Recommend Lights and Winter Wear for Winter Commute

Irish Gunner

Will be commuting home late from work 2 nights a week and looking for recommendation for lights front and back. Have the standard blinky lights but think I want to be seen rather than be hit.

Any recommendations?

Currently using padded shorts for the commute but you can feel the cold. Looking for trousers to wear during the winter commute. Commute is only 18km in total there and back. Is it worth getting anything or just use old trekkie bottoms?

thanks

Seweryn

Irish Gunner wrote: »

Will be commuting home late from work 2 nights a week and looking for recommendation for lights front and back. Have the standard blinky lights but think I want to be seen rather than be hit.

Any recommendations?

This set is very good. I can highly recommend it. Both - rear and front lights are bright and you will bee seen from a long distance.

youtheman

I use the 'Smart' lights on my bike. It's amazing the amount of light they give off (when you put them on 'strobe' effect you'll really be noticed).

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/smart-lunar-25-lux-front-and-12-watt-rear-light-set/

Seweryn

youtheman wrote: »

I use the 'Smart' lights on my bike. It's amazing the amount of light they give off (when you put them on 'strobe' effect you'll really be noticed).

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/smart-lunar-25-lux-front-and-12-watt-rear-light-set/

They are good, but when I put the Smart rear light side by side with the Moon Shield, there was no comparison.

kenmc

This on the front, couple of smart 1w on the rear.

Dipsomaniac

I just got one of these

Might be over kill. You'll definitely be seen and very good on dark roads when you want to actually use it to see ahead.

kincsem

You could get this reflective tape and plaster your helmet, bag, and bike with it.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=23568

Santini Roubaix bib tights are warm. I've no idea about waterproof overtrousers.

Something to wear under the helmet that covers the ears like this
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=18463

Overshoes and oversocks
http://www.prendas.co.uk/list.asp?typ=typ&ID=17

Winter gloves like this (might be too expensive)
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=76579

BostonB

Seweryn wrote: »

They are good, but when I put the Smart rear light side by side with the Moon Shield, there was no comparison.

The moon shield is €120 and that Smart set €30.

Personally I'd go for the 2w smart and 1w rear at a minimum. But I'm mainly on lighted streets and a bit in the unlit park. But if I was going on unlit streets a lot I think I'd be spending closer to 100+ on lights.

This is meant to be a good one too.

Something that is rechargeable is a good idea, especially USB. Charge it all day at work so you've a full power for going home.

Seweryn

BostonB wrote: »

The moon shield is €120 and that Smart set €30.

I mainly cycle on country roads and I would not consider anything below the Moon set performance, even if the alternative set cost €0.00. This is not about "value for money". It is about being able to cycle in the dark comfortably and being seen as well.

However, if you only cycle in the town, then I believe the Smart set would be fine and even better than many other light sets in this price range.

I also have a second spare Moon shield 60 in my pocket and a spare battery for the front light when I am out cycling in the winter and I would highly recommend this practice. I got caught twice at night in the middle of no-where, when the battery in my rear light just died.

BostonB

That was my point about the lit un lit streets.

I think many of us here have at least two front and two rear lights. I have one steady and one on flasher. It gives you options. Also note the run time of the lights that they suit your journey.

Irish Gunner

Thanks for the suggestions

I cycle into Dublin city centre from the northside so its well lit up along the way but still want a decent set. Some of the lights are mad expensive not sure if I want to spend that much on them. I like the Usb lights good way to keep them charged

I have a yellow Altura rainjacket and black Altura bottoms. I need to change into smart casual wear for work and then back to casual for college for 2 nights a week. Dont want to wear the bottoms if its not raining but need something decent I can walk into college with so maybe pair of baggys

Any other ideas more than welcome

Cheers

Seweryn

Irish Gunner wrote: »

Some of the lights are mad expensive not sure if I want to spend that much on them.

I didn't notice anybody here suggesting an expensive light set. Can you point out which one you think is mad expensive? There are mad expensive lights on the market, i.e. this one, which is not even well received on reviews (it is an off-road type light though).
I would say a high quality road specific front light with output around 300-600 lumens and with a good light pattern that lights up the road the way it should for less than €150 is not a bad deal.

But for what you need, I believe the Smart set may do the job just OK.

Irish Gunner

By expensive I mean the moon x power.

The smart look ok but looking at reviews they seem to get severely affected by the rain

Was looking at ordering them on amazon as have a few things to get and cuts down on P&P

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Smart-Lunar-35-Front-Light/dp/B005GPLYUO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346524406&sr=8-1

Anyone who has smart lights how are they after a downpour ?

Cheers

seven stars

Planet X always seem to have great deals on Smart lights for some reason.

Irish Gunner

Thanks

Are the smart waterproof as mo doubt will be lashing down in the winter.

With the moon lights these are usb chargeable which I like are there other brands like this or older moon models that maybe cheaper & what's best place to buy online?

Cheers

Irish Gunner

Looking at getting the below lights

Raleigh Moon Silver Front and Rear LED USB Rechargable Bike / Cycle Lights

I like the fact I can recharge them via usb but only question I have is what are they like in the rain would anyone know don't want to buy them and with the first shower they are no good

Would these be the right lights for dark and rainy nights?

Also want to add fluorescent stickers or something similar so that I can be seen from the side

Anyone know what would be the best option.

Thanks

lochdara

Irish Gunner wrote: »

Looking at getting the below lights

Raleigh Moon Silver Front and Rear LED USB Rechargable Bike / Cycle Lights

I like the fact I can recharge them via usb but only question I have is what are they like in the rain would anyone know don't want to buy them and with the first shower they are no good

Would these be the right lights for dark and rainy nights?

Also want to add fluorescent stickers or something similar so that I can be seen from the side

Anyone know what would be the best option.

Thanks

Led dust caps

Irish Gunner

Yep something to do donuts around the car park....:D

Like the below



Link

Not as boy racer as these but just something to be seen and not easily nick-able...

BostonB

Irish Gunner wrote: »

...

Would these be the right lights for dark and rainy nights?...

For looking at your watch maybe.

You want to gamble your life on a £10 light? Not even the cost of two beers?

Run_to_da_hills

I purchased the Led Lenser M7 with mount. Comes with strobe and several settings. it is as good as any motorbike headlamp on full beam.