Commuting by bike?

I don't know if I can really justify getting a light that costs twice as much as my bike <br>What exactly are the benefits of a HID light?  It sounds like it's just brighter?

<br>HID's are a lot brighter. And it would really depend on how comfortable you are riding at night. Cars will/should be able to see you either way, HID or Halogen. <br><br>

<br>I'll be riding the Burke Gilman at night... how bright does it really need to be?

<br>I do a ride over Rocky Butte (Portland) once week all year long, rain or shine. Coming down the west side I normally hit 35-40 mph. At night I never feel like I am over running the light. So if you aren't going to be hitting those top speeds at night you'll probably do just fine with a halogen. But if you get the HID you'll never be disatisfied. <br><br>

I don't know if I can really justify getting a light that costs twice as much as my bike <br>What exactly are the benefits of a HID light?  It sounds like it's just brighter?<br><br>But here's a HID that costs $500:<br> www.rei.com/product/47661327.htm?vcat=REI_SSHP_CYCLING_TOC
And a regular one that costs $125, that claims to be the "brightest light around", and puts out about the same power:
www.rei.com/product/47964684.htm?vcat=REI_SSHP_CYCLING_TOC

I'll be riding the Burke Gilman at night... how bright does it really need to be?

<br><br><br>My opinion is that for basic commutting the new LED powered lights are suffcient -- The light is good -- certainly not as bright as the HID lights, but if you keep your speed on the downhills below 25mph -- you won't "overun" the light. LED lights run between $35 and $50. A set of CostCo double-AA lasts me about 15 commutes (about 22 hours of riding)

I've been riding Maple Leaf to Downtown (RT ~15mi) for about ten years now. About 4 days a week, year 'round. Rain can be a drag, but fenders and a little care on the painted strips & steel plates keeps everything upright and reasonably free of grit. The real hazard is cars seeing you and doubly so in foul weather.<br><br>I've been using halogen for years, but lately have been very impressed by the other riders I notice in the wee hours (I tend to leave the house around 5:30am) that have the bright flashing white LEDs up front. In the city, you really don't need to illuminate your path - the streetlights do that just fine - you need to be seen. And the bright blinking in the periphery sure cathes the eye. I'll likely be getting one soon. Any suggestions?<br><br>-Dave R

i've started bike-commuting this summer when my job moved from walking distance to about key arena - all it took was one day stuck in the awful mercer mess to persuade me that i can't drive if i am to keep my sanity...<br><br>i'd like to ride-all-year but am somewhat concerned with wet pavement and especially being seen in the dark by other cars; i took a look at the ghostcycles website and read some of the accident reports - it seems most of them happen at night because a car didn't see the bike!! also like others on the thread ride the bg btw university bridge and children's hospital and some spots are very dark. <br><br>any more advice from seasoned riders out there on how to ride and what gear to use ??

i took a look at the ghostcycles website and read some of the accident reports - it seems most of them happen at night because a car didn't see the bike!!

<br><br>Unfortunately one of them is me, IMO not a preventable accident, and not in the dark either. <br><br>

. . . any more advice from seasoned riders out there on how to ride and what gear to use ??

<br><br>Two (or more) flashing LED devices visible from the rear - I have one on my pack, one on my bike, and as soon as I replace the batteries, a tiny one in the end of my left handlebar. A very good headlight, helmet mount preferable - test your light for run time, and follow a schedule of charging/riding so you don't get caught with dead batteries. I usually carry a spare bulb as well, but I don't know about those $60 HID things. The flashing white LED lights Dave_R mentions are very attention-getting as well, but I don't have one as yet. Scotchlite on shoes, shoe covers, or tights. I also have an Illuminite vest (fabric catches focused light and reflects it back at the source, VERY bright).<br><br>As far as general weather-resistance, I use shoe covers if cold and Gore-tex stretch socks if wet (sometimes both), WindStopper gloves if cold and rubber gloves if very wet, WindStopper vest and/or clear plastic rain coat if wet, arm and leg warmers pretty much all the time from September on, Power Stretch cap or balaclava under my helmet. Wearing a visor (MTB style) or cycling cap under your helmet will keep most of the rain off your glasses in all but the heaviest rain.<br><br>Fenders are pretty much mandatory in the rain; the majority of the water that gets on you in light to medium rain is from your tires. Don't forget to add a "buddy flap" on both fenders (cut from an old water bottle and pop-rivet to the rear of each fender) to prevent spray from soaking your feet and your friend riding on your wheel.<br><br>Approach any wet metal, wood or painted surfaces as you would approach a patch of glare ice in stilletto heels; don't hit it with the bike angled over, try to stop or turn while on it.<br><br>And the number one rule of bike commuting - ride like you are invisible, half the time you will be right.<br><br>

I've been bike commuting from the zoo area to downtown for the past 3 years, rain or shine. Yep,yep,yep.<br><br>For wet weather I say a pair of booties, a water repellent cycling jacket, I use rain tights (front of leg is thicker and water repllent, back is lycra), and fenders. The key to clothing is to make sure that what you wear can dry during the day before your evening commute.<br><br>I have a pair for bright lights (rechargeable) on the front (can't remember the brand) and a blinking light for the rear. I also have those lights that go on your tire tube ends....cause they are fun