I am surprised at the lack of high quality, 1 to 3 watt bike lamps for less than $50 in most local bike shops as well as online. I have a 1 watt luxeon 3xAAA hand torch that I would just need a bar mount for that would work perfect- great spot, good overall light. That torch sells for $10 bucks. It looks waterproof, but I can extra winterize it with saran wrap if neccesary. The same looking thing in a bike shop sells for $40, comes with a bar mount, doesnt look anymore waterproof, but there is no spot, so it doesnt go out very far.

Here's my reasoning- a 1 watt LED (4.5 v luxeon or otherwise) sell as MAGLIGHT lamp replacements for less than $10. All we need now is a mount and a battery holder. Seems to me that there should be more bike lamps in the under $50 category that would work for commuters.

I'm going to build one of my own from a broken torch, but I know it will look a little hokey.

I've been searching for months for a AA or AAA 4.5 volt 3watt LED bike lamp but the ones under $30 suck or are not waterproof, and the rest are up at 100 bucks.

Where's the easy to mount LED part with a wire and a bottle cage for 3C cells?

I cant think that my only options are the $150 to $300 (very nice) lamps.

I'm trying to get my GFs bike ready for winter (rain and dark) commuting, but have just been appaled at the prices.

I read on this thread that some people make thier own systems- were there links to those projects?

Thanks!

Dean

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.13060

About $.09 per lumen for 500 lumens. No construction required.

trustfire TR-801 for a helmet light is quite good as a suppliment to P7 or MC-E handlebar mounted light..

I gave up on the flashlight path. My HID bit the dust earlier this week after 3 years of winters riding over very rough roads (actually I suspect my homemade regulator died, but I'm ready for a change). The DX flashlights I've tried didn't cut it, so I ordered the Dinotte 200L yesterday after checking out beam shots from AcidInMyLegs's blog. The price is pretty good $130, and it looks solid as a rock, and I'm happy to be able to buy something from a company that builds their product in the US and seems to have unexcelled customer service.

I'm riding with my old 20W halogen until the 200L comes. It's actually pretty good, if a bit heavy and very ugly (made from plumbing parts). Also I'm looking forward to having good strobe modes for bad weather, and I think I'm sold enough on Dinotte to order their taillight as well, supplanting one of my SuperFlashes (I won't ride with only one taillight no matter how good it is - anything can fail).

I believe if you go to the Dinotte site, the Dinotte 200L AA lights are on sale right now (with a long or short cord, but without batteries or charger) for $100. I suggest the long cord - you can always tie up with a zip-tie if you end up only using it on your handlebars and not on your helmet. Obviously it's $10 for a new set of rechargeable AA batteries - it's hard to beat that cost-wise.

I've only used the Dinotte's, so I can only comment on them -
1 200L on the handlebars - I did this for a while for commuting at night. It works ok - I just didn't quite feel comfortable going 20mph like I like to do, had to go more like 17mph to feel comfortable. Also (naturally) had to slow down more for sharp turns. If you try this then decide you need more light, the cool thing is that you can use the 200L as a helmet light.
1 200L on the handlebars, 1 on the helmet - I haven't tried this, but I think this would be the best "cheap" way to go. The helmet light has more reach being up higher, and it seems like it would be enough light combined.
1 600L on the handlebars, 1 200L on the helmet - this is what I have (plus a 140L tail light). The 600L goes about the same distance as the 200L (maybe a tiny bit farther) but it's a much wider beam. If you're winter biking (ice) or there's other stuff on the road you need to look out for this is probably the best option. I feel comfortable flying down the road at top speed with this setup - the 600L light up the road immediately in front of me and to the sides, while the 200L on the helmet adds enough reach to see pretty darn far down the road. But it's $500 for the setup ($600 with the tail light) so it's probably not what you're looking for.

Dinotte or Cygo would be the route I'd go( and will some day), I'm pretty lucky I can get by with an el cheapo LED and a hand torch where I live.

+ 1 for Dinotte.
I recharge batteries for other stuff at home, so the website deal was a good deal. on Urban MUPS it works fine

I agree with you. I did a forum search, found the right thread, and built my lighting system for $50. 12 volts, 55 watts. Makes my bike look like it has a spotlight on the front :D!

Sorry, wrong button guys. I was replying to the initial reply.

...need coffee....

The best headlights under $50 thread

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=435347