Hello there! I have a question about lighting systems. I was using a Lezyne light, but it and the clamp were not durable enough for my purposes. (Last summer I rode the Colorado Trail, and this summer I'm doing Tour Divide.) Basically, I'm looking for something tough - something that can withstand bad weather and even falls. I would be recharging it with a solar battery, so USB rechargeable would be good.
Any recommendations? In looking at reviews, this kind of durability isn't normally the thing focused on, so I thought I'd ask for your experience with various systems.
Thanks!
Sarah
Light recommendation--lots of good ones out there--I would look at the Diablo, great output, excellent snap-in helmet mount, simple with no wires, light weight and has a good overall rep for durability.
On the other hand--I could be totally wrong about this-- but I do not believe any 'smaller' solar recharger with be capable of sufficiently recharging a high end bike light. They 'might' be good to run a low-draw GPS with buffer battery or perhaps partially charge a small phone?
With that said the dyno hubs are all the rage for the TDR as they can not only charge a light battery (or phone etc) but also 'run' a light or and/or run your GPS. IE: they can cut the cord to any required recharge stops.
Or you might investigate simply carrying a mid-size rechargeable/USB battery pack for your light and phone. Simple, less expensive and probably lighter overall than a dyno system. Combined with a light like the exposure Diablo, these USB/battery systems make a lot of sense for a shorter race like the AZT or CTR-- and will work fine on the TDR as everyone gets the opportunity to do 'some' recharging along the way.
