jvpark

I am looking for a very compact, powerful front light for my bike...
I'm going to used it for commuting not offroad
can someone make a reccomendation or direct me to the proper thread?

cyccommute 

Don't make the mistake that you need more light for offroad riding than for commuting. For offroad riding, the light needs to be bright so that you can see details on the ground. Commuting requires a light that must compete with many other light sources. The commuting light actually needs to be brighter than the offroad light for safety.

That said, your best bet for a bright light that is economical is the Magic Shine 900. It's based around a P7 emitter that is very bright for a rather small package. I have the same light in a flashlight that is very bright for the size of the package. The Magicshine is just a slicker package...for about the same price when all is said and done.

If you are handy, you can also make a system around halogens for about the same price which are about twice as bright. They are also about twice as heavy. Here's how.

There are lots of commercial systems out there. Some are good but highly expensive, especially when compared to the Magicshine. There are also a whole bunch out there that you shouldn't waste your money one. Most of those are found in blister packs at your shop or REI and offer only enough light so that they know where to look of the body under the car

MMACH 5

My commute is mostly streets with a short stint (7 miles) on an MUP. My first foray into high-end LEDs was changing out the halogen for a Cree emitter, in my NR TrailRat. It was plenty bright and greatly extended the run time (my commute is 1.5-2 hours, each way). However, I felt compelled to build a baffle in an attempt to control the light scatter and try to focus the light better.

I found this set up and have never been happier:
$25.51 https://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.16538
It has a farther throw than a P7. I'm not saying it is brighter than P7 lights. It simply has a deeper reflector than most lights which focuses it farther out. I usually ride home after dark and the few miles on the MUP is unlit. This thing fits the bill perfectly.

And this:
$1.54 https://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.8274

And this:
$5.14 https://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.3499

and these:
$6.75 https://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.19770

Grand total: $38.94 and free shipping

PaulRivers

If you want very compact, a lot of people use and like their Dinotte 200L's. Are you planning on taking it on and off the bike all the time?

vsopking

Maybe somewhat more xpensive; the Sigma Powerled really nice with 4hrs long lasting recharge battery.

geo8rge

consider a hikers headlamp. They come in handy around the home too. Otherwise a flashlight + bike mount.

demoncyclist

Light & Motion Vega 200

PaulRivers

Those things barely put out enough light for *walking*. I mean, I have one that's only 2 years old. It's a decent light for walking around. No way it puts out enough light for biking though.

landstander

I'll second this recommendation. It has a good beam pattern (making the most of its available light), isn't particularly heavy, and is very quickly and easily removed at the end of the commute.

I posted an evaluation of the beastie here.

pgk

Check out Lupine. Highend, expensive. but very nice. Check out their "Betty" 1500 lumens LED!!
https://www.lupine.de/web/en/