rumrunn6

just thinking out loud ... been using my helmet light in comb w/ a light on the bike

when not on the road, the helmet light is very nice

since I've been parking a short ride to the trails, I've been riding on the road, in traffic. I'll agree a powerful light on the helmet in traffic is not ideal because you don't want to blind ppl just because you looked at them. & you don't want to be limited to only looking at the road. a small light on the helmet so ppl would know where you are looking (like at intersections) would be helpful. a light on the bike pointed appropriately ahead of the bike & at whatever angle is suitable for your beam pattern is best, when sharing the road w/ cars at night. I agree it's nice to have some light choices in your arsenal

I need to do some road riding specifically at night in traffic. I have 2 new lites that I'd like to set up & try out

I guess I have 3 x 2 = 6 diff. lighting situations. meaning 3 riding options then add the day/night variables

road riding

• day
  • almost any good light on bars w/ a flash mode, aimed for best beam use
• night
  • powerful light on bars on high power, aimed for best beam use
  • small lite on helmet to indicate where rider is looking & provide rider some visibility when looking at bars & gear
    • backup in my bag in case they both die
    • headlamp in pocket for making adjustments or field repairs, flat fixes, etc

paved trail riding

• day
  • no lights at all
• night
  • modest light on bars, aimed for best beam on the trail & not in ppl's eyes
  • small lite on helmet to provide rider some visibility when looking at bars & gear
    • backup in my bag in case they both die
    • headlamp in pocket for making adjustments or field repairs, flat fixes, etc

unpaved trails & forest trails

• day
  • no lights at all
• night
  • all the fire power I can muster
    • biggest light on helmet
    • 2nd biggest light on bars
      • backup in my bag in case they both die
      • headlamp in pocket for making adjustments or field repairs, flat fixes, etc

right now this remains my helmet lite for unpaved trails or forest trails, at nite. MJ906 & a small battery. but I'll have another lite & battery on the bars, with a similar battery. & a 3rd battery in my trunk, in case either or both quit before I'm done w/ a ride. this time of year only 1-2 hrs