I commute in Seattle a couple days a week year around and bought this 15 months ago with the hope of being able to take the round-about way home when its not raining. However, the battery life even on the 100 lumen economy mode was just over 3 hours instead of the 10 hours advertised when new and now it's down to closer to 2 hours so I need to pack my old headlight as a backup if I want to get in some extra miles. When I do need the full power on unlit gravel trails, it does a great job lighting things up but that kills the battery very quickly. If you don't mind charging often, it's a fine light but don't expect to be out too long after dark.
I've been using Garmin products for a long time. My previous bike computer was an old Edge 130 and after I purchased an Instinct watch I moved over to it for most of my training. Recently I got more serious about my training and needed a better computer to follow the workouts I was creating and doing, so I moved up to the 840. It's more bells and whistles than I really need and the settings have some features that default to 'On' that I'd rather configure for myself. E.g., "Why does it keep beeping at me every time I reach the east end of the velodrome? Oh, it thinks I'm about to cross I-75!" I've created a 'Velodrome' activity specifically for my track sessions. And when I'm riding on the road I don't need it to switch the display to a map and show me the grade that's approaching. I'm sure that as I use it more, and take the time to configure it to my particular preferences, I'll be happier with it. But I'm sure that once I do, I'll only be using about a third of all the features it provides.
Long time road rider. I have worn out the battery on 3 varia units, much quicker than the head unit battery. The battery charge lasts through a couple of long rides, same as Garmin. I am hoping, but don't know, if it will do better than the varia at holding that charge 2 years from now. My hope is based on a newer design and electronics. The mount is sturdy, and easier to secure to the seat post. Some of the features are controlled through a separate app, although you won't need to use the app after initial set up. Radar function works as well as the Garmin, and there are more flash patterns, the light turns off if there are no cars detected, and it has a brake light function.
I had a night rider light before and liked it. Unfortunatly I misplaced or lost it after I had it for 6-8 years.
So I love my new nightrider light even more because it is smaller, and more powerfull. The different brightness modes are awesome and easy to change.
Also I like the nightrider light because it is being manufactured in San Diego were I live and ride. I went to their shop once and had my older light rebuilt under warrenty.
