Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - using a Flashlight, adapted to a bike, is soooooo Fredtacular

there

I said it. I feel better. :innocent:

there

i said it. I feel better. :innocent:

+1..... Popcorn anyone ?

If you think all the super-led mini-flashlights attached with nice, purpose-made, attachment systems are "fredtacular," you should see my 30+ year old bike with a front rat-trap rack with a full size flashlight clipped in. Too bad my bulb burned out, and I ended up switching to "real" bike lights.

I submit that adapting a flashlight to a bike is one of the least fredtacular things in this forum.

I'll bite.

Flashlights look cooler to me, maybe more commando-ish or something.

If you think all the super-led mini-flashlights attached with nice, purpose-made, attachment systems are "fredtacular," you should see my 30+ year old bike with a front rat-trap rack with a full size flashlight clipped in. Too bad my bulb burned out, and I ended up switching to "real" bike lights.

Last summer we were on a new rails to trail trail and saw a guy with what looked like a 2d cell maglite taped to his helmet with ductape. There's a tunnel on the trail that's pitch black on the inside, and this was his answer to seeing while in the tunnel. Between watching where I was going, the ductape and wondering WTF I couldn't tell exactly what he had, but that was pretty "fredtactular" to me.

Last summer we were on a new rails to trail trail and saw a guy with what looked like a 2d cell maglite taped to his helmet with ductape. There's a tunnel on the trail that's pitch black on the inside, and this was his answer to seeing while in the tunnel. Between watching where I was going, the ductape and wondering WTF I couldn't tell exactly what he had, but that was pretty "fredtactular" to me.

Of course that's Fredtacular... you're supposed to use zipties. :innocent:

Pipe clamps work great! Simple and cheap.

Why is this P7 900 Lumen flashlight with bicycle mounting clip FRED?
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r154/n4zou/dsc00098.jpg

Why is this P7 900 Lumen flashlight with bicycle mounting clip FRED?
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r154/n4zou/dsc00098.jpg

If your light actually put out 900 lumens, it would run for only about 20 minutes on one 18650 ;) That's a nice-looking holder, anyway.


I submit that adapting a flashlight to a bike is one of the least fredtacular things in this forum.

Agreed. Internally-geared hubs and fixies, now there's some Fred action. ;)

If your light actually put out 900 lumens, it would run for only about 20 minutes on one 18650 ;) That's a nice-looking holder, anyway.



Agreed. Internally-geared hubs and fixies, now there's some Fred action. ;)
50 minutes on high, 2 hours on medium, 5 hours on low.

Why is this P7 900 Lumen flashlight with bicycle mounting clip FRED?
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r154/n4zou/dsc00098.jpg

Is that one of those flashlight holders from DealExtreme (SKU 15642) or Kaidomain (SKU S006219)?

If so, how good does it fit your handlebars....what diameter are they?

And...do you think it would fit a slimmer flashlight if it was wrapped with some inner tube strips? I read it wouldn't clamp slimmer lights too well.

I'm about to order a AA size light and am trying to figure out what clamp is going to work.

Thanks.

there

I said it. I feel better. :innocent:

It's worth double fredelicious points for eventually spending as much, or more, than a good purpose-built light system would have cost in the first place!

But then, I guess the journey is it's own reward, eh?

It's worth double fredelicious points for eventually spending as much, or more, than a good purpose-built light system would have cost in the first place!



I didn't reply to the original bait because it's the OPs opinion, and I quit caring about what other people think about what I wear or attach to my bike a long time ago. But your statement can be evaluated with some objectivity so I'm curious to see some examples of what you're talking about. I have $30 invested in a flashlight-based system that is rated at 215 lumens using two AA batteries (the actual output is probably less but still a valid number for comparison). What off the shelf lighting system can come close to that for $30? And if I would have spent $55 instead on a P7 based system, I'd have a light that rivals some HID stuff for a fraction of the cost.

I guess I should add the cost of a charger and batteries for my $30 system and bump that up $45-$50. But I already own a bunch of devices that run on AAs (two-way radios, remotes, etc) so I didn't have to spend on that separately. That's probably the case for a lot of other folks.

I have a Nashbar catalog in front of me. Here's a few examples of output in lumens vs. price (and these are on sale).

85 $119
120 $79
400 $349
85 $149
150 $199

So where are the systems that can touch a flashlight-based system on a cost basis?

If you ain't running wires and mounting battery packs... it ain't Fred. Now my system, that's Fred.

I didn't reply to the original bait because it's the OPs opinion, and I quit caring about what other people think about what I wear or attach to my bike a long time ago. But your statement can be evaluated with some objectivity so I'm curious to see some examples of what you're talking about. I have $30 invested in a flashlight-based system that is rated at 215 lumens using two AA batteries (the actual output is probably less but still a valid number for comparison). What off the shelf lighting system can come close to that for $30? And if I would have spent $55 instead on a P7 based system, I'd have a light that rivals some HID stuff for a fraction of the cost.

I guess I should add the cost of a charger and batteries for my $30 system and bump that up $45-$50. But I already own a bunch of devices that run on AAs (two-way radios, remotes, etc) so I didn't have to spend on that separately. That's probably the case for a lot of other folks.

I have a Nashbar catalog in front of me. Here's a few examples of output in lumens vs. price (and these are on sale).

85 $119
120 $79
400 $349
85 $149
150 $199

So where are the systems that can touch a flashlight-based system on a cost basis?

Of course, this is meant to be "all in fun," but I do believe that a Dinotte 200L AA system (on sale for $105 right now) outperforms many of the lights you've mentioned. That assumes light output, ease of mounting, ease of use, rechargeability, small form factor, light weight, and durability are important. They are to me.

I can mount the Dinotte quickly, change batteries easily, ride with the thing in the rain and not worry about it, and it lights up the road very well. It doesn't burden my bars with too much weight, since that changes the handling/characteristics on the road bike too much for my comfort.

If some particular system works for you, that's great! Lots of solutions out there, for sure.

However, I've seen many posts here where people initially use less expensive solutions, only to eventually buy the Dinotte (or similar) at a higher price and finally get what they want. I did it myself, first buying a Cateye 500 something-or-other at around $45 that was completely useless for what I needed it to do.

Cheaper isn't always better- sometimes spending more is a better deal in the end.

Cheers!

but keep in mind: high does not = 900 lumens
Yes it does. I measured the current on high at 2800mA so looking at the data sheet on the SSC website shows 900 Lumen at that current. My 18650 battery is a new Trustfire 2500mA battery's so on high I get 50 minutes run time.

Is that one of those flashlight holders from DealExtreme (SKU 15642) or Kaidomain (SKU S006219)?

If so, how good does it fit your handlebars....what diameter are they?

And...do you think it would fit a slimmer flashlight if it was wrapped with some inner tube strips? I read it wouldn't clamp slimmer lights too well.

I'm about to order a AA size light and am trying to figure out what clamp is going to work.

Thanks.
DX universal flashlight bicycle clip.
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.15642
The handlebar part of the clip comes with a rubber strip that is useless. When using the clip on a road bike with drop bars no rubber strip is needed. When used with smaller diameter handlebars just cut a strip of rubber from and old inner tube which, will work perfectly.
The rubber strip that fits in the flashlight part of the holder is for larger flashlights like those using 18650 batteries with the supplied rubber strip. The mount without the rubber strip measures 29.75mm. It would not be very difficult to fabricate rubber parts for smaller body flashlights. Cutting up and old damaged or worn out tire would work well.
I ordered the new Aurora AK-P7-5 HA-III SSC P7-C 5-Mode 900-Lumen LED Flashlight with Assault Crown.
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.16091
I ran current tests just to make sure the driver circuit was supplying the correct voltage and current for the listed specifications and found them correct. It has an orange peel reflector surface so it provides good spill as well as throwing a tight narrow beam. I only run it in high mode when off road. This light is simply too bright when riding in traffic. One policeman at Critical Mass complained about it when I had it in medium mode. He was shocked at the light output when I put it in high mode. I ended up riding around in low mode which was fine on city roads. Medium mode is very nice on dark roads but I do get cars flashing there high beams at me so I'll switch it to low mode.

Yes it does. I measured the current on high at 2800mA so looking at the data sheet on the SSC website shows 900 Lumen at that current. My 18650 battery is a new Trustfire 2500mA battery's so on high I get 50 minutes run time.

Even the best of the best P7 lights (think: LumaPower DX-1, WolfEyes Sniper, and Lupine Tesla) are in the 580-700 lumen range, regardless of Seoul's datasheet ;) The pic below shows two DealExtreme P7s versus one 700-lumen light. With a 50-minute runtime, my guess is you're at more like 450-500 lumens.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff237/mechBgon/Seca_v_dual_P7.gif

It's worth double fredelicious points for eventually spending as much, or more, than a good purpose-built light system would have cost in the first place!

But then, I guess the journey is it's own reward, eh?

What if you buy the lighting-system, fry the electronics when testing your home-built rectifier for your dynamo hub**, and then re-use the housing for a DIY light?


**Guess I -- er, my friend -- should have put the capacitor on the other side of the loose connection...

....and the morph begins.... more popcorn please....:popcorn

n4zou:

Thanks for the info on that mount, I'll probably add one on my order.

Seems like most of the others are pretty flimsy...yours seems to be working OK as you didn't mention it breaking the first time you used it like the reviews on some others say.

A 900 lumen light wouldn't appear 9 times brighter than a 100 lumen anyhow. I can tell you that one of my P7s absolutely spanks my L2D which is 175 lumens roughly.

L2D:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v320/Jam_Master_J/DSCF2455.jpg

P7:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v320/Jam_Master_J/DSCF2457i.jpg

A 900 lumen light wouldn't appear 9 times brighter than a 100 lumen anyhow. I can tell you that one of my P7s absolutely spanks my L2D which is 175 lumens roughly.

L2D:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v320/Jam_Master_J/DSCF2455.jpg

P7:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v320/Jam_Master_J/DSCF2457i.jpg

The L2D Q5 is 145 lumens out the front on Turbo, actually, as measured in an integrating sphere (http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=211402) with fully-charged AAs. Regarding SureFire, they're known for rating their lights for their real, out-the-front output, so if a SureFire says 100 lumens, it's probably pretty close to 100 lumens :)

I was on a ride with someone who had a P7 mounted on the bike. When we got off, I asked him to compare his flashlight versus mine. The P7 was really really really bright. Brighter than my Surefire. But I don't think it was 8x brighter. It was slightly brighter. The beam wasn't as focused either.


Regardless of whether the P7 was producing 8x as much light as your Surefire or not, it would never have appeared 8x brighter, because visual perception of brightness is logarithmic. For one light to appear 8x brighter than another light, the first light actually has to put out something like 32x as much light as the dimmer light.

Trying to determine how many times brighter light X is than light Y by the naked eye will never yield accurate results. This is why people who buy one awesome light are invariably disappointed to realize buying two awesome lights doesn't allow them to see twice as well as they did with the first light. The eye doesn't scale light intensity in a linear fashion, just as the ear doesn't scale sound intensity in a linear fashion.

Does anybody have a picture of the P7 or similar light next to a Dinotte 200L light-head and battery pack? How do they compare in weight?

FWIW, the AA version of the Dinotte is listed at ~310 grams for light and batteries.

And on those Surefires- I have a G2 nitrolon and it just isn't bright enough for fast riding. Plus, those CR123A's get very expensive at 2 batteries for ~1 hour of usable runtime.

Does anybody have a picture of the P7 or similar light next to a Dinotte 200L light-head and battery pack? How do they compare in weight?


I have a similar DealExtreme flashlight, 258 grams with a battery. A DiNotte 2-cell lithium-ion battery pack is 120 grams. DiNotte lists the 200L light head at 85 grams.

Of course, this is meant to be "all in fun," Cheers!

Roger that--hope I didn't come off as flaming--wasn't my intention.

One thing that I will concede--it does seem that the bike-specific products have optics that are better suited for the task. Mech's animated gif's showing that Seca 700 in action are awesome. That would have been a hell of a light to have back in my night trail riding days. But my flashlight works great for my city commute (although the toy-collector in me wants MORE!!!) :)

Roger that--hope I didn't come off as flaming--wasn't my intention.


At the end of the day, we're all just geeks on bikes! :)


(although the toy-collector in me wants MORE!!!) :)

Right!

"Welcome to Head-Fi/Candlepowerforums/Bikeforums (you name it). Sorry about your wallet!"

:lol:

At the end of the day, we're all just geeks on bikes! :)



Right!

"Welcome to Head-Fi/Candlepowerforums/Bikeforums (you name it). Sorry about your wallet!"

:lol:

You got dat right!! But at least today I did a DIY project from this forum that only cost me $1.50--grocery bag panniers!

Embrace the Fred!!:thumb:

I sure like my Task Force!

Good, bright, usable light.

Everything else (except for the blinker) is just backup now.

Sweet, this thread was started purly for trolling and ya'll turned it into a flashlight debate. i LOVE EL&G.

I really hope DX starts selling some true 1000-lumen 18650 lights next year. The technology should be there by then, and it'll be enough of a jump to justify a new flashlight here.

Nothing like duct tape and 2x $.99 flashlights from walmart for those of us on a college kid budget :)

Sure, a tungsten bulb is inefficient and not too bright.. that's why theres 2!

The L2D Q5 is 145 lumens out the front on Turbo, actually, as measured in an integrating sphere (http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=211402) with fully-charged AAs. Regarding SureFire, they're known for rating their lights for their real, out-the-front output, so if a SureFire says 100 lumens, it's probably pretty close to 100 lumens :)

The nurse says there is an opening for a corner room. It has two windows !

Did I mention I have a new Q5 Nitecore D-10? It's my EDC right now.
It compares well with the L2D, close but not quite as good with Eneloops.
Brighter than the L1D. The programing is really nice. You can jump to high or low or anywhere in between with one hand. Really nice if the dog leash is in the other hand, which is the main use for the light. I like it better than twisting the bezel to get to turbo.

The Golden dragon D-10 that I don't want anymore would be a decent emergency back up for a bike, it's nice and small. :innocent:

Here is a good one.