Cheap ebay lights
 

There's a ton of lights on ebay for next to nothing, rear lights (blinkies) for $.99, headlights for around $10.

I'm well aware of the concept, "you get what you pay for".

Still, curious if any of you are rocking these cheapies, and if so, what's been your experience?

You get what you--oh, wait. You already said that.

I got a tail light for around $10. It's one that is a line. It does the job but I just wished that the battery life lasted a little longer than 3 longer rides, though it is rechargable via USB.

I got some of the non-rechargeable lights for about $1 each. They would work for a week or so, then time to toss and get the next one.

One issue was pushing them until they got far too dim to actually be safe. Also, sometimes they might get bumped and go off.

Still, not a bad thing to have on hand to hand out to needy cyclists.

Anyway, if you need lights a fair amount, go rechargeable.

I've used the CREE lights with 8.4V external battery packs. VERY BRIGHT, and interchangeable batteries are nice. Unfortunately, one has to strip lights from bikes otherwise they get stolen. So, they're a pain to put on and take off. And, inevitably I've had issues with them. One switch got mashed and became non-functional. I've had a couple of cords pull out. That kind of thing. Also lost a couple of battery packs.

I've had cheap taillights that would also randomly fall off.

Still, I've had issues with mainstream lights too. The charging port wore out on a $100 headlight. Also my very expensive Fly 6 busted mounting straps (and the company refused to sell just spare straps). And, also eventually stopped taking a charge.

I've got a couple of other lights that I need to try out.

I have also had issues with taillights falling off. So, finally, I just wheeled my bike into this awesome hardware store in my neighborhood (Pearl Hardware) and marched it straight back to the guy with the nuts and bolts and stuff. I showed him my Hotshot 150 mount and he made a couple hardwareish remarks about how Cygolite didn't quite have it optimized. Anyway, he grabbed some hardware and a couple tools and in about 6 minutes, presto, totally, insanely secure taillight. Cost me less than a buck fifty. Don't understand why I didn't think of this a few years ago...

Generally, they are big disappointments, even when factoring in the low prices. Every so often, I find a good one, but is it worth trying all the others, spending all that money. I have the Xanes headlight which someone recommended here. I liked it so much I bought a second. Construction quality is not good. I keep them as spares. For daily use, I use a big-brand unit.