lights and locks advice

triggermortis

Hi,
I'm going to start commuting soon and will need things I haven't considered before - decent lights and lock(s). Any recommendations?
I've had a look around on shop sites and reviews of items but I'm still unsure of whats good and whats not.
I'll be riding in semi lit areas mostly and I think its mostly cycle lanes and paths (not Ireland obviously) if that makes any difference.
I'm looking for advice on a decent lock/lock combo and lights that are easy enough to remove/fit daily that will work in all weather.
Thanks in advance

Lumen

What are the legal requirements for lights where you live?

triggermortis

I'll be commuting in Zurich - so there are probably extensive rules. I think I'm even supposed to have reflectors as well as lights fitted.
At this stage I'm just looking for personal preferences on ease of use and practicality to help me decide what to buy

07Lapierre

Budget?

Lumen

triggermortis wrote: »

I'll be commuting in Zurich - so there are probably extensive rules

http://www.police.be.ch/police/de/index/sicherheit/sicherheit/verkehr/tipps/kleidung_und_beleuchtung.assetref/content/dam/documents/POM/Police/de/Verkehr/sicherheit-verkehr-fahrradausruestung.pdf

from

http://www.englishforum.ch/transportation-driving/106547-bicycle-lights-swiss-highway-regs.html

Lumen

Anyway, budget aside the most legal, practical and convenient option is dynamo lights front and rear, but that'll cost €150+ depending on which wheel/hub/lights you go for.

http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/shimano3n70.asp
http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b17s170p0

triggermortis

Thanks for the replies - I joined that english/swiss forum but couldn't find what I wanted and there are no replies to my message yet.
I've just got a second road bike to take over. Don't think I'd be happy with a dynamo - I'm slow enough as it is!

Lumen

triggermortis wrote: »

Don't think I'd be happy with a dynamo - I'm slow enough as it is!

That's a non issue with the modern hubs. I can't tell the difference with mine on or off, so I just leave it on all the time.

Kintarō Hattori

OP, a good set of lights that'll get you noticed don't have to be expensive. Smart are a popular brand that are bright and inexpensive:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=70347

Cateye are another popular brand. You have lots of choice really.

I use one of these as my front light and am waiting on this to arrive for the rear.

bogmanfan

+1 on the Smart recommendation. I have a 0.5 watt set, which was around €30 in my LBS. Lock would depend on where you're parking the bike. I use 2 locks - a good U Lock to secure the frame, and a cable lock which I wrap around the frame and wheels. Probably overkill, given I park in a secure underground carpark at work and leave the bike indoors at home, but better safe than sorry.

carthoris

I agree with Lumen, if you are not constrained by budget then dynamo lights are a really good choice.

A reasonable hub dynamo has very little or no noticeable drag on it and a good light makes a huge difference compared to battery powered lights. Modern lights are easily powered requiring about 12Km/h for them to produce full lights, also they have a standing charge so if you are stopped at traffic lights or junctions they remain on for a few minutes.

The convenience of them is a massive plus as you don't have to deal with batteries so the quality of the light does not deteriorate as they weaken and you don't have to remember to charge or buy them. The dynamo is always ready, you just turn on the light and cycle.

The Dublin Bikes use dynamo hubs and lights so that is a good indication of what they are like.

cdaly_

OTOH, if you want to avoid having to replace your wheel you might consider reelights. They're essentially dynamo lights where only the magnets of the dynamo are mounted on your (existing) wheel. Pickup coil is mounted on fork or seatstay. They come in flashing or steady modes with handlebar, fork crown, seatpost, carrier or axle mounts. They're on all the time and produce minimal drag.

Good enough to be seen by, not for lighting your way.

Lumen

cdaly_ wrote: »

OTOH, if you want to avoid having to replace your wheel you might consider reelights. They're essentially dynamo lights where only the magnets of the dynamo are mounted on your (existing) wheel...

FWIW my rear one works fine but my front one doesn't. I think there is a maximum distance from the wheel centre past which the magnet travels too fast, or something. I can't get the assembly further down the fork because of interference with dynamo wires and disc brake cabling.

cdaly_

I can't see magnet speed being an issue. The same magnet passing the same coil faster will result in a higher voltage spike for a shorter time but the same charge. The light puts some of the charge into a capacitor which will spread out the charge.

I'm happily using one on the front fork at disc clearance distance without bother. I presume you have adjusted the coil to magnet distance to just shy of scraping? You could add extra magnets (they're available as spares).