getting a headlight for the bike, wondering if a flashlight and mount is a good route
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 525
Likes: 17
From: NYC
Bikes: 09' Cinelli Vigorelli, 95' trek 950
getting a headlight for the bike, wondering if a flashlight and mount is a good route
i found this combo on ebay and was wondering if this is a good route for lighting.
https://cgi.ebay.com/Fenix-LD10-R4-Cr...item563d2515dc
here's the ebay title.
Fenix LD10 R4 Cree LED Flashlight+Bike Headlight Mount
for $66.25 or make an offer. shipping from hong kong
https://cgi.ebay.com/Fenix-LD10-R4-Cr...item563d2515dc
here's the ebay title.
Fenix LD10 R4 Cree LED Flashlight+Bike Headlight Mount
for $66.25 or make an offer. shipping from hong kong
Last edited by plowmanjoe; 06-24-10 at 08:03 PM.
#2
Senior Member

Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,049
Likes: 11
From: La Verne CA
Bikes: Litespeed Liege, Motorola Team Issue Eddy Mercxk, Santana Noventa Tandem, Fisher Supercaliber Mtn. Bike
Light is good, mount sucks.. Pay a little more a go with a magicshine from geomangear.. If you are dead set on flashlight setup look at usa sellers..
https://www.geomangear.com/index.php?...odagpps1s49jh3
lighthound website..ld10 + mount same price as hong kong..
https://www.lighthound.com/Twofish-Cy...nt_p_2251.html
https://www.lighthound.com/Fenix-LD10...ls_p_2586.html
or go with a romisen light for 1/2 the price of the fenix from shiningbeam
https://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/t...-AA/Categories
https://www.geomangear.com/index.php?...odagpps1s49jh3
lighthound website..ld10 + mount same price as hong kong..
https://www.lighthound.com/Twofish-Cy...nt_p_2251.html
https://www.lighthound.com/Fenix-LD10...ls_p_2586.html
or go with a romisen light for 1/2 the price of the fenix from shiningbeam
https://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/t...-AA/Categories
#3
I agree, at that price just go up a few dollars for a magic shine. I use a light from shiningbeam and two hoseclamps for under $40. This school thing is bleeding me dry. If I had the money, I'd have probably gone for the magic shine.
#4
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 525
Likes: 17
From: NYC
Bikes: 09' Cinelli Vigorelli, 95' trek 950
just wondering what's bad about the mount in the ebay link. the romisen looks fine but it looks like it takes 2 aa or one cr123a. i like the convienence of being able to use one aa battery.
the mount from lighthound looks like i could make it myself with two velcro straps.
the mount from lighthound looks like i could make it myself with two velcro straps.
#5
I really like generator lights myself. No dead batteries.
But I did use a mini mag-light attached to the handlebars with electrical tape. I also made a light mount out of a clamp and piece of wood, but that was for a generator light.
Why do you want a flashlight, though?
But I did use a mini mag-light attached to the handlebars with electrical tape. I also made a light mount out of a clamp and piece of wood, but that was for a generator light.
Why do you want a flashlight, though?
#6
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 525
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From: NYC
Bikes: 09' Cinelli Vigorelli, 95' trek 950
I really like generator lights myself. No dead batteries.
But I did use a mini mag-light attached to the handlebars with electrical tape. I also made a light mount out of a clamp and piece of wood, but that was for a generator light.
Why do you want a flashlight, though?
But I did use a mini mag-light attached to the handlebars with electrical tape. I also made a light mount out of a clamp and piece of wood, but that was for a generator light.
Why do you want a flashlight, though?
#7
I have a MagicShine for my real commuter (and love it) but also have Costco flashlights ($20 for 2, including batteries) and a Twofish Lockblock flashlight holder for a beater bike and my kids' bikes. The holder was $5 shipped and I highly recommend it: very solid mount, easy to use, versatile and cheap. My only complaint about the Costco lights is they take 3 AAA batteries. They are however, very bright and pretty well made.
Last edited by Iowegian; 06-25-10 at 09:56 AM. Reason: add link
#8
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Wyoming, USA
Bikes: Trek FX 7.5
I've been using a CygoLite MiliOn 200 for a couple months now and quite like it. Its a bit more than the lamp you referenced on eBay but it seems to be a quality weather-sealed piece of equipment with a good handlebar mount.
I've also used the MagicShine and while a very good lamp, I wanted to get away from the remote battery pack.
https://www.cygolite.com/products/new...milion200.html
I've also used the MagicShine and while a very good lamp, I wanted to get away from the remote battery pack.
https://www.cygolite.com/products/new...milion200.html
#9
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 151
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So I've done my research on lights (reading candlepowerforums, reading forums here). If you're into AA/14500 lights, this is a pretty good place to start for the light that you're looking at: https://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...d.php?t=277658 .
Regarding the MagicShine from Geoman (from what I understand), it's the same that you get from dealextreme, except that it has been inspected to ensure a better quality (no machining shavings in the light module, making sure that the light is properly potted for adequate heat transfer, etc). You're also getting better warranty from dealer. Apparently he's been working with dealextreme to better the quality of the units that dealextreme ships. The modes are ~650 lumens > 250 lumens > flashing ~3 Hz @ 650 lumens. On the old Magicshines (I purchased mine in 2009), the battery pack isn't waterproof though, and there are many reports of the circuit board crapping out and needing replacement after several months of intense use. I have one myself, and it's really bright! I'm afraid of taking it out in the rain for fear of water getting into the battery pack. Because it's lithium-ion, they'll eventually develop a memory effect, so expect to be paying ~$30-40 in a replacement battery pack after it reaches its recharge cycle limit. Apparently the current ones have been repackaged into a water-resistant one by Geoman. As with most high-output LEDs, there's the risk of overheating, which would eventually lead to LED damage (turning blue). It seems as though Geoman has upgraded his inventory since I last visited his website.
I mainly use a Fenix L2D Q5 (I believe the LD20 R5 is the successor to it) fixed to my bike using a two-fish lock block. From what I've read, nothing really works as effectively as these mounts. They're relatively cheap as well, and work very well for flashlights. Batteries are readily replaceable for flashlights, and they're very waterproof. I got mine from 4sevens.com.
Regarding the MagicShine from Geoman (from what I understand), it's the same that you get from dealextreme, except that it has been inspected to ensure a better quality (no machining shavings in the light module, making sure that the light is properly potted for adequate heat transfer, etc). You're also getting better warranty from dealer. Apparently he's been working with dealextreme to better the quality of the units that dealextreme ships. The modes are ~650 lumens > 250 lumens > flashing ~3 Hz @ 650 lumens. On the old Magicshines (I purchased mine in 2009), the battery pack isn't waterproof though, and there are many reports of the circuit board crapping out and needing replacement after several months of intense use. I have one myself, and it's really bright! I'm afraid of taking it out in the rain for fear of water getting into the battery pack. Because it's lithium-ion, they'll eventually develop a memory effect, so expect to be paying ~$30-40 in a replacement battery pack after it reaches its recharge cycle limit. Apparently the current ones have been repackaged into a water-resistant one by Geoman. As with most high-output LEDs, there's the risk of overheating, which would eventually lead to LED damage (turning blue). It seems as though Geoman has upgraded his inventory since I last visited his website.
I mainly use a Fenix L2D Q5 (I believe the LD20 R5 is the successor to it) fixed to my bike using a two-fish lock block. From what I've read, nothing really works as effectively as these mounts. They're relatively cheap as well, and work very well for flashlights. Batteries are readily replaceable for flashlights, and they're very waterproof. I got mine from 4sevens.com.
#10
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Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Minneapolis, MN
The battery will wear out eventually of course. Lith-ion might have a shorter lifespan than other kinds, I'm not sure.
#11
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Joined: May 2008
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Don't misquote me please. I've "done my research on lights" from reading extensively on candlepowerforums so I can recommend a good review for the flashlight the OP had in question. That said, the memory effect generally refers to the inability of any battery to hold its original charge. This is usually due to aging (secondary chemical reactions) or voltage depression, which usually applies to NiCd batteries. You are limiting the definition to voltage depression. If a battery can't hold its original charge, then it suffers from a form of memory effect.
#12
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Joined: Apr 2010
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Likes: 3
Don't misquote me please. I've "done my research on lights" from reading extensively on candlepowerforums so I can recommend a good review for the flashlight the OP had in question. That said, the memory effect generally refers to the inability of any battery to hold its original charge. This is usually due to aging (secondary chemical reactions) or voltage depression, which usually applies to NiCd batteries. You are limiting the definition to voltage depression. If a battery can't hold its original charge, then it suffers from a form of memory effect.
#13
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Joined: May 2008
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The problem with your argument is that no one other than an electrical engineer (and, frankly, EE's will argue with you about it as well) uses the phrase in that manner. To the public "memory" as applied to batteries means that you have to discharge it all the way before you recharge it. LiOn batteries are actually marketed to the public as memory-free due to the fact that they can be recharged from any discharge level without detriment.
https://www.batteryuniversity.com/parttwo-34.htm
"Avoid frequent full discharges because this puts additional strain on the battery. Several partial discharges with frequent recharges are better for lithium-ion than one deep one."
Lithium ion batteries do the best when they're not recharged from a completely drained level. They *like* to be charged often.
#16
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Joined: Apr 2010
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I think you're reading into my statement a chance to make yourself feel superior, but whatever. The world has been saved. I've said LiOns don't have memory, you've said to be careful about not fully discharging them (though it must be said that periodic full discharges are required to calibrate the charge sensor on more complex LiOn systems like laptops, etc). We can all sleep in peace.
#20
17yrold in 64yrold body
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 922
Likes: 1
From: Northern CA
plowmanjoe: I found a 3/aaa light that works pretty well. On ebay it is listed as: Brightest 3W Bike flashlight, and is sold by ledwholesalers_inc. Thet have a 'buy-it-now' option, or you can do like I did and low-bid (starting was $24.99 w/free ship). It comes with a simple but effective mount and tailight.
I plan to carry this as a backup on tour and use NIMH rechargeables.
I plan to carry this as a backup on tour and use NIMH rechargeables.
#21
Good luck in your search. I'm still trying to sort things out myself.
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#22
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyUZw...os=5vzLXiRZfXk
low dough idea
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#23
"getting a headlight for the bike, wondering if a flashlight and mount is a good route"
^^^Works for me. I also like the option of pulling the flashlight off the bike and using it as a flashlight. Works great for camping, reading in the tent, exploring caves, fixing car flats, finding stuff in the basement, etc.
^^^Works for me. I also like the option of pulling the flashlight off the bike and using it as a flashlight. Works great for camping, reading in the tent, exploring caves, fixing car flats, finding stuff in the basement, etc.
#24
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Michigan
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
Don't misquote me please. I've "done my research on lights" from reading extensively on candlepowerforums so I can recommend a good review for the flashlight the OP had in question. That said, the memory effect generally refers to the inability of any battery to hold its original charge. This is usually due to aging (secondary chemical reactions) or voltage depression, which usually applies to NiCd batteries. You are limiting the definition to voltage depression. If a battery can't hold its original charge, then it suffers from a form of memory effect.
Simple loss of capacity through age or improper use is NOT memory effect - if you've read places that said it was, they're wrong or oversimplifying.
Even the lay understanding of memory effect does not match aging or misuse.
FWIW I have that exact mount sold in the eBay auction by the OP. It's not great. It is very sturdy but it takes too long to attach or remove, and the rotation is in definite click stops, and there's never a click stop in exactly the right place. Plus, it's a bad design with an even number of clicks - if they'd made it have an odd number of clicks per rotation, you could flip it 180 degrees and the clicks would each be 1/2 way between the clicks on the other side. But it's not, you flip it and you still have the same bad click positions.
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#25
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Michigan
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
BTW, I have a MagicShine and an MTE P7 flashlight. I quite like both for different reasons. The MagicShine is more reliable than the flashlight and it runs a few days between charges. The flashlight is utterly waterproof and is super simple, but the runtime is significantly less and I have had some small issues with reliability.
The reliability issues were totally the fault of the switch in the endcap getting loose - I just removed the endcap and used a pin spanner to tighten the switch assembly, and the problem went away. Probably just dropping in some thread locker would permanently solve the problem.
The MagicShine runs for 3 hours on high, and I don't really NEED to run it on high, so I could run it a week on a charge.
The flashlight only runs 45 minutes on high, but medium mode is plenty for my situation, giving me over an hour. Still, that means I have to charge it every day. Not a big deal, I have a pack of 2 batteries in my bag, when I get to work in the morning I swap in a new battery and pop the used one into the charger, putting it back in the pack at noon.
FWIW here's exactly what I have; other than the switch problem this works great for me
Flashlight:
https://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.16092
Mount (it looks too cheap to be good, but it works great. May not be good if you don't have a spot on the bars that's straight across)
https://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.8274
Charger:
https://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.6105
Batteries:
https://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5790
Battery holder (DO NOT EVER put LiIon cells somewhere that they might short out - to keys, coins, whatever)
https://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.26711
The reliability issues were totally the fault of the switch in the endcap getting loose - I just removed the endcap and used a pin spanner to tighten the switch assembly, and the problem went away. Probably just dropping in some thread locker would permanently solve the problem.
The MagicShine runs for 3 hours on high, and I don't really NEED to run it on high, so I could run it a week on a charge.
The flashlight only runs 45 minutes on high, but medium mode is plenty for my situation, giving me over an hour. Still, that means I have to charge it every day. Not a big deal, I have a pack of 2 batteries in my bag, when I get to work in the morning I swap in a new battery and pop the used one into the charger, putting it back in the pack at noon.
FWIW here's exactly what I have; other than the switch problem this works great for me
Flashlight:
https://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.16092
Mount (it looks too cheap to be good, but it works great. May not be good if you don't have a spot on the bars that's straight across)
https://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.8274
Charger:
https://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.6105
Batteries:
https://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5790
Battery holder (DO NOT EVER put LiIon cells somewhere that they might short out - to keys, coins, whatever)
https://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.26711
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Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
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Last edited by ItsJustMe; 08-17-10 at 11:57 AM.




