Lights Replacement

If you are starting to read this before the preceeding post "What Happened Next", stop. Read W.H.N. 1st.

Not only the cost of the lights ($16 + $17.50 + $8 +GST) but my NiMH batteries that were in them. Another $26 +GST&PST. Argh! Well, I have plenty more NiMH's, but the front lights were another matter. I do have ones so I can be seen, but I need to see too. My one highish powered halogen light eats batteries for breakfast, literally. Which is why I switched to LEDs. I used to use 2 of the halogens (burn time about 1 hr each with the older NiMH batteries) so that would last the ride in on weekends, but did have much allowance for unforseen circumstances. Plus, one of the bulbs had burnt out and was not yet replaced. So Friday night (at Canadian Tire)I bought an expensive ($30)helmet mounted 1W LED with a big reflector in case I needed it. On Saturday's ride I used my one un-stolen very low powered LED for times requiring visibility, and added in the halogen when required for vision. I left the new helmet light in my pannier, undecided if I should keep it or not. Sunday AM I decided to use it. It was really cool. The combination of the high power LED and the concentrating of the reflector made a really bright spotlight. Way brighter than the 2.4W halogen. And mounted on the helmet meant it illuminated whatever I looked at by turning my head. However I still bought another handlebar mounted LED Sunday afternoon ($17.50. I rode to MEC after work). It's a lot handier than the helmet mount. I'll just use it for the long, dark morning rides.