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I had my heart set on getting a Niterider Flamethrower from Performancebike.com ($90 off list - 20% coupon - Team Performance points). Went to their web site today to find that is unavailable for ordering and says, "Sorry, This Item is discontinued and no longer available."
Now if something isn't in stock, they usually note that on the web site. So I called to confirm this, and yeah, it is discontinued. No more. :(
I had seen one in action recently and was duly impressed. Has anyone used or seen one and can recommend another HID light of similar quality and cost? Preferrably available from Performancebike since I can get it at a great price. The Cygolite Z-Force perhaps?
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I got the cygo NiMH from performance on order. Out the other day with a buddy who has one he put it on my bike for a night ride and I felt good enough to do 55mph down a straight hill. He has had several of their lights over the years and found them to be great lights. all but one still works, the one doesn't work as the cord broke for the battery.
Like you I was going to get the Nighthawk light from performance but the were out.
I had my heart set on getting a Niterider Flamethrower from Performancebike.com ($90 off list - 20% coupon - Team Performance points). Went to their web site today to find that is unavailable for ordering and says, "Sorry, This Item is discontinued and no longer available."
Now if something isn't in stock, they usually note that on the web site. So I called to confirm this, and yeah, it is discontinued. No more. :(
I had seen one in action recently and was duly impressed. Has anyone used or seen one and can recommend another HID light of similar quality and cost? Preferrably available from Performancebike since I can get it at a great price. The Cygolite Z-Force perhaps?
Well, they had 54 in stock as of this afternoon (53, actually. I just bought one).
I heard they sometimes go kaput after a year or so, and since Performance replaces this stuff for their customers, it's probably a loser item for them, so no wonder (if it's true, that is).
Koffee
1) Performance Bicycle has some excellent prices, which keeps sucking people back to them--because they have an atrocious website with very little coordination between customer service. I had the same experience of trying to get a Flamethrower, only to see it out of stock on the website. The 800 number customer service person found 19 in stock.
2) I am now, unfortunately, on the third NiteRider Flamethrower--INSIDE OF ONE YEAR. And tonight, in the 3rd mile of my 11 mile commute in 40-degree driving rain, the recently repaired Flamethrower broke again--stranding me in heavy, North Jersey traffic. It is a wonderful light; I'm convinced it has saved my ass many times. But to pay ~$400 and have to worry every time it rains whether I'll have to slap on the emergency headstrap LEDs I carry is ridiculous. I found this Forum tonight out of frustration with this light. Thanks for letting me vent. Now to write the real letter to NiteRider.....
Yeah, okay. Mine has been getting lower and lower battery life. I'm starting to ride 2+ hours each time out, and of course it is getting darker. Full battery going out, dead or near dead coming back. I almost got tagged by a car at an intersection where he had a stop. My light went out two blocks before this intersection, so I had to dial it down and anticipate even more. When it works, it is awesome though. I *am* noticed.
So is it just the battery? Can it be replaced? If so, how much? Recommended alternatives in the same class as the Flamethrower?
Response to GCasillo's reply: No, it's not the battery. The problem is all in the meter/chip. It registers wrong (the red low-level warning light, even on full charge. Then it believes ita own false readout à
Any word on whether Niterider can fix this if I send it in to them?
Niterider came out with a new (more expensive) model this year. The old model went out of stock in the fall. Last I checked, you could still buy the new model.
Also, if you're a night commuter, you should always have back up lighting. If nothing else, get an LED (and keep spare AAA batteries in your seatbag). Hopefully, my 10w halogen will be in soon (I'm kicking myself for not paying Nashbar $3 more for 2-day shipping). It will be my backup for my Cygolite HID.
Edit: As I explain in this thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=184319), my Cygolite died after about 18 months of use. The company wants $100 to $200 to replace the lamp and/or ballast. That's a rip-off.
I only commute 1.5 miles each way, so the Flamethrower is PLENTY. However, I'm starting to stay out longer on my base training rides. 2+ hours. That's when the lighting is becoming a problem, and for training, I don't want to pack backup lighting. Unfortunately, I'm getting out after 5pm which means it is mostly dark as I start my rides. I really need a longer lasting light.
Psh... just buy the cygo.. my friend and I both have them and we absolutely love ours... If you don't have coupons or team points, have them pricematch http://www.cycletechinc.com/night.htm @ 269.00 for the Nimh version and $207 for the NiCad version. The only complaint about the light I have so far is that the switch is rather small and placed on the battery instead of the head and there is no battery gauge, just a "low battery" LED that lets you know that you've got about 40 mins of run time left. :) There's some pictures of the beam on another thread somewhere around here
If you don't want to "pack" a bulky backup light, get an LED. At least you'll have a "be seen" light if your HID goes out. I have a 3-LED light on my helmet. In addition to being a backup light, it's a perfect work light if I need to adjust or fix something at night.
I've been considering doing the same... as of yet, I've had my light go out on me once but I was with my friend who also happened to have an identical light so his was enough for the both of us. Other than that, I see no reason to go splurging for the extra cash on the nightrider when the Cygo can be had for $269+shipping. :)
Any word on whether Niterider can fix this if I send it in to them?
Yes for free. Call and explain first. You just pay shipping in. No hassles.
I heard they sometimes go kaput after a year or so, and since Performance replaces this stuff for their customers, it's probably a loser item for them, so no wonder (if it's true, that is).
Koffee
Nightriders go back to the factory and get fixed for free, unless the owner damaged the light. They even pay return shipping.
Would anyone know if the meter/chip problem is only on the Flamethrower or could it be the problem for the Digital HeadTrip II as well? My Niterider has been bullet proof for 2 years. I have not had any problems until recently. The light meter does not seem to work correctly. I do not get any kind of warning before the light goes out… or the light does not run long enough for a full battery charge. Is it the light or the battery? Next question... will the CygoLite take any kind of a crash?
Would anyone know if the meter/chip problem is only on the Flamethrower or could it be the problem for the Digital HeadTrip II as well? My Niterider has been bullet proof for 2 years. I have not had any problems until recently. The light meter does not seem to work correctly. I do not get any kind of warning before the light goes out… or the light does not run long enough for a full battery charge. Is it the light or the battery? Next question... will the CygoLite take any kind of a crash?
It could be the chip, yes in the digital head trip. But, it could be the battery. Do you only attach the battery with a full charge? If you take it off and put it on again it confuses the chip.
Call Nightrider on the phone. They will give you a return authorization number to put on your shipping box. Send the light to them. If it's Nightriders fault they will fix it for free and pay for postage back. If the battery is damaged they will tell you and you decide what to do. They still will pay return postage. This is the fastest best thing to do. Been there
Yeah Niterider has great repair policies. The switch died on my HID; sent them an email for an RMA #, they fixed without any questions or receipt, and I only had to pay for shipping to them.
Do you only attach the battery with a full charge? Yes, I need a full charge for my commute. 1 hr. 30 min. round trip. That maybe it because I only can get it to work if I have completely discharged the battery. I also think the meter is not working properly. I've read the manual a hundred times and my LED's do not dim one by one. They are all on and when the battery runs out they all blink and then that is it.
:mad: I guess I'll give them a call. Thanks for your help
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