Testing Bike Lights - Take Two

This video uses all my own Go Pro HD helmet cam video and music I downloaded for free and authorized for public use (thanks Alex Beroza/KCentric at CCMixter for "Be Free"). Of note, although the HD GoPro films better in the dark than it's predecessor, it's "sun-blocker" lens does make the view darker than it really is (the light carries around 25% further than what is shown in the video footage).
The lights I am using now are the Magic Shine 900 (from GeoManGear) on my handlebars (super bright) and the CygoLite MityCross 350, which is now my helmet mounted light (very light weight and an excellent beam pattern).
I highly recommend both lights and now that GeoManGear has come out with German designed and tested replacement batteries for their recalled units, all is well with both products. Defintiely recommend two lights to anyone planning to trail ride at night. Turning your helmet mounted light to look around/ahead of corners, while still having a bright light beaming ahead where your bike is steering is essential IMHO!
Feel free to comment and give me your recommendations for other lights and set-ups. I am currently looking to test an even stronger light pairing, with more 24 hour solo races planned ahead ... good fun!

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[dingdongdoly]

'lets go cycle down some stairs' yea ok fair enough... 'theyre covered with snow' holy shit ure out of ure mind?!?!

[fwsarguy2]

@dingdongdoly ... It may seem I am out of my mind, but riding almost all the same terrain in the winter that I do the rest of the year what we northern bikers do (esp us Canucks!) :-) Check out my recent "Back in the Black - Winter Bike Ride" for a short bit of 'Fat Tire Biking' fun!

[penzilla27]

Biking in Snow at Night? That's Crazy! Anyway, Nice Lights! Thank God for LEDs! :)

[fwsarguy2]

@penzilla27 ... Ya, it may seem that way, but when you get 4-5 months of snow and love biking, it's amazing how Crazy you can be! :-) LEDs have revolutionized my longer rides in the dark - as have Lithium-Ion batteries.

[fvm78]

YAH-yah,... even one candle in snow will toss out some good light.

.

Do a video with no moon riding in a forest.

.

[fwsarguy2]

@fvm78 ... Fair enough. Actually I have and the results are very similar, but I guess I should post and link them up. Complete dark rides in the forest with good lights on singletrack are awesome and mesmeizing! It is amazing how fast you can still ride in the dark, as long as you focus on the next important obstacle and good line :-)

[fwsarguy2]

@MTJLT Thanks. The real answer ... IMHO to a variety of lighting conditions and varied terrain is two lights. Your brightest on your handlebars (always looking ahead and down a bit - for close in obstacles) and one on your helmet (pointing exactly where you are looking - like to the side a bit for the next bend or bump). Rain is great for dark lighting in most cases (reflection off the water), but puddles can hide stuff ... such is life!

[TheSuperComments]

ARE YOU LOST?!

[SHOBOATIN]

Hey, I just purchased a 2012 Yamaha YZ 450F mx bike. I enjoy night riding but this machine has no way possible to hook up a headlight. Ive been looking at lights and reviews and im thinking i would need something like the night rider 3000 lum. rechargeable unit. However I think i would be better off with a helmet unit so the light is actually shining where i am looking. What would you recommend for a mx helmet mounted high power light 3000 lum. at least?

[flipnotize211]

Sweet

[MrApachejunction]

Riding ur bike in the snow at night .... how cool is that! Nice beamage

[fvm78]

THANKS!

Moonless night riding on my Wing is totally different than the day. Building lights seem to float nicely. NO-no, no UFO's.

Run'n that tree path I seen tons of dear tracks, ever encounter any? I did once. Came upon a 10 - 12 pointer in a tight path. Startled that deer, he turned to me & stomped the ground. Reverse was no option, deer are way faster. All I could do was hop off my bike, lift it high & stomped back to scare him off. IT WORKED! Maybe that deer thought I had a bigger rack? LOL