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DIY Headlight Mount

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Old 01-19-15, 05:42 PM
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DIY Headlight Mount

Here's a home made light mount that attaches to forks with V brakes. The headlight clamp was at a awkward angle on the handle bars so I mounted the light on the V brake stand off. I used a 1 x 1 inch L bracket and a 1/2 inch PVC pipe cap. You simply back out the screw on one V brake arm to attach the L bracket. I had to enlarge both holes in the bracket and filed off the flutes on the PVC cap. I painted the mount and added hockey tape to obtain a ideal diameter to match my light clamp. I had all of the parts on hand but they should be under three bucks @ Home Depot. While you're at the hardware store pick up a length of 1.25 inch ID foam pipe insulation. I slip the foam over my top frame tube and have no concerns leaning my bike against a pole to lock it up.


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Old 01-19-15, 08:25 PM
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I personally like that height better than handlebar height - nice idea!
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Old 01-20-15, 08:27 AM
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I like the position, too. It should allow for reflections to dance off the spokes, increasing visibility.
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Old 01-21-15, 05:40 AM
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Have you rode it in the dark yet? I am wondering how the shadows to the right side are because of the tire blocking light spillage.
Justin
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Old 01-21-15, 09:38 AM
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Originally Posted by Lug
Have you rode it in the dark yet? I am wondering how the shadows to the right side are because of the tire blocking light spillage.
Justin
Yes...I rode in the dark and the tire will block some light spillage but I found it had negligible effect. I had no problem lighting distant reflective road signs with a one watt headlight. Your point is valid and light blockage will differ depending on the width of the beam.
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Old 01-21-15, 10:50 AM
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Neat idea! I built my own DIY headlight by modifying a cheap headlamp and using an extra mount from a taillight purchase. I don't particularly care about the appearance of my commuter, so it worked perfectly. It's not a super strong light, but it works great as a flasher in addition to my main headlight.
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Old 01-22-15, 05:24 AM
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For some time now i've been wondering why they can't mount lights both on the head tube and down by the axle on the fork for both "where you are pointed" and "where you are about to go if you turn your wheel this direction". Better illumination of potential hazards, you are more visible, and the "triangle" pattern may illuminate more evenly depending on the lamps used.

This is good for people without other mount options on the fork, i think.

- Andy
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Old 01-23-15, 04:15 AM
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Originally Posted by TransitBiker
For some time now i've been wondering why they can't mount lights both on the head tube and down by the axle on the fork for both "where you are pointed" and "where you are about to go if you turn your wheel this direction". Better illumination of potential hazards, you are more visible, and the "triangle" pattern may illuminate more evenly depending on the lamps used.

This is good for people without other mount options on the fork, i think.

- Andy
And the the spaced out multiple light set up might (big might) give car drivers a little more of a visual clue on how fast the bicyclist is approaching.
Justin
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Old 01-23-15, 08:23 AM
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I'll have to get a pic, but my DIY headlight mount was specific to the build: VO constructeur front rack with bosses, SuperNova E3 dyno-light. I used a stainless marine strap cleat, plus orbital washers from a v-brake pad setup, road bike caliper brake bolt as a spacer, and blue loctite to get where I needed.
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Old 01-24-15, 12:56 PM
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Originally Posted by Lug
And the the spaced out multiple light set up might (big might) give car drivers a little more of a visual clue on how fast the bicyclist is approaching.
Justin
Indeed. Railroads use a triangle pattern for a reason.

- Andy
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Old 01-24-15, 06:51 PM
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Originally Posted by TransitBiker
For some time now i've been wondering why they can't mount lights both on the head tube
I put a Serfas Thunderbolt (long, skinny light) vertically on the head tube of the K2. It aims up naturally with the head tube angle and the pick-ups and SUVs seem to pull out in front of me less than without it.
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