Recommend A Light For My Helmet Pls.
#1
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LET'S ROLL
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: NEW YORK, NY - USA
Bikes: 2014 BMC Gran Fondo, 2013 Brompton S6L-X
Recommend A Light For My Helmet Pls.
Before I get hit with a thousand models; some of my requirements:
1. Minimum 950 lumens; more would be better.
2. Not too tall profile; should be equal or less than my last set-up.
Niterider Lumina Flare.
3. Less than US$300(light, battery, helmet mount).
4. Single unit; no separate battery pack.
5. Can be operated while wearing winter gloves. On/off/toggling
between lo and hi.
Background:
Was happily using a Niterider Lumina Flare(650 lumen rating) for 2
years. Together with a Lezyne Mega Drive on the handlebars; output
was enough for my needs. Helmet mount had a ratchet action; allowing
me to point the beam lower(or higher). I bought the helmet mount for
Lezyzne and didn't like it. Profile was too tall; locking ball adjustment
for beam angle seems crude. Can easily control the light even with thick
winter gloves. But I lost it in my last move. Still have the helmet mount
on my helmet; and probably the bar mount somewhere in it's box.
Can go with the Luminna 950 boost as a replacement. Cateye Volt1600
looks interesting. But helmet mount profile seems tall. any other models/brands
I should consider? Thanks in advance fellow riders.
Large pizza; tiny bike - challenge accepted by 1nterceptor, on Flickr
1. Minimum 950 lumens; more would be better.
2. Not too tall profile; should be equal or less than my last set-up.
Niterider Lumina Flare.
3. Less than US$300(light, battery, helmet mount).
4. Single unit; no separate battery pack.
5. Can be operated while wearing winter gloves. On/off/toggling
between lo and hi.
Background:
Was happily using a Niterider Lumina Flare(650 lumen rating) for 2
years. Together with a Lezyne Mega Drive on the handlebars; output
was enough for my needs. Helmet mount had a ratchet action; allowing
me to point the beam lower(or higher). I bought the helmet mount for
Lezyzne and didn't like it. Profile was too tall; locking ball adjustment
for beam angle seems crude. Can easily control the light even with thick
winter gloves. But I lost it in my last move. Still have the helmet mount
on my helmet; and probably the bar mount somewhere in it's box.
Can go with the Luminna 950 boost as a replacement. Cateye Volt1600
looks interesting. But helmet mount profile seems tall. any other models/brands
I should consider? Thanks in advance fellow riders.
Large pizza; tiny bike - challenge accepted by 1nterceptor, on Flickr
__________________
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One day: www.youtube.com/watch?v=20X43026ukY&list=UUHyRS8bRu6zPoymgKaIoDLA&index=1
#2
All in one and over 950 lumens is difficult. By the time you get above that, its most likely too much weight. 950 boost may be your best bet since you already have 650. But be aware the 950 lumen rating is 40 minutes.
Last edited by Staypuft1652; 04-13-17 at 02:37 PM.
#3
Thread Starter
LET'S ROLL
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 4,789
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From: NEW YORK, NY - USA
Bikes: 2014 BMC Gran Fondo, 2013 Brompton S6L-X
Thanks for the input. Yes, I'm aware most lights don't last long at the highest setting(s).
I usually alternate power levels while I'm riding to maximize run time and power. I'll
have it low or off on lighted paths, medium on familiar roads and high in daytime traffic.
This is why I need controls/buttons I can operate with gloves while riding.
At this point, it looks like I'm going with the Niterider Lumina 950 Boost, since I already
have a helmet strap and I'm happy with how it works. Would have been interested in other
riders' review of helmet mounted Cygolite Metro 1100, Cateye Volt 1600, etc.
Here I have a generic Magicshine on my helmet. While it was powerful and I'm able to
operate the switch even with winter gloves in the rain; I didn't like having to place the
battery pack in my pocket:
I usually alternate power levels while I'm riding to maximize run time and power. I'll
have it low or off on lighted paths, medium on familiar roads and high in daytime traffic.
This is why I need controls/buttons I can operate with gloves while riding.
At this point, it looks like I'm going with the Niterider Lumina 950 Boost, since I already
have a helmet strap and I'm happy with how it works. Would have been interested in other
riders' review of helmet mounted Cygolite Metro 1100, Cateye Volt 1600, etc.
Here I have a generic Magicshine on my helmet. While it was powerful and I'm able to
operate the switch even with winter gloves in the rain; I didn't like having to place the
battery pack in my pocket:
__________________
One day: www.youtube.com/watch?v=20X43026ukY&list=UUHyRS8bRu6zPoymgKaIoDLA&index=1
One day: www.youtube.com/watch?v=20X43026ukY&list=UUHyRS8bRu6zPoymgKaIoDLA&index=1
#4
Zoom zoom zoom zoom bonk

Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,938
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From: New Zealand
Bikes: Giant Defy, Trek 1.7c, BMC GF02, Trek Marlin 6, Scott Sub 35, Kona Rove, Trek Verve+2
#5
Me duelen las nalgas

Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 13,519
Likes: 2,832
From: Texas
Bikes: Centurion Ironman, Trek 5900, Univega Via Carisma, Globe Carmel
Check out the Serfas E-Lume 1100 or 1500. Well made, dual LEDs, single button on top. They come with a handlebar or tube mount, but Serfas also offers the S-Unihelmet mount. Not sure whether it offers the adjustments you want.
Serfas lights use a slide in/out mount with a springy retaining clip, similar to a camera flash hotshoe. My older Serfas light has been secure on the bike. Seems like it could be adapted to a helmet.
My method for adapting a light to my helmet is to nestle the light into a vent, then scoot it forward and backward until it's aiming where I want with my head in a natural position. Usually I keep it aimed slightly downward to avoid blinding other cyclists and pedestrians on the MUP. When I need more light ahead I just tip my head up a bit. Works perfectly when I want to give an errant driver the stinkeye. I just look at them and the brightest part of the light is on them -- seems to get their attention.
My lower power helmet light comes with a simple rubber band strap, but it's only 300 lumens (nominal, actually not that bright). For other lights I'd just rig up a homemade velcro strap and elastic bands.
Serfas lights use a slide in/out mount with a springy retaining clip, similar to a camera flash hotshoe. My older Serfas light has been secure on the bike. Seems like it could be adapted to a helmet.
My method for adapting a light to my helmet is to nestle the light into a vent, then scoot it forward and backward until it's aiming where I want with my head in a natural position. Usually I keep it aimed slightly downward to avoid blinding other cyclists and pedestrians on the MUP. When I need more light ahead I just tip my head up a bit. Works perfectly when I want to give an errant driver the stinkeye. I just look at them and the brightest part of the light is on them -- seems to get their attention.
My lower power helmet light comes with a simple rubber band strap, but it's only 300 lumens (nominal, actually not that bright). For other lights I'd just rig up a homemade velcro strap and elastic bands.
#6
There are also 2 cell 18650 packs that could attach to helmet.
https://www.action-led-lights.com/co...2-cell-battery
https://www.action-led-lights.com/co...2-cell-battery
#7
Thread Starter
LET'S ROLL
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 4,789
Likes: 59
From: NEW YORK, NY - USA
Bikes: 2014 BMC Gran Fondo, 2013 Brompton S6L-X
Thanks for the recommendations and advice everybody!
I still have a Lezyne Mega Drive on my handlebars right now.
And I have a Blackburn 2'fer on my helmet. Long term loan from
my brother; but as you can imagine from it's size -it's very weak.
So I'm not in a rush to get a new light right away.
Brooklyn Bike Rave by 1nterceptor, on Flickr
I just clipped one of my smaller flashlights to the Niterider Lumina
helmet mount. Just a temporary fix/experiment. Olight S1R Baton uses a
unique charging system; end of USB plug attaches to light with a magnetic tip.
Didn't get a chance to ride with it yet:
Olight S1R on Lazer 02 by 1nterceptor, on Flickr
I still have a Lezyne Mega Drive on my handlebars right now.
And I have a Blackburn 2'fer on my helmet. Long term loan from
my brother; but as you can imagine from it's size -it's very weak.
So I'm not in a rush to get a new light right away.
Brooklyn Bike Rave by 1nterceptor, on FlickrI just clipped one of my smaller flashlights to the Niterider Lumina
helmet mount. Just a temporary fix/experiment. Olight S1R Baton uses a
unique charging system; end of USB plug attaches to light with a magnetic tip.
Didn't get a chance to ride with it yet:
Olight S1R on Lazer 02 by 1nterceptor, on Flickr
__________________
One day: www.youtube.com/watch?v=20X43026ukY&list=UUHyRS8bRu6zPoymgKaIoDLA&index=1
One day: www.youtube.com/watch?v=20X43026ukY&list=UUHyRS8bRu6zPoymgKaIoDLA&index=1
#8
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,340
Likes: 6,640
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
What kind of conditions do you ride in that makes you want so much light?
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#9
Thread Starter
LET'S ROLL
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 4,789
Likes: 59
From: NEW YORK, NY - USA
Bikes: 2014 BMC Gran Fondo, 2013 Brompton S6L-X
New York City traffic. I run at least 2 front & 2 rear lights.
In case I forgot to charge some and/or 1 malfunctions or flies
off the mount on a deep pothole. I want bright lights because
I use them in the daytime. Here you can see my flashing light's
beam bouncing off some cars:
And yes; I have my lights off or on low on shared paths at nite.
In case I forgot to charge some and/or 1 malfunctions or flies
off the mount on a deep pothole. I want bright lights because
I use them in the daytime. Here you can see my flashing light's
beam bouncing off some cars:
__________________
One day: www.youtube.com/watch?v=20X43026ukY&list=UUHyRS8bRu6zPoymgKaIoDLA&index=1
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