I have $15 to spend with RoadID, what should I buy?

[brownnugen]

I already have several Road ID products (ID tag, ankle band an ankle band). Was thinking about getting a Supernova light, but no sure whether I should get on for the front or rear. I already have a pretty bright Cateye front light (with steady/flashing mode) and a red tail light with different flashing modes. During the winter, when I have my pogies on over my drop bars, my Cateye front light can only be seen by oncoming traffic and not by traffic coming from the sides because pogies act kind of light (horse) blinders. I try to compensate by using a Pietzl headlamp.

So, I am leaning towards getting a bikemount to put another light in the rear and mount it to the seat post or just a rear light and mount to the back of my helmet.

Is it proper to only use red for rear lights and white for the front? If so, when would/should you use the blue or green light?

My gift certificate expires today, so I need spend the money today.

Topic

[dbb]

Virginia law states (my highlighting added):

“Equipment

Every bicycle ridden between sunset and sunrise must have at least one white headlamp with the light being visible at least 500 feet to the front. The bicycle must have a red reflector on the rear visible at least 600 feet to the rear. On roads posted with speed limit of 35 mph or greater, the bicyclist must additionally be equipped with at least one red taillight visible from 500 feet to the rear. Taillights may be steady or blinking, are allowed under all conditions, and may be attached to the cycle or rider.

Bicycles ridden on highways must have brakes which will skid the wheels on dry, level, clean pavement.

Reference: §§46.2-1015,46.2-1066 “

I’ve seen cyclists with red lights on the front of their bikes and find that confusing. I recommend against red in the front or white in the rear.

Because seat tube space is often at a premium, I have two tail lights on my left seat stay. My spokelights are non-red/white and I’d hope that motorists would see the movement of the spokelights well before they get close.

[brownnugen]

What kind of spoke lights do you use? Something like this: http://www.rei.com/product/774213/nite-ize-led-spokelit-bike-wheel-light? Do they affect the trueness of your wheel? can you get away with just doing the front wheel or do you recommend both wheels?

[dbb]

@brownnugen 47864 wrote:

What kind of spoke lights do you use? Something like this: http://www.rei.com/product/774213/nite-ize-led-spokelit-bike-wheel-light? Do they affect the trueness of your wheel? can you get away with just doing the front wheel or do you recommend both wheels?

Yep. That’s the one.

I put two on the front wheel of my hybrid (180 degrees opposite). I’ve not noticed any balance or vibration issues. Not sure how they would perform on a high end racing bike (with a rider much more talented than me) but I’ve been happy. Amazon had them pretty cheap as I recall.

[JustinW]

I have some on my commuting bike, one per wheel opposite the valve stems. No noticeable balance issues. Fun and useful.

[PotomacCyclist]

You can also add a BikeGlow cord to your bike. Then you’ll be almost impossible to miss from the side. Your entire frame will be lit up, depending on how you choose to arrange the cord. If you get one, be careful to tie it securely, without any loose ends. I had a BikeGlow cord last year, but it got caught in the cranks and I accidentally ripped the wire out of the battery pack. It was great until I did that.

[Author]

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