When using a xenon lighting system it is important to remember that this shouldn't be the only system you are using. Xenon strobes are great for use as tail lights, but generally don't produce enough light to be used as head lights. As with the other kinds of lighting systems mentioned there are some pro's and con's to using xenon strobe lighting systems.

Pro's
Xenon strobe lights are possibly the simplest lighting system out there. One button on a 4 ounce light and you have a flashing light that can be seen for more than two miles. These strobe lights are battery powered, but generally have a pretty long battery life. When the battery does run out, however, they are very easy to replace. Ascetically, xenon strobe lights come in a variety of colors, but either the clear or red versions would probably be best for a biker. The red version of the light conveys a message that you should "Watch out!" as there is someone coming.

Con's
While the advantages to using xenon strobe lights are numerous there are a few drawbacks. As mentioned before, these lights shouldn't be your primary lighting system while biking as they don't emit enough light to give proper visibility. As a tail light or secondary lighting system they are great because they alert drivers far distances away that you are there. Another drawback is that currently these lights are relatively expensive, especially compared to some of the other lighting systems mentioned on this website. The lights can also cause problems with oncoming traffic, becoming distracting and decreasing their visibility. The flashing of the strobe light also raises some important issues. As a biker this flashing could impair your visibility and control. The flashing is also potentially dangerous as it makes it difficult for motorists to locate your exact position.

Some Extra Information
When purchasing a xenon strobe light it is always prudent to keep in mind that this shouldn't be your primary source of light. While the strobe is easy to see from a distance, up close it doesn't emit enough light for sufficient visibility. If you look through other pages on this site you will see that a great lighting system to accompany the xenon strobe light is the LED lighting system. LED bulbs offer bright light and great visibility at a relatively low price. They also offer a long life use and work on all types of bicycles.