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Originally Posted by Tourist in MSN
(Post 20693447)
I have been using a vintage D Lumotec dyno powered headlamp on my rando bike. Two days ago I ordered a new B&M IQ-XS to replace it.
https://www.bumm.de/de/produkte/dyna...di-silber.html My regular light for commuting is a Lumotec IQ Fly-T. I don't remember how many Lux it is rated at, maybe 50 or 60. It's not super bright, but I'm not super demanding about brightness. |
Originally Posted by Tourist in MSN
(Post 20693447)
In your list I was not sure where the transition from incandescent to LED was? Between 1 and 2?
I have been using a vintage D Lumotec dyno powered headlamp on my rando bike. Two days ago I ordered a new B&M IQ-XS to replace it. bumm.de/de/produkte/dynamo-scheinwerfer/parent/167/produkt/167rtsndi-01-schwarz-167rtsndi-silber.html lupine-shop.com/en/accessoires-and-parts/upgrade/ The IQ-XS is good, but why didn't you take the IQ-X ? bumm.de/en/products/dynamo-scheinwerfer/parent/164/produkt/164rtsndi-01-schwarz-164rtsndi-silber.html |
I've used flashlights, it works fine except for narrow beam, more hassle recharging, and seems like in the way a little more. I've never had a mount fail or even slip, but my DIY on that is a little more robust than the commercial ones.
The flip side is that the cheap bike lights are less expensive, more convenient and cast a broader beam so my only use now for the flashlight is as a backup. |
Originally Posted by angerdan
(Post 20693524)
...
The IQ-XS is good, but why didn't you take the IQ-X ? bumm.de/en/products/dynamo-scheinwerfer/parent/164/produkt/164rtsndi-01-schwarz-164rtsndi-silber.html I ordered it from Germany. Since I was already ordering something else which was covering the shipping cost for that order, the light was essentially free of shipping cost. At the time I ordered it, $1.13 USD was about 1.00 Euros. Price was a bit under 39 Euros. Price of IQ-X would have been over 50 percent more. I did not think it was worth the additional cost. But the old light I am replacing is quite old (in photo) and overdue for an upgrade now that the newer lights are so much better. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...1cc0374f83.jpg It is my understanding that the XS has a beam pattern very similar to the Luxos B. On a different bike I have the Luxos U, which I assume (but could be wrong) that the low power setting on the Luxos U is the same beam pattern as the Luxos B. And I am quite content with that beam pattern, did not think I have any need the extra power for the extra cost. |
The Light & Motion Urban 350 is down to around $30-35 now. Hard to beat that value with any farm rigged flashlight and mount.
Even better, for folks who need more runtime per charge. the upgraded L&M Urban 500 is now available in a Rando version with double the runtime over the original: 3 hours on high, 6 on medium, 12 on low and a full day or longer on pulse. About $65 on Amazon. No need to fuss with extra batteries -- which I've done with my Serfas SL-255, which uses a pair of AA batteries. That light isn't a bad value for $20 or less, which includes an excellent mount. Maximum output is 255 lumens, adequate for some purposes. Main problem is the narrow beam, which I actually prefer for the MUP at night to avoid blinding oncoming cyclists and pedestrians. But it's a bit narrow for rural rides. I might buy another if the price drops to the lowest I've seen, around $14. |
On my beater mountain bike, it had a front white reflector mounted on a bracket attached to the brake calipers. I simply removed the reflector, bent part of the bracket horizontally, and mounted a bright LED flashlight to it using a hose clamp. It does look a bit ghetto but it works, and this bike I rarely ride after dark anyway, just wanted something just in case I did get caught out after dark on it.
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Some recent info about lower-cost bike lights can also be found here. In this post you'll also find a good video about beam patterns and comparing them. I'm a fan of the newer lights made for bikes since most of them have a decent beam pattern, are waterproof (or very water resistant) and as others noted, are not far off from the cost of flashlights.
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I've yet to find a bike headlight with beam pattern that allows for under bar mounting.
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Originally Posted by noisebeam
(Post 20709859)
I've yet to find a bike headlight with beam pattern that allows for under bar mounting.
?? I have Light & Motion, Lumina, Blackburn, Cateye, & Chinese cheapo lights that have round beam & don't care how they are oriented. The L&M ones in particular mount well under the bar. |
What I meant was a 'designed/shaped' beam vs. the circular provided by flashlights. (context is the post immediately proceeding)
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Perspective
Originally Posted by noisebeam
(Post 20709859)
I've yet to find a bike headlight with beam pattern that allows for under bar mounting.
By stacking 2 threadless stems , you can add a piece of tubing in the lower one, and put a handle bar battery headlight on it right side up but still under the handlebars.. there are specialty dynamo headlights made to be bolted on front racks under the big bags Brevet riders love, Designed to be fitted upside down.... |
Yeah, no. I am looking for the minimal, not extra stuff hanging off of bike or other compromises.
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[MENTION=12814]noisebeam[/MENTION], what, specifically are you after, and what is the context? I bet it's possible, some-kinda-how.
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I've been using flashlights as headlight for well over a decade.
But I have been told that proper lights have a beam pattern that is much better so I looked into them and found they all mount on top of bars. So I wondered if they all were like this or if some allowed for under bar mount. if not I will continue to use flashlight. |
Thank you
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Originally Posted by Tourist in MSN
(Post 20665682)
There are so many good LED headlights at a good price out there now compared to years ago, there really is no reason to not use a bike light. Really powerful flashlights are dirt cheap. But I do like the beam pattern better on bike lights. |
Pros: none; other than satisfying some weird urge to be cheap about your personal safety? Cons: a wax candle attached to your helmet(assuming you splurged for a helmet)is much cheaper and almost as effective. |
Originally Posted by sknhgy
(Post 20722540)
There's a heck of a lot more competition in the flashlight market than in the bike light market. That keeps flashlight prices down.
Really powerful flashlights are dirt cheap. But I do like the beam pattern better on bike lights. Some bike lights have a remote battery while most are integrated. Try to get one with the battery compartment that is sealed against humidity and moisture. To reiterate, a bike light has a beam spread or pattern for the road, not a powerful spotlight beam that is like a laser beam to drivers and pedestrians. Flashlights could blind dogs and kids and cause them to walk in front of you causing injury. Flashlights may vibrate more, because of their length and weight while bike lights are light and compact, normally. There are dedicated flashlight brackets like Fenix that minimize vibration. There are headbands that hold flashlights on your head or helmet. There are headband lights of varying lumens. Vibration in time may cause damage to the flashlight while none to a bike light. Vibration may cause the light to jump around on the road and disorient you. Of course, if your handlebar bounces a lot, any light will bounce making it difficult to clearly see the road, but a flashlight may bounce more. There are helmets with integrated bike lights front and back. There are attachable helmet lights for front and back and top. Most lights are blinkable. Get a white and or red color light only, not blue, green, etc. The bike light market is big and competitive so, why use a flashlight unless mobility or dual purpose is your bag. If you get a light with button batteries, dont fret. You can get them cheap online, but watch any big shipping costs added after you Commit. This is dishonest in my opinion. You may be able to cancel after you panic. |
I've been using various flashlights for years because I didn't commute at night all that often and never bothered to spend money on a proper bike light. I use a rubber/velcro mount, have never lost one. A lot of the problems of flashlights - like floppiness, aim, unshaped beam - have been addressed and yeah, they are annoying. One thing I like about a flashlight is that I can remove it from the handlebar and then use it in my hands. However, I plan on getting a proper light with a shaped beam - like a B&M Ixon Core - once I start riding again. It's just more convenient and a proper tool for the job.
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Having a flashlight on your bicycle as part of an optimal night riding safety system is a great idea. Using a flashlight as the primary head light or "only" light is patently ridiculous.
When I used to go on my all-night century rides I would lash a powerful 1000 lumen flashlight to my handlebars using an old bicycle tube as giant rubber band. If I encounter oncoming traffic that would not dim their headlights I would turn the flashlight to high power at tip it directly at the oncoming vehicle. (they usually dimmed their lights after this) In addition, I used a helmet light to attract attention of motorists at intersections or driveways. An helmet light is a necessity on unknown routes - you can use to read road signs as well as identify hazards coming from off road areas. |
Originally Posted by downhillmaster
(Post 20725286)
Pros: none; other than satisfying some weird urge to be cheap about your personal safety? Cons: a wax candle attached to your helmet(assuming you splurged for a helmet)is much cheaper and almost as effective. |
Originally Posted by Richard Cranium
(Post 20791668)
Using a flashlight as the primary head light or "only" light is patently ridiculous.
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I’m a year-round bike commuter in St. Pail, MN. Yes I rode two weeks ago during the vortex. On those cold days my commute takes an hour one-way. That’s a lot of exposure. My headlights are flashlights. I ride with three Convoy S2+ lights with Biscotti firmware. I use cheap mounts from China that I attach to my bars with hose clamps. This mount is more discrete and clean that most commercial setups. The lights are held in the mounts by Velcro straps that I make myself. Yes, sewing machine, nylon straps, steel fittings, Velcro, reflective tape. Very effective. The mounts are such that they will hold the light in place without the strap. The strap makes it so the light won’t fall off if I pick up my bike and fling it down the stairs. Two lights are on my handlebar, one is in my bag. why? 1. NUMBER ONE REASON - I need to be able to mount and remove the lights while wearing extremely thick mittens. This is because I park on the street but also because I park all over the place. Lights come with me. 2. Parts are interchangeable. I can swap out lenses, reflectors, batteries, tail pieces, switches, springs, drivers... whatever. 3. Biscotti firmware is customizable - brightness, blink pattern if your’re into that, etc 4. I have a stable of bikes and the lights can be put on any bike because mounts are unlimited. 5. Battery charging is annoying but I have a routine. Plus I can carry backup batteries and have freshies in chargers at home and the office. 6. Mounts are attached to bikes very firmly and securely, but I can easily aim them up or down. They do not shake or move AT ALL unless I want them to and then they move very easily. 7. People mentioned the 2 fish blocks. Those are handy and I can use them on random bikes or give them to friends to use with my lights. I keep two of these in my back for backup purposes. As with my mounts, I make my own straps. 8. I have not found a commercially available light with a shaped-beam that meets all of these criteria. The round beam is the only downside for me and I get over that by aiming. I ride with a Blackburn flea in my helmet that I fire on blinkie mode when needed. I ride with a Dinotte tail light. |
Originally Posted by Bat56
(Post 20792263)
I’m a year-round bike commuter in St. Pail, MN. Yes I rode two weeks ago during the vortex. On those cold days my commute takes an hour one-way. That’s a lot of exposure. My headlights are flashlights. I ride with three Convoy S2+ lights with Biscotti firmware. I use cheap mounts from China that I attach to my bars with hose clamps. This mount is more discrete and clean that most commercial setups. The lights are held in the mounts by Velcro straps that I make myself. Yes, sewing machine, nylon straps, steel fittings, Velcro, reflective tape. Very effective. The mounts are such that they will hold the light in place without the strap. The strap makes it so the light won’t fall off if I pick up my bike and fling it down the stairs. Two lights are on my handlebar, one is in my bag. why? 1. NUMBER ONE REASON - I need to be able to mount and remove the lights while wearing extremely thick mittens. This is because I park on the street but also because I park all over the place. Lights come with me. 2. Parts are interchangeable. I can swap out lenses, reflectors, batteries, tail pieces, switches, springs, drivers... whatever. 3. Biscotti firmware is customizable - brightness, blink pattern if your’re into that, etc 4. I have a stable of bikes and the lights can be put on any bike because mounts are unlimited. 5. Battery charging is annoying but I have a routine. Plus I can carry backup batteries and have freshies in chargers at home and the office. 6. Mounts are attached to bikes very firmly and securely, but I can easily aim them up or down. They do not shake or move AT ALL unless I want them to and then they move very easily. 7. People mentioned the 2 fish blocks. Those are handy and I can use them on random bikes or give them to friends to use with my lights. I keep two of these in my back for backup purposes. As with my mounts, I make my own straps. 8. I have not found a commercially available light with a shaped-beam that meets all of these criteria. The round beam is the only downside for me and I get over that by aiming. I ride with a Blackburn flea in my helmet that I fire on blinkie mode when needed. I ride with a Dinotte tail light. All because you cannot figure out how to use proper lights wearing heavy mittens lol. Good stuff :rolleyes: |
Originally Posted by downhillmaster
(Post 20792522)
Cheap mounts, hose clamps, and homemade velcro straps. All because you cannot figure out how to use proper lights wearing heavy mittens lol. Good stuff :rolleyes: If you really think I pick my lights “all because” of the mittens thing you gave up after reading one sentence. Try harder. |
Using a flashlight as the primary head light or "only" light is patently ridiculous. My experience suggests that typical flashlights are not good at providing a large enough field of light. I guess using two or more flashlights could provide acceptable performance. After years and years of watching forum threads produce discussions about the benefits and usage of a single bicycle lighting product - I began to describe to readers the necessity of using at least two lighting sources for truly safe night time cycling. As the posts above reveal, everyone has their own ideas and opinions - I hope my post shed a little better light on the OP's original - yet terribly flawed comment. |
Originally Posted by Bat56
(Post 20792590)
you are contributing nothing to this discussion. Is this how you act in real life too? Or is this just an internet thing for you? If you really think I pick my lights “all because” of the mittens thing you gave up after reading one sentence. Try harder. I am referring ofc to the post where you wrote: 1. NUMBER ONE REASON - I need to be able to mount and remove the lights while wearing extremely thick mittens. Notice where you typed in all caps? Notice your statement’s place in your order? NUMBER ONE. FYI bro. Unless one of us is an android, this is real life. Also, when someone says something ridiculous to me in person I am quick to point it out. |
I've had both bike specific lights and flashlights.
My former Fenix BC30 bike specific lights had no hotspot, all the light is nearfield, couldn't see much beyond 5 meters or so, great off road, not so great for dark roads at higher speeds. I use a Fenix LD50 (discontinued) as my main light, I vastly prefer having a nice 2-3 meter hotspot 20-30 meters ahead to focus on. Removeable batteries are better than something that isn't user replaceable. LED technology hasn't improved that much in the past few years it seems, and I have a stash of batteries and lights that are still quite effective. |
Originally Posted by noisebeam
(Post 20709859)
I've yet to find a bike headlight with beam pattern that allows for under bar mounting.
If you'd rather do your own, and it actually does work better, start with a full page fresnel lens like this https://www.amazon.com/Premium-2-Pcs.../dp/B01HP48ZAK (not a specific recommendation, just an example that I picked randomly). The curious thing about those magnifiers is that they change the beam differently depending on how far you are from the center, which is why I start with a full-page size. Near the top it will spread out sideways more than vertically, and also angle the beam. So just hold it against the light, move the light around until you get the best beam shape you can, then cut it out with scissors and put inside of the headlight lens. You can start with a smaller magnifier and get more spread, but less ability to aim and shape. |
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