g0tink87

thinking about grabbing a few cheap bar mount lights and hitting some slower easier singletrack near me.
Could be fun...could be scary too.

Anyone know of any good helmet mounted lights.
throw me a link...or company name.

Askel

+1


Skiing and dirt traversing motor bicycle machine riding are lots of fun at night. I can only imagine mountain biking is as well.

Malistryx

In my experience the cheaper lights aren't really worth it. I've used cheaper lighting systems and I haven't been comfortable out on the trails, I don't feel like I can see anything at all. Part of this is probably because the lights I used were... special. Cobbled together from broken lights by the engineers/mechanically inclined people on my team.

I would recommend getting a helmet mount instead of a bar mounted light if you're only going to get one light, both types is the best way to go though.

A few of the people I do 24 hour races with have lighting systems by these companies and they work quite well, it all depends on how much you're willing to spend.
BLT https://www.blt-lights.com/main.htm
Nite Rider https://www.niterider.com/bike.shtml

g0tink87

well i was thinking about grabbing a few of these lights.

https://cgi.ebay.com/FREE-POST-5-LED-...QQcmdZViewItem

theres a million of them on ebay ranging from $2 - $10

figured if they pretty bright i'll throw 2 on the bars and then Maguiver another one onto my helmet.

Bike Lover

Can't vouche for that one but I've used a Cateye Double Shot and have liked it much. I was recently at a 12 hr. race and people were surprised it was an LED. I have heard most of the less expensive LEDs don't have the light output as the Cateye. Of course, it's much more expensive.

I would also recommend a helmet mounted light. It's nice to be able to see where you're looking.

Mach42

Those are not going to be that bright. They may be ok if you're going at a walking pace, but they are seriously too weak for seeing with. Even with 2 of them.

They are more of a be-seen light so that traffic can see you when you're out on the road. They aren't a see-with light.

WannaGetGood

I have ridden in the night 3 or 4 times. I have never used a light, hit a few trees and cased a few jumps, but its a really good thrill.

never

The better/brighter the light, the more enjoyable your ride will be.

You won't have a very enjoyable ride with the cheap lights...unless you plan on riding at a very slow pace.

MudPie

Yes, night riding is a real blast! I've been riding nights for about four seasons. In fact, I look forward to it. It makes old trails brand new. You will need to recalibrate your eyes/mind to the shadow effects. The feel and smells at night are totally different. Plus the reflection of the critter's eyes adds a spooky factor.

If you're serious about night riding, don't cheap out on lights. I have both haolgens (by JET Lites) and HIDs (by Light and Motion). The HIDs are outstanding, but I will warn you, an HID light with a good lithium-ion battery goes for $400+. Yes, big investment, but once you use it, you soon forget about the price.

I try to do full moon rides too. On a clear night, with a bright moon, its often possible to kill the lights and travel by moonlight, but only attempt on known trails.

Peek the Geek

I ride with a Light and Motion Solo Logic Mv. It's not as expensive as an HID light (only cost me about $130 new), but it's plenty of light for the riding I do. I use it mainly on tight, twisty singletrack with a decent share of roots, logs and stumps.

If I were bombing long downhills I would need something stronger, but for the type of terrain I ride this light does the job for a relatively small amount of money. Great reviews at MTBR.com, too.

MudPie

Check out this video - night riding descent on a single track in Southern CA. This is what it's all about.

Obviously, the rider knows this trail well.

Enjoy!

https://www.venturacountytrails.org/M...MtnAtNight.mpg

MudPie

A few notes about light mounts:

Helmet mount: Lights go where you look (think of doing switchbacks), but, dust from other riders in front can cause your lights to reflect off the dust particles (like having car high-beams on while going through fog).

Bar mount: No dust reflection issues, but lights only point where the bars are pointing.

Many riders have a set on the bars and on their helmet.

g0tink87

yeah i guess if the cheaper lights arent gonna be good enough..even with a few of them, I guess i'll save my dough and just get a good light setup when i'm ready for it.

g0tink87

that video was pretty cool....makes me just want a good light even more now, lol.

Nickel

I plan on a DIY for my handlebar light but I have been using a petzel headlamp which has worked out. Night riding makes for a whole new trail for me.