My goals:
Carrying a swift enough speed for night, yet safe to not override the beam.
Robust and weatherproof, especially in wet climate.
Lightweight
An easy way to remove yet mount on my other bikes.
Lastly- budget. I've been down the route and spending for dedicated bike lights. I also realize technology has greatly improved, still yet I'm no longer up for dropping absurd amounts for this stuff.
The light:
Just a simple but robust weatherproof 600 lumen CREE tactical USB re-chargeable flashlight. Ideal for a cycling light considering the output to small size. Other settings are 300 lumen / low and strobe S.O.S.. Guessing it weighs 1 lbs., non-removable 5 hour battery. I would expect over time the Li batteries will weaken but so far have been impressive. I don't know how many charges these lights take. Can also be used as a power transfer supply to a phone. Marked down clearance priced at Walmart for only $32, plus I added an extended warranty - covers everything including damage, batteries for 2 years / $3. Brand is Ozark Trail 615
The mount:
Homemade using a portion of a chromed 'steel' brake arm and old band clamp. I suppose one could use an aluminum arm, but I'm not sure how that would hold up over time in trails, bumpy gravel roads, tip-over, crash, etc.. I'm very confident in using this good old steel and unlike chincy plastic that tend to snap in the cold. The entire assembly mounts to the axle skewer by first removing the skewer, feeding though the brake arm hole. Quick and simple.
Use and results:
LOve it. There's no adjustable beam but it has plenty of width and distance sufficient to safely carry speed to the upper teens. Could blind oncoming traffic so best to keep it low. The way its mounted makes it very easy to adjust beam height and angle. The aluminum body partially unscrews to expose the USB charge port. Can either do it while mounted on the bike or of course, removed. There's an LED charge load indicator. Its been a few downpour's without any issues. Has O-rings sealing the movable body parts and just for grins, tempted to test while in a basin. The aluminum housing has cooling fins which does collect puddle splash and dirt.
The neg-
The S.O.S. strobe is annoying. I have a difficult time riding in that mode. I realize it also saves battery output but its useless for me. Matter of fact, I hate headlight strobes.
Tail lamp:
All aluminum sealed LED small flashlight from Ace. Mounted by a homemade clamp and to the dropout eyelet. Uses CR3032 batteries. No problems, all metal and I wanted a retro look. Cost $4.00
Last edited by crank_addict; 10-01-15 at 11:13 AM.