Reddit mentions of Cygolite Metro– 550 Lumen Bike Light– 4 Night Modes & Daytime Flash Mode– Compact & Durable– IP67 Waterproof– Secured Hard Mount– USB Rechargeable Headlight– for Road & Commuter Bicycles

Note: finally posting this as USPS finally paid up on my claim.

USPS truck sideswiped me as we crossed an intersection. Driver was cited and USPS paid my claim. I got out of this with some minor road rash and a strained muscle, but otherwise no injuries.

One more of the bike http://www.imgur.com/gallery/3QQxtxC

Pedal is sheared off the axle, wheels are annihilated, as is the fork, stem faceplate is torn up along with the saddle, and cranks are bent. Rain gear was all destroyed as well due to sliding across the pavement. Helmet also toast.

Also, since the question keeps coming up:

Yes, I did have lights. Tail light was destroyed/thrown from bike. The headlights had been removed by me at time of photos as I didn't want them getting lost/damaged further. Vis 360 was mounted to helmet. Also had a Planet Bike Spok which is slightly viable in the second picture, under the saddle.

• Vis 360
  
  
• Cygolite Metro 550
  
  
• Planet Bike Super Flash
  
  
• Planet Bike Spok

I use a Cygolite Metro 550. Love it.

My preference for lights depends on the type of conditions I'm riding in. In daylight or early evening, a blinking light is good for making you more visible. At night along dark paths, a solid light is crucial for being able to actually see what's in front of me. In dark conditions, a blinking on/off light will make it harder for other people to track you, which is why a combination is good.
In order to not worry about a huge number of lights, I like the Cygolite Metro which has a steady-flash mode where there is a solid light with a little pulse, so it both gives light and attracts attention without being annoying. I also have a taillight where the light moves back and forth instead of blinking.

I like and use this light. On its max setting, it's too bright for lit streets or two way bike paths, but it's nice when I get out into my neighborhood with very little lighting. I usually use it on the first or second brightness setting on paths or roads. I've seen it as cheap as $35 or so on amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Cygolite-Metro-550-USB-Light/dp/B00LXTORC4/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1485022128&sr=1-1&keywords=cygolite+metro+550

When it comes down to it, the other guy is right. It's really all about the angle of the light, not the lumens.

Could you explain this more?

As I see it, you want lights that can be charged by USB while they're lit. But you don't want to buy a USB battery charger just for the lights, and you don't want to charge lights at night as well? But by using a battery pack to power stuff, you'd have to recharge the battery pack at night anyway.

EDIT: and a lot of lights, like the Cygolite, charge via usb, so they could be recharged by a USB battery pack

I'm a big fan of these for quality, durability, value, and long life.
https://www.amazon.com/Cygolite-Metro-550-USB-Light/dp/B00LXTORC4/ref=pd_sim_468_5/147-5119010-3659138?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00LXTORC4&pd_rd_r=M1K45SX1A5CTXRGT9YY2&pd_rd_w=L4lhZ&pd_rd_wg=n9s3O&psc=1&refRID=M1K45SX1A5CTXRGT9YY2

Beware, some of the Chinese light batteries are dangerous and can start fires. Very poor engineering and construction.

Dollar for dollar I put my money on the cygolite brand. Most lumens per dollar and they're always improving. Every year the new lights come out with higher lumen ratings with no price increases.

Maybe the Metro 550? http://amzn.to/1SqW2x4

+1 to both points above. I got the 550 usb-rechargable cygolite in 2015 and it's been going strong ever since:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LXTORC4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

def strong enough to see and be seen in reasonable conditions. Pretty much anything except midnight fog single tracking :)

I think I will stick with the Lezyne Strip for my rear.
I'm considering these for the front though:

https://www.amazon.com/Dash-Pro-450-Rechargeable-Headlight/dp/B013FIYLTE/ref=sr_1_7?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1479055162&sr=1-7&keywords=cygolite

https://www.amazon.com/Cygolite-Metro-550-USB-Light/dp/B00LXTORC4/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1479055162&sr=1-1&keywords=cygolite

Not sure the Lezyne 400xl Micro Drive will light up the streets enough and a lot of people are recommending Cygolite so must be good brand.

Looking for light for bicycle commuting

Cygolite Metro 550

I'm using the same light, I paid around $65 for mine a year ago. I don't see the 500 on Amazon anymore, but I do see the 550 for only $46.54. That's a really good deal.

My headlamp is Cygolite Metro 500. Bright as can be, USB rechargeable, all weather. I'll have to check my tail light next time I ride.

https://www.amazon.com/Bright-Eyes-Rechargeable-Headlight-taillight/dp/B00GJZ015Y/ref=pd_sbs_468_5?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00GJZ015Y&pd_rd_r=HJTEYFZFRC1AKMFZFA5J&pd_rd_w=fDn7J&pd_rd_wg=pac6k&psc=1&refRID=HJTEYFZFRC1AKMFZFA5J
and
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LXTORC4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 for my helmet

This guy https://www.amazon.com/Cygolite-Metro-550-USB-Light/dp/B00LXTORC4

I'd look into a Blitzu tail light and a CygoLite Metro at whatever pricepoint you'd prefer.

What the other commenters linked or talked about work fine, they're both more expensive options and comically weaker than the lights I just linked. Only downside to the Blitzu tail lights is that they're all soft-mounted with either velcro or silicone. I have never had one fall off while riding, though. I had one stolen awhile ago so I bought the 180 lumen iteration and saved ~18-20$ over buying a 150 lumen version of the hotshot.

They CygoLite Metro, after doing price/review comparisons on Amazon just doesn't really have any rivals outside of maybe Blitzu's Gator series (it's waterproof and cheaper, but not as many lumens).

If you have any questions let me know!

Ahh, that looks like a nice one. I've got two that I switch between.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00C2MHNJK/ref=sxts3?ie=UTF8&qid=1474239773&sr=3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65

https://www.amazon.com/Cygolite-Metro-550-USB-Light/dp/B00LXTORC4

I need to start taking both with, just in case something happens to one of them.

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.