Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Commuting
Reload this Page >

DIY Headlight Mount

Search
Notices
Commuting Bicycle commuting is easier than you think, before you know it, you'll be hooked. Learn the tips, hints, equipment, safety requirements for safely riding your bike to work.

DIY Headlight Mount

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 01-19-15 | 05:42 PM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 102
Likes: 1
DIY Headlight Mount

Here's a home made light mount that attaches to forks with V brakes. The headlight clamp was at a awkward angle on the handle bars so I mounted the light on the V brake stand off. I used a 1 x 1 inch L bracket and a 1/2 inch PVC pipe cap. You simply back out the screw on one V brake arm to attach the L bracket. I had to enlarge both holes in the bracket and filed off the flutes on the PVC cap. I painted the mount and added hockey tape to obtain a ideal diameter to match my light clamp. I had all of the parts on hand but they should be under three bucks @ Home Depot. While you're at the hardware store pick up a length of 1.25 inch ID foam pipe insulation. I slip the foam over my top frame tube and have no concerns leaning my bike against a pole to lock it up.


Attached Images
File Type: jpg
light-8876.jpg (95.2 KB, 87 views)
File Type: jpg
light-8878.jpg (91.2 KB, 105 views)
Maybelater is offline  
Reply
Old 01-19-15 | 08:25 PM
  #2  
Burton's Avatar
Certified Bike Brat
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,251
Likes: 6
From: Montreal, Quebec
I personally like that height better than handlebar height - nice idea!
Burton is offline  
Reply
Old 01-20-15 | 08:27 AM
  #3  
BobbyG's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,633
Likes: 2,359
From: Colorado Springs, CO

Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Specialized Rockhopper, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V

I like the position, too. It should allow for reflections to dance off the spokes, increasing visibility.
BobbyG is offline  
Reply
Old 01-21-15 | 05:40 AM
  #4  
Lug's Avatar
Lug
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 149
Likes: 9
From: Anchorage AK

Bikes: 2015 Salsa Fargo 3, 2000 Specialized Rockhopper

Have you rode it in the dark yet? I am wondering how the shadows to the right side are because of the tire blocking light spillage.
Justin
Lug is offline  
Reply
Old 01-21-15 | 09:38 AM
  #5  
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 102
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by Lug
Have you rode it in the dark yet? I am wondering how the shadows to the right side are because of the tire blocking light spillage.
Justin
Yes...I rode in the dark and the tire will block some light spillage but I found it had negligible effect. I had no problem lighting distant reflective road signs with a one watt headlight. Your point is valid and light blockage will differ depending on the width of the beam.
Maybelater is offline  
Reply
Old 01-21-15 | 10:50 AM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: Southeastern CT

Bikes: 1994 Barracuda A2E, 1991 Specialized Rockhopper, 1993 Marin Bear Valley, 1995 Nishiki Cascade, 1970 Raleigh Sports (project)

Neat idea! I built my own DIY headlight by modifying a cheap headlamp and using an extra mount from a taillight purchase. I don't particularly care about the appearance of my commuter, so it worked perfectly. It's not a super strong light, but it works great as a flasher in addition to my main headlight.
Crawford53 is offline  
Reply
Old 01-22-15 | 05:24 AM
  #7  
TransitBiker's Avatar
contiuniously variable
10 Anniversary
 
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 2,280
Likes: 9
From: Southeastern Pennsylvania

Bikes: 2012 Breezer Uptown Infinity, Fuji Varsity

For some time now i've been wondering why they can't mount lights both on the head tube and down by the axle on the fork for both "where you are pointed" and "where you are about to go if you turn your wheel this direction". Better illumination of potential hazards, you are more visible, and the "triangle" pattern may illuminate more evenly depending on the lamps used.

This is good for people without other mount options on the fork, i think.

- Andy
TransitBiker is offline  
Reply
Old 01-23-15 | 04:15 AM
  #8  
Lug's Avatar
Lug
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 149
Likes: 9
From: Anchorage AK

Bikes: 2015 Salsa Fargo 3, 2000 Specialized Rockhopper

Originally Posted by TransitBiker
For some time now i've been wondering why they can't mount lights both on the head tube and down by the axle on the fork for both "where you are pointed" and "where you are about to go if you turn your wheel this direction". Better illumination of potential hazards, you are more visible, and the "triangle" pattern may illuminate more evenly depending on the lamps used.

This is good for people without other mount options on the fork, i think.

- Andy
And the the spaced out multiple light set up might (big might) give car drivers a little more of a visual clue on how fast the bicyclist is approaching.
Justin
Lug is offline  
Reply
Old 01-23-15 | 08:23 AM
  #9  
mconlonx's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,552
Likes: 135
I'll have to get a pic, but my DIY headlight mount was specific to the build: VO constructeur front rack with bosses, SuperNova E3 dyno-light. I used a stainless marine strap cleat, plus orbital washers from a v-brake pad setup, road bike caliper brake bolt as a spacer, and blue loctite to get where I needed.
mconlonx is offline  
Reply
Old 01-24-15 | 12:56 PM
  #10  
TransitBiker's Avatar
contiuniously variable
10 Anniversary
 
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 2,280
Likes: 9
From: Southeastern Pennsylvania

Bikes: 2012 Breezer Uptown Infinity, Fuji Varsity

Originally Posted by Lug
And the the spaced out multiple light set up might (big might) give car drivers a little more of a visual clue on how fast the bicyclist is approaching.
Justin
Indeed. Railroads use a triangle pattern for a reason.

- Andy
TransitBiker is offline  
Reply
Old 01-24-15 | 06:51 PM
  #11  
gregjones's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,828
Likes: 1
From: West Georgia

Bikes: K2 Mod 5.0 Roadie, Fuji Commuter

Originally Posted by TransitBiker
For some time now i've been wondering why they can't mount lights both on the head tube
I put a Serfas Thunderbolt (long, skinny light) vertically on the head tube of the K2. It aims up naturally with the head tube angle and the pick-ups and SUVs seem to pull out in front of me less than without it.
gregjones is offline  
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
seedsbelize
Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets
4
05-14-14 03:56 PM
seedsbelize
Bicycle Mechanics
4
05-03-14 08:08 AM
Multcomedic
Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets
7
03-02-13 04:10 AM
vol
Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets
41
11-02-12 07:06 PM
tatfiend
Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets
4
04-23-10 01:00 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.