LCI_Brian
07-11-06, 03:59 PM
I would like to mount 2 Cateye HL-EL500 headlights on the bike. The problem is that I'd like to mount a handlebar bag at the same time. Any thoughts on how to do this?
Touring - Mounting Handlebar Bag and Cateye Headlights
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nm+
07-11-06, 05:51 PM
Try the front rack, thats what I did.
I shimmed it with some tube.
I shimmed it with some tube.
Michel Gagnon
07-11-06, 06:13 PM
A couple of ideas.
First, why not use two stems, like here (http://www.mgagnon.net/velo/potence-double.en.shtml).. It allows you to lower the handlebar bag, and depending on frame size, you might be able to have the headlight beam just above the handlebar bag.
Second, I don't know about the clamp of the Cateye, but recent Planet Bike Beamers have a clamp which is compatible with 26 and 31,8 mm bars. Since I have 26 mm bars, I'm able to clamp the Beamer 5 headlight on the handlebar tape. That way, the beam clears the sides of the handlebar bag. Depending on the bag and handlebars you use, it may or may not work with your bike. BTW, I have 46-cm wide handlebars (C-C) and the large Arkel bar bag.
P.S. The trick would likely work on 31.8 mm bars as they taper somewhat when you get away from the centre.
First, why not use two stems, like here (http://www.mgagnon.net/velo/potence-double.en.shtml).. It allows you to lower the handlebar bag, and depending on frame size, you might be able to have the headlight beam just above the handlebar bag.
Second, I don't know about the clamp of the Cateye, but recent Planet Bike Beamers have a clamp which is compatible with 26 and 31,8 mm bars. Since I have 26 mm bars, I'm able to clamp the Beamer 5 headlight on the handlebar tape. That way, the beam clears the sides of the handlebar bag. Depending on the bag and handlebars you use, it may or may not work with your bike. BTW, I have 46-cm wide handlebars (C-C) and the large Arkel bar bag.
P.S. The trick would likely work on 31.8 mm bars as they taper somewhat when you get away from the centre.
2manybikes
07-11-06, 06:46 PM
Minoura Handlebar Space Grip
Large 4.5 Inch Rise
Double your Handlebar Space
Attach up to Three Extra Devices
130mm Wide 120mm High
Black Aluminum
This item is currently in stock
Your price: $10.99 / ea
Large 4.5 Inch Rise
Double your Handlebar Space
Attach up to Three Extra Devices
130mm Wide 120mm High
Black Aluminum
This item is currently in stock
Your price: $10.99 / ea
supcom
07-11-06, 08:33 PM
The best solution is to mount the lights about half way down your fork blades. If you have a steel or aluminum fork, Minoura makes a mounting stub that straps around the fork blade. If not, there are plastic stubs with a plastic worm gear strap (like a hose clamp) that are safe for carbon fiber forks. You mount one of these stubs on each flor blade sticking out to the side, then mount the light mount to the stub.
The advantage of a low mount, aside from freeing up handlebar space, is that the light shines on the road from a lower angle than your eyes. This throws longer shadows from debris, and road defects and give the road a more visible texture than from lights mounted on a handlebar. The difference is very striking and will allow you to ride faster with less light wattage.
The advantage of a low mount, aside from freeing up handlebar space, is that the light shines on the road from a lower angle than your eyes. This throws longer shadows from debris, and road defects and give the road a more visible texture than from lights mounted on a handlebar. The difference is very striking and will allow you to ride faster with less light wattage.
2manybikes
07-12-06, 08:16 AM
The best solution is to mount the lights about half way down your fork blades. If you have a steel or aluminum fork, Minoura makes a mounting stub that straps around the fork blade. If not, there are plastic stubs with a plastic worm gear strap (like a hose clamp) that are safe for carbon fiber forks. You mount one of these stubs on each flor blade sticking out to the side, then mount the light mount to the stub.
The advantage of a low mount, aside from freeing up handlebar space, is that the light shines on the road from a lower angle than your eyes. This throws longer shadows from debris, and road defects and give the road a more visible texture than from lights mounted on a handlebar. The difference is very striking and will allow you to ride faster with less light wattage.
I have to agree with supcom. If you can get the mounting worked out it will give better light and be more convenient.
The advantage of a low mount, aside from freeing up handlebar space, is that the light shines on the road from a lower angle than your eyes. This throws longer shadows from debris, and road defects and give the road a more visible texture than from lights mounted on a handlebar. The difference is very striking and will allow you to ride faster with less light wattage.
I have to agree with supcom. If you can get the mounting worked out it will give better light and be more convenient.
Megamax
07-12-06, 03:04 PM
I just went through this, and although I didn't think of the stub idea, the EL-500 is not small, and I'm not sure what you will find to mount on the fork that is both long enough and sturdy enough.
I ended up using the Topeak Barxtender, which worked out well. I attempted to mount it on the headtube, but unfortunately my front brake cable was in the way when turning. If you have clearance this would probably be ideal. Otherwise I'm sure you could mount it as in the picture in the post above, and probably set the lights at different angles to provide better coverage.
Hope this helps.
I ended up using the Topeak Barxtender, which worked out well. I attempted to mount it on the headtube, but unfortunately my front brake cable was in the way when turning. If you have clearance this would probably be ideal. Otherwise I'm sure you could mount it as in the picture in the post above, and probably set the lights at different angles to provide better coverage.
Hope this helps.
fthomas
07-13-06, 10:02 PM
I had the same problem and solved it quite nicely. Tubus front rack
I got a six inch piece of mt bike bar and cut a slot in it just large enough to slip over the hoop of the rack. I then put the light mount arond it, which secured the bar to the rack and gave me a very good place for the light and clean routing for the power cable from a pannier or bottle cage. To gain additional visibility from the side I stuck those bar end blinking lights in each end of the tube (available at Performanfe). It looks like it is part of the rack.
I'm in OC. I don't have a digital camera, but if you will email me I'll help you do it. I bought a Drimmel to make the cuts and it only takes about an hour to complete.
I got a six inch piece of mt bike bar and cut a slot in it just large enough to slip over the hoop of the rack. I then put the light mount arond it, which secured the bar to the rack and gave me a very good place for the light and clean routing for the power cable from a pannier or bottle cage. To gain additional visibility from the side I stuck those bar end blinking lights in each end of the tube (available at Performanfe). It looks like it is part of the rack.
I'm in OC. I don't have a digital camera, but if you will email me I'll help you do it. I bought a Drimmel to make the cuts and it only takes about an hour to complete.
fsor
07-14-06, 01:02 PM
I have used the Minoura mount with an EL-500 on my left fork blade for several thousand miles with no troubles. I am going to try some of the plastic mounts shortly, but I do not know if they are as strudy. The Minoura mount is bulletproof. I use one of Rivendell's spoke reflectors on the front wheel and the light spilling off the EL-500 produces quite a show from the side.