In need of a real light
#1
Thread Starter
Full Member

Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 265
Likes: 29
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Bikes: All-City Big Block, Giant Bowery, KHS Flite 100
In need of a real light
I have been using a Light and Motion Vis 180 for a long time now, the thing is almost starting to fall apart. It just so happens that I just got a job somewhere and I have to commute back home for 45 minutes after dark 4 days a week. My little blackburn blinky just isnt cutting it. I am in need of a front light drivers can see and that actually helps me see the streets! I need something that of course is going to be rechargeable. Im really only looking for a front light. At a local bike shop they sell 2 sets of light and motion lights one set is upgraded above my tail light.. soo the price range is around 150$ for those and Im not sure if thats an average deal or not. What should I go with?
Last edited by Wallonthefloor; 05-02-15 at 12:34 AM.
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 595
Likes: 47
From: Summerville SC
Bikes: 2012 Caad 8 105; 1994 Trek 5500
#3
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 484
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From: NYC & Mid Hudson Valley, NY
Bikes: Fuji Del Rey, Bacchetta Giro 20, RANS Stratus XP XL, RANS Stratus XP XXL, RANS Stratus LE XL
Amazon.com : Ultra Bright 1600 Lumens Rechargeable Mountain Bike Light with Cree XP-G2 Neutral White LED - Bike Headlight - LED Bike Light-Suitable for: Mountain Biking, Downhill, Touring, Commuting - Long Battery Life -7.4V 5.2Ah BAK Rechargeable Li
This is the best deal on a quality package that includes everything you could need. You won't find anything better anywhere for less. Only caveat, the little M4 x8mm screw that holds the plastic mount to the shell is a bit short. I'd recommend replacing it with a 10mm long one and throwing in a #60 O-ring as a washer under the screw head, cost pennies at any big box store and makes a world of difference. In all other regards the NiteFighter BT40S package can't be beat. On sale for only $69.95 right now, fulfilled by Amazon so pretty much risk free.
Yeah you might see what look like good setups on for less, but none of them will be as reliable as the Nitefighter. It's the only one comes with genuine new high quality Li-ion cells (5200mAh BAK pack), will give long run time on each charge and last years.
Enjoy your commute, Wallonthefloor.
This is the best deal on a quality package that includes everything you could need. You won't find anything better anywhere for less. Only caveat, the little M4 x8mm screw that holds the plastic mount to the shell is a bit short. I'd recommend replacing it with a 10mm long one and throwing in a #60 O-ring as a washer under the screw head, cost pennies at any big box store and makes a world of difference. In all other regards the NiteFighter BT40S package can't be beat. On sale for only $69.95 right now, fulfilled by Amazon so pretty much risk free.
Yeah you might see what look like good setups on for less, but none of them will be as reliable as the Nitefighter. It's the only one comes with genuine new high quality Li-ion cells (5200mAh BAK pack), will give long run time on each charge and last years.
Enjoy your commute, Wallonthefloor.
#4
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 6,431
Likes: 44
From: Minneapolis, MN
One of the best lights I own is the Phillips Saferide -
https://www.amazon.com/Philips-SafeRi...llips+saferide
You'll want to buy a set of better AA batteries than it comes with for it (they have a bad reputation) -
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-R...ywords=aa+nimh
But the batteries charge just by plugging in the light, you do not need a seperate charger.
In my opinion it's the best light you can get for around $150 for road riding. Shaped beam, evenly distributed beam, lights up the road well.
https://www.amazon.com/Philips-SafeRi...llips+saferide
You'll want to buy a set of better AA batteries than it comes with for it (they have a bad reputation) -
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-R...ywords=aa+nimh
But the batteries charge just by plugging in the light, you do not need a seperate charger.
In my opinion it's the best light you can get for around $150 for road riding. Shaped beam, evenly distributed beam, lights up the road well.
#5
Galveston County Texas
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 33,335
Likes: 1,285
From: In The Wind
Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum
Get Two of these...Great for the price. I have four of them.
Amazon.com : CREE XML XM-L T6 LED Bike Bicycle Light HeadLight HeadLamp 1200LM Blue : Sports & Outdoors
Amazon.com : CREE XML XM-L T6 LED Bike Bicycle Light HeadLight HeadLamp 1200LM Blue : Sports & Outdoors
__________________
Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
#6
They cost a little more than your budget, I run a dynamo hub with LED front and rear lights. I really like not worrying if my batteries have enough charge to make it home. Dynamo lighting systems are always there, ready to go, no matter the temperature or internal of last charge.
#7
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo, New York
Bikes: 2015 Jamis Allegro Elite
I am very happy with my Fenix BC30 bike light. The "trigger" controlled burst was used last night to prevent an suv from backing out of a driveway into me. Having a bright light makes my night rides (parks, bike paths, pot hole filled streets) so much more enjoyable and safe. I suggest taking a look at this bike light.
Fenix BC30 LED Bike Lights
Fenix BC30 LED Bike Lights
#8
This guy has sold "real" lights for >5 years and has thousands of satisfied customers. I own a couple Magicshines and a Gemini, and may get a Gloworm for handlebar mount and put the Gemini on helmet. Their batteries are some of the best sold anywhere - the MS in particular are a good value:
https://www.action-led-lights.com/collections/bike
https://www.action-led-lights.com/collections/bike
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,660
Likes: 177
Fenix bike lights. I have this one: Fenix BT20 Bike Light I like the idea of using my batteries and charger.
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,968
Likes: 1
From: Minnesota
Bikes: '09 Trek 2.1 * '75 Sekine * 2010 Raleigh Talus 8.0 * '90 Giant Mtb * Raleigh M20 * Fuji Nevada mtb
Many of the suggestions already made I am considering also, good lights. This is also on the radar because I might need 2 hr run times:
Budget 2-emitter, 4 18650 battery pack:Yinding YD XM-L2 Cool White and Neutral White | BudgetLightForum.com
Budget 2-emitter with one wider and lower minimizing blinding oncoming traffic:
https://forums.mtbr.com/lights-night-...r5-946489.html
These, like a lot of BLF threads get long and often have lots of beam shots so you can cut to the chase.
Right now I'm running a single 18650 900 LM flashlight (usually on med) and 80 lumen helmet light, with lockblock or Fenix light holders.
Budget 2-emitter, 4 18650 battery pack:Yinding YD XM-L2 Cool White and Neutral White | BudgetLightForum.com
Budget 2-emitter with one wider and lower minimizing blinding oncoming traffic:
https://forums.mtbr.com/lights-night-...r5-946489.html
These, like a lot of BLF threads get long and often have lots of beam shots so you can cut to the chase.
Right now I'm running a single 18650 900 LM flashlight (usually on med) and 80 lumen helmet light, with lockblock or Fenix light holders.
__________________
FB4K - Every October we wrench on donated bikes. Every December, a few thousand kids get bikes for Christmas. For many, it is their first bike, ever. Every bike, new and used, was donated, built, cleaned and repaired. Check us out on FaceBook: FB4K.
Disclaimer: 99% of what I know about cycling I learned on BF. That would make, ummm, 1% experience. And a lot of posts.
FB4K - Every October we wrench on donated bikes. Every December, a few thousand kids get bikes for Christmas. For many, it is their first bike, ever. Every bike, new and used, was donated, built, cleaned and repaired. Check us out on FaceBook: FB4K.
Disclaimer: 99% of what I know about cycling I learned on BF. That would make, ummm, 1% experience. And a lot of posts.
Last edited by RoadTire; 05-03-15 at 11:18 PM.
#11
Banned
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,226
Likes: 3
Fenix bike lights. I have this one: Fenix BT20 Bike Light I like the idea of using my batteries and charger.
#12
Thread Starter
Full Member

Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 265
Likes: 29
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Bikes: All-City Big Block, Giant Bowery, KHS Flite 100
Get Two of these...Great for the price. I have four of them.
Amazon.com : CREE XML XM-L T6 LED Bike Bicycle Light HeadLight HeadLamp 1200LM Blue : Sports & Outdoors
Amazon.com : CREE XML XM-L T6 LED Bike Bicycle Light HeadLight HeadLamp 1200LM Blue : Sports & Outdoors
#13
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Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 287
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From: Ann Arbor, MI
Bikes: '97 Bianchi CDI, '97 Specialized RockHopper, '13 Specialized Sirrus Pro, '13 Trek 8.5 DS, '13 BH EasyMotion NeoXtrem, '14 Trek Domane, '86 Schwinn AirDyne ;)
I use the Light & Motion Urban 550 and I find that super bright and super convenient. However, I paid only $85 for it last July at Amazon (seller was Clever Training), and now it's going for $100 more, which I would not spend/have spent. Here's the link anyway; it includes a L&M video highlighting the features which I really like and now require. Amazon.com : Light and Motion Urban 550 Lumens Bike Light (Galaxy Grey) : Bike Lighting Parts And Accessories : Sports & Outdoors
PS: I still use my "Blackburn blinky" (Flea front and back) the most.
PS: I still use my "Blackburn blinky" (Flea front and back) the most.
#14
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 546
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I have been using a Light and Motion Vis 180 for a long time now, the thing is almost starting to fall apart. It just so happens that I just got a job somewhere and I have to commute back home for 45 minutes after dark 4 days a week. My little blackburn blinky just isnt cutting it. I am in need of a front light drivers can see and that actually helps me see the streets! I need something that of course is going to be rechargeable. Im really only looking for a front light. At a local bike shop they sell 2 sets of light and motion lights one set is upgraded above my tail light.. soo the price range is around 150$ for those and Im not sure if thats an average deal or not. What should I go with?
https://www.amazon.com/SUPERNIGHT-TM-...cree+headlight
Super bright headlight. Add a diffuser and you're set.
#15
Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,207
Likes: 16
Cygolite Metro
In the $40 something to approaching $60 range, the Cygolite Metro series is worth considering. (I've seen those prices $5 to $10 lower in recent months than the $47 and $59 prices I see today.)
Things to like:
Things to like:
- the "DayLightning" mode is very noticeable in daylight
- the "SteadyPulse" mode is useful in the evening
- one piece / no external battery required
- 110 grams / moderate size and weight
- sturdy handlebar mount
- USB rechargeable
- build quality appears fine
#16
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 265
Likes: 29
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Bikes: All-City Big Block, Giant Bowery, KHS Flite 100
So this Light and Motion Urban 650 is perfect and what I needed. My only complaint is that the battery indicator light is usually red or orange by the time I get home, so the maximum brightness kills the light pretty fast but it has not died on me yet. What I absolutely love is the mount, I can easily move the light left and right on the swivel mount and up and down. Whenever any cars start moving into my lane I just shine it over towards them and they usually move away its super handy to make it look like you are coming into their lane. It is infact brighter than most car headlights I've seen unless you have one of those new electric cars with laser headlights.
#17
Devil's Advocate
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 484
Likes: 50
From: NYC & Mid Hudson Valley, NY
Bikes: Fuji Del Rey, Bacchetta Giro 20, RANS Stratus XP XL, RANS Stratus XP XXL, RANS Stratus LE XL
Battery charge indicators are all notoriously fickle. The more responsible manufacturers will put a disclaimer in the instruction manual, explaining that battery voltage is unstable during use, so reading will only be accurate at start-up or about five minutes after lamp is shut off and voltage has stabilized. Also, for the same reason, you should not turn on the lamp for about the same five minutes after it has been charging, and also wait that amount of time before recharging. (Sorry I can't post a link, seems like all the online manuals were taken down from the site that used to host them; dunno if they were in violation of copyright or simply got hosed.)
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PatrickGSR94
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