i need a light!
12-07-08, 06:18 PM
#26
just going for a ride...
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Originally Posted by bikesafer
If I'm commuting and one of my lights that uses AA or C cell batteries, I can stop at any convenience store or walmart in an emergency and be lit up in no time, but if my battery goes dead in one of the flashlights that uses cr123 or some other less common battery, I'm stuck.
The battery life on those lights at maximum output is also a little short. I've seen some with max life at the max output at a half hour.
Your mileage may vary.
The battery life on those lights at maximum output is also a little short. I've seen some with max life at the max output at a half hour.
Your mileage may vary.
12-07-08, 07:55 PM
#27
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Originally Posted by lbear
For the weight of two AA batteries you can carry a second (back up) CR124a. The life is over an hour each. Look -> https://www.batteryjunction.com/4parc390reli.html A charger and four rechargeable batteries for $28. 1000 charges per battery, You do not need to stop at a convenience store or walmart for 11 years!
12-07-08, 08:45 PM
#28
What is this demonry?!
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Originally Posted by bikesafer
I didn't say I would spend $70 on a light just to be seen. I said if you needed to light up the road, (like on a country road with no streetlights), that the 70 dollar lights would be my choice.
Also the problem, as least for me with the flashlights you are talking about is that the beam patteren is usually very narrow and they use batteries not easily available. If I'm commuting and one of my lights that uses AA or C cell batteries, I can stop at any convenience store or walmart in an emergency and be lit up in no time, but if my battery goes dead in one of the flashlights that uses cr123 or some other less common battery, I'm stuck.
The battery life on those lights at maximum output is also a little short. I've seen some with max life at the max output at a half hour.
Your mileage may vary.
Also the problem, as least for me with the flashlights you are talking about is that the beam patteren is usually very narrow and they use batteries not easily available. If I'm commuting and one of my lights that uses AA or C cell batteries, I can stop at any convenience store or walmart in an emergency and be lit up in no time, but if my battery goes dead in one of the flashlights that uses cr123 or some other less common battery, I'm stuck.
The battery life on those lights at maximum output is also a little short. I've seen some with max life at the max output at a half hour.
Your mileage may vary.
12-07-08, 10:42 PM
#29
just going for a ride...
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Originally Posted by steveknight
don't bet on getting full life or run time out of cheap batteries. or 11 years (G) the batteries would never last that long. or the flashlight.
I do like the Romisen RC-N3 CREE Q5 because it can be set up to run on ether one CR123A or 2AA.
12-07-08, 11:37 PM
#30
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Originally Posted by lbear
The point was with a little forethought you you should not get "stuck". The CR123A batteries do not cost that much and are easy enough to find. And each one last over an hour per charge. Even if you only get a fraction of the 1000 charges for each battery. Four batteries will last you a long time.
I do like the Romisen RC-N3 CREE Q5 because it can be set up to run on ether one CR123A or 2AA.
I do like the Romisen RC-N3 CREE Q5 because it can be set up to run on ether one CR123A or 2AA.
I just had 100.00 worth f the cheap Li ion batteries die. of course in the middle of a ride. that was the last of cheap and homemade lighting.
12-09-08, 04:48 PM
#31
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these are GREAT
knog gekko
https://jensonusa.com/store/product/LS299A00.aspx
3 bright led's, wrap around your bike frame or seatpost and attaches to itself.
super easy to remove and throw in a bag/pocket so they won't get stolen.
otherwise, yeah, the lockblock is a pretty way to go too.
two fish makes a bunch of other similar frame-attaching thingies.
https://www.twofish.biz/bike.html
knog gekko
https://jensonusa.com/store/product/LS299A00.aspx
3 bright led's, wrap around your bike frame or seatpost and attaches to itself.
super easy to remove and throw in a bag/pocket so they won't get stolen.
otherwise, yeah, the lockblock is a pretty way to go too.
two fish makes a bunch of other similar frame-attaching thingies.
https://www.twofish.biz/bike.html
Last edited by rekall; 12-09-08 at 04:52 PM.
12-09-08, 05:17 PM
#32
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Nashbar has the Cateye HL-EL530 on sale for $40 right now. I got 2 a couple weeks ago for my wife and I.
I was actually able to use it to see on the dark MUP while cruising at about 15mph, without overrunning the light. Obviously it's not going to be suitable as a 'see' light for unlighted steep downhills or going superfast on rough roads. But it was adequate, and way better than any battery light I've owned (I've had a half a dozen, from the quadrant, to other Cateyes. I liked them all at the time, but they are not even in the same ballpark as this)
For LED, this is about as good as it gets. I use rechargeable batteries. It's waterproof. Nashbar says it has 16 hours of runtime (on solid - it doesn't flash), while Cateye says it gets 90 hours. I'll let you know when my batteries run dead.
Visually it throws a decent halo, with a very bright spot in the middle.
Granted, a true light setup is a great thing. But I love the convenience of LED, and ride only on paved roads, most of which have at least some lighting at night.
PS: If you go with a battery headlight, go for the Sanyo eneloop rechargeable batteries. They are the awesome.
I was actually able to use it to see on the dark MUP while cruising at about 15mph, without overrunning the light. Obviously it's not going to be suitable as a 'see' light for unlighted steep downhills or going superfast on rough roads. But it was adequate, and way better than any battery light I've owned (I've had a half a dozen, from the quadrant, to other Cateyes. I liked them all at the time, but they are not even in the same ballpark as this)
For LED, this is about as good as it gets. I use rechargeable batteries. It's waterproof. Nashbar says it has 16 hours of runtime (on solid - it doesn't flash), while Cateye says it gets 90 hours. I'll let you know when my batteries run dead.
Visually it throws a decent halo, with a very bright spot in the middle.
Granted, a true light setup is a great thing. But I love the convenience of LED, and ride only on paved roads, most of which have at least some lighting at night.
PS: If you go with a battery headlight, go for the Sanyo eneloop rechargeable batteries. They are the awesome.
Last edited by zeytoun; 12-09-08 at 05:21 PM.
