New bike light
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 4,400
Likes: 106
From: SF Bay Area
Bikes: Bianchi Infinito (Celeste, of course)
New bike light
I seem to have lost my current commuter light, L&M Taz 800.
I really liked the light and it worked well. I generally used 400 lumens, with 800 for exceptionally dark.
My one complaint is that under large bumps the light would tilt down (front-heavy).
Key features:
Self-contained (easy to move between bikes)
>600 lumens
USB charging (it's just easier).
Good mount (GoPro adapter is a nice feature)
Budget ~$100
Currently considering:
1) Niterider Lumina 750
2) L&M Urban 800
What other models am I missing?
I really liked the light and it worked well. I generally used 400 lumens, with 800 for exceptionally dark.
My one complaint is that under large bumps the light would tilt down (front-heavy).
Key features:
Self-contained (easy to move between bikes)
>600 lumens
USB charging (it's just easier).
Good mount (GoPro adapter is a nice feature)
Budget ~$100
Currently considering:
1) Niterider Lumina 750
2) L&M Urban 800
What other models am I missing?
#4
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
Take a look at the new Serfas E-Lumes. They look sturdily made, the more powerful 1100 and 1500 models have dual LEDs. A local cyclist who's tried other lights has an E-Lume now and likes it. The dual LED E-Lumes also appear to have well shaped beams with good peripheral distribution.
But I can't tell from the demo whether it has a built in hood like my Serfas SL-255, which does a good job at preventing spill so it minimizes the risk of blinding other users on the road -- although the older Serfas had beams that were a bit too tight like spotlights without much peripheral beam. However I often use the older Serfas on the MUP to avoid blinding other cyclists and joggers at night.
Much as I like my L&M Urban 500 I'd consider an E-Lume for my next headlight, especially if I wanted to run a more powerful light at medium output for longer battery life. I usually run my L&M Urban 500 on medium unless I'm in a rural area where deer and other critters may dart across the road. So the E-Lume 1100 at 400 lumens on medium would suit most of my needs.
BTW, I've compared various Light & Motion lights at REI, which has a good customer accessible display board. The Taz was underwhelming. Even the Urban 500 was brighter than the Taz 800. The main difference was the Taz had a somewhat more evenly distributed light, but the Urban series already have more evenly distributed beams than most single LED headlights I've compared at REI (which includes many of the most popular brands and models). The main advantage to the Taz might be as an urban headlight, especially if the US ever adopts German type laws regarding confining beams to prevent blinding oncoming motorists or cyclists (unlikely to happen in the US).
But I can't tell from the demo whether it has a built in hood like my Serfas SL-255, which does a good job at preventing spill so it minimizes the risk of blinding other users on the road -- although the older Serfas had beams that were a bit too tight like spotlights without much peripheral beam. However I often use the older Serfas on the MUP to avoid blinding other cyclists and joggers at night.
Much as I like my L&M Urban 500 I'd consider an E-Lume for my next headlight, especially if I wanted to run a more powerful light at medium output for longer battery life. I usually run my L&M Urban 500 on medium unless I'm in a rural area where deer and other critters may dart across the road. So the E-Lume 1100 at 400 lumens on medium would suit most of my needs.
BTW, I've compared various Light & Motion lights at REI, which has a good customer accessible display board. The Taz was underwhelming. Even the Urban 500 was brighter than the Taz 800. The main difference was the Taz had a somewhat more evenly distributed light, but the Urban series already have more evenly distributed beams than most single LED headlights I've compared at REI (which includes many of the most popular brands and models). The main advantage to the Taz might be as an urban headlight, especially if the US ever adopts German type laws regarding confining beams to prevent blinding oncoming motorists or cyclists (unlikely to happen in the US).
Last edited by canklecat; 05-09-17 at 02:28 AM.
#5
Banned.
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 4,128
Likes: 315
From: Vegemite Island
Bikes: 2017 Surly Troll with XT Drive Train, 2017 Merida Big Nine XT Edition, 2016 Giant Toughroad SLR 2, 1995 Trek 830
Cateye Volt 800 - Great light, great mount.
Cateye uses the same mount for their 300 lumen light, all the way up to their 1600 lumen light.
I use the Cateye Volt 1600 and the light is very stable and doesn't move at all, unless my big belly crashes into it.
The Cateye Volt 50 Rear Light also works with this mount too.
Cateye uses the same mount for their 300 lumen light, all the way up to their 1600 lumen light.
I use the Cateye Volt 1600 and the light is very stable and doesn't move at all, unless my big belly crashes into it.
The Cateye Volt 50 Rear Light also works with this mount too.
#6
Junior Member

Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
Bikes: Trek Émonda ALR 4, 95 Schwinn Classic Cruiser
I'd also recomemend te cateye. Extra mounts are cheap. So youcan have one on each bike. Although the bae mount is quite easy to remove.
I use the cateye 1200. Usb rechargable. Stay put. Fits in pocket win i lock up the bike.
I use the cateye 1200. Usb rechargable. Stay put. Fits in pocket win i lock up the bike.
#7
Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: midwest
Bikes: trek 29er ht, 4100 commuter conversion.
I'm using the new Ravemen PR1200. Works really well. Stable output (instead of diminishing front the point it's turned on) and mixed beam patterns.
Can just run the one at about 600 lumens that's wide spread for more "urban" road use or kick on both to really light things up.
It's USB rechargeable, useable as a power bank if I forget to charge my phone.
A lot going on in this little light for $95, been serving me well. There is other models that are lower in price as well. I just like to head more towards having more lumens than I normally need in case something comes up that I want them.
Https://www.ravemenbikelights.com/collections/pr-series-dual-led-front-bike-lights/products/ravemen-pr1200-led-bike-light
Can just run the one at about 600 lumens that's wide spread for more "urban" road use or kick on both to really light things up.
It's USB rechargeable, useable as a power bank if I forget to charge my phone.
A lot going on in this little light for $95, been serving me well. There is other models that are lower in price as well. I just like to head more towards having more lumens than I normally need in case something comes up that I want them.
Https://www.ravemenbikelights.com/collections/pr-series-dual-led-front-bike-lights/products/ravemen-pr1200-led-bike-light
#9
Senior Member

Joined: May 2008
Posts: 511
Likes: 75
From: Ottawa
Bikes: Norco Scene 1, Khs Westwood, Jamis Allegro 3x
#10
Banned.
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 4,128
Likes: 315
From: Vegemite Island
Bikes: 2017 Surly Troll with XT Drive Train, 2017 Merida Big Nine XT Edition, 2016 Giant Toughroad SLR 2, 1995 Trek 830
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