Lights?

[SoCalSnipe]

When on a ride in the afternoon and they say lights are a must does that mean front and back lights?
I know its pretty obvious you need the front one. But what about the back?

[mfoga]

a lot of people run a small light in the back for safety. A lot don't have one. I believe by law to ride on the street at night but also reflectors and stuff too.

[Dial Tone]

I'm assuming you're asking about usage of lights on the trail?

Since I dont ride my MTB on public streets at dark or dusk I removed all reflectors. And the bike paths where I ride are all Class 1 meaning no other vehicles so I dont think thats a problem.

My hybrid which I ride on the streets has lights as well as reflectors.

[DISCO]

If it's a ride posted here and light are recommended a cheapo cat eye will not fit the bill and every penny you spend will be worth the safety margin. If riding on the street after dark, use whatever you want as long as its attached to your helmet or bike.

[Dial Tone]

I agree. The Cat Eye (which I have) does not have enough light for trail use. Its more as a 'visible marker' for the street.

[EBasil]

If you're riding on the street at night, a light AND a reflector are a good call for the back of your bike. Frankly, that may be more important to your health than the headlight.

Off road, a tail light or rear reflector is a disaster for other riders using lights or trying to see in the dark, so you don't want them on there.

[wgb]

Originally Posted by EBasil

Off road, a tail light or rear reflector is a disaster for other riders using lights or trying to see in the dark, so you don't want them on there.

Why is it a disaster for others? Most of the people that I ride with do have a small rear light. It has come in really handy for me during night rides when I have gotten a little separated from the group. To look up and see the flashing red light lets me know that I am on the right path and that I am near the group.

[DISCO]

I have lost every one I have ever tried but to tend to destroy a lot of stuff.

[Reedster]

Originally Posted by wgb

Why is it a disaster for others? Most of the people that I ride with do have a small rear light. It has come in really handy for me during night rides when I have gotten a little separated from the group. To look up and see the flashing red light lets me know that I am on the right path and that I am near the group.

Yea, I'm with Walter on this one. The tail lights have never bothered me and I have used them to help find the group when I stopped and had to catch up.

I have a flasher on my seatpost and no one has ever said anything to me either about it bothering them.

~R

Originally Posted by DISCO

I have lost every one I have ever tried but to tend to destroy a lot of stuff.

I have lost a couple and my current one lost the reflector cover a few weeks ago, so there are other issues.

~R

[Dial Tone]

Originally Posted by wgb

Why is it a disaster for others? Most of the people that I ride with do have a small rear light. It has come in really handy for me during night rides when I have gotten a little separated from the group. To look up and see the flashing red light lets me know that I am on the right path and that I am near the group.

He probably meant that the light ruins riders' night vision thus the disaster...

[wgb]

Yeah, but I think that if you make the effort, then you could ride with a rear without bother any one. When I do use mine, I try to not have it flashing and I have it angled down (so that it won't catch someone in the eye).

[SoCalSnipe]

Thanks guys for all the comments. I'm probably going to invest in a front headlight and go with a reflector type in the back. Thanks again.

[Good_ol'_slappy]

Don't be this guy

[VTVic]

Originally Posted by Good_ol'_slappy

Don't be this guy

[dstepper]

Originally Posted by Good_ol'_slappy

Don't be this guy

I hope you have new lights for this weekend....

[Good_ol'_slappy]

Ha! Yeah, I'll light 'er up better tomorrow PM.

[JoeTruth]

Yeah, what a total dweeb!

Originally Posted by Good_ol'_slappy

Don't be this guy

[Lambda_drive]

I have a Planet bike super flash and everyone complains that it's way too bright.

[EBasil]

Originally Posted by wgb

Why is it a disaster for others?

Because they dazzle the eyes of the following rider. Plus, if the following rider drops back too far, the blinking lights make it easier for him to catch up and thereby escape the chupacabra. Chupacabras have to eat, too, and this distorts the natural balance of things.

It's all about nature.

[Pain Freak]

Stay away from the cheap lights. I seriously doubt you can get anything decent for under 200 dollars. I have a HID Niterider Enduro ( $275 ) and a TriNewt ( $300 ) that work good seperately or great together. One crash because you had poor lighting will prove my point.