Northern California - Favourite lights?

Looking at the fog out my window this morning, I realized that the one thing that is really missing from my growing cycling gear collection is a headlight of some description. Now I'm well aware of the night riding scene that is blooming in NorCal, so thought I'd ask you guys what your favourite lights were? I'm not really thinking of a DiNotte type deal ($$), or looking at serious riding at night just now, but something good for visibility in the fog and some extra light around dusk.

I'm looking to spend <$100, for something that's fairly sleek, easy to attach/remove. What's the best bang for the buck from your experiences?

R

Edit: could also be good for starting centuries early in the AM

NiteFlux. J&B Importers just picked them up. We have some "demo" sets in the shop, and they are very, very impressive. Better than any I've ever used.

http://www.niteflux.com/Products_photon4Enduro.aspx

It's more than you wanted to spend at about $200, but I really like my Light and Motion Vega.

We tried a bunch of cheaper lights and just weren't happy with the amount of light they put out. I'm very comfortable descending in the dark with this light.


For taillights, my husband who does SAG for some crazy long rides, says the Planet Bike ones are some of the most visible to him as a driver.


Veronica

I'm looking to spend <$100, for something that's fairly sleek, easy to attach/remove. What's the best bang for the buck from your experiences?


You can actually get a Dinotte for very close to your price range -- $105.00 (http://store.dinottelighting.com/shared/StoreFront/default.asp?CS=dinotte&StoreType=BtoC&Count1=255123317&Count2=172263741).

The catch is that you'll have to supply your own batteries/charger. That's not a bad thing, though, as the charger and batteries that Dinotte includes in its complete set aren't anything special.

With lights, my experience is that the way to get the best bang for your buck is to spend more than you want to spend, because if you start out with the cheaper lights, you won't be satisfied and will end up upgrading eventually. (I started out with $30 lights, went up to $50 lights, then up to a $200 light that was heavy, took too long to charge, ran down too quickly, etc; then to Dinotte.)

The Dinottes aren't perfect. But they are extremely light-weight, easy to attach/remove, and they provide a lot of light for the $100 price point.

You can probably get something that provides a similar amount or even more light for cheaper by going the Cree/Fenix flashlight with bike mount route; I don't have any experience with them though.

Thanks guys -- looks like we're getting closer to my $ range! Keep 'em coming

Some don't like it, but I've had great success with Viewpoint at Performance.

http://www.performancebike.com/product_images/500/40-2286-NCL-ANGLE.jpg

It's on sale for $14.99. I think that's way within your price range. :D

For "to be seen" lights, I am quite happy with my Planet Bike Blaze/Superflash combo. The superflash rear is particularly bright. You might have seen it on one of our rides together (I often run it during the day). The Blaze is also decent for the money. Long battery life for both. http://ecom1.planetbike.com/3040.html $55 for the combo and available at REI (and other places, I'm sure).

Thanks Ron/Justin - that was the kind of info I was looking for.

it is hard to bead dinotte for price and amount of light. a little more money then cheapo setups but less then high end brands but usually you get more light. my only complaint is that you have to unplug the battery when your done using the light.

It's more than you wanted to spend at about $200, but I really like my Light and Motion Vega.

We tried a bunch of cheaper lights and just weren't happy with the amount of light they put out. I'm very comfortable descending in the dark with this light.

I have this same one and like it a lot, except for it suddenly dying when the battery runs out. That's been the only downside.

I have the PB Blaze 1W (the white one) with the Superflash rear, and they work really well with impressive battery life, even running steady on/max brightness. For me, the mounts have been solid, and I like that the front is a single unit rather than a light with a separate battery pack.

But I agree with one of the previous posters who advised to spend more now instead of buying something cheaper only to find you're wanting more. As for me, I'd kinda like something a bit brighter for the front. If only there were a PB double 1W Blaze, that'd be about ideal.

Light and Motion Vega is only 120 lumens and myself a built in battery means you can't carry a spare battery. my last homemade setup I could not carry a spare and of course the battery fails in the middle of the ride.

I have this same one and like it a lot, except for it suddenly dying when the battery runs out. That's been the only downside.

It doesn't quite suddenly die... the little light on the back does start flashing rapidly first. :p

That is why last year we upgraded to Dyno hubs and if I know I'm going to be out in the dark/rain for more than two hours I take the bike with that set up. I had been using the Vega and a Jett light on my ridiculously long nighttime rides.

But the OP did not want to go that route. :D

Veronica

I just bought my commuting MyLilPony an early Christmas present. A Light and Motion Stella 200. Man is that puppy bright, and the light is really white. It cost 200+, but was on sale at Performance with an additional 15% off.

I have a 12W JetLites set-up. Great light but probably about twice as much as you want to spend.

I picked up a Blackburn Flea set a few months ago, which are easy to remove, tiny enough to fit in jeans pockets, have a cool magnetic recharging system (pictured below), and were $60 locally. They're perfect for commuting if you don't live in the sticks (I come home about two hours after sunset right now), but definitely not for serious (or not-quite-serious) descents.

http://www.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/easton-light.jpg

NiteRider Minewt, $100 retail, ~120 well focused lumens, ~3hrs runtime puts out enough to see fairly well. IMNHO, this type of unit is standard equipment on the frontside.

It's on my wife's bike now, as I "moved up" to Minewt 2x, two "speeds," ~90 or 140 lumens, ~3.5 and 7 hrs runtime, respectively, over $200 retail, Performance sale + 15% off day, about $130, well worth it IMO, as predawn darkly dressed, no lights, middle of the path D.A. people are right dangerous, eh? Some of them are on bikes even!! The unit should last a long time, and casts a beam waay down the road.

I run mine anytime I'm in traffic; please do the same.

The to be seen types are better than nothing; I bought them for my siblings, because they carried no lights whatsoever.

"Favourite?"

Heh, what's your favourite colour Beaker?

Having attended First Form/Year One in Barrow, I still spell color colour; our Pop was working in the shipyards there in 1962, building nuke subs for y'all.

We wore longsleeve dress shirts. My tails were constantly hanging out!

I'm not really thinking of a DiNotte type deal ($$), or looking at serious riding at night just now, but something good for visibility in the fog and some extra light around dusk.

There's a range of budgets available for this sort of thing and I understand there is a limit on what people can afford. Of all the money I've spent on cycling, lighting is one that I thought was most expensive, but turned out to be the best investment. It greatly expands the time I can truly enjoy cycling and it also amplifies how safe I can be at night. For me, it means 3-4 extra hours a day that I can ride in winter (short days) and summer months (hot days). It means the difference of riding or not on many days.

So take the money you were going to spend on all the foo-foo stuff and put it where it counts - a good saddle and lighting. :D

I just bought this from PerformanceBike last week. Its still on sale for $79.99.
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=25913&subcategory_ID=4320
http://www.performancebike.com/product_images/500/40-3968-NCL-ANGLE.jpg

I think you get the best value by using something like a Twofish Lock Block with one of the many high-powered LED flashlights, like this for example:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=390008833919

Thanks everyone - some great ideas here. I'll be following up on these suggestions for sure.


"Favourite?"

Heh, what's your favourite colour Beaker?

Having attended First Form/Year One in Barrow, I still spell color colour; our Pop was working in the shipyards there in 1962, building nuke subs for y'all.

We wore longsleeve dress shirts. My tails were constantly hanging out!

I'm amazed that it took 18 posts before someone called me on that. I've been out of the UK for over 10 years now, but there are some things I can't (won't) change. Favourite colours being good examples. I will admit that I have not rebadged my Specialised bike though. S for Z is about as much a concession as I can make. :rolleyes:

i have two lights that are rather versatile and work very well:

1. ~$100 - it's USB rechargeable, and very bright (110 lumens) for its size and weight http://www.niterider.com/prod_minewt.shtml

2 ~$60 (fenix flashlight l2d) + $15 (flashlight mount):
-The 2 AA flashlight is a beast (180 lumens at max output) and is fairly cheap considering how good it is. I believe it outperforms the maglights 4D even though it's the size of a mini maglite! This is an amazing device and can be used for camping or whatever else you want ot use it for. It's waterproof. A good review:
http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=fenix&emb=0#q=fenix%20l2d&emb=0

-You can mount the flashlite to either helmet or handlebar using:
http://jensonusa.com/store/product/LK407F00-Twofish+Lock+Blocks.aspx

I just got a early b-day/Christmas gift. It was on sale, +20% coupon, +10% team performance points.
A Cygolite Trion 600.
600 Lumen, self-contained Li-Ion battery.
I was OK with the Dinotte 200L-AA but was getting tired of always removing the battery holder to recharge the AA batteries. Also I wanted an easier way to move the light to another bike and extra mounts do the trick with this self-contained unit. A brighter light is nice too. :thumb:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3097/3106309608_e9556ec602.jpg

I just bought this from PerformanceBike last week. Its still on sale for $79.99.


How do you like it?

Riding in fog, fugeddabout a headlight. You need a serious tail light. I love the Dinotte tail light as a day time tail light (too bright for night when riding with others, or in heavy traffic.). My friend, who sometimes rides behind me calls it, "the Red Blinkie of Death." I only use it at night on country roads, or in bad weather. My regular night time light is a Cateye 600.

And the 200 AA headlight is cool too. Buy it on sale without the batts and charger, and add your own. A good batt to use is the new low self discharge Ni-Mh, such as the Sanyo Eneloop. They are said to retain 75-85% of their charge after a year. Now you don't have to base your night rides on when you last charged your cells.

Don't skimp on the thing that can most help you be seen; your lights.

How do you like it?

I had a 1 watt Viewpoint Lazer before. That light kinda gives you an idea of stuff on the road. With this new light I can actually see the road and the debris on it several feet before I get there. In other words I am very happy with it.

I think you get the best value by using something like a Twofish Lock Block with one of the many high-powered LED flashlights, like this for example:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=390008833919

+1 On the LED flashlight idea, you get some serious light for cheap. Though the one in the link is a little over kill and pretty expensive. I bought one for ~$50 + ~$10 for a couple of 18650 protected rechargeable lithium batteries and charger. I just use a big ~3" O-ring and a piece of dense foam to mount $1.39 at hardware store. You can light up the dark far enough ahead of you to ride at a reasonable speed to see obstacles. Several modes low, med, high and several strobes to get the attention of traffic. Check out Candlepowerforums for more information than you ever wanted to know.

jw

I have the Cygolite Trion 600. It's more than the <$100 price tag but throws a light beam that makes riding at night a joy. It's worth the higher price tag.

NiteRider MiNewt X2 here. Serves me well, has many brightnesses. I think it's been discontinued at this point, and I don't remember what I spent on it, but it wasn't too bad. Probably $150 tops.

As long as this is bumped, I recently upgraded from a Fenix L2D Q5 (180-200 lumens) to one of those DealExtreme P7 lights that the Electronics subforum raves about. Claimed 900 lumens, actual 450-550 or so. For such a small package, it's a great light. The L2D was good, but I was still straining to see little objects in my path straight ahead. Much less with the P7.

Cost me about $60, including charger, batteries (it uses Li-Ion 18650s), and handlebar mount. Arrived quickly - shipping time was 7 days, instead of the claimed 10-13. First stop in from Hong Kong must be in the neighborhood.

As long as this is bumped*facepalm*

*walks away in shame*

What?

He just meant that he didn't notice he was responding to a bumped thread.

I have to give props to the Magicshine light from from geoman.com. It's beam is narrower than my Trion 600 but for ~$80, it's a pretty good deal for a bike specific light.

Interesting to see this bumped again as the nights draw in. Since the original post I've been using a cheap/cheerful Viewpoint style light (similar to the one below) and the excellent superflash rear. The headlight does what I was looking for - adds a little more visibility at dawn/dusk and makes me more noticable.

http://www.performancebike.com/images/performance/products/medium/40-2286-NCL-ANGLE.jpg

I do wonder about upgrading to a better headlight, but that's probably a ways down my list of winter shopping items.

I have a new light this year (on my non-dynamo hub bikes) that I've really happy with. Two of them, actually. The Sigma Karma Pro puts out a lot of light for a LONG time (11 hours on low, 5.5 on medium, 3.5 on high). It's more than enough light for "long-past-dark" commutes/rides.

For even more "more-than-enough" light, I have the Sigma PowerLED Black Pro. The battery is the same size, but the light itself is bulkier, and puts out even more light than the Karma. Same run-time, though. ALSO, the PowerLED light splits in half and you can screw in a middle part that uses 4 normal AA batteries. Ergo, emergency lighting if your Lithium battery bottoms out...AND you can use it (more easily) as a flashlight around the campsite if you're the touring sort.

The Karma retails for $160 and the PowerLED Black Pro goes for $199.99. That's full retail, so I'm sure they are available for less at various places.

Still enjoying my Deal Extreme MC-E (7 mode MTE brand). For road riding, I think the pattern is a little better than the P7 version. I mount that one on my bars with a twofish lockblock.

For full on night rides out in the hills, I also mount my DiNotte 200L-AA on my helmet.

i've had a bunch of different lights thru the years.
at the moment i have

Light and Motion ARC Li-ion Ultra
Princeton Tec Corona Bike
Cateye Uno

light application is highly dependent upon the environ in which the use is intended.

for commuting, I'm really nervous about leaving the ARC on the bike while cabled to a rack.
however, of course its a seriously bright light, and its simply awesome, i can hardly imagine needing more light.

The Corona Bike, is a solid light. I like that it has so many power settings. This light happened upon me, about 2 years ago, while I have no out of pocket investment, I've come to really like this light.
what i like about it...
1. it uses AA's, which i use rechargeables
2. it can use either 4 or 8 batteries
3. it has a a lot of power settings

The Cateye Uno, i bought in need for The California Triple Crown.
that is, I needed a light, which was legal, and is as light as possible for doing double centuries
what i like about it...
1. its less than $40
2. it uses 1 single AA!
3. its easy to use either as handlebar mount, or simply tape it to the center vent on my helmet (giro).

for my use
dollar vs usage
the Uno wins

in the last year, I've used this light more than the rest.
I used it on bike tour from Portland to Ventura.
the deal is that its so small, batteries are either easy to get, or in my case, I use AA's for my digi cam, i use rechargeables, and actually carry a small fast charger while on bike tour.
this little light, I even use as overhead lighting in my shelter half, being that its easy to rubber band to a pole.

for such a small light
and how readily available it is, by chance if i should loose it, or destroy it.
its an awesome light!

I just made the leap to a real headlight, not a be seen light. I love this light.
Cygo-lite Hi-flux Ii LED Xtra Light $107 (including tax and shipping) from PricePoint (http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/18562-225_CYGHF8-2-Accessories-35-Lights/Cygo-lite-Hi-flux-Ii-LED-Xtra-Light.htm).
150 lumens, Total system wt.: 383 gm, Super easy flip lock mount. (like a quick release)
4 1/2 hours run time on high. Quick Charger: Fully charges in 2.5 hours.

http://www.cygolite.com/products/new/images/HiFlux_2_FM_bicycle_light.jpg

http://www.cygolite.com/products/new/images/HiFlux_2_FM_bicycle_light.jpg
http://www.cygolite.com/products/new/images/hifluxII_vs_15watt.jpg

I use the Niterider MiNewt X2 on the front for longer night rides:

http://www.evanscycles.com/product_image/image/a8a/952/9e5/28379/product_page/niterider-minewt-x2-dual-led-light-system.jpg

and this on the back of my jersey:

http://abbyandjoseph.com/lists/images/items/superflash.jpg

For commuting, I use the same rear this on the front:

http://www.cyclesurgery.com/ProductImages/fullsize/CA460EL4106.jpeg

I noticed that Planet Bike released their 2W Blaze a couple days ago. Still not sure if the 2W would provide enough light, though.

MagicShine. Under$100. Amazing. Brighter than a Light and Motion 200-L that costs over $200.
Check the threads in Electronics.
I am really happy I got one.

I'm a big fan of Cygolite. Been using the Dual Cross Li-Ion for almost 3 years with no problems. The battery is small and lasts many hours. It's bright too.

If I ever need a new light it will be the Mighty Cross (http://cygolite.com/products/new/MityCross/mitycross350.html). :D

Fenix E20 plus TWOFISH Lockblocks Bicycle Flashlight Holder. Get two lights and mounts, and your total is still under $100. What's great is their light weight and their use of 2 AA batteries. If you use rechargeable NIMHs, it's easy to have a fresh set of batteries all the time. I've spent hundreds of dollars on Niterider and Blackburn dedicated headlights over the years. These high power 109 Lumen LED lights using commonly found AA batteries are the cheap revolution that will preclude me from buying dedicated headlights ever again unless I'm doing some 24-hour off-road race. Just try one first - that's probably all you'll need. You can also mount these lights on your helmet.

Place where I bought a Fenix E20 and four mounts.

http://www.batteryjunction.com/fenix-e20.html

http://www.batteryjunction.com/twofish-lockblocks.html

Amazon also has this light for $35:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GAOO8M

Thorough review:

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=205501

Bicyclist's feedback on a similar Fenix light for his bike:

http://bicycle.thebluesmokeband.com/wordpress/?p=78

I just spent over an hour reading about the P7 LED technology after closer reading of this thread. Wow, sounds like some serious lumen output for a low price. Powered by rechargeable lithium ion batteries, they look like they could outshine my Fenix light by a wide margin without much of a price premium. Another hobby of mine is flying RC planes, and the introduction of inexpensive lithium polymer batteries has revolutionized the hobby because of their power to weight ratio - now I see this battery tech being applied to LED lights and the results are impressive.

I just ordered one of these from Amazon yesterday. Its one unit construction and 200 lumens makes it convenient. Can't wait.

Cygolite Milion 200 USB
http://www.cygolite.com/products/new/Milion/images/milion-200-mural.jpg

Fenix E20 plus TWOFISH Lockblocks Bicycle Flashlight Holder. Get two lights and mounts, and your total is still under $100. What's great is their light weight and their use of 2 AA batteries. If you use rechargeable NIMHs, it's easy to have a fresh set of batteries all the time. I've spent hundreds of dollars on Niterider and Blackburn dedicated headlights over the years. These high power 109 Lumen LED lights using commonly found AA batteries are the cheap revolution that will preclude me from buying dedicated headlights ever again unless I'm doing some 24-hour off-road race. Just try one first - that's probably all you'll need. You can also mount these lights on your helmet.

Place where I bought a Fenix E20 and four mounts.

http://www.batteryjunction.com/fenix-e20.html

http://www.batteryjunction.com/twofish-lockblocks.html

Amazon also has this light for $35:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GAOO8M

Thorough review:

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=205501

Bicyclist's feedback on a similar Fenix light for his bike:

http://bicycle.thebluesmokeband.com/wordpress/?p=78

I just spent over an hour reading about the P7 LED technology after closer reading of this thread. Wow, sounds like some serious lumen output for a low price. Powered by rechargeable lithium ion batteries, they look like they could outshine my Fenix light by a wide margin without much of a price premium. Another hobby of mine is flying RC planes, and the introduction of inexpensive lithium polymer batteries has revolutionized the hobby because of their power to weight ratio - now I see this battery tech being applied to LED lights and the results are impressive.

thanks for the complete info!
i hadn't been successful in finding easy to ready, complete info, with a concise break down, as such.

hands down...
when the day comes, that my lights wear out, I'm going with Fenix.

I just got this email from GeoManGear...


UPDATE: Many more Magicshines are arriving within days. NOW is a good time
to order for earliest delivery.

If you've been looking for a fantastic HIGH OUTPUT LED cycling light at a
terrific price, now is the time to look at the Magicshine 900 Lumen from
GeoManGear (BTW, GeoManGear customers have been unanimously delighted with
the quality and price of this lightset. The Magicshine is setting a new
industry standard in terms of price to lumen output.).

The Magicshine 900 - Complete lightset with charger, li-ion battery,
lighthead (900 lumen P7 LED), handlebar mount, etc. (see specifications
below).

Order here:
http://www.geomangear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4_41&products_id=138

ONLY $84.99 - COMPLETE

* Brand: Magicshine
* Model: P7 (MJ-808)
* Emitter Brand/Type: Seoul Semiconductors SSC
* Emitter BIN: P7-C-SXO
* Color BIN: White
* Total Emitters: 1
* Power Cord Length: 45" (120cm)
* Battery Configurations: Powered by a separate rechargeable battery
pack (4 x 18650 Li-Ion batteries inside)
* Voltage Input: 8.4V max
* Switch Type: Click Switch
* Switch Location: Tailcap
* Modes: 5
* Lighting Modes: High Mode@900 lumens > Mid Mode@500 lumens > Low
Mode@200 lumens > Fast Blink > SOS Mode
* Circuitry: Digital Regulated 2400mA Current Output
* Brightness: 900 lumens maximum brightness (manufacturer rated)
* Runtime: 3 hours on High Mode (manufacturer rated)
* Lens: Coated Glass Lens
* Reflector: Light Orange Peel
* Carrying Clip: Mounts for cycling
* Accessories Included (see pics): 100V~240V AC charger (US plug),
Li-Ion Battery, Battery Pouch, & Gift Box. Helmet mounts and various cables
also available.
* Weights: Lighthead: 4.2oz/120g, Battery Pack: 7.4oz/205g, Total:
11.6oz/325g (approx.)
* Warranty: Manufacturer - 90 days from purchase
* Origin: China