Best cycling accessories according to Reddit

Reddit mentions of Cygolite Hotshot– High Power 2 Watt Bike Taillight– 6 Night & Daytime Modes– User Tuneable Flash Speed– Compact Design– IP64 Water Resistant– Secured Hard Mount– USB Rechargeable– Great for Busy Roads

Sentiment score: 24
Reddit mentions: 32

We found 32 Reddit mentions of Cygolite Hotshot– High Power 2 Watt Bike Taillight– 6 Night & Daytime Modes– User Tuneable Flash Speed– Compact Design– IP64 Water Resistant– Secured Hard Mount– USB Rechargeable– Great for Busy Roads. Here are the top ones.

#2 Cygolite Hotshot– High Power 2 Watt Bike Taillight– 6 Night & Daytime Modes– User Tuneable Flash Speed– Compact Design– IP64 Water Resistant– Secured Hard Mount– USB Rechargeable– Great for Busy Roads #4
    Features:
  • Powerful 2 watt red LED bike tail light with adjustable brightness and flash speeds. Patent pending adjustable flash tempo and brightness lets you maximize motorist awareness with its unique and easy to use 2 button control.
  • 5 exclusive night and day modes provide enhanced safety : Steady - Zoom - DayLightning Flash - Triple Flash - Random Flash. Wide range Run time of 4 1/2 to 500 hours with flash tempo adjustment
  • Stand out in broad daylight with DayLighting Flash mode. This one-of-a-kind flash mode acts as daytime running lights for ultimate cyclist safety
  • 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 55 grams. Designed for convenience with USB rechargeable design & low battery indicator
  • Hard seat post mount and seat stay mount attaches securely
  • 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
Specs:
ColorYellow
Height5.25 Inches
Length5 Inches
Number of items1
Release dateAugust 2011
SizeOne Size
Weight0.2 Pounds
Width1.25 Inches
#3 of 1,409

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Found 32 comments on Cygolite Hotshot– High Power 2 Watt Bike Taillight– 6 Night & Daytime Modes– User Tuneable Flash Speed– Compact Design– IP64 Water Resistant– Secured Hard Mount– USB Rechargeable– Great for Busy Roads:

u/ilykdp · 10 pointsr/cycling

usb chargable, and I use both myself:

rear light

front light

u/Jixr_ · 6 pointsr/FixedGearBicycle

hotshots are good, built in battery, and really bright if you want them to be ( adjustable settings )

https://www.amazon.com/Cygolite-Hotshot-2-Watt-Rechargeable-Taillight/dp/B005DVA57Y

Not good for aero seatpost though

Cygolite has really good customer service too, i've contacted them on two separate times about replacement rubber buttons ( lost one in a crash, the other during my ride ) And they mailed me some at no cost.

My headlight from them is kinda poopy, but these taillights are great, mine is going on 2+ years with tons of use and never had any issues and battery still holds fine. Really easy to turn on/off while riding the bike too.

u/nrhinkle · 5 pointsr/bicycling

Oh hey, my lights post! Yup, the Cygolite Hotshot is by far the brightest and most flexible of the sub-$100 tail lights. Unfortunately it looks like Amazon's increased the price recently - it was only $27 when I did my review a couple months ago. Now it's $35. Still cheaper than the suggested retail price though.

u/wickedbeats · 5 pointsr/FixedGearBicycle

This is what I use for my handlebars: Night Rider Lumina 650

Bright USB chargeable lights FTW! I like to be able to see what kind of pot holes and rocks I'm approaching. Also, with 650 lumens, you can seriously intimidate cars. Their driving behavior changes noticeably every time they see me.

I also have a Cygolight Hotshot for my rear, but I just got a new bike and now cannot find a way to attach it to my aero seatpost. First world problem, I know. Suggestions?

u/bpwnz · 5 pointsr/bicycling

Niterider Lumina 750 (or higher) is a great light

Bikes direct has a steal of a deal going right now on the 1100 boost: http://www.bikesdirect.com/incredible_holiday/lumina-1100-boost-lights.htm

Don't go less than 700 lumens, don't settle for a janky flashlight rig.

edit here's a good taillight too: https://www.amazon.com/Cygolite-Hotshot-2-Watt-Rechargeable-Taillight/dp/B005DVA57Y (these things are bright)

u/c0de_ · 5 pointsr/bicycling

The Cygolite Hotshot 2W Light.. you WILL be seen if set up correctly (this is a directional light you need to aim it at motorists)

u/RevLoveJoy · 4 pointsr/CyclePDX

Waterproof gloves.

I know you said you have shoes, but these covers are reasonable. I'm not a huge fan of the color, but winter above the 45 parallel is a dark time of the year and a little extra "I'M HERE" never hurts.

This jacket might seem a little expensive, however I own a few Shower Pass items and cannot say enough good stuff about the quality, durability and comfort of their gear. In my book, they are one of the best wet weather bike clothing outfits around.

There are a TON of options for lighting. Basically you want something on the front that is 400 Lumen or better. For the rear, I've been buying Cygolite's Hot Shot for years. They've always delivered and I've actually had several riders comment on how visible they make me to traffic.

Not sure if that model Schwinn has braze ons for a rear rack? Would strongly recommend adding one and getting a bag if you do. It's really nice not having the weight on one's back in the wet. Good luck, and welcome to the non-fair weather cycling gang. :D

u/alancar · 3 pointsr/bikecommuting

My $30 tail light Cygolite Hotshot 2-Watt USB Rechargeable Taillight with USB Cable by Cygolite that was recommended to me on Reddit. Its like Ron Jeremy the Hedgehog. IT just goes and goes its small but mighty but smells better than Ron. . I charged it once and it lasted approximately 42 hrs of use in warm weather.

Link: https://amzn.com/B005DVA57Y

also my REI Flash 22 pack for $33.93 is awesome you have to love the dividends.

If only the Urban lights and motion 200 was as good its a total piece of crap in cold weather it lasts one ride before needing charging in hot weather it needs charging every 5 hours. Their claim of 12 hours on low pulse is bull crap

u/usernamespot · 3 pointsr/cycling

Thanks for playing along.

> Busch and Muller Ixon IQ Premium

Good This might be one of the most amazing light out there. Unlike many other lights they recognize that "good" isn't just pumping out tons of lumens. They put the light where it needs to go, on the road and not where it shouldn't be - in drivers eyes and in the trees. Them and Light and Motion have the best optics I've seen. There's a few tunnel beam test out there which show beam patterns well.

This review sold me on the light

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwM7vDvvGhU

They cover the beams at the end.

Now the thing is in this vid he's shooting pitch black, which all lights look bright in. Either way the flood is great.

Bad The high run time is listed at 3hrs (standard pretty much..) which is just long enough or a little too short depending on you. I wish more lights ran 4hrs on high as I take long rides with breaks in the middle. Itd be nice to not worry.

It doesn't have any side cut outs for visibility which do seem to help, even on very low powered lights.

Ugly

The main downfall for this light is its price, which I think is over $100. For some people $100 for one light isn't great. Some people might prefer to spend $100 on a different lighting setup (albeit likely with worse optics).


>Cygolite Hotshot



good

Crazy popular and a pretty neat light. I like the strong strobes and customizable flash settings for traffic

bright, unique flash patterns, affordable, good company.

bad

My big beef is it lacks a gentle pulse like this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UthVrhsbRr4

for group/night trail rides i dont want to blind people. also id love to run a pulse/flasher combo.

PDW (I think) makes a light that combines a crazy flash pattern with a gentle strobe, that might be king...

ugly

lots of complaints about the mount, going back to at lease 2012. last thing i want is to lose a light on a ride w/o knowing.

"This light is great for visibility and can be seen from far away. MAJOR DRAWBACK - the light is mounted to the bike with a very flimsy mount. every time i go over a bump the light is jostled and ends up pointing straight down at the ground which of course defeats the purpose."

http://www.amazon.com/Cygolite-Hotshot-2-Watt-Rechargeable-Taillight/product-reviews/B005DVA57Y/ref=cm_cr_pr_top_recent?ie=UTF8&filterBy=addThreeStar&showViewpoints=0&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending

u/B_ongfunk · 3 pointsr/bikecommuting

I have a Cygolite Metro 1100 and Light & Motion Urban 650. Both are enough to see with and ride around 20mph on paved surfaces. They are supposed to last ~1.5hrs at peak output. After dark, I ride with both.

I find that the typical advertised runtime on 500+ lumen lights doesn't go past 2hrs without an additional battery pack (not all have swappable batteries). Only the cheap lights aren't weather resistant.

Other brands such as Nite Rider, Lezyne, and Cateye make some really bright lights. I wouldn't go below 500 lumens if you ride with any pace.

As for taillights, a Cygolite Hotshot and Light & Motion Vis 180. I think I go a good week before recharging. I ride with both after dark and one all the time.

As far as flashing and constant, I do one of each in back when in traffic, constant on trails. Headlights are always constant and I turn off the super bright one on trails.

u/SPV1 · 3 pointsr/bicycling

Do you want them to see in the dark, or to be seen?

These are the best:
http://www.dinottelighting.com/

They are not cheap.

Here is a much more affordable tail light:
http://www.amazon.com/Cygolite-Hotshot-2-Watt-Rechargeable-Taillight/dp/B005DVA57Y/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1372712157&sr=8-4&keywords=cygolite+bike+lights

In my opinion, any of the super cheap blinky lights (e.g. Knog, ~$10) are a waste of money. They won't make you more noticeable. I don't know how much you care, but there are plenty of youtube videos demonstrating how bright some of these lights are. Without knowing your budget, it's hard to recommend something.

u/Smaskifa · 2 pointsr/bikecommuting

Disc racks can work on non-disc brake wheels. I use a Blackburn EX-1 Disc Rack on my bike. My bike does not have the eyelets by the wheel hub for pannier racks, but strangely it does have the eyelets on the seat stay for them. I found this rack works very well on my bike.

For USB rechargeable lights, I use a Cygolite Metro 500 and a Cygolite Hotshot. Both lights are easily removable so you can take them with you when you leave your bike locked up. There are cheaper versions of the Cygolite Metro which are also quite good (300, 360, 400), but not quite as bright. The Metro 300 is probably enough light for most people, and is what I used first. The only reason I switched is because my girlfriend's bike needed a better headlight, so I used that as an excuse to upgrade mine and give her my old one. Currently the 360 is cheaper than the 300 on Amazon, and is brighter. So there's no reason to get the 300 right now.

For multi tool, I like the Topeak Hexus II. Someone else on Reddit recommended it to me months ago and I'm quite satisfied.

For a full time commuter, I recommend some puncture resistant tires. I use Continental Gatorskins with Mr Tuffy liners inside them. Haven't had a single flat in several months now. Having a flat on your way to work would really suck, especially in crappy winter weather.

I use Ortlieb Front Rollers on my rear rack, as I was worried the Back Rollers would be large enough to cause heel strike. The Front Rollers are very nice. I love how easy they are to put on and take off, plus they're quite rugged and keep everything dry. The Front Rollers are just barely large enough for a 15" laptop, though I can't roll the top down well with it in there.

u/mr_negativity · 2 pointsr/bicycling

http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B005DVA57Y/

I have that one, it's really bright, has a bunch of different blinking patterns, and the battery seems to last quite a while.

u/Weyoun2 · 2 pointsr/bicycling

I just bought this Cygolite Metro 360 head light and this Cygolite Hotshot tail light a few days ago. They are well reviewed and seem blindingly bright when I look at them inside. Several different flash modes and are both USB rechargeable.

As for other products which can save your life, a cell phone and a credit/debit card will be useful if you're stranded somewhere. Wearing a Road ID will be helpful to emergency personnel if you're unable to communicate.

u/archeocyathan · 2 pointsr/bicycling

Does that light work with the Cateye rack mount?

If not, I use a Cygolite Hotshot with the Cygolite rack mount which works really well. The Cygolite is great bang for your buck.

u/SavingHawaii · 2 pointsr/bicycling

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005DVA57Y?pc_redir=1406372694&robot_redir=1
http://www.bike-discount.de/en/buy/ixon-iq-premium-led-139357?currency=5&delivery_country=191

Little bit more expensive. Same tail light. Better front light. You need a $3 adapter for the plug on the German headlight because it has European plugs.

u/Nickerdos · 2 pointsr/bicycling

http://www.amazon.com/Cygolite-Hotshot-2-Watt-Rechargeable-Taillight/dp/B005DVA57Y

This is hands down the best rear light out there. There are three or four modes of flashing types and you're able to increase or decrease the tempo of each.

The light is so bright that the red light is visible on the ground behind you.

It's also rechargeable.

They have a mini version too, and it's just as powerful.

u/Dingo8urBaby · 2 pointsr/cycling

I recommend checking out /r/bikecommuting. Although it sounds like you have already been commuting by bike, so I apologize if you already know what I'm saying. I'm assuming because you are asking about what you wear for winter cycling that you do not regularly commute in winter/have a short commute.

You will need to get lights for commuting, especially as winter approaches (assuming that you are in the Northern hemisphere). I have the Cygolite Expillion 350 and the PDW Danger Zone. I once read that a blinking rear light is good for being noticed but a solid light is good for driver depth perception, so my helmet has a red light in back that I keep solid in the evening/night. I will eventually get a second real rear light.

As for clothing - what is your climate going to look like this winter? I was commuting in upstate New York and wore generic winter running tights, wool socks, UA coldgear shirt, a down vest, gloves, and a thin scarf that went around my neck and over my head under my helmet. When I wore thick wool mittens over my gloves, I was toasty in that down to 14 F. I never got goggles/glasses, but they would have been nice when it sleeted.

I don't have any cycling specific wear. I re-purpose what I already have or buy things that will work for multiple activities.

I wash my bike (or at least rinse it off) after any ride where salt from the road was kicked up. Last winter I had a toothbrush and would gently scrub my derailleurs to get off the ice and would use a damp rag to wipe it down. Again, I was biking in upstate New York. I have since moved south and don't yet know what this winter will mean for biking. I'm assuming a lot less ice and a lot less salt.

u/zedmartinez · 2 pointsr/bikecommuting

I've used a Cygolite Hotshot for years now all-weather year-'round riding. The standard bracket is just the plastic clip one, there are some others available as additional purchases like a rack bracket (a must for any light I buy, personally). It's been through more storms than I can count, so, the water-sealing is fine. It's visible even in bright summer daylight, and at night I have to angle it down if riding with friends or they can't see very well when behind me. Recharges with micro USB. Great product, haven't been tempted by anything else since. http://www.amazon.com/Cygolite-Hotshot-2-Watt-Rechargeable-Taillight/dp/B005DVA57Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449153336&sr=8-1&keywords=cygolite+hotshot

u/commanderchurro · 2 pointsr/bicycling
u/NotDavidWooderson · 2 pointsr/cycling

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

​

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

u/Orikx · 2 pointsr/bicycling

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&qid=1409954087&sr=8-3&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&qid=undefined&sr=8-1&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&qid=1409954733&sr=8-1&keywords=Cygolite+Hotshot+2W+USB


Hope this helps.

u/802bikeguy_com · 1 pointr/bikewrench

I've not used the niterider, but I sure do like the Cygolite Hotshot. It's also 2w and USB.

u/[deleted] · 1 pointr/cycling

Well, you should certainly have a mirror, yeah. Maybe not a disco ball, but at least one. I like THIS ONE the best. Heck, put one on each bar end if you're feeling nutty.

Use flashing lights even during the daytime. You'd be surprised how well they can increase your visibility in broad daylight. For the rear, the Cygolite Hotshot seems to be the brightest from the research I've done. Not sure about the best front one. I got a CREE 1800 lumen on ebay (brand new) for like $40. They sell 'em cheap outta China. Serfas makes a good one too - the thunderbolt I think? Battery doesn't last too long, though. If you wanna be OTT about it, get 2 front & 2 rear - have one steady and one flash in each direction. Then, of course, wear bright clothing & all that. You can find reflective vests for cycling pretty cheap.

My dad used to commute 18 miles each way to work and used a side flag like THIS ONE all the time. It definitely makes folks give you a little extra room. Oh yeah, get a bell. Seriously. They make small ones if you're too embarrassed by a big one, but they don't have the "classic" bell sound. Nothing says "bike" like that ole' "ring-ring" and you want folks to know what you are before they even see you.

With some of this equipment on, my wife calls me the safety patrol leader. She still worries, but she knows I'm adamant about safety, am always on the defensive and, because of this gear and my practices, am less likely to get hit than if I wore all black and thought I owned the road.

Well, other than those pointers, just always be militant about safety, stop at all red lights & stop signs, signal for turns and try to ride in groups.

u/winkers · 1 pointr/running

I'm primarily a cyclist actually and I first saw the material on a runner. I'm convinced it's saved me on the road when I'm riding in low-light conditions. Still, I also have been taking initiative to upgrade my bike lights and now ride with:

u/MTBSPEC · 1 pointr/bikecommuting

I would suggest multiple flashing red lights facing the rear so there is no question of your existence. People tend to drive fast while not paying attention on rural roads, your light display should immediately catch their eye.

Start with something like this

https://www.amazon.com/Cygolite-Hotshot-2-Watt-Rechargeable-Taillight/dp/B005DVA57Y

I have had good success with Cygolite. For the head light I would get at least a 550 lumen one if not more for dark rural roads.

u/Gmbtd · 1 pointr/bicycling

Don't worry about the helmet. None are really safer than others, just lighter and stylish.

You don't mention maintenance. You'll want to start cleaning your chain really regularly. Keep it clean and lubricated and it'll last FAR longer for you. You'll probably need a new chain each year too.

You might already know all about bike maintenance, but if not, get a good thick guide like Zinn's guide to bike maintenance, and start reading. Also watch YouTube videos before you try something the first time -- it'll save you tons of pain and money!

The backpack is fine, it'll just make your back really sweaty. Panniers will fix that, not just a rack (that can work though, just get some bungee cords). Panniers and a well designed bag can be great. I have this, and it's very functional, although I hesitate to recommend it as I haven't tried any others for comparison. It clips into a rack by the same manufacturer making it trivial to hold it down.

Topeak Velcro Strap Version Dxp Trunk Bag with Rigid Molded Panels https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004WSLT2O/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_yxC9wb6QSPKM2

Pack a multi tool and probably two spare tubes. Patches are great, but they can't fix everything. I'd also suggest having a plan for a taxi or uber ride. You won't need it, but if you have a flat just before an important meeting, it's good to have a plan in advance.

I'd plan to ride heavy, so light weight upgrades won't help much (losing weight will help way more than any upgrade). The best upgrade you can do is probably puncture resistant tires. $100 will get you a great set that will save you dozens of flats. I love continental gatorskins or continental 4 season tires, but you'll have to do your own research.

You can get great gravel tires that run fine on asphalt in case some light off roading can save you some time.

Finally get lights for night riding. Get a rear red light that has a mode that's on all the time and still flashes brighter. Then people won't lose your position with the strobing, but it'll still grab their attention so you don't get hit by a texting driver. I really like this one, but there are dozens of decent choices.

Cygolite Hotshot 2-Watt USB Rechargeable Taillight with USB Cable https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005DVA57Y/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_GQC9wbAKFWJVD

The front light is critical so you can see at night. I love the light and motion lights. The more expensive versions are really bright for off road riding, but they also give you far more than an hour with the same brightness as cheaper versions. I suggest this one, but as always, it's a pretty personal choice.

Light and Motion Urban 650 Headlight (Silver Moon) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KAPC2FG/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_IIC9wb7D5E8M1


In order of what I'd purchase first:

Brushes, degreaser and lubricant for the chain if you don't have it.

Rear light for safety.

Front light if you will ever ride at night.

Better tires.

Tools to cover more regular maintenance.

Panniers

u/hidperf · 1 pointr/bikecommuting

The bike started life as a 2012 Motobecane Fantom Cross Pro, which came with some good components already. SRAM Rival partial group,
FSA crankset, and Mavic Aksium Race wheels. I've had good luck with this bike and it's got almost 2k miles on it, so I kept most of it, but not all.

Once I decided to make it my commuter bike, I started adding things.

For lights I picked up the Cygolite Hot shot rear light and use one of my MTB lights if needed for the front, a
Chinese knock-off CREE XM-L2 front light

For tires I went with the Panaracer RiBMo 700x32c based on feedback from users on here.

You can't go wrong with a Tubus Logo Evo Rear Rack and Ortlieb Back Roller Classics.


I wanted some extra gearing for those climbs along the way, so I went with the SRAM FORCE Rear Derailleur so I could run a SRAM PG-1050 11-32 Cassette.

Of course, I needed a new KMC X10SL chain for the new gear combo.

I picked up a new road bike and pulled the Ritchey Pro Streem Saddle and Ritchey Pro Biomax bars off of that bike and used them on my commuter, along with some new Lizard Skins DSP 3.2mm bar tape and some Soma Road Flares for added visibility.

For a little less weight and possible shock absorbtion, I threw in a Chinese knock off carbon seat post.

I also wanted something besides my regular riding shoes, so I opted for the Shimano Click'R PD-T700 pedals and
Shimano SH-CT40 Cycling Shoes
, which I love and highly recommend.

I also needed to adjust the fit so I picked up a Kalloy Uno 6 90mm stem because I've had great luck with them on other bikes.

And for added safety, I picked up two rolls of 3M Scotchcal Reflective Striping Tape in white and black, and added white stripes to the white frame and black stripes to the rims and the back of my helmet.

u/SwervingNShit · 1 pointr/cycling

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.

u/neonflannel · 1 pointr/chibike

Rising at night is my favourite. I actually feel safer when it's dark out. Invest in lights. I use this [front light](light & motion urban 500 bike light (2016), onyx https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F0FCAKW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_mMRwDbHR7Z8ES) and rear light combo. I feel like its bare minimum though. I bought reflective tape and put it on my helmet too. (Wear a helmet) But the fact is, no matter how much effort you put into making yourself visible, a drunk driver wont see you. I have a cheaper GoPro mounted on my handlebars. That way you have some sort of evidence if anything goes awry.

Side streets are your friend, even if it takes you 5 mins out of the way. I try and avoid Milwaukee and Lincoln mainly because of all the bars on those streets. Just remeber to ride defensively, gont go 35mph just because the roads are clear. It's not a race. Ride safe, buddy!