Need Advice: Best Headlight for Illumination...
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 118
Likes: 1
From: Durham, NC
Bikes: 1997 Schwinn Homegrown, 1997 Roadmaster Little 500 track bike, 2004 Burley Rumba, 1997 Trek 730 MultiTrack, 90s Schwinn Moab MTB, 2019 DK Helio BMX, 80s Velo Sport Super Routier 12 Fixed Gear, 2000s Cannondale Touring bike, Late Model Giant TCR
Need Advice: Best Headlight for Illumination...
which does not require an external battery pack, handlebar-mounted, lasts for 1 hour and is rechargeable?
My co-worker is looking for the above to do fitness rides in the morning.
My co-worker is looking for the above to do fitness rides in the morning.
Last edited by BiketoFeel; 08-29-11 at 12:08 PM. Reason: clarify question
#2
Banned
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 43,586
Likes: 1,380
From: NW,Oregon Coast
Bikes: 8
How about fitting a hub dynamo front hub, and an LED headlight?
Schmidt, hub Dynamo and dual headlights is just the thing for Paris- Brest- Paris.
where the ride is starting and finishing at night.
and no battery light can put out that level of light for that many hours.
go cheaper , Shimano or other hub dynamo and all sorts of wired headlights.
Planet Bike has a wired handlebar mounted light,
you can unplug it from the hub and remove it from the handle bar ..
you have no battery life concerns then, and as dynamo, laced in the wheel,
works in all weather..
P-B also has Battery LED lights , I have a 1W version, they make a 2w too.
they are multimode blinky aka superflash. , fairly spot beam.
Nice German made imports too, Busch and Muller, AXA Basta, Spanninga, etc,
they are not multimode as German law requires
lights to be steady on,like all other vehicles.
Schmidt, hub Dynamo and dual headlights is just the thing for Paris- Brest- Paris.
where the ride is starting and finishing at night.
and no battery light can put out that level of light for that many hours.
go cheaper , Shimano or other hub dynamo and all sorts of wired headlights.
Planet Bike has a wired handlebar mounted light,
you can unplug it from the hub and remove it from the handle bar ..
you have no battery life concerns then, and as dynamo, laced in the wheel,
works in all weather..
P-B also has Battery LED lights , I have a 1W version, they make a 2w too.
they are multimode blinky aka superflash. , fairly spot beam.
Nice German made imports too, Busch and Muller, AXA Basta, Spanninga, etc,
they are not multimode as German law requires
lights to be steady on,like all other vehicles.
Last edited by fietsbob; 09-06-11 at 10:11 AM.
#4
Infamous Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 24,360
Likes: 6
From: Ohio
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Both of these MiNewts are cordless:
https://www.niterider.com/rechargeabl...-cordless-new/
https://www.niterider.com/rechargeabl...-cordless-new/
a P7 flashlight works too
https://www.niterider.com/rechargeabl...-cordless-new/
https://www.niterider.com/rechargeabl...-cordless-new/
a P7 flashlight works too
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 1
From: PNW - Victoria, BC
Bikes: 2002 Litespeed Vortex - 2007 Trek Madone 5.9 - 2004 Redline Conquest Pro - Specialized S-Works Festina Team Model - 93 Cannondale M 800 Beast of the East
This company makes some very nice commuting lights. They are somewhat expensive, but they work well. I have the Vis-360 Mounted on my commuting helmet, and it puts out great light, fore, aft, and to both sides.
https://www.bikelights.com/commuter.html
https://www.bikelights.com/commuter.html
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,536
Likes: 4
From: central ohio
Bikes: 96 gary fisher 'utopia' : 99 Softride 'Norwester'(for sale), 1972 Raleigh Twenty. Surly 1x1 converted to 1x8, 96 Turner Burner
I use one of these. A Romisen RC-N3. Works great on rechargeable batteries. Mounted on a two fish lockblock. I'm getting close to 4 hours on my 4 yr old light. And it won't cost you an arm and a leg. Good value.

https://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/t...II-CREE/Detail
P.S. I'm still using the same rechargeables I bought 4 years ago.

https://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/t...II-CREE/Detail
P.S. I'm still using the same rechargeables I bought 4 years ago.
#7
Born Again Pagan
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,241
Likes: 2
From: Southwestern Ontario
Bikes: Schwinn hybrid, Raleigh MTB
Busch & Müller IXON IQ. Can be purchased with rechargeable batteries; light plugs right into charger, so no need to remove batteries. It ain't cheap, but is sure is nice. Available through Peter White:
https://www.peterwhitecycles.com/b&m.asp
https://www.peterwhitecycles.com/b&m.asp
#8
Senior Member

Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,471
Likes: 1
From: Gig Harbor, WA
Bikes: Surly Long Haul Trucker, Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo, Dahon Mu P 24 , Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Rodriguez Tandem, Wheeler MTB
I've just purchased a Fenix LD20, so far so good. Its light enough that later, if you want to change it's location from your handle bars to your helmet , you'll not notice its weight.
#9
This just went on sale @ NewEgg:
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882021185
Reviews look promising and the price is definitely right.
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882021185
Reviews look promising and the price is definitely right.
#11
I bought one of those cheap chinese things from dealtime. 900 lumens with C18650 battery. Works great, and puts out a lot of light. I can't complain, although there are better lights out there. Flashlight + charger + batteries was $50. It is almost as bright as a single car or motorcycle light.
https://www.dealextreme.com/p/ultrafi...-1-18650-50319
https://www.dealextreme.com/p/ultrafi...-1-18650-50319
#12
just ride

Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 375
Likes: 0
From: Philadelphia
Both of these MiNewts are cordless:
https://www.niterider.com/rechargeabl...-cordless-new/
https://www.niterider.com/rechargeabl...-cordless-new/
a P7 flashlight works too
https://www.niterider.com/rechargeabl...-cordless-new/
https://www.niterider.com/rechargeabl...-cordless-new/
a P7 flashlight works too
#13
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,954
Likes: 388
From: NE Indiana
Bikes: 2020 Masi Giramondo 700c; 2013 Lynskey Peloton; 1992 Giant Rincon; 1989 Dawes needs parts; 1985 Trek 660; 1985 Fuji Club; 1984 Schwinn Voyager; 1984 Miyata 612; 1977 Raleigh Competition GS
Cygolite makes several self contained, but with replaceable batteries (most don't have that capability), rechargeable lights, from 150 lumens to 600 lumens and others in between, and all will burn for at least 2 hours on high. There are 3 ExpiliOn lights and a Trion, please see this site for details on each: https://www.cygolite.com/products/index.html
Your best prices on any of these lights can be found on Amazon. There is also a ExpiliOn 250 that is no longer made as of this year but their still found on Amazon.
Your best prices on any of these lights can be found on Amazon. There is also a ExpiliOn 250 that is no longer made as of this year but their still found on Amazon.
#14
12mph+ commuter
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 863
Likes: 1
From: Oak Park, IL
Cygolite: https://www.amazon.com/CygoLite-Expil...4849777&sr=8-2
I bought the 250 model, but a 350 just came out for around the same price. After having to deal with the frustration of cheapo nonbike lights (P7, magicshine, etc), the build quality and intelligent design of the expilion is a welcomed change.
I bought the 250 model, but a 350 just came out for around the same price. After having to deal with the frustration of cheapo nonbike lights (P7, magicshine, etc), the build quality and intelligent design of the expilion is a welcomed change.
#16
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,954
Likes: 388
From: NE Indiana
Bikes: 2020 Masi Giramondo 700c; 2013 Lynskey Peloton; 1992 Giant Rincon; 1989 Dawes needs parts; 1985 Trek 660; 1985 Fuji Club; 1984 Schwinn Voyager; 1984 Miyata 612; 1977 Raleigh Competition GS
Cygolite: https://www.amazon.com/CygoLite-Expil...4849777&sr=8-2
I bought the 250 model, but a 350 just came out for around the same price. After having to deal with the frustration of cheapo nonbike lights (P7, magicshine, etc), the build quality and intelligent design of the expilion is a welcomed change.
I bought the 250 model, but a 350 just came out for around the same price. After having to deal with the frustration of cheapo nonbike lights (P7, magicshine, etc), the build quality and intelligent design of the expilion is a welcomed change.
#17
I used a Minewt X2 for a few years, then added a Minewt 400 dual when it came out and used the X2 as a front blinky.
The X2 is inadequate for seeing debris and damage on unlit roads at downhill speeds.
The X2 is inadequate for seeing debris and damage on unlit roads at downhill speeds.
#18
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,965
Likes: 6
From: Falls City, OR
Bikes: 2012 Salsa Fargo 2, Rocky Mountain Fusion, circa '93
I bought the MagicShine for Geoman and 2 months into owning it failed, I sent it back under the 90 day warranty provision, that was 14 months ago and a constant barrage of e-mails for about 6 months, and not one e-mail was ever answered, I gave up. UPS had tracked it as received so I know they got it. So I gave up and lesson learned, if it's too good to be true it's probably a bad product.
#19
Kitten Legion Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 900
Likes: 1
Bikes: Fuji silhouette, Dawes SST-aL
I am possibly getting a Sparks ST6-460NW for night riding. No battery pack, 300 lumens (test in a integrated sphere) and neutral white for better perception and color. It can also use 18650 cells so you can get more than 1 with you for looong trips.
Review here: https://www.light-reviews.com/spark_st6-460nw/
Another great light is Zebralights, check them out too. I know these are headlamps, but they are also great for riding at night.
Review here: https://www.light-reviews.com/spark_st6-460nw/
Another great light is Zebralights, check them out too. I know these are headlamps, but they are also great for riding at night.
Last edited by ben4345; 09-01-11 at 01:09 PM.
#20
Senior Member


Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 30,465
Likes: 4,547
From: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
if you don't need to see where you are going and only need a "to be seen light" then consider rechargeable AAs in something like a Planet Bike headlight
https://www.campingworld.com/shopping...FYHc4Aod22lPyw
they also make a rear light which is also important that takes AAAs
I like generic style batteries like AA and AAA because they are easy to find and you can carry a spare set of non rechargeables in your bag just in case.
https://www.campingworld.com/shopping...FYHc4Aod22lPyw
they also make a rear light which is also important that takes AAAs
I like generic style batteries like AA and AAA because they are easy to find and you can carry a spare set of non rechargeables in your bag just in case.
#21
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,954
Likes: 388
From: NE Indiana
Bikes: 2020 Masi Giramondo 700c; 2013 Lynskey Peloton; 1992 Giant Rincon; 1989 Dawes needs parts; 1985 Trek 660; 1985 Fuji Club; 1984 Schwinn Voyager; 1984 Miyata 612; 1977 Raleigh Competition GS
You should always have a light you can see by, thoseto be seen only lights are not even bright enough to even be seen! And for what? to save $40?
#22
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 424
Likes: 1
From: Boston, MA
Bikes: 1983 Peugeot UO14, KHS Green-Heavily modified, 1972 Raleigh Sprite 27" (work in progress)
How about fitting a hub dynamo front hub, and an LED headlight?
Planet Bike has a wired handlebar mounted light,
you can unplug it from the hub and remove it from the handle bar ..
you have no battery life concerns then, and as dynamo, laced in the wheel,
works in all weather..
Planet Bike has a wired handlebar mounted light,
you can unplug it from the hub and remove it from the handle bar ..
you have no battery life concerns then, and as dynamo, laced in the wheel,
works in all weather..
#23
Senior Member


Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 6,916
Likes: 1,260
Erm...let's not kid ourselves, no, it's not. A single car headlight will destroy anything sold as a bike headlight, especially when you consider that the car headlight gives you 1700++ real lumens for under $20. All bike light makers hype their lumen figures, car headlight makers cannot. If you estimate that they (bike lights) are optimistic by 50%(!!) you will be on solid ground. With that paradigm a Magicshine is just under 500 real lumens. It uses four 4 18650's. Two for power and two for runtime. There is no single cell 18650 flashlight that can touch it for runtime. There is no 3 AAA that can touch it for intensity. There isn't. Even if I had the money to buy a Lupine Tesla or a Busch and Mueller anything, I think it sends the wrong message for cyclists to pay $350, $500... ... $800, for a single headlight when at most they are getting ~800 real lumens from it. And, most of the time, much less. Support the manufacturers that bring products to market with a reasonable performance to price ratio and help them do well. I love my Magicshine. Could it fail? Of course it could. So could an expensive light. I'm not sure it matters though. I cannot. I simply cannot afford what a quality headlight that delivers 500 real lumens costs. OTOH I will forever bear the scars from the accident that resulted from using a quality 110 real lumen headlight in the real world. So, since it's my hide on the line I will take the low road and buy the chinese knock off 500 real lumen light and call it good enough for now.
H
H
#24
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 6,431
Likes: 44
From: Minneapolis, MN
lol, I agree that none of the flashlights will match a car headlight, but they *do* make bike headlights as bright or brighter than a car headlight. Say, the Night Rider Pro 3000 which puts out 3,000 lumens (at least the last time I checked Niterider rated their lights accurately).
The thing that sucks about it is that it puts out a car headlight level of light, but doesn't have a shaped beam with a cutoff light a car headlight does.
The thing that sucks about it is that it puts out a car headlight level of light, but doesn't have a shaped beam with a cutoff light a car headlight does.
#25
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,954
Likes: 388
From: NE Indiana
Bikes: 2020 Masi Giramondo 700c; 2013 Lynskey Peloton; 1992 Giant Rincon; 1989 Dawes needs parts; 1985 Trek 660; 1985 Fuji Club; 1984 Schwinn Voyager; 1984 Miyata 612; 1977 Raleigh Competition GS
lol, I agree that none of the flashlights will match a car headlight, but they *do* make bike headlights as bright or brighter than a car headlight. Say, the Night Rider Pro 3000 which puts out 3,000 lumens (at least the last time I checked Niterider rated their lights accurately).
The thing that sucks about it is that it puts out a car headlight level of light, but doesn't have a shaped beam with a cutoff light a car headlight does.
The thing that sucks about it is that it puts out a car headlight level of light, but doesn't have a shaped beam with a cutoff light a car headlight does.
Why would anyone need that much light to travel at no more then 32 mph? And I bet the average speed on this forum is probably 16 to 17 mph and for that you need a 3,000 lumen light? I have more then enough light with 480 lumens and most of the time I run it at around 300 unless on a very dark road then I bump it to 480. 3000 lumen light would be great to have if one could ride their bike at 80 mph!!
This is just purely absurd.



