[Portis]

I am looking at getting one of the two following bike lights.

Cygolite Night Rover (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=17645&subcategory_ID=4320#)


Laser Edge (http://www.bicyclelights.com/bikelights.html)





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[LittleGinseng]

Hey Ranger,

You can get the Night Rover NiCad Extra at a better price at Ebay. The run times are longer than the regular Night Rover, and the wattage is higher too (6.3w low beam, 10w high beam, 16.3 combined). I have 2 of the Extra's so I can alternate the batteries each night I ride, which is at least 5 nights a week. An average ride time for me is 2.5 to 3.5 hours a night, and a full battery charge will last about that long, switching between high and low beams. You can run both beams at once, but that cuts the runtime down more than 50%. If you'd like to know how to get yours, private message me and I'll give you the sellers Ebay store name.

[dobber]

I've got the LaserEdge system. Mine is the NiCad version, via EBay. In fact I bought it and the helmet system for less then $100, with shipping.

I've been real happy with it. Run time is as advertised. While the charger is the unsophisticated plug in type, it does the job very well. I just set an alarm clock to remind me to unplug it.

Build out of the unit is very nice, design is well though out. The thumb switch for the light works well.

All in all, I give it a big thumbs up.

[Portis]

Does the Night Rover NiCad Extra have a "smart charger"? Do any of the lights in this price range have a "smart charger?" Also aren't the NiMH batteries better than NiCad? THanks.

[geoduck]

I've got the Cygolite package, with the dual pitched beams. My battery pack is older, though, and is the cheesy wedge-in-the-frame dealy.

I got it on clearance at REI two winters ago when I absolutely needed a light for commuting, and it performs admirably there. My battery was lead acid, which means you really have to be aware of not overcharging it. If you care for the battery, though, the run time is pretty good.

The build on these lamps is OK at best, definately not as nice as Nite Rider or other high-end lamps. Kinda cheesy plastic, with slide-style switches rather than buttons with rubber boots. I rode repeatedly in full-on rain, though, with no problems.

If I were to buy one today, for everyday riding (commuting), I would ante up for a nicer system, like a NiMH Nite Rider with at least one bulb, maybe even a HID/halogen combo. But, now I ride infrequently after dark, so my system suits me fine.

YMMV

[madpogue]

Does the Night Rover NiCad Extra have a "smart charger"? Do any of the lights in this price range have a "smart charger?" Also aren't the NiMH batteries better than NiCad? THanks. NiMH batteries hold their charge "on the shelf" much better than NiCd. They also, generally, have a higher charge capacity (measured in ampere-hours or milliampere-hours, meaning they hold more total energy per charge). And they don't have the "memory" problem that NiCd batteries do. But yeah, you definitely want a "smart charger" designed specifically for NiMH if that's the way you go.