Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - Need advice: 45-minute commute, <$100, need to see where I'm going

Hi! I'm hoping to tap the collective wisdom of this forum:

1) I have a relatively short, 45-minute commute, and I don't mind recharging my batteries every night, so I don't need a long runtime.

2) I'm hoping to spend $100 or less, including batteries and charger.

3) The light needs to be bright enough for me to see where I'm going. Sometimes. I'm on completely unlit streets, and if a manhole cover were open, I'd ride right in.

What do you recommend for me?

Thanks for any help!

Magicshine.

http://www.geomangear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4_41&products_id=138&zenid=mkpbisfci3rje7h1i4901k8l71

+1. Note that while the price is cheap, the quality is pretty low. You will wind up replacing the connectors and/or the battery. But even so, if you only get a few months out of each MagicShine, you will probably come out ahead of where you would have been with a more expensive (and more reliable) light system.

The Magicshine sounds like what I need, but what do people think of its "torch" version? In particular, is its "handlebar clip" satisfactory?

http://www.geomangear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=155&zenid=mkpbisfci3rje7h1i4901k8l71

It has a shorter runtime, but that's OK, since I have only a 45-minute commute, and I'll normally be running in "blink" mode, except for very dark patches. It seems like it would have these advantages:

1) Cheaper.
2) Lighter.
3) Since there's no separate battery pack, it should be less fiddly to move from one bike to another, or to remove and replace when locking up the bike in public.

Thanks for your continuing advice!

I would avoid the "torch" version. It's only 1 cell (3.7 volts) as opposed to the 2P2S (4 cells at 7.4 volts) for the regular light. You'll get enough runtime (on high even) for a round trip with the 4 cell version. You will not be able to do that with the 1 cell version.

I doubt that the 1 cell is as bright as the 4 cell. The "900 lumens" is a theoretical maximum value. The 4 cell version is probably more like 300 lumens in the real world (still plenty bright, of course).

The regular MagicShine is very "un-fiddly" to remove and install: just undo the velcro strap that holds the battery, flip the rubber O-ring off the hook on the light housing, and both pieces come right off in your hand. If it takes you more than 5 seconds, you need to practice a bit more.

BTW, I HATE blink mode: it doesn't really let you see obstacles clearly, and it's very annoying both to you and the surrounding motorists. I run mine on high just about all the time. I usually switch it off after the sun has been up long enough, but when it's on, I like it to be BRIGHT. That may be just me.

When you buy the MS waterproof the battery right away! Use liquid tape, or some silicone sealant. It's completely opened to the elements and has a delicate circuit board inside. I learned it the hard way.

I only had it for a few weeks so I can't comment more. The light itself seems sturdy though. You can buy just the light for $45 and get a higher quality battery somewhere else.



BTW, I HATE blink mode: it doesn't really let you see obstacles clearly, and it's very annoying both to you and the surrounding motorists. I run mine on high just about all the time. I usually switch it off after the sun has been up long enough, but when it's on, I like it to be BRIGHT. That may be just me.

Exactly my thoughts!

Adam

Something else to consider:

A Dinotte 200L (http://store.dinottelighting.com/shared/StoreFront/default.asp?CS=dinotte&StoreType=BtoC&Count1=64800441&Count2=981940865&ProductID=2&Target=products.asp)isn't as bright, but the light is sturdy, and the batteries are $11.00 for a set of AA rechargeables, instead of 39.00 for the Magicshine. So when they stop holding a charge, they are easy and cheap to replace. And you can have a spare set if needed.

The beam is wider than a Magicshine, so it evenly lights up the area in front of the bike, but doesn't project as far down the road. So you are probably limited to about 17-19 mph to see clearly in time to swerve around a pothole.

The Dinotte has an excellent set of daytime or twilight blinking modes, too.

It's 120.00 from their store, without a charger or batteries.

Something else to consider:



Granted it's a good light, but it does miss his sub-$100 by a fair margin. I took that into consideration . Lets see... more than he wanted to spend, less illumination.. yeah. :P

The Magicshine sounds like what I need, but what do people think of its "torch" version? In particular, is its "handlebar clip" satisfactory?
<...snipped...>


I use a MS from Geoman and a similair torch version which is a MTE P7 from DX. The flashlight is Ok as a backup or as a secondary light. It is great to have as a helmet mount on low setting and do a quick shine at cars as they approach stop sign at cross stops. Persoanlly I think I prevented some of those so call "California Rolling Stop" by getting their attention.

The biggest hassle with the flashlight is having to unscrew the end cap/switch to recharge the battery everyday if I use it on HI mode. I think if you have to unscrew that cap everyday, it will fail prematurely.

The thing about lumen is that I've got spoil with those extra lumen. It hard for me to justified going back. While I was waiting for my P7 and MS light to arrive, I went and got a 150 lumen Cygolite on sale. Now that light is hardly use and mounted on my least used bike. Try to get the most lumen and battery life per $ if you can.

+1 for the Magicshine.

Does anyone have experience with the USB chargeable bike lights?

Honestly, the quality on the magicshine is not that bad. Tape up the battery and put it in a plastic bag when you first get it, and if the connector is really hard to get apart, try putting a touch of petroleum jelly on the plastic collar to make it easier to pull apart. Separate the connectors by pulling ONLY on the connectors, not the wires (good advice for any device) and it should last quite a while.

Yeah, the wire is a bit cheap, and will probably need to be replaced eventually, but it's not that bad, and replacing the connectors and/or wires is a dirt simple job anyway. You can't get a better light with that output for < $300 AFAIK, so even if the light only lasts a year before you replace it, you'll probably be ahead of the game.

http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-175/**NEW**-ITP-A6-Polestar/Detail

I would avoid the "torch" version. It's only 1 cell (3.7 volts) as opposed to the 2P2S (4 cells at 7.4 volts) for the regular light. You'll get enough runtime (on high even) for a round trip with the 4 cell version. You will not be able to do that with the 1 cell version.

I'm lucky that only my evening commute is in the dark, so I don't have to worry about round-tripping on a single battery charge.


I doubt that the 1 cell is as bright as the 4 cell. The "900 lumens" is a theoretical maximum value. The 4 cell version is probably more like 300 lumens in the real world (still plenty bright, of course).

That sounds pretty persuasive - I'd hate to lose any brightness.


The regular MagicShine is very "un-fiddly" to remove and install: just undo the velcro strap that holds the battery, flip the rubber O-ring off the hook on the light housing, and both pieces come right off in your hand. If it takes you more than 5 seconds, you need to practice a bit more.

Yes, you're probably right. It's just that when all of the relatively non-fiddly bits add up, including locks, panniers, and other lights, it becomes a bit of a cumulative hassle to stop at a shop, strip and lock the bike, make my purchase, and then come out to unlock and re-festoon the bike.


BTW, I HATE blink mode: it doesn't really let you see obstacles clearly, and it's very annoying both to you and the surrounding motorists. I run mine on high just about all the time. I usually switch it off after the sun has been up long enough, but when it's on, I like it to be BRIGHT. That may be just me.

I really only need the bright light for a few blocks at a time. My more common concern is waking up motorists enough to notice my presence. I find a flashing light useful for that, even if it does annoy them in the process.

Yes, I think pretty much all 1 cell torches are unregulated - the battery just feeds straight into the LED with just a current limiter, so as the voltage goes down, the brightness will decrease a little too.

A few people here have actually tested the MS, and I think it tests close to 400 lumens, give or take.

I have yet to use blink mode. I think I would use it if I were riding in the daylight in extremely heavy rain or dense fog. That hasn't happened yet since I've had the light. I was in dense fog once but it was at night.

A 45 minute commute is doable with the torch, and the torch IS less to go wrong - it is properly waterproof, and it doesn't have wires or connectors to die on you. I think if you ran it on high the whole time you'd be really close to losing power, but if you switch it to low for any length of time, it should make it on one battery.

Magicshine is hella bright & goes long. It's probably your best bet if you're commuting 75+ minutes and/or need maximum brightness.

However, a very good and more convenient alternative are the 2 x AA LED flashlights such as the Terralux Lightstar ($28), Romisen ($26), and Fenix ($55). All put out exactly the same bright output, about 180-200 lumens (1/2 to 1/3rd the MS), which is easily enough to see at night on your own and easily blows away any offering by bike-specific manufacturers like Cateye, etc <$100. Mount on handlebars with a $5 velcro lockblock, or with rubber band to helmet. (Or do both!) You will get at least 60, at more likely 70-90 mins of max brightness runtime. These flashlights are all pretty bulletproof as well, and can withstand adverse weather short of submerging.

The main advantage over the MS is convenience - you remove it from your bike in 2 seconds and drop it into your pocket, since it's so light. No wires, no fuss. The AAs + hi-quality rechargable batts & charger aren't expensive either - about $20-$30 for a good one on batteryjunction. I use this for <1hr commutes and it works incredibly well. And don't be worried about brightness - these AA flaslights are HELLA bright. Probably equivalent to a single car headlight on non-hi beam.

http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-175/**NEW**-ITP-A6-Polestar/Detail

Sorry, but that's a horrible suggestion as the light is simply huge. It takes 6 AA batteries! How would you mount that heavy thing to your bike?

You simply can't get more light output and runtime for under $100 than the MagicShine, unless perhaps you build one yourself. Once you waterproof the battery it should be fine. I like mine, I just wish I inspected the battery closer before riding in pouring rain.

Adam

You simply can't get more light output and runtime for under $100 than the MagicShine, unless perhaps you build one yourself. Once you waterproof the battery it should be fine. I like mine, I just wish I inspected the battery closer before riding in pouring rain.

Adam+1

It has completely changed my dark commutes from riding with a variety of cheaper lights, you can criticize some details, but under $100, nothing else comes close.

Get a AA recharging system which is handy to have anyway plus 1 or 2 $28 Terralux 220 lumen flashlights like agarose recommended. Attach via rubber band to helmet if you wear one or a two fish lock block on the bars if you don't. Maybe even both, that would do quite well. The lights are handy to have around for every day use too. This is the most practical solution.

http://www.amazon.com/TerraLUX-TLF-3C2AAEX-LightStar220-Aluminum-Flashlight/dp/B001IMCU66

+1

It has completely changed my dark commutes from riding with a variety of cheaper lights, you can criticize some details, but under $100, nothing else comes close.

Oh yes there's plenty that comes close. P7's galore available and in my mind they are a lot less hassle. In fact try a pair of Terralux like recommended above and you are already close.

Oh yes there's plenty that comes close. P7's galore available and in my mind they are a lot less hassle. In fact try a pair of Terralux like recommended above and you are already close.I'd like to see a side by side comparison, looking around the web pulls up some beam shots, which look somewhat smaller than I'm finding with the MS. And you say that you find 2 lamps less hassle than 1? And you have to remove the lamps to replace/recharge the batteries?

If you need a flashlight as well as a bike light, well yeah. I haven't seen the output from these flashlights, and I have no doubt for such a small package they are remarkable, maybe that setup will work better for the OP. Even if it was as good a light pattern, the MS make more sense for me. For one thing, I need better run time, I'd need to swap batteries for the return journey using the Terralux.

For one thing, I need better run time.

but the OP doesn't.

I stick with my recommendation. btw, on/off the bike in literally 1 second. Do that with the Magicshine. 440 lumens compared to what? They say maybe 600? And consider with two lights the added flexibility to put light where you need it plus AA's are way more useable as are the flashlights around the house.

Besides, he may find one does just fine.

Listen, I know there's been rave reviews for this Magicshine and I'm sure it's a great light but it sure isn't the holy grail of lighting. I'll put up my P7 on the bar with a 220 lumen light on the helmet up against the Magicshine any day and it still didn't cost as much. :)

but the OP doesn't. Well, I said it might suit the OP, his choice.


I stick with my recommendation. btw, on/off the bike in literally 1 second. Do that with the Magicshine. 440 lumens compared to what? They say maybe 600? And consider with two lights the added flexibility to put light where you need it plus AA's are way more useable as are the flashlights around the house.

Besides, he may find one does just fine.

Listen, I know there's been rave reviews for this Magicshine and I'm sure it's a great light but it sure isn't the holy grail of lighting.Never said it was, but it is a remarkable package for those of us that have fairly long, dark commutes, where we have to be able to pick out potentially dangerous things on the pathway. (porcupines anyone?) For me, even if the 2 Terralux provide as good a light spread, having to take off 2 of them, then remove, recharge, and re-insert the AAs, is enough of a hassle that I would stick with the MagicShine. Different strokes and all that.

.Never said it was

Sorry, I know you didn't and I wasn't necessarily referring to you as the general praise for the Magicshine in these forums. Not dissing that light, mind you, just think there's plenty of other choices every bit as good and effective not to mention more practical.

I might even own the Magicshine some day but will always wear a second light on my head.

Get a AA recharging system which is handy to have anyway plus 1 or 2 $28 Terralux 220 lumen flashlights like agarose recommended. Attach via rubber band to helmet if you wear one or a two fish lock block on the bars if you don't. Maybe even both, that would do quite well. The lights are handy to have around for every day use too. This is the most practical solution.

http://www.amazon.com/TerraLUX-TLF-3C2AAEX-LightStar220-Aluminum-Flashlight/dp/B001IMCU66

You've just made me spend $30 :D I have a tiny pocket Fenix light rated at 10 lumens that uses 1 AAA. This should make even better pocket flashlight for hiking and camping, even if it's not trully 220 lumens, well not really bike related :D

Adam

You've just made me spend $30 :D I have a tiny pocket Fenix light rated at 10 lumens that uses 1 AAA. This should make even better pocket flashlight for hiking and camping, even if it's not trully 220 lumens, well not really bike related :D

Adam

I guarantee you won't be disappointed with it. Fantastic light for the price. I've heard nobody dispute its claims of 220 lumens either. :)

Does anyone have experience with the USB chargeable bike lights?

I've got a Niterider MiniNewt USB. Is well built and seems sealed well.

It's bright enough for my commuter and early AM training needs (reasonably well lit roads) and is easy to charge on the computer at home or work.

The run time of 3-4 hours is ok, but I have been let down when I train two mornings in a row and don't charge in between. Lack of any flashing or lower power modes is a problem for me. It would be good to have a longer run time in exchange for a flashing light or a 3/4 power setting.

I'm actually looking to buy a light with multiple modes now. Have been looking at the Ay-up lights and doing a bit of searching/lurking in this forum.

MiNewt = 110 lumens. Not so great.
http://www.bikebling.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Niterider-MiNewt-Mini-USB

At 110 lumens, the Terralux will likely go longer, and the MS will go FOREVER. The MS also costs about the same as a MiNewt, and Terralux is 1/3rd the cost.

Pretty much all bike-specific solutions except the Magicshine fail compared to LED flashlights.

http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-175/**NEW**-ITP-A6-Polestar/Detail

I want. Any reviews for us?

Sorry, but that's a horrible suggestion as the light is simply huge. It takes 6 AA batteries! How would you mount that heavy thing to your bike?
You could mount it with a Two-fish. I don't see where weight is going to be that big of a problem unless he is racing uphill against equal competition.

You could mount it with a Two-fish. I don't see where weight is going to be that big of a problem unless he is racing uphill against equal competition.

No, you can't as the diameter is far to large. I don't think you realize the size of that light.

Check it out in comparison to the AA and 18650 battery. It's the first light.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff97/selfbuilt/A6-1.jpg

No, you can't as the diameter is far to large. I don't think you realize the size of that light.

Check it out in comparison to the AA and 18650 battery. It's the first light.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff97/selfbuilt/A6-1.jpg

Nice Pic...

Not mine, I snatched it from CPF.

Good Snatcher

I went ahead and ordered a single 18650 P7 light from DX, as a backup to my MagicShine. I figure it'll be a hell of a flashlight if nothing else. I hope I don't get the bad luck of the C5 that I ordered from them a year ago; after just a week it was useless due to a flaky switch cutting it out every time I hit a bump.

No, you can't as the diameter is far to large. I don't think you realize the size of that light. Check it out in comparison to the AA and 18650 battery. It's the first light.

Very nice collection of tactical lights ... Here is my offroad HID light ... not bike approved :twitchy:

http://www.brightestflashlightreviews.com/images/Vector_Power_on_Board_HID_Spotlight_SLH100P_-_SLH100V.gif

Thanks for everyone for the great discussion! Here's an ignorant question: Some flashlights, like the "Polestar Cree MC-E 700 Lumens LED Flashlight" that's been mentioned in this thread, say this about batteries:

Compatible with 6 x AA akaline or NIMH

Is there any reason not to run this flashlight (or others like it) with Lithium-ion batteries?

Thanks for your continuing help,

Andy

Thanks for everyone for the great discussion! Here's an ignorant question: Some flashlights, like the "Polestar Cree MC-E 700 Lumens LED Flashlight" that's been mentioned in this thread, say this about batteries:

Compatible with 6 x AA akaline or NIMH

Is there any reason not to run this flashlight (or others like it) with Lithium-ion batteries?

Thanks for your continuing help,

Andy

Li-ion cells have a much higher voltage--3.2 V, compared to around 1.2 V for NiMH. So even if you found some AA-size Li-ion cells (I think they exist, although other sizes are more common), you couldn't just drop them into your light--they wouldn't be electrically compatible.

You could probably kludge some sort of arrangement of Li-ion cells to create the same nominal voltage supplied by the 6-pack of NiMH batteries, but you'd be better served by buying a light meant to run from Li-ion batteries in the first place if you're set on running Li-ion batteries.

Thanks for everyone for the great discussion! Here's an ignorant question: Some flashlights, like the "Polestar Cree MC-E 700 Lumens LED Flashlight" that's been mentioned in this thread, say this about batteries:

Compatible with 6 x AA akaline or NIMH

Is there any reason not to run this flashlight (or others like it) with Lithium-ion batteries?

Thanks for your continuing help,

Andy

Jaa, you'll fry it.

MiNewt = 110 lumens. Not so great.
http://www.bikebling.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Niterider-MiNewt-Mini-USB

At 110 lumens, the Terralux will likely go longer, and the MS will go FOREVER. The MS also costs about the same as a MiNewt, and Terralux is 1/3rd the cost.

Pretty much all bike-specific solutions except the Magicshine fail compared to LED flashlights.

While I'm not saying the Mini Newt is the best thing on the planet (and I am looking to upgrade for other features), many earlier posts point out the problems with the Magicshine (sealing/weather proofing) and many of the LED flashlights do not mount neatly or easily to all bikes/handle bars (mount design, size/length, weight/turning moment - ie jiggling at speed or on rough road surfaces).

Having good mounts - something the bike specific lights tend to do better - is a key for me. I also don't want to be modifying something to make it reliable - I want an off the shelf product that does what I need. I'm not going to want to waterproof a battery casing, solder in a new LED, design my own charger, or bodge up some mount or other using a hose clamp and a section of old inner tube!

Let's just say that I'm willing to pay a bit extra not to have to deal with some of these issues. And I don't need to light up a playing field for a ball game!

Raw output is in many ways not the only measure of how good a light is. It's like saying X model car is 'best' because it has the most powerful engine*.

*but has lousy brakes, poor handling, the paint flakes off, needs constant oil changes and maintenance etc etc

many of the LED flashlights do not mount neatly or easily to all bikes/handle bars (mount design, size/length, weight/turning moment - ie jiggling at speed or on rough road surfaces).



I do not own a bike specific light and mounting them is not a problem at all. They are as secure as they can possibly be and they attach in an extremely fast and easy manner. I use Fenix, Terralux, and an MTE P7. You couldn't jiggle those suckers off if you wanted to and the riding surface does not matter.

I do not own a bike specific light and mounting them is not a problem at all. They are as secure as they can possibly be and they attach in an extremely fast and easy manner. I use Fenix, Terralux, and an MTE P7. You couldn't jiggle those suckers off if you wanted to and the riding surface does not matter.

Can you post pics of your 'dash' or a link to where you got you mounts?

No, you can't as the diameter is far to large. I don't think you realize the size of that light.

Check it out in comparison to the AA and 18650 battery. It's the first light.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff97/selfbuilt/A6-1.jpg
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.31871 This is supposed to handle up to 4cm.
My Two-fish will hold a D-cell Maglight. 6 AA Sony Nimh batteries and my Mte P-7 weigh 13 ounces (369 g.). He wanted a light for a 45 min commute. It should last 1.5 hours on high and give him a flashlight for other uses.

Can you post pics of your 'dash' or a link to where you got you mounts?

sure, as soon as I get some time but I bet somebody posts it before me. A two fish lock block for the Fenix/Terralux and a different larger mount for the P7. I think it's simply called a universal bike mount from Deal Extreme.

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.31871

Mine doesn't swivel like this one which is what I prefer...
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.18889

Agreed. I'm the LAST person to waste my time with elaborate jury-rigged lighting projects (although I love reading about them DIYers and have much respect!), but the lockblock + LED flashlight is likely even easier and more convenient to mount that the MiNewt. It's only velcro, so nobody will bother stealing it as well. Minimal jiggle when it's tightened down. And the rubber band to helmet mount trick works astoudingly well - it's so good that I can't even imagine having a more stable or functional helmet mount that comes on/off more easily.

I hear this a lot from folks who buy bike-specific lights, that they're willing to pay for convenience and that they dont' want a complicated homebrewn solution. Ironically, it's likely far easier to maintain, upgrade, and even use a mounted LED flashlight than it is these wired bike-specific lights (which are generally underpowered as well.) I can't recommend them for any reason whatsoever when compared to LED flashlights, and that includes convenience of purchase or use.

^^^^and believe it or not, that universal mount for the P7 is even more stable than the lock block. Depending on the size of your bars, it may be necessary to add a shim with the lock block.

I hear this a lot from folks who buy bike-specific lights, that they're willing to pay for convenience and that they dont' want a complicated homebrewn solution. Ironically, it's likely far easier to maintain, upgrade, and even use a mounted LED flashlight than it is these wired bike-specific lights (which are generally underpowered as well.) I can't recommend them for any reason whatsoever when compared to LED flashlights, and that includes convenience of purchase or use.

I need more runtime than I can get out of a flashlight without changing the batteries (and I hate stopping in the dead of winter, blowing snow, in the middle of nowhere in the pitch black and try to change a battery), and I have ZERO chance of theft in my area, so it never needs to leave the bike. The MS is exactly the same light as a P7 flashlight.

That said, I do have a P7 flashlight coming, just to have as a backup. Anything can fail.

I need more runtime than I can get out of a flashlight without changing the batteries (and I hate stopping in the dead of winter, blowing snow, in the middle of nowhere in the pitch black and try to change a battery), and I have ZERO chance of theft in my area, so it never needs to leave the bike. The MS is exactly the same light as a P7 flashlight.

That said, I do have a P7 flashlight coming, just to have as a backup. Anything can fail.

Sounds like the perfect kind of commute for a MS. Heck , I'd run TWO of 'em for kicks in those kind of conditions!

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.31871 This is supposed to handle up to 4cm.
My Two-fish will hold a D-cell Maglight. 6 AA Sony Nimh batteries and my Mte P-7 weigh 13 ounces (369 g.). He wanted a light for a 45 min commute. It should last 1.5 hours on high and give him a flashlight for other uses.

Okay, I'm going to stop being nice now and simple state that you have no idea what you are talking about and are giving bad info.

The standard Two Fish will handle a AA light.

The Cycloblock might handle a C cell light (I use one for my 18650 light and wouldn't put anything bigger in there).

As for the DX holder, do you have any damn clue how big 4cm in diameter is? It's waaaay to small for the light you linked to.

As for weight, an Eneloop weights 26g. 6x26= 156g. The light itself weighs 212 grams. Total that's 368g. That's far to heavy for a Two Fish style mount, not to mention that at 48mm the light is too large for the mounts. By comparison the PLI MC-E light that Shining Beam sells (out of stock at the moment) weighs 165g with a 18650 battery, and fits a Cycloblock mount.

Please stop giving bad info. You are helping no one by doing so.


Here's another comparison shot of the A6 next to a 18650 light. Even someone as stubborn as you can see the difference in size.
http://i49.tinypic.com/vzj8zp.jpg