Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site utah-cs.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!pwa-b!utah-gr!utah-cs!tinker From: tinker@utah-cs.UUCP (Pete Tinker) Newsgroups: net.bicycle Subject: Re: Lights, Turbo R's, Frames, Shoes Message-ID: <3489@utah-cs.UUCP> Date: Wed, 16-Oct-85 12:30:58 EDT Article-I.D.: utah-cs.3489 Posted: Wed Oct 16 12:30:58 1985 Date-Received: Sat, 19-Oct-85 06:49:03 EDT References: <1998@reed.UUCP> Reply-To: tinker@utah-cs.UUCP (Pete tinker) Organization: Univ of Utah CS Dept Lines: 50 Summary: In reference to the query about lighting systems: I've been using Ed Kearney's lighting system for about a year now (his basic system). Yes, it's quite expensive. I bought mine after a very serious accident in '83 in which a driver hit me from behind while I was stopped at a red light. A lawsuit is pending, but I decided that it was to my benefit not to leave even the smallest doubt about whether a driver could see me. Additionally, my eyesight is rather poor, especially at night, and I need lights that let me see the road, instead of just making me visible to drivers. My appreciation for his lights is almost without reservation. Without having seen them in action, you can't imagine how bright the headlamps are, or how large the rear light is. I recall that these lights were sort of "off the scale" in Bicycling Magazine's tests last year. I can actually see where I am going. I have used Belt Beacons and Wonder lights (the kind on the handlebar mount and the leg lamp) and halogen headlamps with the Sanyo generator. They are not nearly as effective. I was especially disappointed with the Sanyo generator system. Belt Beacons do not flash often enough. My feeling is, if you want good lighting, so will have to pay for it. My system is expensive and rather heavy (say, six pounds). It's also the only one that really works. I had "adequate" lighting when I was hit in '83, and I state emphatically that "adequate" is not good enough. If you value your life and are concerned that other users on the road take you seriously, get the best lighting system you can. It's much cheaper than hospitalization, lost wages, missed opportunities, enjoyment of life, future earnings, fear of cycling again, disfigurement, permanent disability, hassles with police and lawyers, wrecked bicycles, smashed helmets (yes, my Biker was actually *smashed* by the impact -- that's another soapbox: WEAR A HELMET), and other exciting life experiences. Additionally, stop being so macho. If you're riding at night, chances are you're commuting, so stop acting like you're training for the Tour. My current bicycle is a Specialized Expedition, which is heavy enough, with rear and lowrider Blackburn racks, fenders, rear mirror, and my Kearney lights. It's not light, but I don't need a light bike. I need one which gets me anywhere I want to go, carrying all that I need in safety. If you can't put up with the weight of a proper lighting system, stay off the roads at night. -oete tinker -- -pete tinker@utah-20.arpa