Author Topic: Lighting Systems  (Read 14313 times)

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Offline mdking

Lighting Systems
« on: January 19, 2004, 06:54:20 pm »
I'm looking at purchasing a lighting system for touring because sometimes I ride early in the mornings, late into the night on full moons and sometimes leave the bar later then expected.  So I want to know what type of lighting systems my fellow touring riders use?  I need bright fast charging helmet/handlebar mount that's very duarable and worth the cost.  Considering the Niterider Storm Helmet HID.  Any input would be greatly appreciated!


Offline jvossman

Lighting Systems
« Reply #1 on: January 21, 2004, 09:01:26 pm »
Hi, I have seen the HID in action.  It's like one of those high intensity lights off a BMW or Porsche.  Amazing brilliance. They are designed for you to see stuff in the dark as opposed to being seen.  They last about 2.5 hours in the real world and are light relative to other lighting systems but certainly not lighter than a cateye AA battery or lcd light.

I guess the question is whether you want to see or be seen.

Thxs

-john voss
miami fl


Offline bentrider

Lighting Systems
« Reply #2 on: January 30, 2004, 12:47:21 am »
I have a choice of four light systems I use. Three systems are battery operated , some have large water bottle size batteries and must be recharged at least 8 hours before hand, others use only AA batteries. One light system attaches to my helmet and has three intensties plus other flashing versions, the other two battery systems fit on my handle bar. Both have a fairly intense beam that can last up to 2-3.5 hours of continous use. The third system I use when touring is my generator system, it too is a high intensity light and works as long as I peddle. I found in Europe there are lots of differnt generator driven lights as most bikes are sold with these already installed on them.


Offline crazybiker

Re: Lighting Systems
« Reply #3 on: October 12, 2011, 08:00:41 pm »
I just got a light kit from brightercycling.com.  It's LED frame lighting that you can configure in lots of different ways, for safety or show.  Totally weatherproof and battery lasts a long time, check it out

http://www.brightercycling.com

Offline bogiesan

Re: Lighting Systems
« Reply #4 on: October 14, 2011, 08:39:29 am »
I own one of Niterider's ancient HID systems. It is furiously bright so it burns through its water bottle-sized heavy battery fairly quickly which I think makes HIDs impractical for touring.

This is old lighting technology so you should be able to find one of the kits at deep discount, far below 50% of the original list. Warning: the lamp is fragile and it is unbelievably expensive $100. And, there was a recall of the charger for the HID systems many years ago. Mine actually melted.I awoke to find a distorted block of black plastic and a scorch mark on my counter. The only reason my house did not burn to the ground was the AC power cord popped the breaker as it shorted out.

If you cannot get a totally fabulous deal on the system, I'd say in the $150 range instead of the original $400, and know for certain the charger has been updated, forget it. Get an LED system.

david boise ID
I play go. I use Macintosh. Of course I ride a recumbent

Offline Pat Lamb

Re: Lighting Systems
« Reply #5 on: October 14, 2011, 09:29:00 am »
I just got a light kit from brightercycling.com.  It's LED frame lighting that you can configure in lots of different ways, for safety or show.  Totally weatherproof and battery lasts a long time, check it out

Just took a quick look (btw, whomever designed and built that site should be forced to work at the far end of a 300 baud modem for unthinking use of useless fancy crap that takes too long to load).  It looks like it's a way to make the bike visible, more than to light up the road in front of you.  I have some doubts on the utility of such an approach when you add packs.  It may look nice parked in front of an A&W, but can you see the bike through the panniers on the road?

Offline DaveB

Re: Lighting Systems
« Reply #6 on: October 14, 2011, 09:41:02 am »
HID lights are very bright but costly and a burned out bulb will leave you literally in the dark.  Modern LED lights are available in extremely bright versions, bulb life is nearly forever and they have much longer run times on the same battery capacity.  I think LED is the way to go.

Offline paddleboy17

Re: Lighting Systems
« Reply #7 on: October 14, 2011, 02:18:54 pm »
I still use my Niterider Classic 6 quartz halogen lighting system for regular riding.  I ride all year round, and my quartz halogens are heavily used from mid September through mid March.  I use one on the helmet and one on the handlebars.  They work quite well, and more importantly they are paid for.  And yes, I am on my 3rd set of battery packs.

If you just need to deal with near dawn/sunset conditions, then one of the brighter LED systems based on AA or AAA batteries will serve you just fine.  If you are serious about night riding, then one of the Niterider LED systems is more up your alley. 

On tour, I take one of the AA/AAA LED lights because I may be out early or late but I don't plan to ride any great distances in the dark.

The original poster's needs sound quite different.  HID is an interesting footnote in bicycling lighting history, but LED lights is where he should be looking.  My friends and I all own Niterider products, but I am sure there are other sources out there.  I cannot say enough about the merits of having a light on the helmet and a light on the bike.   I have been known to use the helmet light to shine the face of any automobile driver that I want to make sure knows I am there.  I don't try to blind anyone, but the practice does make my presence known, and is better than tossing a water bottle at their windshield.
Danno