Rear light

[bikeoutback]

I'll start by saying I'm new, very very new to the mountain biking scene. I've been combing this site and forums for a few days now, great site!!!! I recently bought a specialized hardrock comp and live about 2 miles from lebanon. Since I'm outta shape I've been going up to the river bottoms for now to start getting back into shape and get comfortable with the bike. What I am noticing is my days of light are getting numbered fast and I work till 6pm so especially fast (it's almost 7 before I can ride). I am probably gonna make the DIY headlight that was posted by Bob Shepherd (Thanks alot Bob for that write up) but am wondering about a rear light:

Necessary?
Assuming red, steady or flashing better?
Bike mounted or bag mounted?
Any suggestions or recomendations on a rear light? I've seen what look like some cheapp lights on REI Outlet web site (http://www.rei.com/outlet/product/47964471.htm?vcat=OUTLET_SSHP_CYCLING_SA), around $10 and they don't look like anything special but would it be enough?

Thanks for any advice, maybe one of these days I'll be comfortable enough with the bike and in shape to ride lebanon again.

[Danimal]

Check out the Mountain Biking Gear on e-bay, I just picked up a decent pair of High Powered Led lights for $20.00, no rear light just a front, but man it's bright. If anyone comes up behind me and can't see the front light shinin in front of me they shouldn't be riding at night anyway.

[ostertoaster85]

If you are riding on roads, I would actually say that the rear light is more important. You will generally be able to see well enough due to street lights, moon, light pollution, etc. Also, when cars are in front of you, you can see them and antipate what they will do. You cannot, however, see the cars behind you so it's especially important that they see you. Thus, red LED stobe on the rear. Any cheap LED taillight is sufficient and if you find them really cheap, buy a couple and mount them in different places so that your especially visible.

If you are riding on mountain bike trails, however, it's a completely different matter. I sure hope there won't be any cars coming up behind you, so a head light is the most important. (Tree's in the dark are unforgiving.) I've heard that you should have at least 10 watts for mountain biking. (If you want to sink a lot of money, the Niterider Cyclone is on sale for $400 dollars on Performancebike.com, but that is probably way more than you need. The only reason I got one is because I'm racing solo in the 24 hours of afton tomorrow.)

[bigwheel]

So far, I haven't used a rear light. Most of the trail riders do not use them. However, I agree with the statement that you really need one for road riding. Preferrably one with a strobe feature.

I plan to make a couple tail lights for the MORC Summit night rides. My plan (unless I get more time) is to just use a 9-volt battery, two or three red LEDs and a resistor. I have that stuff in my junk box, so it won't take long to build. A single 9-volt battery will be enough to power a couple LEDs for about 10-20 hours. I'm not sure yet how I'm going to mount it. Maybe, I'll just stuff it in the mesh part of my camelback and let the LEDs stick out through the mesh.

[bikeoutback]

thanks for the replies and advice. I was thinking more for cars to see me when riding around town at night or riding to and from the trail (I don't live far from leb). I think I'll just pick up a couple of those cheapies on REI outlet, worse case is I burn less than $20 on it if I don't like it or it's not up to what I want but think it will work fine.

$400 for a headlamp is a bit steep since I only paid $450 for the bike (just getting started and getting into it so started cheaper with a specialized hardrock) but am definatly gonna build one of the home brews.

Thanks again for the responses.

[stoneage]

trail riders do not use them
They are actually distracting to ride behind one. Absolutely on the road, though. Cat Eye has an inexpensive taillight (http://www.cateye.com/en/products/viewProduct.php?modelId=30&catId=7&subCatId=4) that has worked fine for me. 10-11 bucks, lasts forever.

[gopherhockey]

I use one when at Leb alone and sometimes during a group ride. I've never had a problem following one, I don't let myself get fixated on them. Headlights behind me are much more distracting than a red light in front, but its all a part of the fun. I do admit there are a few brands that get a little too bright tho.

Just one time I actually came up behind someone that had turned their front lights off but had a read one on and it saved us both. Sometimes when a night ride heates up and gets crazy its nice to see them.

I saw a guy go over a log pile at leb and his bike went end over end a few times before falling. All I could see what white light, red light, white light... then as I rode by I saw the red light blinking from down in the trees.

They are easy to turn off if someone behind can't handle it....