Anyone regularly using lights yet?

Kieran_Burns

I've been perusing the Hope District 3 setup as a new brighter rear light (specifically because it can share the same rechargeable battery pack my Vision 2 runs on) and because the Cateye LD610 (which is damn good btw) rubs on my leg whenever it is fitted - the clamp is the problem even when the light is mounted vertically.

This got me to thinking - it's dark when I get up now (6am) and I needed my lights on in the gloom at 7am when I left this morning (new batteries on both rear light - MUCH brighter!) Is anyone using their lights all the time in the morning now?

Oh, and anyone actually used the District 3 yet? I'd heard that there were some issues with the light not being horizontal but it looks like that's been sorted.

I know we don't like to think about this, but it's raining steadily outside and gloomy, so it looks like the lights will be needed on the way home as extra protection.

bails87

Yep, I always have my Smart on flashing, and the last week or 2 I've had my T6 bike light on low for the rides in and out of work. Can't hurt to make myself more visible, especially when I'm going through dappled light under trees in the early morning/early evening gloom.

Like you say, weather's looking crappy, so they'll definitely be on for the ride home, maybe the Fibreflare on my back too.

rjsterry

Yep, not in the mornings, but evenings for a fortnight or so. Just sticking to the same as last winter as it's all lit suburban roads.

essex-commuter

Yep, I'm on the road from 5.45 to 6.45..lights all way.

Thinking of buying another rear light this year...mmm, which one?

dhope

If on earlies then yes in the morning, 6am departure. If on lates then yes in the evening, 7pm departure

Gussio

Lights on this morning and sunglasses for the sunrise, which was soopah bright.

mudcow007

nope not yet, seen a hybrid last night with super mega bright rear lights...only problem was the stupid motorbike like mudguard he had covering all of them, so you could see all the lights from the side but from the rear he was a ninja!

Clever Pun

just starting to need them on the last 10-20 mins of the ride now

still wearing shades though

rubertoe

Not yet - thought about putting them on this morning - but it was 7:15 when i left and pretty bright and i am sure the hump made me visible enough - although i did see a roadie with a couple of flashing LED on the front - and i though i must get some of those.

rick_chasey

Oui. Richmond park is a little dark otherwise.

jonny_trousers

Always use them no matter what the light conditions are.

DrLex

bails87 wrote:

Yep, I always have my Smart on flashing
[...]
Can't hurt to make myself more visible, especially when I'm going through dappled light under trees in the early morning/early evening gloom.

Ditto; may not be in the thick of traffic in an urban situation, but on unrestricted country roads, early visibility is good. Awaiting t6 light to replace smart lux.

flappy8

Unless a very bright day - I've taken to having my Smart Luna flashing during the day or on solid at night. Hope vison 2 up front.

It makes a difference to overtaking cars even during the day.

iPete

Been using the District day and night (slow flash) since July, make for a great day time light with excellent road illumination at night. Certainly get more room these days.

Mr Plum

Not in the mornings but I've been using them in the evenings for well over a month now; leave work at 2030 in the week. Been using the P7 as well for the last week or so :twisted: - Unsurprisingly, I've never had a SMIDSY at night when I've been using the P7 but I've had plenty in broad daylight....

mudcow007

question

do you have your rear lights flashing or fixed?

front i guess it depends on where you are an if you need to see ahead of you?

Koncordski

Using them for the last week, mornings and evenings. Identical setup to you in that I already had the hope vision 2 front light and battery. I saw iPete a couple of weeks ago running the district 3, asked him what it was and bought it the next day. Simply amazing light, angle it slightly down off horizontal so as not to blind fellow cyclists. Cars giving me much more room now especially on priory lane. Already had two cyclists ask me where I can get it. Runs forever off the standard battery pack (slung under the saddle).

bails87

I have my rear flashing during day/dusk. When it's properly dark I put it on solid and have a second on flashing.

NGale

on my morning cycle from I tend to always have my lights on regardless of time of the year, if it's a bit brighter I just put the flashing light on as a to be seen rather then a seeing light. It does make something of a difference.

Tonight with the gloom over Exeter the lights will be going on when I leave at 5.

iPete

Glad its working for you Koncordski, should be able to spot you easier on Embankment now!

Also worth noting its not the dark that's always a danger, the low sun at the moment is really blinding and the only thing that's going to get you noticed is a bright light.

Kieran_Burns

mudcow007 wrote:

question

do you have your rear lights flashing or fixed?

front i guess it depends on where you are an if you need to see ahead of you?

Both

get two lights (safer) or a LD1100, one bank flash, one bank constant


My only concern with the Hope District / Vision set up is running the cables along the frame but frankly this is minor to knowing I'll be seen when I'm on the unlit stretches between the villages.

bails87

I'd like a Hope District, but £126 from Merlin with VIP discount.....ouch!

The Running Man

I'm with Kieran : 2 rear one flashing one constant and at present I've a Hope Vision 4 on flashing on the front though it's going to be on constant soon enough I fear .......

Koncordski

It was easier to justify at £85 but I already had the rest of the gear so could just get the light unit on it's own. It's big dosh but riding through London in the rush hour in the dark. Worth every penny!

Kieran_Burns

If you have the Vision 2 /4 you can share the battery and I've seen that option for £75

http://www.wickedcycles.co.uk/hope-visi ... -559-p.asp

http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/produ ... ight_Kit_3

bails87

Kieran_Burns wrote:

If you have the Vision 2 /4 you can share the battery

I know, but I don't.

Maybe I should buy a Vision 4 so the Distric becomes better value.....

Kieran_Burns

They should do a Hope Light kit, including the Vision 2, District 3, battery pack and cables. (inc charger)

gilesjuk

Dynohub powered lights. Can switch on and off whenever I feel like it, no connecting batteries, charging batteries or pressing buttons to switch off when stopping for a break.

The standlight means your lights run for a good 5-10 minutes when stationary, not like the lights of old.

A dedicated commuting bike has its benefits

itboffin

essex-commuter wrote:

Yep, I'm on the road from 5.45 to 6.45..lights all way.

+1

:evil:

rjsterry

gilesjuk wrote:

Dynohub powered lights. Can switch on and off whenever I feel like it, no connecting batteries, charging batteries or pressing buttons to switch off when stopping for a break.

The standlight means your lights run for a good 5-10 minutes when stationary, not like the lights of old.

A dedicated commuting bike has its benefits

If the dynohub equipped Brompton I rode is anything to go by, I'll stick with batteries. Like riding with really bad Friday legs - horrible.

SimonAH

itboffin wrote:

essex-commuter wrote:

Yep, I'm on the road from 5.45 to 6.45..lights all way.

+1

:evil:

Yup. Mind you it was persisting down on the way home.

You know what? I think summer has fled.