUQ7ZQG/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1538265741&amp;sr=8-3&amp;pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&amp;keywords=flashing+bike+lights+front+and+back&amp;dpPl=1&amp;dpID=41EswLoHm-L&amp;ref=plSrch
If you're worried about being seen, then mount something like this:
https://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-marine--deck-mount-portable-led-bi-color-navigation-light--15830516
If you want to be able to see at night, try a waterproof rechargeable bike light:
https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-Te-Rich-Waterproof-Headlight-Taillight/dp/B01MG7677G/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1523306122
I'd suggest mounting the light on a helmet - that way it points where you look, and it's not quite so close to the boat & water (the bright illumination on up close objects can blind your ability to see any distance).
Also, on anything you're worried you might drop in the water - tape a glow stick to it. You'll be glad you did if the thing you drop is your paddle.
Good luck.
Steve Z
Are you looking to wire into the scooter or attach a separate circuit? I have been looking at adding lights to my GXL and I think that you have a few options:
They are these BrightEyes 1800 lumens units . They've been pretty good so far. I like that they include a gopro-compatible mounting bracket. They're held on to the the front rack by a gopro fishing rod mount and two 90 degree adapters.
thanks! not sure if a taillight counts, but its still a flashlight of sorts :)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IO12LCQ?tag=thewire06-20&amp;linkCode=xm2&amp;ascsubtag=AgEAAAAAAAAAAQlz
A decent amount as it gives you a 360 “glow” but when I don’t use my headlamp I clip this white light onto my shorts https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IIPBYB2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_u.mUBbCEV5CVC and it’s perfect.
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00XJXP6V8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
I just ordered second set. $30 head and tail combo. super bright. headlight has 4 different modes and charges via micro usb. I got it for my wife's bike but have been using it on my board and it fits very well.
When it's warmer, I regularly ride my bike around at all times of day; it becomes my primary form of transportation. Honestly, I have encountered two super aggressive drivers (a UPS guy and someone who made it a point to run me off the road and laughed/yelled out the window at me), but I think the area overall is getting better about sharing the road and, generally speaking, assholes exist everywhere.
If you don't have bike lights, absolutely do not ride at night. Here's what I use. I've had them 2-3 years now and haven't had the batteries die yet.
I have had one bike 'stolen' (fair game, I didn't lock it up and wasn't too concerned about it, even though it technically was in a secure building). I also had someone try to steal my cruiser, but I'm guessing they got caught in the middle of it because some stuff was missing off the bike and my cable lock was only snipped about half way through; several other people's bikes were completely stolen or stripped that same night.
Just buy a damn good U-lock (something they're going to have to saw through and make lots of noise) and don't leave it somewhere outside for extended periods of time. If you have any accessories you care about to the point you wouldn't want to pay to replace them, then consider keeping them in a bag or keeping your bike inside indefinitely. Personally, I love my bike, so I keep it in my apartment when I'm not using it.
Also check out/join Social Cycling and Bike Norfolk on Facebook. The communities are very supportive and can probably provide experience-based answers to your questions.
Super Bright Bike Light USB... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MG7677G?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
This is the one I use along with a headlight on my helmet. It is so bright I run it on low power.
Was looking at either https://www.amazon.com/Blitzu-Rechargeable-POWERFUL-Headlight-Flashlight/dp/B014QEWX2I/
or
https://www.amazon.com/Bike-Lights-Front-Back-Rechargeable/dp/B071VD7JJN/
maybe I'll order both and see which ones I like better! Our 1st and 3rd shift cops don't give a flying falaffle what's on my bike.
I use and really like the cygolite hotshot 50, it's bright enough for daytime use. I see they have a 150 version now and it's cheaper than the bontrager.
Get one of those latex Blinky sets - one red one white, to be seen, and then get a cheapo mount and flashlight off Amazon.
Blinkies, that can attach easily to any bike frame tubes, clothing item with a loop like belt, backpack, or helmet for an higher-up light: two white two red, $9
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L773R9A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_mRYvDbDW4QGTA
Parallel / Perpendicular adjustable light mount: $10
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0761RX64G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_9SYvDbQ8MKCGG
2 pack 500+ lumen lights, metal bodies, AAA Batts: $17
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072WHQFJ7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_dUYvDbCB8E8VA
There you go - lights to be seen for everywhere, your bike, your backpack, your helmet, and lights to see the road in front of you, that can be quickly removed and taken with you.
They're super cheap clip on lights I bought on Amazon, I'm planning on using them when I e board...just to clip to my bag to be seen... This is the link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01IIPBYB2?psc=1&amp;ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
I have the same exact rack and attached Cygolite HotShot series with this. It only cost $5 and fits perfectly.
I've been using this one for about a year and I absolutely love it:
https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-Te-Rich-Waterproof-Headlight-Taillight/dp/B01MG7677G/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1540904487&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=terich&amp;dpID=51iS055rs8L&amp;preST=_SY300_QL70_&amp;dpSrc=srch
Four of my favorites are: red, my cat, volunteering, and biking.
Link
Thank you.
I was very pleased with [these guys!] (https://www.amazon.com/Dash-350-Micro-30-Combo/dp/B013FIYP8G/ref=sr_1_7?s=sporting-goods&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1481479796&amp;sr=1-7&amp;keywords=cygolight)
if you want something cheaper I could suggest front and [rear] (https://www.amazon.com/Blitzu-Rechargeable-Intensity-Accessories-Flashlight/dp/B015IEJ0GC/ref=sr_1_18?s=sporting-goods&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1481479840&amp;sr=1-18&amp;keywords=bike+light)
> Cygolite Metro
is this the one you have?
I just added this to my amazon cart. Thanks!
https://www.amazon.com/BLITZU-Rechargeable-Powerful-Headlight-Flashlight/dp/B014QEWX2I/ref=sxin_2_osp20-8f6e5b09_cov?ascsubtag=8f6e5b09-2d83-4346-b8bf-efeb805968fd&amp;creativeASIN=B014QEWX2I&amp;cv_ct_id=amzn1.osp.8f6e5b09-2d83-4346-b8bf-efeb805968fd&amp;cv_ct_pg=search&amp;cv_ct_wn=osp-search&amp;keywords=bicycle+light&amp;linkCode=oas&amp;pd_rd_i=B014QEWX2I&amp;pd_rd_r=4bfc65dc-7b6f-4f4e-99f1-3f3d9e806a08&amp;pd_rd_w=y4s8h&amp;pd_rd_wg=sya1h&amp;pf_rd_p=caff9d8f-b168-49ec-abab-fc9b7b84cd0f&amp;pf_rd_r=99SZ1YV5A13HM7HNK509&amp;qid=1565989669&amp;s=gateway&amp;sprefix=bicycle&amp;tag=bestcont06-20
I love this set up
don't cheap out on lights, get something name brand
http://www.amazon.com/Cygolite-Metro-Shot-Combo-Light/dp/B00LXTOXPA/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1458001879&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=cygolite
These are what I have, lots of people I know have them and love them as much as I do.
I ended up going with this one: Acebeam It's a lot more expensive, but is really small, and because I commute with it, I wanted something that I could just drop in my pocket and wouldn't be a pain to carry around. It throws a really good beam for the size.
I know a lot of people use headlamps, I didn't go for that because I didn't want to be dicking around attaching it or risk having it knocked off on the (crowded af) train. For a back light, I went with this one. I made a bracket for my helmet and so just clip the light into it when I want to use it, and then take it out when I'm done . Because I'll be commuting right through winter in the dark, I'm also thinking about picking up this backpack. With all of that gear I'll look like a total gimp, but given how dark it will be and how crazy the drivers are around me, I figure it's worth it.
I bought one of these recently and like it. I like how it has red and white modes. $25 came with the light, mount and a cable.
I recently mounted it pointing backwards from the front truck and it makes the bottom of the board glow.
I-WONDER Skateboard Headlights https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SK9G83X?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I have no idea how many lumens my lights are, which probably means they aren't bright enough. It didn't even occur to me to check. What would you recommend?
My current lights are these, which do have a flashing setting, but I can't find anything definite about how strong they are.
New road cyclist here. Have previously only mountain biked, but have used my MB on several roads. I've owned my road bike for about 3 weeks. Loving riding on roads, but am really thinking that I need a tail light. Looking between the Cygolite Hotshot 100 and Cygolite Hotshot 150 Pro. My concern is that when I ride with someone else, or with a group that I will inadvertently blind other cyclists. Does anyone have any experience? Would I just simply not use the light when riding with others? I'm thinking that I'll either attach this to my saddle bag or use the seat stay mount.
Hopefully SL will come through with a secure new clip design.
Failing that, I had to do it over again, I might have gone with something like this for board visibility: https://www.amazon.com/I-WONDER-Skateboard-Headlights-Taillights-Rechargeable/dp/B07SK9G83X/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=skateboard+light&qid=1569699658&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-9
Plus a red blinker on the back of the helmet and then a high powered headlamp for illuminating the road.
Let me know how the hot glue works. I might do the same if the new S clip upgrade doesn't work.
I've had a good experience with the Blitzu rechargable from Amazon so far. 320 lumen is plenty for seeing in front of you and the rechargable aspect is so much better than battery powered.
You should seriously consider the Cygolite Metro / Hotshot combo. It's the best deal in terms of lumens per dollar.
Definitely get a light! If you’re riding at night, they’re arguably a more critical piece of safety equipment than a helmet. That means rear lights too! It’s hard to realize how invisible you can be without one.
Cygolite Metro 400 Hot Shot USB Combo Light https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LXTOXPA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_m3KUAb39S0332
This is a great deal. It might seem kind of pricey, but Cygolite makes high quality stuff so you won’t have to think about it again after you buy it.
What kind of cycling? Mountain biking, road cycling, just commuting? I ride at night all the time, I usually ride to a bar a few times a month. My 10 yo son and I rode to the movies the other night.
Make sure you have a decent light setup. I use an urban 500
https://www.amazon.com/Light-Motion-Urban-500-Headlight/dp/B01F0FCAKW?th=1 for a head light and this rear blinker
https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-Intensity-Accessories-Helmets-Flashlight/dp/B015IEJ0GC/ref=sr_1_25_sspa?keywords=amazon+rear+bike+light&qid=1556798034&s=gateway&sr=8-25-spons&psc=1
along with a neon green jacket and two led wheel lights. I find that people actually see me more at night than during the day.
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I have this setup for my kids https://www.amazon.com/Ascher-Rechargeable-Headlight-Resistant-Included/dp/B01EUQ7ZQG/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_468_bs_lp_t_1/147-0384363-3958821?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=58XK20AREYT4CNVC9WYV
and it's actually really decent.
I've been very pleased with this combo: https://smile.amazon.com/Cygolite-Metro-Hotshot-Light-Combo/dp/B01IO12Q4O?sa-no-redirect=1
Headlight setting is more than sufficient to bike at speed in the pitch black and outperforms every single other commuter light set at my office that I've seen.
Get the minimum you need as you need it, rather than trying to get it all at once. But, you'll likely want a helmet and some sort of lock (depending on where you can park, and taking into account relative theft risk). Beyond that, you can get extremely cheap lights off Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Malker-Bicycle-Light-Front-Silicone/dp/B01L773R9A). Weather gear will be a tougher question though. You'll probably want fenders, and some kind of rain gear. I tend to go for something cheaper and replace it every year to two (https://www.amazon.com/Frogg-Toggs-Ultra-Lite2-Waterproof-Breathable/dp/B00R6NYJ10)
I have had a set of cygolite's for years
Very bright and most importantly USB rechargeable, Also relatively affordable. I have had my set going on 6 years now and I use them almost daily, they dont make the model I have anymore but the link I included is the closest available set.
Oh snap we're on to something. Reelight makes a magnet powered safety strobe
Seriously though, just be careful and pay attention to your riding. Don't text/play with your phone while moving. Get some good lights (I like Cygolite) that are visible during the day time. Anything to make yourself more visible. (People will still ignore you).
I don't have much advice for your specific route, I apologize. Overall safety first.
Don't try to fight anyone because they are in the wrong,you won't change their mind on the side of the road.
Getting hit by a car is no fun. Getting killed is worse.
Otherwise, enjoy it.
(I believe I have the older version of this - super bright -. https://www.amazon.com/CYGOLITE-LIGHT-COMBO-METRO-HOTSHOT/dp/B07545T4Y9/ )
First scooter purchase. Worth the wait so far. Was able to go up a few modest hills at full speed. Although no suspension, handled the rough roads well. 185 lbs, was able to reach 18mph on dash during flats. One of the electric speed signs along the road had 20.
Gloves
Helmet
Lights: Even though it comes with front and back light, never hurts to have extra
Front
Back
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The only thing I would change are the grips. Sort of wish they used regular bicycle grips so I could easily add https://www.amazon.com/Hafny-Mirror-Stainless-Rearview-Diameter/dp/B01AVHQB22/
I'm late to the party. I think it's really cool that you're making this work. If you'll be commuting at night please get rear and front lights as soon as possible. This is what I use and it's great. Ten miles is totally doable as a daily commute.
Some things that have helped me:
Doing meal prep on the weekends so that I can carry my whole week's lunches to work on Monday. That way I don't have to worry about making and taking a lunch every morning. It also means I don't have to wear a backpack every day.
Taking all my work clothes for the week on Monday for the same reason.
Leaving protein powder at work. When I was first getting started, the difference it made in my soreness and ability to make it to lunchtime without being starving was huge. Just mix a shake as soon as you get in.
Get fenders whenever as soon as you can. I don't know what sort of climate you live in, but once the temp starts dropping if you don't have fenders even just a little water on the road can make for a really miserable ride.
No problem!
Bike cellphone holder - Aduro® U-GRIP PLUS https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R6RSCV4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_BUTKxbB1T1BBC
Bike light - Super Bright USB Rechargeable Bike Light - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014QEWX2I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_YVTKxb3ZPCT1E
Anker PowerCore+ 20100 USB-C/Type-C Ultra-High-Capacity Premium External Battery/Portable Charger/Power Bank (6A Output, PowerIQ & VoltageBoost) for Apple MacBook, iPhone, iPad, Samsung & more https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014ZO46LK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_4WTKxb81MMH6M
Bluetooth Headphones Wireless Sports 4.1 Bluetooth Headset Earbuds Ansion Lightweight HD Stereo Earphones Noise Cancelling Headphones W/Mic In-Ear Sweatproof Earpiece HandsFree for Smartphones-Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ERWERAK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_QXTKxb89ZQSRN
Cygolite Metro 700 since it’s waterproof and usb rechargeable. I can charge it at home or at work if I need to.
I don’t ride at night rather, at dawn or dusk towards the end of my ride so it’s bright enough for me. It has a low, medium and high settings.
Cygolite Hotshot Pro 150 for all the same reasons above. I can clip it to the bike or onto a backpack.
The main reason I bough these two was because they had great reviews online, on Amazon & weren’t as crazy expensive as other ones.
The Cygo Lite Metro is fantastic. I've had them for a few years.
One of the reviews says that if you get hit by a car, they did it on purpose. And I would say that's accurate.
The headlight not only let's people see you, but it actually lights up the road ahead of you.
I do think lights are seriously important this time of year, from one Chicago cyclist to another. I started using them for the first time this year and I have noticed a serious difference in the amount of space I am given by cars- I recommend these lights as they are quick to remove and inexpensive, and they can be steady or set to pulse.
Almost looks like this.
I also use lights during the daytime as well. The Cygolite Hotshot, mentioned in this thread already, got it in this combo
This is worth it: http://www.amazon.com/Metro-360-Hotshot-2W-Light/dp/B00E1NQ696
Bite my shiny metal ass.
Dont forget a lock. I use this one $80 this one is more affordable $35
drunkriding requires lighting. People seem to like cygolite.
[Nice singlespeed tool $20 ] (https://www.amazon.com/Pedros-142724-Trixie-Fixie-Tool/dp/B001Q221GM)
That bike has rack mounts. Racks mean you can bring more than one case of beer home at a time.
I dont carry much else on the singlespeed. A small $2 patch kit, tire levers and an inflator.
Edit: The Modified Sheldon, credit: 802bikeguy
I got a cheap Headlight from Amazon that comes with a rechargeable battery and comes with straps to use as a head lamp.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MG7677G/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_RRVUDb8E14KYR
If you want to be a hipster and spend $230 on mediocre lights you lock outside get those. Ootherwise just get some normal LED bike lights:. Having a 4" strip of road illuminated in front of me is not what I call 'useful'
I use two front lights and one rear light. I'm in an urban area so everything is relatively well lit and the lights are more so that people see me and not for me to light up the ground. The lights are lezyne zecto for the front and back pair, and then a cygolite metro. They are both easy to take on and off if I'm going to park the bike outside for lunch. They have a mode where some of the lights blink and some of them stay on all the time. The cygolite uses the old style usb charger and it will wobble around when mounted so I'm looking for a replacement. I think the new ones work differently. Also happy with these as spares https://www.amazon.com/Bicycle-Ascher-Rechargeable-Lithium-Included/dp/B01EUQ7ZQG but it is annoying that the power button on the back light doesn't face up.
Use this: https://www.amazon.com/Blitzu-Rechargeable-POWERFUL-Headlight-Flashlight/dp/B014QEWX2I/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=outdoor-recreation&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1510254190&amp;sr=1-1-spons&amp;keywords=bike+light&amp;psc=1
Easy to attach, turn on while riding and is rechargable.
I clip these to my knee pads and wear a headlamp www.amazon.com/dp/B01EUQ7ZQG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_PR3GDbMW50HRN
Most likely a Planet Bike Beamer 1.
Thanks!
https://www.amazon.com/Ascher-Rechargeable-Headlight-Resistant-Included/dp/B01EUQ7ZQG/ref=zg_bs_2367799011_1?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;refRID=H7160PBFX2MSM9R5HSX1
Hopping on this to recommend Cygolite Metro headlight & hotshot tail-light
Non-mobile: this combo
^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble. ^WUT?
Nope, these are my lights: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E1NQ696/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
I use this as a flashlight when im walking the bike trail at night.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XJXP6V8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
It is not. Here is the section of road I am referring to
North of there it is wide enough. I do wear visible clothing, here is a picture of the jacket I was wearing. I have lights on my bike. It is not "practicable" to encourage unsafe lane splitting and passing.
I use these:
https://www.amazon.com/Ascher-Rechargeable-Headlight-Resistant-Included/dp/B01EUQ7ZQG
They are really bright without being so bright that they kill the eyes of other cyclists, they pop on and off in seconds with a simple silicone band so you can put them in your pocket when you lock up your bike. And the charge lasts for a solid 10-15 hours so if you don't ride that much you can charge them once every two weeks.
I clip this light to the reflector mounting bracket and use the supplied band to keep it from accidentally popping up.
I bought these for a bike and they are only 11 bucks, they do the job though. They might not fit great. I attach it to the truck, they are about 1/8th the price of the shred ones
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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EUQ7ZQG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
These bike lights look mediocre, and possibly weaker than my S7's flashlight app lel.
Love this $20 one though