Cycling UK Forum

Sorry, another question. New bike, new accessories and all that.

Looking for a traditional looking headlight for the bike, maybe something that would fit under the handlebars on the head tube. I think they're commonly referred to as bullet lights.

I'm also looking for a rear light that can replace the rear reflector on the pannier rack.

And while I've got your attention, what's the general consensus on this style of cycling helmets. My current one is over 15 years old and I'm not sure if these things have a life span.

More questions may come later.

Battery lamp or dynamo?

Front light, to be seen with or to see by?

SNELL recommend replacing a helmet after five years.

gaz wrote:Battery lamp or dynamo?

Front light, to be seen with or to see by?

I think battery, I've not used a dynamo light before. Though I am open to the suggestion.

And I think a equal parts of both to the second question.

For a battery rear lamp, carrier mounted Spanninga Elips or various from the Busch and Muller Toplight/Topline ranges. Make sure the lamp will fit your carrier. Dynamo versions also available.

For the front, I've no relevant experience of "traditional" styled lamps. I'd recommend looking for something to STVZO standards and not less than 40 lux. I think that will be easier to find in dynamo than battery.

There are options to convert genuine "traditional" battery lamps to LED, results vary.

TrailRat wrote:
And while I've got your attention, what's the general consensus on this style of cycling helmets. My current one is over 15 years old and I'm not sure if these things have a life span.

More questions may come later.

15 years is definitely time to replace, the materials can degrade and absorb much less of the impact force as they disintegrate during a crash.
I like the look of that style of helmet but it's is going to be hot and sweaty if you are going to exert yourself at all. I'd get one with much better venting. It's one of the main improvements in recent years, along with comfortable fit. You really need to try a helmet on before you buy it to find out if it's gonna work for you.

I don't know about traditional looking battery lamps, but i probably wouldn't go the led conversion route as reflector technology has come on leaps and bounds over old lights. Lots of retro style bullet lamps about that run on batteries but I don't know how bright they are compared to dynamo lamps.

I don't know where in the UK these might be available, but you could contact the company?

http://store.electrabike.com/product/el ... silver+.do

(they also do a bike that comes with skirt guards )

For the helmet, if you feel you need to wear one, definitely replace it. The one you've linked to is likely to be a little more protective than many; you may also find it is hot in summer.

If you aren't bothered enough to replace it, there may be little point in wearing it. If you want more information about the usefulness of helmets, venture into the ghetto... viewforum.php?f=41 (if you didn't know, helmets are a controversial topic)

p.s. the rest of you lot, this is *not* a helmet thread (we'll see how well that works )

Can't help with the lights but the helmet you linked to have a reputation in skateboard circles of slipping forward cutting or breaking the bridge of the nose in certain circumstances
The Bern make of helmets have a small peak that offers a more rounded area at the front of the helmet in the same circumstances.

TrailRat wrote:And while I've got your attention, what's the general consensus on this style of cycling helmets.

If you want to wear a helmet then I like the idea of the rounded shape, rather than one with pointed corners that are likely to catch on the road and impart twisting motion to the head. The one you linked to looks like it might be rather warm though - Giro do several with what looks like better venting.

For that style of helmet, Nutcase https://nutcase-helmets-europe.myshopify.com/ have a good reputation and a wide selection.

Bern make very good helmets of that style. I use and recommend the "Brentwood" but it does have ventilation which is a bit limited for those rare hotter days. They've now brought out a better-vented version called the "Union" which I would have preferred if it had been available.

OK, I've heard the opinions on the "skater pot" I linked up. But for someone (namely, me) who's going to be riding her bike about town on a variety of road, cycle path and possibly towpaths, what helmet would you recommend?

I have one of these, I find it comfortable and easy to adjust (most are these days), not too hot in sunny weather (it's white which helps), the peak can keep the sun out of my eyes if I dip my head a little as necessary (optician recommendation). And not too pricey - you really shouldn't need to spend much more than this.

I've found both Evans and Halfords have racks of hats to try for size/comfort, other shops should do the same.I also found the lighting useful when trying the peak - those bright (and to me discomforting) ceiling spots are useful for this!

Only thing lacking is a bit of mesh inside to keep insects out!
https://www.evanscycles.com/louis-garne ... t-EV183904

PS as a bloke in his late 60's I'm not that concerned about fashion!

I find insect mesh in helmet vents a bit of a double edged sword- have had a bee fly in once on a helmet with no mesh, but can't poke a finger in a meshed helmet to scratch an itchy head! A google search brings up loads of battery bullet lamps for sale in uk.