Before I had kids, I used to ride to work once/week (~45 miles) and meet up with a buddy at 5am. My favorite setup was a broad beam on the handlebars plus a second light on the helmet. Whatever you like on the rear works, but I prefer a solid light when it's dark and a strobe during the day.

I happened to use a ~900 lumen Lyzene on the bars and an Exposure Diablo on the helmet. The Exposure lights are absolutely fantastic - and expensive.

My regular commute is a short ride to the train, so a light on the bars gets the job done.

---

/kj

http://kjmcawesome.tumblr.com/

I don't really do much night riding but for a rear light I don't think there is anything better than NiteFlux. It is visible from behind and the sides. I have the Red Zone 4 and at night I or riding with others during the day I have to use the low setting because the high setting is so bright.
http://www.niteflux.com/store/

---

Tiago
---------------------
Sponsors: : Blueseventy :

I ride a lot in the dark in Winter too / from work.

I have an exposure strada on the front and tracer on the rear - i also have a moon aerolight on my helmet.

All works brilliantly - exposure lights aren’t cheap, but they just work - front has a handy display to tell you how long you have left in each intensity setting too.

Lupine Piko front with a Lupine Rotlicht back. Plus I have a second cheaper front light.

I commute and train with lights front/back. I've been impressed by Cygolite's prices for the build quality and brightness. Right now I'm using a Cygolite Expilion 750 on the front and Hotshot 100 on the back. They're both affordable and super bright.

For ultimate lighting:
1. Helmet Mounted Narrow beam: I use Light and Motion Urban ~900
2. Handbar Mounted Wide beam: I use Light and Motion Taz 1500.

Typically both are only needed on narrower, twisty paths or trail.

For riding Road: Wide Beam, Handle Bar.

The opinion of many is that beam pattern is just as important as lumen rating. Check "BikeLightReview" and "OutdoorGearLab" for pictures of beam comparisons.

---

I talk a lot - Give it a listen: http://www.fasttalklabs.com/category/fast-talk
I also give Training Advice via http://www.ForeverEndurance.com

The above poster has eschewed traditional employment and is currently undertaking the ill-conceived task of launching his own hardgoods company. Statements are not made on behalf of nor reflective of anything in any manner... unless they're good, then they count.
http://www.AGNCYINNOVATION.com

I really like the 2 light set up, one on the bars and one on the helmet. I really like to have one on my helmet so the light follows where I am looking. I think a good amount of iight is 700 - 800 total lumens so I usually run both lights on medium (roughly 350 lumens) to maximize battery life.
Like the poster above I've had good luck with the Cygolite Expellion series. Seem to be a good balance between price and performance.

I've had good luck with Light & Motion products. I have a Vis 360 that I used for a long time for commuting (before kids arrived), supplementing the helmet lights with a front 'Urban' mounted on the handlebars.

For current early am rides I use two L&M Urban lights - one on strobe and a 600 lumen one for lighting the road. On the back I have a Serfas flashing light that kicks out 60 lumens.

---

Blog: http://262toboylstonstreet.blogspot.com/
https://twitter.com/NateThomasTri
Coaching: https://bybtricoaching.com/ - accepting athletes for 2023