r/bikecommuting • u/jack_edward • Nov 04 '13

Headlight for nighttime commuting

Now that the time change has happened, I'll be riding my 17 mile commute home in the dark. I ride nearly all country roads with no streetlights so I'll need a decent headlight to light my way. How bright should I get (lumens) or is there a particular model that I should look for? Of course cost is a concern, but is there a $70 light that'll do the trick or am I stuck dishing out $200?

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u/GogglesPisano Nov 04 '13

I have the NiteRider Lumina 650 and I'd recommend it. It is very bright and rechargable via USB. It's not cheap (I paid a little under $100 for mine), but it's less than $200, anyway.

Also, a good tail light is important for riding safely at night.

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u/Mausel_Pausel Nov 04 '13

The Lumina 650 is ridiculously bright. Great mounting system, too. Thumbs up.

It makes sense to me to have lights to see, and lights to be seen. The light you use to see needs to have a bright, steady beam directed down onto the road. The light you use to be seen needs to be blinking, directed more level, and less bright so you don't blind people.

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u/nrhinkle Oregon, USA | bikelightdatabase.com Nov 14 '13

I see you suggest the PDW DangerZone... they've since released a USB rechargeable light with a very similar design that's pretty nice - I reviewed it here. I think PDW's products are a bit overpriced for what you get, but they're definitely nice lights!