Those LED-based headlights?
#1
Regular ol' schmo
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Colorado
Posts: 89
Bikes: Fuju TeamSL, ProFlex Mtn.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Those LED-based headlights?
So I got a one of those handheld flashlights (not for biking) that has a cluster for bright LEDs and it works pretty good..
The question: Are there lights for bikes using that same technology but could be cheaper and even work as well as those expensive and heavy rechargable sytems? -- the ones with the dual headlamps and batteries that go in your bottle cage...
thanks
The question: Are there lights for bikes using that same technology but could be cheaper and even work as well as those expensive and heavy rechargable sytems? -- the ones with the dual headlamps and batteries that go in your bottle cage...
thanks
#2
kipuka explorer
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Hilo Town, East Hawai'i
Posts: 3,297
Bikes: 1994 Trek 820, 2004 Fuji Absolute, 2005 Jamis Nova, 1977 Schwinn Scrambler 36/36
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Depends entirely on what you think "works as well as" means.
__________________
--
-=- '05 Jamis Nova -=- '04 Fuji Absolute -=- '94 Trek 820 -=- '77 Schwinn Scrambler 36/36 -=-
Friends don't let friends use brifters.
--
-=- '05 Jamis Nova -=- '04 Fuji Absolute -=- '94 Trek 820 -=- '77 Schwinn Scrambler 36/36 -=-
Friends don't let friends use brifters.
#3
Rides with Cows
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Fixing a flat
Posts: 1,232
Bikes: Trek 7000
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Didn't CatEye come out with a really bright version of the LED lights? Opticube or something....
__________________
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Central Texas
Posts: 605
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
I just bought one of those Cateye lights with opticube led technology from Nashbar. They have them on sale right now. I will try to test it this weekend and let you know the results.
#5
Regular ol' schmo
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Colorado
Posts: 89
Bikes: Fuju TeamSL, ProFlex Mtn.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
cool! i'd like to hear the results... if i can get away with not spending like $100 on a light system that'd be nice..
#6
Formerly Known as Newbie
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Posts: 6,249
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
The "really bright" LED headlights are still on their way. If you search the Forums for lights, you will find many threads on this subject. For a nice comparison of one (high end) manufacturer's LED versus their halogen versus their HID go to Lupine's site. Move mouse pointer over thumbnails to see the various lights in action.
--J
--J
__________________
To err is human. To moo is bovine.
Who is this General Failure anyway, and why is he reading my drive?
Become a Registered Member in Bike Forums
Community guidelines
To err is human. To moo is bovine.
Who is this General Failure anyway, and why is he reading my drive?
Become a Registered Member in Bike Forums
Community guidelines
#7
Minneapolis
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Just under Minneapolis
Posts: 873
Bikes: 1998 Stumpjumper Pro, SE Draft, 1984 Bianchi ATB, 1980? Raleigh Comp GS, Civia Loring
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I tried a Cateye 9-lite (Nashbar, cheap, looks like a Norelco razor, 2 C batteries I think.), vs my old heavy waterbottle-based NiteRider. The LED didn't light the road up at all unless it was pitch dark, and I'd consider it only for a "Hey here I am" light for drivers.
The 10w NiteRider is like the sun in comparison.
Good luck!
The 10w NiteRider is like the sun in comparison.
Good luck!
#9
LeMond Lives!
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Edina, MN
Posts: 560
Bikes: In 1963 my sister taught me to ride on her girl’s frame (no wonder I shave my legs) Schwinn it was blue and it weighted a billion pounds. – Gone, 2nd bike - a Schwinn Colligate (Gold) 5 speed – Traded in, 3rd bike – 1971 Schwinn Continental (Maro
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The LBS thinks the LED lights are great. Maybe they are if your on a street with street lights.
The LEDs are as good as the old gen sets that ran offer your wheel.
If you ride off road or on a street that does not have street lights they are not enought light to ride with any speed.
LEDs is getting better...but not yet at the point I want one on a dark street.
My NightRider can make cars dim their lights. I can see and be seen for a long way.
Cheers
The LEDs are as good as the old gen sets that ran offer your wheel.
If you ride off road or on a street that does not have street lights they are not enought light to ride with any speed.
LEDs is getting better...but not yet at the point I want one on a dark street.
My NightRider can make cars dim their lights. I can see and be seen for a long way.
Cheers
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 389
Bikes: Masi Speciale Randonneur, Fuji del Ray, Co-Motion Speedster
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I've had one of the cheaper CatEye LEDS (EL-110 I think) for a year or so now.
The battery life is great (on 4 NiHM AA batteries, I can go months wi/o recharging, using the light maybe a couple hours a week), but the brightness is not very impressive. The beam is very small, and barely visible under streelights. If it gets really dark, I can kind of use it to see the road, but I have to aim it close to the bike and go slowly. However, it's good enough to be seen by cars, and I've found it adequate for riding on well-lit city streets.
I'm not sure how the brighter CatEyes compare.
The battery life is great (on 4 NiHM AA batteries, I can go months wi/o recharging, using the light maybe a couple hours a week), but the brightness is not very impressive. The beam is very small, and barely visible under streelights. If it gets really dark, I can kind of use it to see the road, but I have to aim it close to the bike and go slowly. However, it's good enough to be seen by cars, and I've found it adequate for riding on well-lit city streets.
I'm not sure how the brighter CatEyes compare.
#11
I drink your MILKSHAKE
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: St. Petersburg, FL
Posts: 15,061
Bikes: 2003 Specialized Rockhopper FSR Comp, 1999 Specialized Hardrock Comp FS, 1971 Schwinn Varsity
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Kind of off topic but LED light related. During the last Hurricane we used our EL-300's in lieu of the D cell flashlights we had bought specifically for the season. The LED lights just worked better. Plus they're a LOT more miserly with the batteries than the flashlights. Just a side note.
#12
RayG
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Mission, TX
Posts: 63
Bikes: Trek 2100 Pro (1994?)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I was looking at the Cateye EL500 (the new Optitube thing) for a while but decided on the Nitehawk Emitter. The deciding factor, price. Nashbar had them on sale for $45 plus another review from some other rider that used it.
I use it on my commute back from work. My route has a lot of street lights but there are a few spots that get too dark and this light works just fine for this situation.
I use it on my commute back from work. My route has a lot of street lights but there are a few spots that get too dark and this light works just fine for this situation.
#13
Banned.
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana
Posts: 4,761
Bikes: 84 Trek 660 Suntour Superbe; 87 Giant Rincon Shimano XT; 07 Mercian Vincitore Campy Veloce
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
I don't think those Cateye and similar LED lights are worth the money. I had the Cateye EL300 (5 LED opticube) and that thing had a goofy small spot about 6 inches in diameter and not scatter light that was not adequate for city riding not alone on pitch dark roads; I had a Zefal Halogen that was better then that light.
I think that LED's are rapidly improving and the Nighthawk might be the first "see the road" LED light to come out; but it's medium priced at only $75 and runs off of just 4AA batteries, and the battery pack won't take up a water bottle cage since the whole thing just sits on top of your handlebar. I have not seen this light in stores yet so I haven't been able to test it to see how good it really is. The LED's are great for long battery life as Raiyn discovered and the bulbs will virtually last forever.
I use a Cygo Metro that cost only $48 and has 2 beams: 1 6 watt flood and 1 6 watt spot for a combine total of 12 watts. The light will run for 5 hours on one beam or 2.5 hrs on both. It uses 6 D batteries instead of a strictly rechargeable system, though you obviously could buy rechargeable D bats. I found this light to more then bright enough for me; I ride in the city with just the flood only, and only use both beams when I'm on pitch dark country roads or bike paths; and I never have to worry about overriding the beam(s). The battery pack hangs off the frame not in a water bottle cage.
I think that LED's are rapidly improving and the Nighthawk might be the first "see the road" LED light to come out; but it's medium priced at only $75 and runs off of just 4AA batteries, and the battery pack won't take up a water bottle cage since the whole thing just sits on top of your handlebar. I have not seen this light in stores yet so I haven't been able to test it to see how good it really is. The LED's are great for long battery life as Raiyn discovered and the bulbs will virtually last forever.
I use a Cygo Metro that cost only $48 and has 2 beams: 1 6 watt flood and 1 6 watt spot for a combine total of 12 watts. The light will run for 5 hours on one beam or 2.5 hrs on both. It uses 6 D batteries instead of a strictly rechargeable system, though you obviously could buy rechargeable D bats. I found this light to more then bright enough for me; I ride in the city with just the flood only, and only use both beams when I'm on pitch dark country roads or bike paths; and I never have to worry about overriding the beam(s). The battery pack hangs off the frame not in a water bottle cage.
#14
kipuka explorer
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Hilo Town, East Hawai'i
Posts: 3,297
Bikes: 1994 Trek 820, 2004 Fuji Absolute, 2005 Jamis Nova, 1977 Schwinn Scrambler 36/36
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Chi
Didn't CatEye come out with a really bright version of the LED lights? Opticube or something....
Apparently lights are like religion on this forum: everybody thinks they've found The One True Headlight or something.
__________________
--
-=- '05 Jamis Nova -=- '04 Fuji Absolute -=- '94 Trek 820 -=- '77 Schwinn Scrambler 36/36 -=-
Friends don't let friends use brifters.
--
-=- '05 Jamis Nova -=- '04 Fuji Absolute -=- '94 Trek 820 -=- '77 Schwinn Scrambler 36/36 -=-
Friends don't let friends use brifters.
#16
RayG
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Mission, TX
Posts: 63
Bikes: Trek 2100 Pro (1994?)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
NiteHawk makes two models of the Emitter; Digital and a nonDigital. The one I bought is the nonDigital from NashBar for $39 US (on sale now) type. It has only two beem intensity modes (low and high) and the Digital has eleven as well as blinking.
The nonDigital goes for about $49 US and the other I can't remember - $99 CAD.
The nonDigital goes for about $49 US and the other I can't remember - $99 CAD.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: West Michigan
Posts: 748
Bikes: Schwinn Rocket 88, Schwinn Fastback, Cannondale Road Tandem, GT Timberline rigid steel mtb
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I just bought one of the "Opticubes" from Nashbar. Not sure what model but it was about $20. Anyway, I'm intending to use it so I can be seen better just in case I'm caught out a little late with the days getting shorter. It has a flash mode that should be good for this.
#18
Lentement mais sûrement
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Montréal
Posts: 2,253
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 78 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
rgarza28, can you tell us about the Emitter? How narrow is the beam? Can you compare it to a halogen light? Would you use it in pitch black on a road you don't know?
Thanks.
Thanks.
#19
RayG
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Mission, TX
Posts: 63
Bikes: Trek 2100 Pro (1994?)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Erick L
rgarza28, can you tell us about the Emitter? How narrow is the beam? Can you compare it to a halogen light? Would you use it in pitch black on a road you don't know?
Thanks.
Thanks.
The beem is round, focused and white with a little scatter around the edges. The size of the beam on the road depends on where you aim it. Closer to the bike the smaller the spot. I got mine about 12-13 ft in front of me and it has a spot of about 2-3 ft wide. These are guesstimates. I'll take a closer look tonite and repost the results.
Nite Hawk as a website that gives you an idea of the size, here is the link:
https://www.nite-hawk.com/bikeemitter.html
All i can say is that it lights the area in front of you and that's all. I imagine the Halogen lights to the front and sides as well.
#20
Dancing on the Pedals
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,021
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Halogen is the best of both worlds, very bright and reasonably priced, like in the one I just ordered: CygoLite Explorer NiCad 25W
www.citystop.com
Corsaire
www.citystop.com
Corsaire
#21
RayG
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Mission, TX
Posts: 63
Bikes: Trek 2100 Pro (1994?)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Ok, it's dark and I went outside to do some measuring and this is what I came up with for the NiteHawk Emitter light.
Center of beem is 5.5 yrds in front of the bike. The spot is an oval shaped that is 1 yd wide by 3.25 yds long with an outer ring that's about 1 yd thick.
Hope this helps. Remember that I ride home with primarly street lights with some dark corners. With this light I can see the road and people can see me as well. It lights up the path well and I'm taking it easy on the way back.
Hope this answers some questions.
Ray
Center of beem is 5.5 yrds in front of the bike. The spot is an oval shaped that is 1 yd wide by 3.25 yds long with an outer ring that's about 1 yd thick.
Hope this helps. Remember that I ride home with primarly street lights with some dark corners. With this light I can see the road and people can see me as well. It lights up the path well and I'm taking it easy on the way back.
Hope this answers some questions.
Ray
#23
Banned.
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana
Posts: 4,761
Bikes: 84 Trek 660 Suntour Superbe; 87 Giant Rincon Shimano XT; 07 Mercian Vincitore Campy Veloce
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Ok BikeForum janitor or monitor; I click on the sponsored link for super bright xenon bulbs and there all for cars! Isn't this forum about bicycles?
It sounds like the Emitter is still not as bright as even a 10 watt halogen they supposely said it's equivelent of. A 6 watt flood on a Cygo sounds brighter, with about a 5 foot diameter beam about 4 yards in front of you (depending on how you aim it of course), with scatter light that illuminates 45 degrees to each side from the center of the beam. The 6 watt spot light is aimed 5 degrees ahead of the flood and that beam is about 2 feet wide x 3 feet long-an oval shape with no scatter. If any LBS here in my town ever get this light to sell I'll compare them at night with the Cygo to see for sure.
It sounds like the Emitter is still not as bright as even a 10 watt halogen they supposely said it's equivelent of. A 6 watt flood on a Cygo sounds brighter, with about a 5 foot diameter beam about 4 yards in front of you (depending on how you aim it of course), with scatter light that illuminates 45 degrees to each side from the center of the beam. The 6 watt spot light is aimed 5 degrees ahead of the flood and that beam is about 2 feet wide x 3 feet long-an oval shape with no scatter. If any LBS here in my town ever get this light to sell I'll compare them at night with the Cygo to see for sure.
#24
kipuka explorer
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Hilo Town, East Hawai'i
Posts: 3,297
Bikes: 1994 Trek 820, 2004 Fuji Absolute, 2005 Jamis Nova, 1977 Schwinn Scrambler 36/36
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by LittleBigMan
Brightness is important, and so is seeing the road.
__________________
--
-=- '05 Jamis Nova -=- '04 Fuji Absolute -=- '94 Trek 820 -=- '77 Schwinn Scrambler 36/36 -=-
Friends don't let friends use brifters.
--
-=- '05 Jamis Nova -=- '04 Fuji Absolute -=- '94 Trek 820 -=- '77 Schwinn Scrambler 36/36 -=-
Friends don't let friends use brifters.
#25
Lentement mais sûrement
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Montréal
Posts: 2,253
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 78 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
Thanks a lot Ray. It does help a bunch.
I had a 5w halogen from NiteHawk and returned it. The light of the Emitter sounds a bit better, but the halogen, with the heavy battery, wires, shorter battery life and no dimmer option was overkill as a "be-seen" light and not enough (or barely enough) as a "see-the-road". And the Emitter is cheaper!
Thanks again.
I had a 5w halogen from NiteHawk and returned it. The light of the Emitter sounds a bit better, but the halogen, with the heavy battery, wires, shorter battery life and no dimmer option was overkill as a "be-seen" light and not enough (or barely enough) as a "see-the-road". And the Emitter is cheaper!
Thanks again.