Mountain Biking - Light

Does anyone know a good light so that i can see the trails at night.I would like to get the cheapest one i can

Find the "light selection guide" thread by searching the forums. The first post will have links and anything you need to know about lights explained. Click on the link to the chart that tells you about the different lights. Also click on the links to the photos of what the beams look like at night. Do some reading.

There are a lot of lights that will probably do what you want, you need to narrow down the choices with some decisions.

Start with a guess and see where that takes you.

How fast do I want to ride?
How long do I need it too run?
How much can I spend?
Look on the chart for a light.
Look at the beam photos.

Then ask more questions if you need to fine tune what you want. That will get you started.

Definitely follow the above advice but you will not find a CHEAP light that adequately lights up the trails. From your other posts, the lights you mentioned where between $10 and $25, you won't find anything at that price. You'll likely have to spend AT LEAST $100 and that still won't get you a good light.

Entry level trail lights start at around $120 for a Nightrider Evolution or a comparable Light and Motion.

Find the "light selection guide" thread by searching the forums. The first post will have links and anything you need to know about lights explained. Click on the link to the chart that tells you about the different lights. Also click on the links to the photos of what the beams look like at night. Do some reading.

There are a lot of lights that will probably do what you want, you need to narrow down the choices with some decisions.

Start with a guess and see where that takes you.

How fast do I want to ride?
How long do I need it too run?
How much can I spend?
Look on the chart for a light.
Look at the beam photos.

Then ask more questions if you need to fine tune what you want. That will get you started.

Thank you, that helped alot but if you guys could help me narrow my choices down even more, that would be great.

1. NiteRider Trail Rat II Headlight $99.99http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=14103&subcategory_ID=4320
2. ViewPoint™ EVO Pro Handlebar & Helmet Mount Light System 79.99http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19457&subcategory_ID=4320

3. Planet Bike Alias Sport 10W Headlight 89.99
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=20723&subcategory_ID=4320
4. CygoLite® Hi-Flux LED Emitter 109.99
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19985&subcategory_ID=4320
5. NiteRider HeadTrip 6V 99.99
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=20727&subcategory_ID=4320
6. CygoLite Nitro XM Headlight 89.99
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=21102&subcategory_ID=4320

If you go to the commuter forum there is lots of discussion on lighting. One of the most informative threads I have read in ages. Give descriptions, comparisons and actual live usage. Take the information and run with it for the best decision :)

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=142723

I know where you're coming from. With light approaching a grand, whats affordable?

I'm not ready to shell out the big bucks either, but hear that in the entry level market the Cateye HL-EL500 is quite good for about $50. It is rated 30 hrs on a set of 4 alkaline AA's - I'd use NiMH for the best economy. This is not even close to a good serious light, but I'm told it will give decent local illumination for riding on a dark night, smooth riding surface, at under 15mph

background lighting - that affects your eyes ability - and holes - rocks - roots - require better - brighter lighting, I'm only suggesting that this light is decent under ideal conditions

http://www.cateye.com/en/products/viewProduct.php?modelId=17&catId=7&subCatId=2

Peter

I know where you're coming from. With light approaching a grand, whats affordable?

I'm not ready to shell out the big bucks either, but hear that in the entry level market the Cateye HL-EL500 is quite good for about $50. It is rated 30 hrs on a set of 4 alkaline AA's - I'd use NiMH for the best economy. This is not even close to a good serious light, but I'm told it will give decent local illumination for riding on a dark night, smooth riding surface, at under 15mph

background lighting - that affects your eyes ability - and holes - rocks - roots - require better - brighter lighting, I'm only suggesting that this light is decent under ideal conditions

http://www.cateye.com/en/products/viewProduct.php?modelId=17&catId=7&subCatId=2

Peter

I want to be able to see the whole trail and at least 10ft in front of me

Thank you, that helped alot but if you guys could help me narrow my choices down even more, that would be great.

1. NiteRider Trail Rat II Headlight $99.99http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=14103&subcategory_ID=4320
2. ViewPoint™ EVO Pro Handlebar & Helmet Mount Light System 79.99http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19457&subcategory_ID=4320

3. Planet Bike Alias Sport 10W Headlight 89.99
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=20723&subcategory_ID=4320
4. CygoLite® Hi-Flux LED Emitter 109.99
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19985&subcategory_ID=4320
5. NiteRider HeadTrip 6V 99.99
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=20727&subcategory_ID=4320
6. CygoLite Nitro XM Headlight 89.99
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=21102&subcategory_ID=4320

You are in the right ballpark for sure. All those lights would be just good enough if you take it very easy. I know from first hand experience that the Nightrider lights and the Cygolight will have good quality. I have seen problems with the Performance Viewpoint. The Light & Motion 10 watt light is probably a little better than all these lights. I have no experience with the Planet bike light. Just Skip the HI Flux Emitter.

13 watts for $109. A high quality light, good pattern.. more watts would be better for off road.

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=&subcategory=&brand=5108&sku=15177&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=



You are in the $90 or $100 range, which is about what you need to spend. So I would go to $99 and get more run time and brighter lighting that will make riding easier. This light will go three hours on 20 watts and four on 15 watts. If I was in the market for a light I would buy this one. It is easy to upgrade this light to a total of 30 watts later on if you like. All you need to do is change a bulb. If you get hooked on off road riding at night you will probably want to upgrade to 30 watts someday, and this would be a very cheap way to do that.

Take a look

http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1373

Do not use any lights like the Cateye HL-EL 500 or any of the self contained handlebar lights with 4 AA batteries for off road riding.