[Yak] Re: High Intensity Headlamps /bike safety

[PHolden960 at aol.com]

In a message dated 12/7/2008 6:14:22 AM Pacific Standard Time,  
yak-request at bikefriday.com writes:

I would  be interested on anyone who has more
data on the newer high lumen  headlights???

 
I have seem bike beams that verge on painful.  Fortunately (or  
unfortunately, they are few and far between.
 
Peter White has some excellent lights, dyno and battery operated.   There is 
a page w/ comparison beam patterns here
_http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/headlights.asp_ 
(http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/headlights.asp) 
 
I agree that a bike-mounted light should have 'car'-level optics (cut off  at 
the horizon).  I also sport a helmet mounted light with a spot beam,  which 
is useful for clueless drivers & peds [and riders], as well  as nature-stops, 
flat repair and other off-bike uses.  Helmut  mounted spot beams need not have 
the horizon cut-off, which is less  useful for off-road riding (and probably 
why most US manufacturers make these  only -- as a sop to the "recreational 
market" which they feel is the only  valid or profitable market.  
 
It seems that only the European makers have a sense that folks will  use 
their bikes for everyday transport, and thus must have equipment that is  suited 
best to that purpose -- in this case, sculpted optic beams (and in other  
cases, dynohubs, chain guards, and things like kickstands,. etc).
-FP
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