To raise a non-contraversial, if there is such a thing here, issue in connection with touring/randonneur bikes. Anyone know of currently available flashlights appropriate for use on such bikes?
I asked Chris at Velo Orange when he would again have the flashlights he was selling a while back. His answer was that he does not currently expect to have them again. Evidently, the ones he was selling were made by small Japanese firms, and he tells me the deamnd is so strong in Japan, the the manufacturers have no interest in exporting to the US, as they can sell everything they make at home.
Of course, in terms of producing light, most any flashlight will work, but one prefers something the will look elegant. I suppose many of us would define elegant in this instance as reminescent of the lights on French constructeur bikes before or shortly after WWII, although I must note that in the book (in French) Jan Heine is selling documenting the history of PBP, the photos from recent years show some competitors using flashlights that would strike most of us as distinctly un-classic.
Surely there must be flashlights currently made in America, Europe or UK or in larger quanitity in Asia that would look suitable on a touring bike? Anyone have any suggestions?
On a related issue, most flashlights, at least those available in USA, use C or D size batteries. I've come to prefer rechargeable batteries as a way to minimize the need to dispose of potentially hazardous materials, although even rechargeable batteries will eventually be discarded. Anyone know where to get the best prices on rechargeable C and D batteries and on chargers that will handle these sizes? I know such do exit, but they are not nearly as common as the AA and AAA size rechargeables that can now be purchased at most any drugstore or discount store.
Regards,
Jerry Moos
Big Spring, Texas, USA