Light recommendations

[busted knuckles]

I am looking to buy a light to night ride, what do you recommend? I am thinking that one mounted on my helmet might be best. I had a cygo dual lamp a couple of years ago that mounted to the handlebar. This may show how long I have been out of the loop, but I would lilke to keep it under or around $100. I ride trails, nothing too crazy. I would be interested in hearing what you have. Thanks.

[ggg300]

I am looking to buy a light to night ride, what do you recommend? I am thinking that one mounted on my helmet might be best. I had a cygo dual lamp a couple of years ago that mounted to the handlebar. This may show how long I have been out of the loop, but I would lilke to keep it under or around $100. I ride trails, nothing too crazy. I would be interested in hearing what you have. Thanks.


How long do you plan to ride and what watt was your last set up?

[dekindy]

The Light and Motion Solo would be a good choice, but a little over $100. 2-hour burn time and 13-watt halogen bulb. There are various priced Solo models. This is the base model with a single power setting (on/off), dumb trickle charger with a Nimh battery.

If you have AA batteries and a charger already, you could look at a Dinotte 200L.

[acroy]

highly suggest a Fenix light plus a Twofish mount block. Comes in at your budget, mount anywhere, runs on 2xAA's, awesome lights.

https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_65&products_id=362
https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=25_66&products_id=273

cheers

[dekindy]

highly suggest a Fenix light plus a Twofish mount block. Comes in at your budget, mount anywhere, runs on 2xAA's, awesome lights.

https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_65&products_id=362
https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=25_66&products_id=273

cheers

I probably like the Fenix as well as anybody, but I am not sure it would be appropriate for trail riding. Do you have actual experience with it trail riding?

[acroy]

I probably like the Fenix as well as anybody, but I am not sure it would be appropriate for trail riding. Do you have actual experience with it trail riding?

Yes - works great as a spot on the helmet. I also like to have a flood on the bars for trail riding.

[cyccommute]

The Light and Motion Solo would be a good choice, but a little over $100. 2-hour burn time and 13-watt halogen bulb. There are various priced Solo models. This is the base model with a single power setting (on/off), dumb trickle charger with a Nimh battery.

If you have AA batteries and a charger already, you could look at a Dinotte 200L.

Niterider trailrat. Just over $100.

Or build your own. About the same price but way more fire power (You all just knew I was going to say that, didn't ya?;))

[ccd rider]

This one fits all of the criteria....

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=20727&estore_ID=1449

[Wino Ryder]

If you have access to a soldering iron and a dremel tool you can build your own, like this one!


http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1186/527822253_9b2596d94b.jpg


It uses a 20-watt 12V Halogen MR-16 bulb/reflector encased inside a pvc pipe. I've been using it every day for going on two years and guarantee it lights up the road for 20 mph fast night rides on the darkest of roads.

~ total cost, about $30 bucks

[ggg300]

If you have access to a soldering iron and a dremel tool you can build your own, like this one!


http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1186/527822253_9b2596d94b.jpg


It uses a 20-watt 12V Halogen MR-16 bulb/reflector encased inside a pvc pipe. I've been using it every day for going on two years and guarantee it lights up the road for 20 mph fast night rides on the darkest of roads.

~ total cost, about $30 bucks

dunno...did you add the battery and charger?:p

[dewaday]

Yes - works great as a spot on the helmet. I also like to have a flood on the bars for trail riding.

+1, although I just use a second Fenix on the bars for close focus, and use the helmet for sweep. Not the best for split second technical trail, but plenty for average speed open trails.

[sknhgy]

If you have access to a soldering iron and a dremel tool you can build your own, like this one!


http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1186/527822253_9b2596d94b.jpg


It uses a 20-watt 12V Halogen MR-16 bulb/reflector encased inside a pvc pipe. I've been using it every day for going on two years and guarantee it lights up the road for 20 mph fast night rides on the darkest of roads.

~ total cost, about $30 bucks

How did you make that thing?

[operator]

dunno...did you add the battery and charger?:p

And what is runtime with said batteries :)

[busted knuckles]

Thanks for all the replies. qqq, I dont remember what watt the cygo was. My run time for the light wouldnt be more than 2 hrs at a time. Looking forward to more opinions. I will be looking in bike shops tomorrow.

[Ziemas]

Also check out the Sigma Sport Evo X Pro. It's a 10w spot and a 5w flood with a Nimh battery. It's around $100, and quite a good value for the money. I used one for several seasons.

http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-Mirage-Evo-Pro-Headlight/dp/B000MMB4R4/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1197100825&sr=1-9

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31q18c70TLL._AA280_.jpg
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/311DN292J3L._AA280_.jpg

[dekindy]

Also check out the Sigma Sport Evo X Pro. It's a 10w spot and a 5w flood with a Nimh battery. It's around $100, and quite a good value for the money. I used one for several seasons.

http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-Mirage-Evo-Pro-Headlight/dp/B000MMB4R4/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1197100825&sr=1-9

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31q18c70TLL._AA280_.jpg
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/311DN292J3L._AA280_.jpg

http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Lights/product_128301.shtml
You might want to read this first. Not the gospel, but.

At this price range I would stick with L&M, Niterider, or Dinotte. These are name brands that stand behind their product if there is a problem. Not just any light in this price range will be up to the task.

[Ziemas]

^^^
That's actually a review of the lead acid version. :rolleyes: Read what folks say about Nimh version....


I actually own the light and can't fault it one bit.

I also always take the reviews on MTBR with a big grain of salt as folk there tend to have rather unrealistic excitations of the products they review. One guy couldn't figure out the meaning of the LEDs on the top of the lights? Read the damn manual, it's all in there! Urgh.

[busted knuckles]

It looks like these are halogen lights. How are the led? Can you get them bright enough? I am just asking. That Sigma is looking pretty good, providing I get the Nimh battery.

[Ziemas]

It looks like these are halogen lights. How are the led? Can you get them bright enough? I am just asking. That Sigma is looking pretty good, providing I get the Nimh battery.

There are many LED lights which are bright enough, although they are out of your price range.

[ggg300]

Thanks for all the replies. qqq, I dont remember what watt the cygo was. My run time for the light wouldnt be more than 2 hrs at a time. Looking forward to more opinions. I will be looking in bike shops tomorrow.


In that case, I too suggest 2 Fenix lights plus a Twofish mount block and thier new bike mount for the bars.

It is in your run time range and should be about 15-20w of halogen light with the two...It is also evey easy to add another light to this set up if $ come ur way...you can put two flashlights on the helemt and run a new bar light later or vis versa...If you have a Cosco in you neck of the woods you can get 8 Enloop AAs and 4 AAA plus a charger for under 20 bucks...that would give you about 4 hours in run time in a light easy to use set up...If you look up the MTB forums you will see a lot of those guys running flashlights...

[busted knuckles]

O.K., I went looking at a couple of bike shops today. Lots of LED lights, but they seemed underpowered. They were about $75. I like the Fenix with the handlebar mounts. I think I will go that route. Can anyone point me in the direction where I might find these in Vancouver? Also, what batteries will give me the best brightness and duration? Are they that particular regarding brand? qqq mentioned getting some from costco. Good enough? Rechargable? I dont want to buy a new set of batteries every ride. You all have been very helpfull.

[freako]

Also check out Cygolite Night Rover NiMH Extra with 16 watts of light and the ability to switch from flood to spot or both which also means if one bulb burns out you still have the other to get home on. All of this for under $100 and highly rated; I have this light and I love it. http://www.amazon.com/Cygolite-Night-Rover-Xtra-Light/dp/B000CR1E7Y

With the money left over you can buy a front flasher so people will notice you quicker then with just a light alone.

[dekindy]

O.K., I went looking at a couple of bike shops today. Lots of LED lights, but they seemed underpowered. They were about $75. I like the Fenix with the handlebar mounts. I think I will go that route. Can anyone point me in the direction where I might find these in Vancouver? Also, what batteries will give me the best brightness and duration? Are they that particular regarding brand? qqq mentioned getting some from costco. Good enough? Rechargable? I dont want to buy a new set of batteries every ride. You all have been very helpfull.

You order the Fenix flashlight from fenix-store.com. You should get some comments on whether you want the Cree Q5 which is a white light that I prefer or the Rebel which is not white. I think for trail riding you might want the Rebel because it gives a better contrast for ground obstacles on trails. Get opinions or read more Fenix threads to get information on this.

You definitely want to go rechargeable. Sanyo, Duracell, Ray-O-Vac, Powerex, and Ansmann all make high quality batteries. 2650 mah or better should get you a 2-hr runtime in 30-degree Fahrenheit temps once the batteries have cycled a few times. I got some 2650 Duracells at Target.

The LaCrosse charger currently has a good price and comes with batteries to get you started. That is what I recently purchased and I like the advanced functions. Maha's are good also. The Ray-O-Vac PS3 is high quality if you want to keep it simple. You can get the Ray-O-Vac about anywhere. I got my LaCrosse on E-bay. They are all available here.
http://thomasdistributing.com/nimh_battery_chargers.htm


If you have a local BatteriesPlus they have Powerex battereis and chargers. The chargers are the same as Maha's, just different labels. Prices are good for retail.

[Ziemas]

You order the Fenix flashlight from fenix-store.com. You should get some comments on whether you want the Cree Q5 which is a white light that I prefer or the Rebel which is not white. I think for trail riding you might want the Rebel because it gives a better contrast for ground obstacles on trails. Get opinions or read more Fenix threads to get information on this.

You definitely want to go rechargeable. Sanyo, Duracell, Ray-O-Vac, Powerex, and Ansmann all make high quality batteries. 2650 mah or better should get you a 2-hr runtime in 30-degree Fahrenheit temps once the batteries have cycled a few times. I got some 2650 Duracells at Target.

The LaCrosse charger currently has a good price and comes with batteries to get you started. That is what I recently purchased and I like the advanced functions. Maha's are good also. The Ray-O-Vac PS3 is high quality if you want to keep it simple. You can get the Ray-O-Vac about anywhere. I got my LaCrosse on E-bay. They are all available here.
http://thomasdistributing.com/nimh_battery_chargers.htm

If you have a local BatteriesPlus they have Powerex battereis and chargers. The chargers are the same as Maha's, just different labels. Prices are good for retail.

Keep in mind that the LaCrosse charger can only charge batteries up to 3000mah, any larger capacity and you are out of luck. The Maha MH-C9000 can charge up to 20,000mah, making them compatible with future high capacity batteries. The highest capacity AA currently being sold is 2900mah.

[socalrider]

if you are going to use fenix and want to use on the trails I would use there new mount over the twofish mount.. It costs a little more but is much more sturdy

https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=25_66&products_id=388

[dekindy]

Keep in mind that the LaCrosse charger can only charge batteries up to 3000mah, any larger capacity and you are out of luck. The Maha MH-C9000 can charge up to 20,000mah, making them compatible with future high capacity batteries. The highest capacity AA currently being sold is 2900mah.

This was written on Steve's Digicam website. Anybody else agree this is how it works? Isn't this a firmware limitation to protect from overcharging batteries that the charger is unable to detect the drop in voltage as the cell becomes fully charged. I found this on another website.
http://www.stevesforums.com/forums/view_topic.php?id=53695&forum_id=51

"Posted: Wed Apr 20th, 2005 02:00 pm

Batteries over 3000mA simply won't get a full charge at the higher current charge rate. I think they will eventually get fully charged, slowly, as the charger trickle charges when they are sitting in the charger.

If you wanted, you could just unplug the charger and plug it back in (or possibly re-insert the cells) which would reset the charger. The cells would then charge at the higher current until they were full the rest of the way.

The limit has to do with a safety timer that's built into the charger. The only problem with the 'reset' method is that it will also reset all the data on the LCD displays so you will loose any cumulative charging data for that charge on the cells.

Hope I'm making sense!

[busted knuckles]

I have been looking around online, thinking the Fenix cree is the way to go. Now looking at battery chargers, looks like they only charge two at a time? Here is one example http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3477 What is the difference between a charger and a smart charger? I would like to be able to charge 4 or more batterys at a time if possible. Looks like my $100 dollar budget has gone up. I will probably spend even more money if I try to cheap out.

[Ziemas]

I have been looking around online, thinking the Fenix cree is the way to go. Now looking at battery chargers, looks like they only charge two at a time? Here is one example http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3477 What is the difference between a charger and a smart charger? I would like to be able to charge 4 or more batterys at a time if possible. Looks like my $100 dollar budget has gone up. I will probably spend even more money if I try to cheap out.

Get the AA version of the Fenix light (L2D), there is absolutely no advantage to the CR123 version for the cyclist.

You should be able to find a smart charger and 4 2500mah or larger batteries for around $20 at a local x-mart, Costco, or the like.

[busted knuckles]

Ok. I did it. I just ordered two fenix L2D lights and a couple of 360 mounts, plus one twofish mount for an eventual helmet light. I am really looking forward to using the set-up. Thanks everyone, for all the replies.

[socalrider]

The nice thing about the l2d is that they are bright and if in a pinch you can find aa batteries anywhere.. I always carry and extra pack of nimh batteries in my seat pack.. You may also consider getting an L1d and a parallel twofish mount, bikeblock for a helmet light.. It give the best of all worlds..

[Ziemas]

The nice thing about the l2d is that they are bright and if in a pinch you can find aa batteries anywhere.. I always carry and extra pack of nimh batteries in my seat pack.. You may also consider getting an L1d and a parallel twofish mount, bikeblock for a helmet light.. It give the best of all worlds..

Huh? What would be the advantage of a L1D over an L2D? The L1D has less light and a shorter runtime. Don't make the poor guy second guess himself over nothing......

[busted knuckles]

HEY, I am not poor...... well, not yet.;)

[socalrider]

If you read what I said, the L1d would make a good supplement as a helmet light.. It also uses aa batteries and you get a solid 2 hour runtime out of the light..

I personally use a P2d as a helmet light, I use primary cr123a's and run in high mode and get 2.5 hour burn time..

[Ziemas]

If you read what I said, the L1d would make a good supplement as a helmet light.. It also uses aa batteries and you get a solid 2 hour runtime out of the light..

I personally use a P2d as a helmet light, I use primary cr123a's and run in high mode and get 2.5 hour burn time..

The OP already bought two LD2 lights, why would he need a third less powerful one?