My comments on lights for night riding were intended for Strays, not randonneurs. And they were not intended to be speculation about what may be reasonably priced in ten years. The light suggested is more than adequate for Strays rides lengths at night which are typically 2 hours or less, under the kinds of conditions Strays regularly ride.

 

As far as tail lights go, the farther you are seen the better. The issue for most drivers is figuring out what it is they are converging on, and having time to decide what to do with respect to it. It doesn't have anything to do with any absolute desire to run over cyclists. The issue with the tail light is the same issue as having a bright jersey in the daytime. The time between being seen and having to make a decision, is the measure of safety.

 

If your light is too bright for the following riders, they can stay out of the line of fire, or a weaker backup light can be used when you aren't at the tail of the group. By the way, a bright tail light can be seen on the road itself, so you can tell that it is working if you look in your mirror.

 

As far as redundancy, I can't argue with that, its a good idea, but we do have reflectors as a backup anyway (its the law).

 

My comments on the light requirements for Strays are not meant to be universal to all cyclists. Strays are looking for inexpensive ways to be safe, while having fun riding at night, in our speed and distance range. The light suggested serves that function. There is a plethora of available lights and accessories available for night riding, at all different levels of effectiveness and cost. If cost were not an issue, I would have an HID system with two beams, but cost is always an issue.

 

There must be a hundred plus web sites that discuss the relative effectiveness of what is available to cyclists in the way of lights. The issue is what really works (reliable) and what is value (safety) for your money. I would suggest that a whole new thread be started off the group mail for those that are interested in discussing the issue. Most people in the club have no interest in riding at night, so this information just clutters their inbox. If I had an absolute list of who is a Stray I would have sent my original email only to them, but there is no such list.

 

And further comment here only muddies my clear recommendation to fellow Strays. As I said before, if someone knows of a light that is better, for cheaper, for Strays rides, I will want to hear about it.

 

Not claiming to be any expert, just experienced at night riding.

 

Rob Wilt