Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2011 4:35 am
You don't need a huge battery if you want bright lights, but yeah, generators don't quite do it, except as be-seen lights. The tradeoff is brightness, weight, and running time (oh, and cost too).
There are a large number of tactical flashlights that can go from 10 to 200 lumens. These should cost under $60, for the 2xAA version. But they only run for about an hour at the brightest setting (scroll to see charts).
200 lumens is very bright but these lights have less spill than an auto headlight. Auto headlights have around 1000 lumens, IIRC.
For reference, I aim mine down, but can still see the beam flashing onto street signs, even pre-dusk, with the sun at maybe 20 degrees above the horizon, but partially blocked by trees.
You can attach it to your bike either via a twofish holder or see this DIY video to use an old tube as a mount.
There are a large number of tactical flashlights that can go from 10 to 200 lumens. These should cost under $60, for the 2xAA version. But they only run for about an hour at the brightest setting (scroll to see charts).
200 lumens is very bright but these lights have less spill than an auto headlight. Auto headlights have around 1000 lumens, IIRC.
For reference, I aim mine down, but can still see the beam flashing onto street signs, even pre-dusk, with the sun at maybe 20 degrees above the horizon, but partially blocked by trees.
You can attach it to your bike either via a twofish holder or see this DIY video to use an old tube as a mount.