Actually, yeah... I'm not a huge fan of Wal-Mart, but every now and then you run across something that's too cheap to pass up. This was one of those times. And I'm a cheap so-and-so.

The lights were $18, and the bulbs they came with are 12V 50W floods (36 degree spread). The battery is a 12V 5AH fiber glass mat (sometimes mistaken for gel cells, but very similar) from a computer UPS device. It does hold a charge, though I don't know how much life it has left. You can buy these batteries new for about $20-$25. I'd recommend a smart charger for them, it will make them last much longer.

I ran the light last night, charged it up today, and will see how long it lasts when I get home again tonight. I tried the light with a 20W bulb, and it looked okay. The 35W bulb I bought was DOA, will have to pick up another one.



Pic on the bike: (I wrapped the wiring yesterday, it looks much better now)


Battery strapped to the rack: weighs about 4 pounds


Very visible, a regular car headlight halogen low beam is 55W... this thing at 50W will light you up! It gets very very hot, though.


Next step is getting a 12V LED marker light for a tail light, and taping up the wires to make them a bit more water resistant. I'll try another 35W bulb, and maybe pick up a smart charger too (they run about $35). I can upgrade to NiMH batteries later if I want, but for now, this works.