I posted this in another thread, but think it also needs to be here...
"We are all spending too much money!
I too drool and ogle over the latest gear and "newest" technology introduced to the bike market.
But alas, can't/won't spend $2-300+ for the latest "greatest" light.
I just went over to Costco and bought a 12$ 4-pack of AAA LEDs.
I put rechargeable NiMh batteries in them , attached 2 to my helmet, and 2 to my bike.
(attaching them was the tricky part.It involved velcro straps and old mounts from various equipment.)
My digital Head trip is starting to "trip" out on me after 5 years of solid use.
My ride starts at 6AM, well before the sun rises. I ride at an average speed of (+/-)15 mph, through typical suburban/urban streets that are both brightly lit to dark, where traffic speeds range from 25-50 mph.
Along with a couple of blinkies in the back, I have no problem seeing or being seen.
The MaHa charger is the most expensive part in the configuration.
After checking out other lighting review and rating sites, I've come to one conclusion...
Cyclists are being hosed by the industry!!!
LED's are the way to go for battery weight and efficiency.
Check out
THIS helmet mountable spelunking light.
StenLight S7
Case Material ........................... Stainless Steel / Aluminum
Case Features .......................... Tilt adjustable, blade for helmet attachment
Switch Type ............................. Rotating switch, 5 positions
Lens Type ................................ Two collimator lenses protected by lens window
Bulb Type ................................. Two Luxeon III LEDs
Beam Type ............................... Narrow/medium spot combination
Beam Characteristics ............... Smooth, bright center, slight ring in corona
Throw (Lux) at 1m and Overall............. Output see link above
Battery / Power Type................ Rechargeable Li-Ion (access. kit allows 6AA or 9V)
Battery Life (advertised) ........... 7 to 8 hours on high
Battery Life (test results) ........... 8 hr 15 minutes on high with Lithium Ion battery pack (For really LONG commutes!)
Environmental Protection ......... 20 foot water depth rated (for when it rains a LOT)
Weight (oz.) with batteries ....... 8.6
Warranty .................................. 1 year
Retail Cost ................................ 310.00 US$