Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - Light selection guide.

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ken cummings
08-31-08, 06:54 PM
You can get small Xenon strobe lights in several colors. Mine works on anything from 6 to 15 volts. When I go night kayaking in San Francisco Bay I take mine off of the bike, wire in a 9-volt battery, and paddle off. For serious power get a bigger battery and a PSE amber warning strobe light. Light goes in all directions, not just to the rear. Even my little Radio Shack strobe is strong enough to be a sure cure for keeping people from drafting me.


njkayaker
09-11-08, 09:44 AM
You can get small Xenon strobe lights in several colors. Mine works on anything from 6 to 15 volts. When I go night kayaking in San Francisco Bay I take mine off of the bike, wire in a 9-volt battery, and paddle off. For serious power get a bigger battery and a PSE amber warning strobe light. Light goes in all directions, not just to the rear. Even my little Radio Shack strobe is strong enough to be a sure cure for keeping people from drafting me.
Strobe lights on a boat? (The CG seems to think strobes are distress signals.)

Yxklyx
03-09-09, 08:21 AM
I just bought a Garrity light (http://www.garritylites.com/page116.html). It's a really nice piece of hardware (very cheap too). It requires no batteries - you just crank it up for a minute or two and it retains its charge for a long time. I think it's supposed to last for one hour. HOWEVER, it doesn't have a mount for a bicycle. I looked on their web page and they don't sell any of these for bicycles - they'd make a killing if they sold a mount for it. I googled around and it seems that crank up lights are more popular in China and Hong Kong but I couldn't find a retailer to buy from. Someone here in the USA needs to get on the ball and start making these. Batteries should be a thing of the past!


Stickyrunner01
04-02-09, 07:11 PM
i think this might be the right spot now, cross post from commuting...

Okay, so i've been lurking and reading pretty silently... now i need some help...

ready to spend about 100, could prollly swing up to 200 if necessary...

I need a headlight. I am commuting on a bike trail after dark and the light i am using is HORRIBLE! From what i have been reading, a DIY project would get me the most light... but I am not really looking for something that is perm attached to my handlebars as my commuter (06 bianchi virata), is really my road bike and i am just commuting to gain more fitness.

The P7 and the fenix names have come up alot, are those going to be the best choice for a 16-20 mph commute along a 25 mile each way route (50 RT). The way its going right now however, is that I would only need the light on the commute to work. The only time i would need it on the return would be weather related.

Also, i was reading (and might be mis-informed) that dealextreme's shipping times are kinda slow... i would really prefer to have this within a week...

help?

(ps, i just downloaded the chart and am looking it over)

10 Wheels
04-02-09, 07:17 PM
My Choice.

http://harriscyclery.net/itemdetails.cfm?id=2692

Stickyrunner01
04-04-09, 03:48 PM
My Choice.

http://harriscyclery.net/itemdetails.cfm?id=2692

Went ahead and pulled the trigger... 154.45 final... figured i can pull the extra 50 from my gas budget for the month :)... Hopefully I will have it by mid week...

totoroben
04-28-09, 04:39 PM
So much has changed since the OP in 2005. High powered LED flashlights are as cheap as dirt now, so there is no longer a compromise. I used to have a 15w cygolite that I replaced with a 7w LED flashlight from ebay. Same output. I remember buying my first Cateye LED headlight that boasted thousands of hours on 4 AAs. That light wasnt even worthy of being seen.

AustinShredman
05-04-09, 05:13 AM
I agree with StephenH. The newer lights need alot of power to run strong, and be seen from far away. Rechargable batteries make being seen alot easier and affordable. There are many quality rear light safey systems out there to choose from.

RedWhiteandRed
09-21-09, 01:18 PM
if you happen to be in a major Canadian city or use the interweb for shopping - Mountain Equipment Coop cannot be beat.

I bought a couple of lights for $100 from my LBS - these fell off of my bike and broke and were not very good anyway (Trek.)

Then I bought a rear red flasher LED from MEC for $5 and a front light for $12 and am AMAZED at how well they perform and how long they last and how sporty they are.

Cheers - B

JPprivate
09-24-09, 12:04 PM
I am a little clueless, so forgive me for this question. I am buying this http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.13060 and I am trying figure out what batteries I'll need. The description for the light says "3.7V ~ 50mA (low) ~ 2000mA(High)
4.2V ~ 70mA (low) ~3200mA(High)"

So which battery: this: http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.29031 with 2500 mAh
or that: http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.26249 with 3000 mAh

or something in between? Does it matter, will both work. Will one work better than the other?

Thank you

Casrider
09-30-09, 10:33 AM
going to add on to the pile and ask for some suggestions for a low profile/aero front light
I'm a bit of a minimalist when it comes to my road bike - I loved having it just stripped down to the bike itself but had to add a back light and now I have to find a front light because with the coming autumn I get caught out riding in the dark more often

I don't need something that is going to illuminate the road like it's daylight
my night-time vision is good so I'm just looking for something that will let cars know I'm out there and keep me legal
don't need hours of power supply - usually about 45 minutes
but what I want most is something that is small and somewhat aero/low profile and I definitely don't want to be carrying a battery pack

I keep seeing Knog lights - I'm not a fixie rider but I do like the simplicity of them (at least in picture) but also keep reading about how much they suck as far as output
any other suggestions that might fit?
(sorry, I can't be arsed to scour the threads for similar topics)

2manybikes
09-30-09, 12:52 PM
going to add on to the pile and ask for some suggestions for a low profile/aero front light
I'm a bit of a minimalist when it comes to my road bike - I loved having it just stripped down to the bike itself but had to add a back light and now I have to find a front light because with the coming autumn I get caught out riding in the dark more often

I don't need something that is going to illuminate the road like it's daylight
my night-time vision is good so I'm just looking for something that will let cars know I'm out there and keep me legal
don't need hours of power supply - usually about 45 minutes
but what I want most is something that is small and somewhat aero/low profile and I definitely don't want to be carrying a battery pack

I keep seeing Knog lights - I'm not a fixie rider but I do like the simplicity of them (at least in picture) but also keep reading about how much they suck as far as output
any other suggestions that might fit?
(sorry, I can't be arsed to scour the threads for similar topics)

Unlesss you've seen this before, it will do the job better than you could imagine.


https://www.eagletac-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=103&products_id=607


https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=92&products_id=274


http://www.batteryjunction.com/eneloop-aa-4-pack-nimh-lsd.html

http://www.amazon.com/Crosse-Technology-BC-700-Battery-Charger/dp/B000RSOV50/ref=sr_1_2/187-7145645-9201430?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1254336555&sr=8-2

froze
09-30-09, 05:50 PM
There's all sorts of ways to go, such as what the first poster too your question answered. Or you can get one of a couple made for bikes bike lights such as: http://www.rei.com/product/745539 or: http://www.rei.com/product/769616 The PlanetBike light seemed to get better reviews then the Cateye, both are aero minimalist approach to lighting. Do a web search and you could probably find a better deal then REI.

jtbooth
10-06-09, 01:59 PM
I'm in the same boat (or bike?) as Casrider. My commuter is also my weekend ride bike. I have a NiteRider classic with extenral battery pack that I used also on my mountain bike. It's just heavy and it's annoying putting it on and off every few days. I was looking into the cygolite MilIon 150 or 200 (http://www.cygolite.com/products/new/Milion/milion200.html) but they are new and I haven't heard much about them yet. Anyone else? The EagleTac flashlight solution looks interesting too though I hate kludgy solutions. (and I have a feeling I'd kludge that on...)

TwoHeadsBrewing
10-07-09, 04:23 PM
I've been looking around for a good bike light for commuting, and possibly some casual MTBing. I have a cheapo halogen light that mainly works either to be seen (when pointed up), or to see the road in front of me (pointed down). But it doesn't do both, and the light output is pretty dismal...it's mainly to keep me from getting squished! So, if you have had some experience with any of these lights or have suggestions, I'd very much appreciate your input. Thanks!

Requirements:
Price - < $150
Mount - Handlebar, preferrably comes with a helmet mount as well
Light Type - LED preferred
Battery Type - doesn't matter, but lighter is better
Build Quality - I know I'm coming in a bit low for a quality manufacturer, but I'm still concerned with it working well and for a couple of years.

Some candidates I've found:

Magicshine 900 Lumen - $85 - http://www.geomangear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4_41&products_id=138
NiteRider MiniNewt USB - $70 - http://www.rei.com/product/777359
Marwi Nightpro Expert - $70 - http://www.cambriabike.com/shopexd.asp?id=72745&page=MARWI+NIGHTPRO+EXPERT+HEADLIGHT
Marwi Nightpro Stellar - $90 - http://www.cambriabike.com/shopexd.asp?id=72750&page=MARWI+NIGHTPRO+STELLAR+HEADLIGHT
Light and Motion Stella 120 - $120 - http://www.cambriabike.com/shopexd.asp?id=70597&page=LIGHT+&+MOTION+STELLA+120+HEADLIGHT

tshelver
10-12-09, 04:11 PM
I'm using an Airbike 900 lumen, and like it a lot. Seems to have pretty good run time as well, much better than most of the flashlights.
It's a bit over your price list (around $215) from Geomangear), but it seems excellent for the money compared to the name brand competition (600 - 800 lumen LED).
Round beam, with a bright central spot and very reasonable side illumination.

The MagicShine gets good reviews at the price as well: IIRC it does not have as good a battery life as some others. Still better IIRC than similar-powered flashlights.

I've also bought a 900 lumen flashlight ($80 without batteries / charger, 100 with), that i will use for backup if possible, and also for night hikes. This is from hkequipment on ebay, price includes shipping from Hong Kong.
I bought a red LED 230 lumen flashlight from them, and I think it took 10 days or so. That light is really bright on the bike, friends say they can see me easily hundreds of yards away: almost obliterates the blinky I have on for backup :)

Plutonix
10-14-09, 03:47 PM
I am a little clueless, so forgive me for this question. I am buying this http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.13060 and I am trying figure out what batteries I'll need. The description for the light says "3.7V ~ 50mA (low) ~ 2000mA(High)
4.2V ~ 70mA (low) ~3200mA(High)"

So which battery: this: http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.29031 with 2500 mAh
or that: http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.26249 with 3000 mAh

or something in between? Does it matter, will both work. Will one work better than the other?

Thank you



None of the DX pics are coming up at the moment, some sort of problem. But I remember looking at that light a while back based on some of the comments/reviews.

I have had really spotty performance with some of the DX ****Fire batteries. Batteries in the same shipment arriving DOA or varying in length by 1-2mm. Posts in other forums have indicated the same spottiness: some people swear by them and others swear at them.

If you read thru the comments for the Ultrafire battery you'll see mention of them leaking after 3 cycles. Things like that with the inherent dangers of Lithium batteries gives me pause. I did some research on Li as to performance, reliability, quality etc and found threads at CPF including graphs etc (which I cannot find now to reference). What I took away from the readings was:
* TrustFire and UnltraFire are pretty equivalent and vary as to quality
* UniqueFire is a cut below (cr@p was the technical term used)
* AW is more expensive but actual capacity was much closer to stated, with better/additional protection
* WolfEyes are comparable or better than AW at least as to performance.

Lighthound (http://www.lighthound.com/Li-Ion-Protected-Batteries_c_24.html) sells the AW brand. They cost more than the WhateverFires but peace of mind has a value as well.

HTH

mzeffex
11-04-09, 08:38 PM
Anyone have experience with the nite rider mininewt mini usb? Also, what's the difference between that and the plus?

jt4703
11-04-09, 09:31 PM
Anyone have experience with the nite rider mininewt mini usb? Also, what's the difference between that and the plus?

I've got one of these and really like it. Charging is around 4 hours and I get a charge to last 3 hours with a sharp drop around 3:15 but I never use it in one shot as my max ride length is 40 min, so about 3 rides for me and if I forget to charge before the 4th, I need my backup light. I don't know how it compares to the plus version but it does a great job for my riding needs.

TwoHeadsBrewing
11-04-09, 11:12 PM
I posted in the Magicshine thread, but wanted to give an update here also. I pulled the trigger and got the MagicShine light from GeoManGear.com. I had to wait a couple weeks for them to get more units in stock, but it was well worth the wait. For under $100, I've got a light that is brighter than some old car headlights. It has a very nice center spot for pointing down the road, and good spill to illuminate the general area in front of the bike. You can see potholes and debris from 100 feet away easily, and is a definite attention getter if you point it up high. Still not sure about the durability, but word is that GeoMan stands behind their products and takes care of their customers. Cheers all!

vinbytes
12-20-09, 05:19 AM
Well, It is really good if a bike has lights. They would help at night and also for some vehicles to see you. The light would be a source of signal. heheheh ^^

ClarkinHawaii
05-21-10, 08:16 AM
My Choice.

http://harriscyclery.net/itemdetails.cfm?id=2692

I'm thinking about this one, BUT it's impossible to compare with others because the light output is in "lux" instead of watts or lumens (unless lux is plural lumens in Germany)--How does one do an effective comparison?

Ziemas
05-21-10, 08:32 AM
I'm thinking about this one, BUT it's impossible to compare with others because the light output is in "lux" instead of watts or lumens (unless lux is plural lumens in Germany)--How does one do an effective comparison?

Lux is lumens per meter. FWIW, that light won't be terribly bright in comparison to other lights in the same price range.

ClarkinHawaii
05-21-10, 08:58 AM
Lux is lumens per meter. FWIW, that light won't be terribly bright in comparison to other lights in the same price range.

OK thanks

tshelver
07-13-10, 09:26 PM
I'm not too sure how relevant MPH is as a factor. For me, at 55 years young, my night vision is a fraction of what it was when I was younger, so I am becoming more and more dependent on powerful lighting as the years go by.

How can you say LEDs are expensive? I bought a tactical 200 lumen red LED flashlight made out of machined aluminum for $10. Shipped from Hong Kong to my door.
Makes a great rear light, way stronger than any 'Superflash'. All you need to add are rechargable 18650 batteries, and you can get a charger and 4 quality protected 3000 mAh batteries for under 30 bucks.

The 900 lumen MagicShine from DealExtreme bike light is under $80 shipped to your door. While the overall build quality is not as good as some, it works well, and so far has been trouble free. That is about what my POS name brand 10W halogen cost me some hears back. The MagicShine has 3 times the run time, even on high, and you can't even see the halogen beam when it is on.
For my eyes and roads, the halogen was inadequate for anything over 8 mph, and probably even that was pushing it. Not a whole let better than the old flashlight thing I was doing as a kid (then again, the old night vision isn't what it was either).

Where can you come even close to those prices for halogen equipment?
I think it is more fair to say that there are manufacturers who are expensive, rather than technologies. I would guess that a lot of the name brand companies have cost structures built around the old (expensive) technologies, where the product component cost is now just a small part of the total.

Lastly, I've not tried HID lights on my bicycle, but I do do have an HID headlight on my dual sport motorcycle. Maybe what is used on the bicycles is substandard, or limited by the technology / batteries, but on my dual sport motorcycle, the high-beam comes on almost instantaneously, and gives much, much better light than the halogen that preceded in less than a second.

fuji86
09-20-10, 12:11 AM
I went with the Zefal set from Wal Mart for $ 17.97 plus tax. The instructions and actual battery cage for the front light was incorrectly indicated for battery installation of the 3 AAA batteries. Had to play around with that to get it to work. The rear light was way too easy, which is how I like it.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Zefal-LED-Light-Set-5620/14264318

Anyway, it's a be seen by others only and limp home, but still ride slowly. It's before sunrise & after sunset legal, but you'll want to ride with street lights if you still have a ways to go to get home.

Had it for a few hours and used them tonight for a test ride, I'd say the quality isn't the greatest, but for under $ 20, they're serviceable units. See how they hold up ?

black_box
09-29-10, 10:11 AM
I need some lights, already have a superflash for the rear and a petzl tactikka XP headlamp, I guess I could put that on my helmet/head as a be-seen light to point at cars.

I like the idea of a flashlight for at least one of them, recommendations for those? Are there any problems with 123A lithium batteries? I'm looking at some new surefire flashlights that are supposed to be out soon (http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=289458) with reasonable prices (for surefire).

rockadayjohnny
09-29-10, 01:56 PM
I like the idea of multiple lights. But how about steady red on the left and flashing another color on the right. Blue would be great for slowing drivers down but another thread suggested it may be illegal. I found Lightman lights which come in clear, amber, green. But they are strobe and I'm not sure if that's appropriate for tail lights either from a peaceful coexistence standpoint with drivers or affecting their vision.

2manybikes
09-29-10, 09:39 PM
I need some lights, already have a superflash for the rear and a petzl tactikka XP headlamp, I guess I could put that on my helmet/head as a be-seen light to point at cars.

I like the idea of a flashlight for at least one of them, recommendations for those? Are there any problems with 123A lithium batteries? I'm looking at some new surefire flashlights that are supposed to be out soon (http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=289458) with reasonable prices (for surefire).

Don't point a white light at a driver. It's illegal and dangerous. If you ride at night a lot rechargeable batteries are cheaper. There are tons of problems with rechargeable 123A batteries, they are dangerous. There is a lot about it on candlepower forums. Try a light that takes two AA NimH batteries.
And use Sanyo Eneloops. All this is covered in much detail on CPF. Don't forget to consider how long you need a light to run for. That changes a lot of things.
Yeah Blue Is illegal, it's only for Cops.
It seems to me that it is not a coincidence that flashing bike tailights don't flash at a rate that would match a car turn signal. It may be so one can tell it's not a car. At least I can tell when I see them.
Forget about peaceful coexistence with cars. There's no such thing.
Use a red light on the rear so it can be identified by others as the back of something. In some places only red is the law, in some places maybe not. Laws change all over the place but they are mostly on line.

deepakvrao
10-09-10, 08:09 AM
I'm not too sure how relevant MPH is as a factor. For me, at 55 years young, my night vision is a fraction of what it was when I was younger, so I am becoming more and more dependent on powerful lighting as the years go by.

How can you say LEDs are expensive? I bought a tactical 200 lumen red LED flashlight made out of machined aluminum for $10. Shipped from Hong Kong to my door.
Makes a great rear light, way stronger than any 'Superflash'. All you need to add are rechargable 18650 batteries, and you can get a charger and 4 quality protected 3000 mAh batteries for under 30 bucks.



Could you share the link to that red LED falashlight please?

davidad
10-09-10, 12:14 PM
Don't point a white light at a driver. It's illegal and dangerous. If you ride at night a lot rechargeable batteries are cheaper. There are tons of problems with rechargeable 123A batteries, they are dangerous. There is a lot about it on candlepower forums. Try a light that takes two AA NimH batteries.
And use Sanyo Eneloops. All this is covered in much detail on CPF. Don't forget to consider how long you need a light to run for. That changes a lot of things.
Yeah Blue Is illegal, it's only for Cops.
It seems to me that it is not a coincidence that flashing bike tailights don't flash at a rate that would match a car turn signal. It may be so one can tell it's not a car. At least I can tell when I see them.
Forget about peaceful coexistence with cars. There's no such thing.
Use a red light on the rear so it can be identified by others as the back of something. In some places only red is the law, in some places maybe not. Laws change all over the place but they are mostly on line.
Why do you think that they are dangerous? http://www.batteryuniversity.com/partone.htm

2manybikes
10-10-10, 08:56 AM
Why do you think that they are dangerous? http://www.batteryuniversity.com/partone.htm

Go to CandlePowerForums and read about all the explosions that blew through things and started fires. Read the tests about them. Read the common practice of not ever, ever, leaving a charging 123 alone. Read about the fire proof bags that are used by remote control plane users to put the chargers in, they can explode. My tread in CPF describes how a new light with a new 123 popped and vented in my hands. The fumes and the material that comes out of a Lithium battery can kill you later with a heart attack with no early symptoms, if you inhale the smoke or get some of the material on your hands. There is more, but I don't want to repost everything I read about it in years. Use search on CandlePowerForums. There's a lot to read.
Unprotected (no protection circuit in the battery case), are not even supposed to be available to the public, but they can be found.

If you don't know about the problems and don't want to search candlepowerforums to read about it, don't use them.

Ziemas
10-10-10, 09:13 AM
Go to CandlePowerForums and read about all the explosions that blew through things and started fires. Read the tests about them. Read the common practice of not ever, ever, leaving a charging 123 alone. Read about the fire proof bags that are used by remote control plane users to put the chargers in, they can explode. My tread in CPF describes how a new light with a new 123 popped and vented in my hands. The fumes and the material that comes out of a Lithium battery can kill you later with a heart attack with no early symptoms, if you inhale the smoke or get some of the material on your hands. There is more, but I don't want to repost everything I read about it in years. Use search on CandlePowerForums. There's a lot to read.
Unprotected (no protection circuit in the battery case), are not even supposed to be available to the public, but they can be found.

If you don't know about the problems and don't want to search candlepowerforums to read about it, don't use them.

Was it a one or two cell light that you had problems with?

2manybikes
10-10-10, 09:52 AM
Was it a one or two cell light that you had problems with?

It was a single cell. Most of the conversations on CPF are problems with double cell lights. But a couple others have had single cell problems. It may be just that there are more double cell lights out there. I don't know. I had a brand new light, a brand new battery and it was the first time I used the light. It started to run low and would not operate the Fenix light on turbo. I did not know what was happening, I kept twisting the head on and off thinking it was a switching problem. Then it blew. I had Fenix clean the light and return it. As far as I know there was no problem with the light. I think the much higher drain on a single cell battery de-stabilizes a cell faster than a multi cell. But I don't know for sure.

BTW - My Radbot is working great, have you had any problems?

Ziemas
10-10-10, 10:28 AM
It was a single cell. Most of the conversations on CPF are problems with double cell lights. But a couple others have had single cell problems. It may be just that there are more double cell lights out there. I don't know. I had a brand new light, a brand new battery and it was the first time I used the light. It started to run low and would not operate the Fenix light on turbo. I did not know what was happening, I kept twisting the head on and off thinking it was a switching problem. Then it blew. I had Fenix clean the light and return it. As far as I know there was no problem with the light. I think the much higher drain on a single cell battery de-stabilizes a cell faster than a multi cell. But I don't know for sure.

BTW - My Radbot is working great, have you had any problems?

None at all. My Radbots are dead solid.

Exactly what kind of battery was it? I take it that it was a primary and not a rechargeable. I've yet to see a report of a single cell protected rechargeable exploding in a light that wasn't do to user error such as shorting out the battery with a magnet.

2manybikes
10-10-10, 10:51 AM
None at all. My Radbots are dead solid.

Exactly what kind of battery was it? I take it that it was a primary and not a rechargeable. I've yet to see a report of a single cell protected rechargeable exploding in a light that wasn't do to user error such as shorting out the battery with a magnet.

It was a primary. Some brand that is cheap and not recommended. I think it was an Ultra-Fire. Hopefully it was the cheap battery. I don't know how we can be positive. I thought I remembered two threads in CPF about single cell rechargeables venting. I can't remember, it was at least three years ago. ?? It would be nice If I'm wrong.

I'm glad to hear about the Radbots. I use mine day and night. A couple of other riders have bought Radbots based on how bright mine is during the day. For some reason Mechbgon had trouble with his "new" replacements and stopped using them. Have you used yours in cold weather?

Ziemas
10-10-10, 10:59 AM
It was a primary. Some brand that is cheap and not recommended. I think it was an Ultra-Fire. Hopefully it was the cheap battery. I don't know how we can be positive. I thought I remembered two threads in CPF about single cell rechargeables venting. I can't remember, it was at least three years ago. ?? It would be nice If I'm wrong.

I'm glad to hear about the Radbots. I use mine day and night. A couple of other riders have bought Radbots based on how bright mine is during the day. For some reason Mechbgon had trouble with his "new" replacements and stopped using them. Have you used yours in cold weather?



Not yet, but I can't imagine that there would be any issues as it's the batteries that are the main problem in the cold, and the cell I've been using (Eneloops) have performed well in the cold.

2manybikes
10-10-10, 01:58 PM
Not yet, but I can't imagine that there would be any issues as it's the batteries that are the main problem in the cold, and the cell I've been using (Eneloops) have performed well in the cold.

How does your winter compare to New England? I don't remember it getting below zero where I live. Some things don't work well with a small voltage drop, but, I have also had good performance from Eneloops in the cold.

Ziemas
10-10-10, 03:00 PM
How does your winter compare to New England? I don't remember it getting below zero where I live. Some things don't work well with a small voltage drop, but, I have also had good performance from Eneloops in the cold.

It regularly gets down to -20c.

davidad
10-10-10, 04:19 PM
Go to CandlePowerForums and read about all the explosions that blew through things and started fires. Read the tests about them. Read the common practice of not ever, ever, leaving a charging 123 alone. Read about the fire proof bags that are used by remote control plane users to put the chargers in, they can explode. My tread in CPF describes how a new light with a new 123 popped and vented in my hands. The fumes and the material that comes out of a Lithium battery can kill you later with a heart attack with no early symptoms, if you inhale the smoke or get some of the material on your hands. There is more, but I don't want to repost everything I read about it in years. Use search on CandlePowerForums. There's a lot to read.
Unprotected (no protection circuit in the battery case), are not even supposed to be available to the public, but they can be found.

If you don't know about the problems and don't want to search candlepowerforums to read about it, don't use them.
I don't use the smaller ones. I use 18650 protected batteries.

socalrider
10-10-10, 05:28 PM
I have used RCR123's in my fenix lights with no problems.. I do use a rcr123 specific charger for them, that is a slower and gentler charge..

tshelver
10-11-10, 12:54 PM
Could you share the link to that red LED falashlight please?


http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.20333

Gemini Lights
10-12-10, 03:35 AM
Hello,

Sorry for interrupting the discussions but I was wondering how could I contact the author of the post? We have a new Light product and we'd love to be reviewed.

Cheers from a Greek Rider

AustinShredman
10-12-10, 06:01 AM
The police here in Austin have been issuing tickets to riders who have those tiny, single LED lights blinking to the rear. All the police care about is if you can be seen. The riders who are using tiny lights, just can't be seen very well at a distance. The officers I have spoken with tell me the law states red must be the color of rear-facing lights....but amber is also acceptable. AGAIN...as long as you can be seen in traffic! I have seen discussion lately about a new rear light, several users are discussing the FlashBak on many sites. ( http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?634879-Cool-new-bike-safety-light!&highlight=flashbak) So, I tried one. Very different, very bright, very flexable and kind of cool. It runs on plain or rechargeable AA batteries. I've compared it at long distances to my SuperFlash and it is brighter. Google FlashBak...the discussion is out there. Does anyone else use one of these lights? Your thoughts?

frank10
10-12-10, 07:30 AM
I have some quality AA lights that I'd like to mount to my handlebar. Any good brackets to do that with?

black_box
10-12-10, 07:43 AM
the lockblock is popular:
http://www.twofish.biz/bike.html

deepakvrao
10-20-10, 07:35 PM
the lockblock is popular:
http://www.twofish.biz/bike.html

Will I be able to use this as a fork mount for a flashlight? My touring bike has a HBB and I cant have a handlebar mount?

no1mad
10-20-10, 08:36 PM
Will I be able to use this as a fork mount for a flashlight? My touring bike has a HBB and I cant have a handlebar mount?
I don't think lockblocks works as a fork mount...

But there is something else that should help you out- a bar extender that will allow you to place your light(s) above the bag. Here's one example from Minoura (http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_164224_-1_202060_10000_200390), Topeak makes a version as well.http://www.nashbar.com/images/nashbar/products/large/MN-SG200-NCL-TOP.jpg

davidad
10-21-10, 04:53 PM
I have this on my steel forks with a lock block. http://www.nashbar.com/bikes//Product_10053_10052_164164_-1___

deepakvrao
10-21-10, 09:44 PM
Thanks guys for both the suggestions. Will try the Nashbar one first. Looks neat.