Commuting - Huge Dinotte Sale This Weekend

I have both these lights. The tail light is the best by far, the headlight I mount on my helmet and it's also great. Here'e the e-mail I got. (I have no connection to Dinotte other than to say I love their products.)

Customer appreciation weekend. We're having a big sale on our AA headlight and AA taillight.

DiNotte Lighting invites all customers and non customers to participate in a very special offer. Starting on Friday at midnight we will have two items available at unprecedented prices.

DiNotte AA headlight - Our full featured 200 lumen headlight, standard 12 inch cord length, including the headlight, battery holder, and handlebar mount only (batteries, charger and helmet mount deleted) for a weekend only price of 99.00 USD + shipping and handling. (International orders MUST go EXPRESS mail)
Link: http://store.dinottelighting.com/Product55

DiNotte AA Taillight - The Taillight everyone raves about that never goes on sale is on sale this weekend only. System includes taillight engine, battery holder and taillight mount (batteries and charger deleted) $100.00 USD+ shipping and handling. (International orders MUST go EXPRESS mail)
Link: http://store.dinottelighting.com/Product56

If you have any questions regarding either of these products, please view our website and store.

This item is the perfect gift for someone who needs a light, a spare light. This sale starts on Friday at 12:01 am GMT and will run through Sunday. No other items will be on sale over the weekend and no substitutions can be made. Simply visit our website at www.dinottelighting.com (http://www.dinottelighting.com) and click on online store, then select Pro-Series (AA) Lights.

All product will ship Friday, Saturday and Monday. This is our premium product, not a factory second or last year's model.

No phone orders please. This offer is internet only and will not be extended. Any placed but unpaid orders will be canceled when the sale items are taken off of the web store.

Thank you
DiNotte Lighting

Ohh, good find...

That makes 69 euros on the 200L for me, I already have a 2 cell LiIon pack for the rear light.

I am on that thing!

SssnAp!
This is a killer deal.
those on the fence for a new light, grab one or three! I and many others can attest to Dinott's quality, responsiveness, and functionality.
cheers

NO! Must resist. Do not look into the light...do not look into the light...I'm hoping the Red Sox and Patriots distract me enough not to whip out the credit card this weekend!

*whine*

and I ordered the same stuff from Nashbar when they were having a "sale" but it still cost more.... just last week!...

What does the taillight normally go for? Also, it says without battery etc. Does it take standard AA's? The website seems to state as such but I would not want the disappointment of having an inoperable light when I open the package.

What does the taillight normally go for? Also, it says without battery etc. Does it take standard AA's? The website seems to state as such but I would not want the disappointment of having an inoperable light when I open the package.

They recommend rechargable AAs. I have used the Powerizer they sent with them and energizer ones and they both work great. I put the Eneloop and Kodak Pre-Charged (both low self discharge) ones because for her the energizers were self discharging too quickly since she has a short commute and sometimes has to drive a few days being on call.

Edit: Oh and I think those AA cases they sell are sold at any radio shack if you ever need spares

I broke down and bought the set. And I justified it with the free shipping!

So the one question I have is on the install on the handlebar. Is it built for daily installation/removal? I leave my bike outside during the day and obviously would want to take the light and battery pack with me inside.
How long will this hold up?
How long does it take to install?

Thanks, Duppie

So the one question I have is on the install on the handlebar. Is it built for daily installation/removal? I leave my bike outside during the day and obviously would want to take the light and battery pack with me inside.
How long will this hold up?
How long does it take to install?

Thanks, Duppie

I got an extra O ring with mine but haven't needed it. I used to take it on and off all the time for months and it never had a problem.
It takes me a few seconds to take on/off (and it took maybe a minute to install the first time mostly figuring out where to put it) but I will leave the 4AA batteries in their little baggie on the bike. Yeah they are rechargeable batteries but are somewhat of a pain to get off at least where I had them because I had to fish them under some cables.

Didn't resist... surrendered and ordered, express mail. I wonder how they are going to do on this weekend sale?

I'm going to have to change my avitar which, if you were wondering, is a Schmidt E6 hooked to my SON dynamohub.... Hmmm I'll have to see about powering the LEDs with the dynamo...

Check over in the electronics forum here. There is someone that is using a dynamo to recharge their batteries which powers their lights. I think they have posted the circuit diagram a few times too.

the normal price for taillight is 169 with batt and charger


I caved in and ordered a taillight

stupid sales. stupid bright light.

I have a metric assload of blinkies, and a planet bike superflash. now I will have this
too.

stupid bikes :D

I've been looking at the Dinotte site and can't figure this out:
It does not come with batteries, charger, helmet mount, but....
Does this headlight sale come with the battery holder (the pouch)?. How about the strap to mount the battery holder to the frame, is that included?

Thanks, Duppie

I've been looking at the Dinotte site and can't figure this out:
It does not come with batteries, charger, helmet mount, but....
Does this headlight sale come with the battery holder (the pouch)?. How about the strap to mount the battery holder to the frame, is that included?

Thanks, Duppie

yes the light, battery pack, and mount/o rings are included. just the charger and batteries are missing

[they have to be or the light would be useless]

"
NO BATTERIES and NO CHARGER.

Make no mistake when you order this, it's what you see in the package contents MINUS these items."

Check over in the electronics forum here. There is someone that is using a dynamo to recharge their batteries which powers their lights. I think they have posted the circuit diagram a few times too.

Thanks, I have seen the posts, but I just haven't had the time or experience to make a DIY led dynamo light. First priority is being visible this winter, and when I have the time, I will try out some of the diagrams for making dyno-leds...

yes the light, battery pack, and mount/o rings are included. just the charger and batteries are missing

[they have to be or the light would be useless]

"
NO BATTERIES and NO CHARGER.

Make no mistake when you order this, it's what you see in the package contents MINUS these items."

That would make sense for me, as I already have a charger and several sets of AA batteries sitting around for Wii remotes. ;)

I'm just looking into commuting and don't yet even have a bike for this purpose (though I do train a lot on a Klein Q Pro Carbon). I have a list of things I'll need including lights, panniers, etc. I have not yet started reviewing lights. Is this a good set to get? Does the headlight allow good lighting of the road ahead, or is it mostly a way for others to see you? I usually research the h-ll out of things and am wondering if I should just jump on this because of the sale. Thanks!

well, I'm not sure if it's the same one but Nashbar has it for $129 with an additional 20% off today. That should be cheaper, and comes with all the stuff like batteries.

Nope, Nashbar's not selling the same light. They're still selling the older 120L version.

I just ordered a 200L, taillight, and amber daytime light. Between those three and the 120L I just received, and the taillight I have coming, from Nashbar (placed my Nashbar order a week ago), I think I'm done. ;)

*edit* Holy cow, it's shipping already; just 37 minutes after placing the order. :D

I'm just looking into commuting and don't yet even have a bike for this purpose (though I do train a lot on a Klein Q Pro Carbon). I have a list of things I'll need including lights, panniers, etc. I have not yet started reviewing lights. Is this a good set to get? Does the headlight allow good lighting of the road ahead, or is it mostly a way for others to see you? I usually research the h-ll out of things and am wondering if I should just jump on this because of the sale. Thanks!

The only possible drawbacks I can think of are in runtimes and having a separate battery pack instead of being fully self-contained.

If your commute is more than two or three hours long, you might need to bring a spare set of batteries. DiNotte's published runtimes range from 2 hours on High to 8 hours on Low. You could also use the same AA batteries that you'd find at any gas station or *-Mart store.

The light itself is tiny, about the same as a C-cell battery, but you still need to find a place for the battery pack. The 4-AA pack, fortunately, is pretty small, too, and I can fit it underneath the 90 mm stem on my road bike.

So many of the pictures I've seen posted around here make the light housing look bigger than it really is. Considering the housing alone, you probably won't find anything else that puts out as much light for its size.

Ohh, good find...

That makes 69 euros on the 200L for me, I already have a 2 cell LiIon pack for the rear light.

I am on that thing!


Before you order, you might want to note that it appears the AA lights ONLY are on sale. They are not interchangeable with the Litihium Ion.

The only possible drawbacks I can think of are in runtimes and having a separate battery pack instead of being fully self-contained.

If your commute is more than two or three hours long, you might need to bring a spare set of batteries. DiNotte's published runtimes range from 2 hours on High to 8 hours on Low. You could also use the same AA batteries that you'd find at any gas station or *-Mart store.

The light itself is tiny, about the same as a C-cell battery, but you still need to find a place for the battery pack. The 4-AA pack, fortunately, is pretty small, too, and I can fit it underneath the 90 mm stem on my road bike.

So many of the pictures I've seen posted around here make the light housing look bigger than it really is. Considering the housing alone, you probably won't find anything else that puts out as much light for its size.


I don't look at having a separate battery pack as being a drawback at all. Quite the contrary. If you have a light, say the Light & Motion Vega, and your battery reaches the end of its lifespan, what do you do? You have to return it to the manufacturer for replacement, and you're out of commission for however long it takes. Good idea.

well, I'm not sure if it's the same one but Nashbar has it for $129 with an additional 20% off today. That should be cheaper, and comes with all the stuff like batteries.

Be aware that Nashbar does not appear to have their act together lately. I had a DiNotte 600L on backorder for 6 weeks before I cancelled the order, and posters on the Electronics forum are saying they've been backordered on DiNotte taillights. You'll get the light faster from DiNotte.

what the heck are you talking about ?

I just got my 140 taillight and I can run AA, NiMH or Li AA in them.

He was talking about the proprietary, closed lithium-ion battery packs that DiNotte also sells.

So which is better, the Dinotte or the Fenix light, here (https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_69_71&products_id=333&osCsid=a43a206884df7ebd39ba05db349dd088).Fenix is 175 lumens on highest level. Is that a huge difference from the 200?

So which is better, the Dinotte or the Fenix light, here (https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_69_71&products_id=333&osCsid=a43a206884df7ebd39ba05db349dd088).Fenix is 175 lumens on highest level. Is that a huge difference from the 200?

I like the three brightness settings, variety of flash patterns and one-button operation of the DiNotte.

He was talking about the proprietary, closed lithium-ion battery packs that DiNotte also sells.


Exactly. The poster I replied to said he had a 2 cell Lithium Ion pack already, and that's not the same thing. If he buys the AA light he'll find incompatible connectors.

Exactly. The poster I replied to said he had a 2 cell Lithium Ion pack already, and that's not the same thing. If he buys the AA light he'll find incompatible connectors.

you could use Li AA batteries. the dinotte li is diff voltage therefore diff light
---

holy fark ! I just got the light it is FARKING BRIGHT

It is everything they say and wow I blinded myself. the light and battery pack
are smaller than they appear on the internets....

and the light modes are sweeeeet.

hold switch for 6 seconds to switch between blink mode or solid mode

then it will stay in the mode until you hold switch for 6 seconds again.

other switch presses under 6 seconds run you through the light levels in whatever
main mode the light is in.

pretty neat idea

this is a good deal I saved 40 bucks off the standard cost of a light minus charger

you could use Li AA batteries. the dinotte li is diff voltage therefore diff light
---

holy fark ! I just got the light it is FARKING BRIGHT

It is everything they say and wow I blinded myself. the light and battery pack
are smaller than they appear on the internets....

and the light modes are sweeeeet.

hold switch for 6 seconds to switch between blink mode or solid mode

then it will stay in the mode until you hold switch for 6 seconds again.

other switch presses under 6 seconds run you through the light levels in whatever
main mode the light is in.

pretty neat idea

this is a good deal I saved 40 bucks off the standard cost of a light minus charger

The light that DiNotte has on sale is the AA version. The poster I replied to said he had a 2 cell Lithiium Ion pack at home. That would not work with the AA light. Different connectors. Not the same as the Lithium AAs.

The light that DiNotte has on sale is the AA version. The poster I replied to said he had a 2 cell Lithiium Ion pack at home. That would not work with the AA light. Different connectors. Not the same as the Lithium AAs.

OK, so I have a few questions about the AA versions... (pardon my ignorance!)

Does anybody have photos of the AA cable connectors? The photos on DINOTTE's site don't show the connectors.

Are the lights themselves and the connectors waterproof?

I'm an 'international customer'... when I go through the shopping cart procedure and click for the express mail shipping,
for one taillight, I get a shipping price of US$30...
for two taillights, US$15...
and for three taillights (hey, it's a SALE!), I get a shipping price of US$0...
does that sound right to any of you guys that have ordered from DINOTTE before?
Is it just a browser glitch?

The light that DiNotte has on sale is the AA version. The poster I replied to said he had a 2 cell Lithiium Ion pack at home. That would not work with the AA light. Different connectors. Not the same as the Lithium AAs.

+1 - different connectors and different light engine.

OK, so I have a few questions about the AA versions... (pardon my ignorance!)

Does anybody have photos of the AA cable connectors? The photos on DINOTTE's site don't show the connectors.

Are the lights themselves and the connectors waterproof?



Well, did a little search, and found this thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=348139&highlight=dinotte+waterproof), which sort of answers my question...
although the answer from DINOTTE, "We sell our lights in the worst of conditions and they're fine."
is unfortunately, poorly-worded, and never directly answers whether they're actually waterproof.

Also searching around, I get the idea that the AA version's battery connector is the old 9-volt battery connector type... right?


Still wondering about the shipping price... should the shipping price go down as the purchase price goes up?

Also searching around, I get the idea that the AA version's battery connector is the old 9-volt battery connector type... right?

Right -- that's the kind of connector that came on the kit I got from Nashbar. The non-replaceable cord from the light terminates in the snap-on connector you'd see for 9V batteries, and it snaps onto the 4-AA cell carrier. I'll post up if the other sets I get are any different.

Well, did a little search, and found this thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=348139&highlight=dinotte+waterproof), which sort of answers my question...
although the answer from DINOTTE, "We sell our lights in the worst of conditions and they're fine."
is unfortunately, poorly-worded, and never directly answers whether they're actually waterproof.

Also searching around, I get the idea that the AA version's battery connector is the old 9-volt battery connector type... right?


Still wondering about the shipping price... should the shipping price go down as the purchase price goes up?

Dinotte's have been used extensively by the rando crowd so I'm not worried about any weatherproofness issues.

No idea about the shipping price, but as long as you choose the Express Mail option for international orders I'm sure they will honour the price provided by their online store.

Well, did a little search, and found this thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=348139&highlight=dinotte+waterproof), which sort of answers my question...
although the answer from DINOTTE, "We sell our lights in the worst of conditions and they're fine."
is unfortunately, poorly-worded, and never directly answers whether they're actually waterproof.

Also searching around, I get the idea that the AA version's battery connector is the old 9-volt battery connector type... right?


Still wondering about the shipping price... should the shipping price go down as the purchase price goes up?


The AA lights have the 9 volt connector. DiNotte upgraded the connector on the 200L and 140L to a much sturdier connector than on my old 5W Ultralight. The connector on the 600L to the lithium ion pack is totally different.

The light that DiNotte has on sale is the AA version. The poster I replied to said he had a 2 cell Lithiium Ion pack at home. That would not work with the AA light. Different connectors. Not the same as the Lithium AAs.

Yep that was me. I made a silly assumption, but when I ordered, I discribed what I wanted to do in the comments section of the order form. And the guys at Dinotte actually read the comments and they sent me an e-mail directly telling me that the AA light isn't compatible with the Li Ion batteries. We were able to make the proper change to the order. Now that, to me, is the sign of a company that pays attention to detail and has great customer service, even when the customer is clueless.

The battery pack in the nylon case isn't completely waterproof. The light itself appears to be totally sealed. I'll use mine in the rain, and just dry out the battery holder when I get back if it's wet.

There's a few pictures in my Dinotte and Fenix review thread. (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=5531126) It shows the Dinotte on my bike, too.

Okay, I bought both lights. I've never used rechargeable batteries - is there a better brand than others to buy? Also, what charger do you recommend? Where to buy online? Thanks!

Okay, I bought both lights. I've never used rechargeable batteries - is there a better brand than others to buy? Also, what charger do you recommend? Where to buy online? Thanks!

I got 3 hours on the first test of a new set of Duracell 2650 mAh batteries. The higher the mAh rating, the longer it runs. I timed it again: 3:08 before the low battery warning, 3:12 dropping to low power.

At Meijer ( similar to Walmart, etc)
4 Duracell 2650 $10.99
Energizer CHDC7 mini charger $10.49

I picked the largest capacity name brand batteries, and this charger handles any capacity battery, and has separate status lights for each of the 4 slots.
It's about a 7 hour charger for 2650s. I didn't need a 1 hour charger, which is more expensive.

Any store that has a big battery section should have rechargeables.

Can any Canadians that ordered fromt he Dinotte website comment how fast the shippping was to thier place? Also state where you are in Canada. I'm in Toronto whichI think Dinotte is in New Hampshire which is not that far from me but not that close either so I'm thinking a faster shipping time.

I prefer replies ASAP as I'm about to lock and load, take the safety off, and pull the trigger on buying one.

Yep that was me. I made a silly assumption, but when I ordered, I discribed what I wanted to do in the comments section of the order form. And the guys at Dinotte actually read the comments and they sent me an e-mail directly telling me that the AA light isn't compatible with the Li Ion batteries. We were able to make the proper change to the order. Now that, to me, is the sign of a company that pays attention to detail and has great customer service, even when the customer is clueless.


DiNotte's customer service is great. I must have conversed with Rob a half dozen times before I bought my lights from him. So far I've bought a DiNotte 5W(from Performance) and a 200L/140L/600L from DiNotte. Each time Rob has been very cool, given me an excellent deal, thrown in extra stuff, AND shipped fast for free. Good company, and Rob is exceptional.

What does the taillight normally go for? Also, it says without battery etc. Does it take standard AA's? The website seems to state as such but I would not want the disappointment of having an inoperable light when I open the package.

The light uses 4 AA batteries - and I do mean use. They normally come with 2500mah NiMh rechargeable batteries. Once the battery charge runs down the light comes on steady and won't turn off. The best policy is to throw them in the charger after an hour or so use. I've been using some 9v RC batteries to run my 6v cygolite helmet light so I'm considering adapting its 6v water bottle batter for use with the dinoette.

It is a wicked bright light. I had been using another blinky on two bikes but both of them have had issues with going dim [or out] even when the batteries had enough charge.

Can any Canadians that ordered fromt he Dinotte website comment how fast the shippping was to thier place? Also state where you are in Canada. I'm in Toronto whichI think Dinotte is in New Hampshire which is not that far from me but not that close either so I'm thinking a faster shipping time.

I prefer replies ASAP as I'm about to lock and load, take the safety off, and pull the trigger on buying one.

I placed my order Thursday evening and it shipped by Friday mid-day. Typically USPS takes 5-9 business days to get a parcel to me in Calgary from the US.

Can any Canadians that ordered fromt he Dinotte website comment how fast the shippping was to thier place? Also state where you are in Canada. I'm in Toronto whichI think Dinotte is in New Hampshire which is not that far from me but not that close either so I'm thinking a faster shipping time.

I prefer replies ASAP as I'm about to lock and load, take the safety off, and pull the trigger on buying one.

I ordered a single AA light during the sale also but I have in the past made some orders with them and it is pretty fast. Expect your shippment in less than two weeks. The last order I made was for the upgrade offer and they shipped my light back and it arrived in less than a week ( I live in the Ottawa region).

I ordered a single AA light during the sale also but I have in the past made some orders with them and it is pretty fast. Expect your shippment in less than two weeks. The last order I made was for the upgrade offer and they shipped my light back and it arrived in less than a week ( I live in the Ottawa region).


I placed my order Thursday evening and it shipped by Friday mid-day. Typically USPS takes 5-9 business days to get a parcel to me in Calgary from the US.

I ordered the on sale tail light dispite already have 2 x LuxIII red-orange LED's here outputting 190lm x 2. I used the USPS Express Mail option so I'm not sure if both of your experiences have been withthe most eco shipping costs. If not then let me know what shipping option you took. I just hope I don't get dinged up the wazoo on customs. I've been hit a few times and the worst was on a graphic novel I got and I got hit with taxes and such was something like 1/3 the books cost. :( :mad:

I wonder if Dinotte has a storefront. Might have to drive down and bring the 'spare tire' and work out a group buy for Canada or something.

I wonder if Dinotte has a storefront. Might have to drive down and bring the 'spare tire' and work out a group buy for Canada or something.

I have a feeling that this is the Rob that we refer to, and this is his storefront:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=w9OED8P9ybE

I have a feeling that this is the Rob that we refer to, and this is his storefront:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=w9OED8P9ybE


That's definitely Rob, but I've called DiNotte before and they're definitely bigger than a garage operation. I've spoken to folks in the shipping department, and Rob has spoken to me about the company's engineers.Still, I can't say enough good things about Rob and DiNotte. It's just too bad they can't get a writeup in BUYcycling, but he says BUYcycling wants to tie a review into ad space, and their ad space is very expensive. He did say he's going to place ads on Velonews and Pez, and I think the roadies will love the lights.

That's definitely Rob, but I've called DiNotte before and they're definitely bigger than a garage operation.

Ah, ok. I was thinking about how cool it was for him to be putting out such excellent stuff from his house. ;)