The best headlights under $50 thread
#651
:)
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 3,420
Bikes: Cannondale CAAD12, Specialized Rockhopper, Norco Fluid FS1
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 127 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
2 Posts
Do you guys know of a holder thing for a flashlight that fits 31.8 bars?
Last edited by Muffin Man; 08-27-12 at 06:31 PM.
#653
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 166
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Take your pick. No Shipping cost.
https://www.dealextreme.com/products.dx/category.905
https://www.dealextreme.com/products.dx/category.905
#654
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 9
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
For those still looking for a budget light, search Amazon for the NowAdvisor CREE Q5 240 lumen light. I bought it last week and took some night rides with it. I can't say whether it hits 240lm, but it's brighter than another 140lm one I've used. 3 settings, utilizes 3 AAA batteries, and even includes a bike mount, all for $12! I added some Eneloop batteries, but it may have better success with alkalines.
#655
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 3,040
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro, Strada
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
You might be able to get some more runtime from the high quality alkaline batteries, but they'll turn out to be quite expensive (maybe $3/hour?) versus NiMH.
#656
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: 19057
Posts: 484
Bikes: Day 6 Dream 21
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Here is the one I bought (its on its way from china)
https://dx.com/p/p7-water-resistant-s...pack-set-82734
$45 and good reviews. for intermittent usage you could just leave the battery on the bike and recharge it every few months depending on how often you used it. (should get 3-6 hours of run time depending if on high or low)
I will be sure to post a review/thoughts thread when I get it and use it.
https://dx.com/p/p7-water-resistant-s...pack-set-82734
$45 and good reviews. for intermittent usage you could just leave the battery on the bike and recharge it every few months depending on how often you used it. (should get 3-6 hours of run time depending if on high or low)
I will be sure to post a review/thoughts thread when I get it and use it.
#657
Señor Member
It looks like the same (or very similar) light is available from Amazon for 38$.
https://www.amazon.com/Lumen-Bicycle-...8533797&sr=1-5
This also ships from China..
This is getting to be stupid cheap.
https://www.amazon.com/Lumen-Bicycle-...8533797&sr=1-5
This also ships from China..
This is getting to be stupid cheap.
#658
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: 19057
Posts: 484
Bikes: Day 6 Dream 21
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I saw that one too on dx for $43 but I was partial to the red color and this one for whatever reasons had better reviews.
$38 is crazy cheap !!
$38 is crazy cheap !!
#659
Banned
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: lower mitten
Posts: 1,555
Bikes: With round 700c & 26" wheels
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Here is the one I bought (its on its way from china)
https://dx.com/p/p7-water-resistant-s...pack-set-82734
$45 and good reviews. for intermittent usage you could just leave the battery on the bike and recharge it every few months depending on how often you used it. (should get 3-6 hours of run time depending if on high or low)
I will be sure to post a review/thoughts thread when I get it and use it.
https://dx.com/p/p7-water-resistant-s...pack-set-82734
$45 and good reviews. for intermittent usage you could just leave the battery on the bike and recharge it every few months depending on how often you used it. (should get 3-6 hours of run time depending if on high or low)
I will be sure to post a review/thoughts thread when I get it and use it.
You can't go wrong with this design.
#660
Banned
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: lower mitten
Posts: 1,555
Bikes: With round 700c & 26" wheels
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
A CREE Q5 puts out about 240 lumens at 1 amp, so with AAA NiMH cells which are typically around 700 mAh you'd get about 45 minutes of full brightness, or somewhat longer if the brightness goes down over time.
You might be able to get some more runtime from the high quality alkaline batteries, but they'll turn out to be quite expensive (maybe $3/hnour?) versus NiMH.
You might be able to get some more runtime from the high quality alkaline batteries, but they'll turn out to be quite expensive (maybe $3/hnour?) versus NiMH.
#661
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: central ohio
Posts: 1,536
Bikes: 96 gary fisher 'utopia' : 99 Softride 'Norwester'(for sale), 1972 Raleigh Twenty. Surly 1x1 converted to 1x8, 96 Turner Burner
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
TerraLUX TLF-3C2AAEX LightStar220 3-Watt LED Aluminum Flashlight
I've been using this light for about three months now, so I figure it's time for a review. Purchased at Amazon. It uses AA batteries and I get about 2 hours of runtime on rechargeable batteries. Good light for under $50. Mounted to the handlebars using a two fish lock block that works well. Doesn't really wiggle the light unless I hit a large bump or something like that. The light puts out a good size spot with a wide flood. Cars see me and it lights up the road ahead to notice debris, etc. Seems to live up to its rating of 220 lumens. But how should I really know since I have no way of measuring lumens. But it was brighter than the Romisen that I replaced. Has a high/low beam, but I just use the high beam. Overall for a AA flashlight it does the things that I look for in a flashlight. Strong, durable and dependent. Decent run time for a AA. Water-tight, hasn't failed me yet when riding in the rain. Just as comparable to a AA Fenix or anything that you'd get at Shiningbeam.com. For the AA category, I'd put this light at the top. My only other experience was with the Romisen RC-N3 Q5 cree. That was a good light. I had that one for four years until I wore it out. It just quit working due to the contact being jarred loose. The Terralux seems more durable. You won't get much brighter for a AA. Unless you switch over to a Li-ion set-up for a more powerful light with a longer runtime, supposedly. I don't know because I've never had one. But for someone who uses AA batteries, I think you'll be pleased with this light. I would put it up against any other AA out there.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ls_o02_s00_i00
Last edited by scoatw; 10-14-12 at 11:30 AM.
#662
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: A Train
Posts: 88
Bikes: Surly Cross Check, set up for road use
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Genius that I am, I managed to ram into a pedestrian at about 75% speed while riding around the loop at an unnamed park in an unnamed large North American city. I have a flasher on my handlebars, but it apparently doesn't get the full point across. I don't think dude saw me at all, even though I would have been visible to him for about 15 seconds before he decided to dart out into my path.
Anyone have any thoughts on which flashies are good for forward-facing pedestrian/motorist avoidance?
Anyone have any thoughts on which flashies are good for forward-facing pedestrian/motorist avoidance?
#663
Banned
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 10,082
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Genius that I am, I managed to ram into a pedestrian at about 75% speed while riding around the loop at an unnamed park in an unnamed large North American city. I have a flasher on my handlebars, but it apparently doesn't get the full point across. I don't think dude saw me at all, even though I would have been visible to him for about 15 seconds before he decided to dart out into my path.
Anyone have any thoughts on which flashies are good for forward-facing pedestrian/motorist avoidance?
Anyone have any thoughts on which flashies are good for forward-facing pedestrian/motorist avoidance?
#664
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Riverdale, NY
Posts: 761
Bikes: 2002 Seven Axiom
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Genius that I am, I managed to ram into a pedestrian at about 75% speed while riding around the loop at an unnamed park in an unnamed large North American city. I have a flasher on my handlebars, but it apparently doesn't get the full point across. I don't think dude saw me at all, even though I would have been visible to him for about 15 seconds before he decided to dart out into my path.
Anyone have any thoughts on which flashies are good for forward-facing pedestrian/motorist avoidance?
Anyone have any thoughts on which flashies are good for forward-facing pedestrian/motorist avoidance?
1) Expect the unexpected
2) See Rule #1 Above
The issue is not your light but the fact that WE need to be able to avoid things that come in our way.
Other Cyclists, tree branches, squirrels, raccoons (in my park), deer, potholes and obviously Pedestrians.
I have a few Dinotte lights and they do not cost under $50 and did have some Romisen and Fenix that all worked great but either failed or broke off in a crash.
I love the Dinnottes because of the strong steady lights and multi flashing options. When I think I need to get someones attention, I hit the button for a 3x faster flash and it works.
Obviously flashing lights do help, steady lights help, BUT YOU MUST BE PREPARED TO REACT. Bottomline is that you have to SLOW down.
Adding a bell works and I like to shout if need be.
Trust me in that I am no angel on the bike, but I work very very hard to not hit someone and at the same time get myself home in one piece.
Bottomline is more pedestrians are not looking and have no idea how fast we are going or can go.
#665
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: A Train
Posts: 88
Bikes: Surly Cross Check, set up for road use
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
As a Commuter with 46 miles round trip and more if I do laps in Central Park in NYC here are my thoughts.
1) Expect the unexpected
2) See Rule #1 Above
The issue is not your light but the fact that WE need to be able to avoid things that come in our way.
Other Cyclists, tree branches, squirrels, raccoons (in my park), deer, potholes and obviously Pedestrians.
I have a few Dinotte lights and they do not cost under $50 and did have some Romisen and Fenix that all worked great but either failed or broke off in a crash.
I love the Dinnottes because of the strong steady lights and multi flashing options. When I think I need to get someones attention, I hit the button for a 3x faster flash and it works.
Obviously flashing lights do help, steady lights help, BUT YOU MUST BE PREPARED TO REACT. Bottomline is that you have to SLOW down.
Adding a bell works and I like to shout if need be.
Trust me in that I am no angel on the bike, but I work very very hard to not hit someone and at the same time get myself home in one piece.
Bottomline is more pedestrians are not looking and have no idea how fast we are going or can go.
1) Expect the unexpected
2) See Rule #1 Above
The issue is not your light but the fact that WE need to be able to avoid things that come in our way.
Other Cyclists, tree branches, squirrels, raccoons (in my park), deer, potholes and obviously Pedestrians.
I have a few Dinotte lights and they do not cost under $50 and did have some Romisen and Fenix that all worked great but either failed or broke off in a crash.
I love the Dinnottes because of the strong steady lights and multi flashing options. When I think I need to get someones attention, I hit the button for a 3x faster flash and it works.
Obviously flashing lights do help, steady lights help, BUT YOU MUST BE PREPARED TO REACT. Bottomline is that you have to SLOW down.
Adding a bell works and I like to shout if need be.
Trust me in that I am no angel on the bike, but I work very very hard to not hit someone and at the same time get myself home in one piece.
Bottomline is more pedestrians are not looking and have no idea how fast we are going or can go.
Robert, now, part of this was my fault for not fully describing the situation, but seriously, was it hard to stick the landing after your massive jump to the conclusion that I was speeding or riding recklessly? This was a simple question about which lights provide the most daytime visibility, and you took it to a lecture (with all-caps screaming, I might add) on responsible riding.
For the record, I was going *well* under the speed limit, meaning that I was prepared to react as defined by the traffic laws. The problem is, when someone rapidly and unpredictably changes direction about three feet in front of you when you're doing about 18 mph, there's not enough time to react. 18mph is 26.4 feet per second, meaning that you cover three feet in just over 1/10 sec. That's half the average human reaction time, for those of you who are counting. Even if my reaction time were half the average, I still would only have had time to just process the information before impact. And I certainly did not try to hit the guy, as your post would imply. What mentalist tries to seriously injure a pedestrian (and themselves) while also sacrificing their ride?
So, again, thanks to *both* of you for the helpful info. Robert, I agree that cyclists need to be responsible--I'm just looking for that extra line of defense provided by hi-vis flashing lights.
#666
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 3,040
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro, Strada
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
If you're zooming past a pedestrian at 18 mph at only three feet (I'm going to go out on a limb here and assume he didn't suddenly go into a full sprint into your path, but instead meandered somewhat) from his expected path -- that's either too fast or too close. As you've realized, pedestrians are unpredictable.
Give them more room or slow down. More light might be nice, but it's not a substitute for giving them more room or slowing down.
#667
Senior Member
Genius that I am, I managed to ram into a pedestrian at about 75% speed while riding around the loop at an unnamed park in an unnamed large North American city. I have a flasher on my handlebars, but it apparently doesn't get the full point across. I don't think dude saw me at all, even though I would have been visible to him for about 15 seconds before he decided to dart out into my path.
Anyone have any thoughts on which flashies are good for forward-facing pedestrian/motorist avoidance?
Anyone have any thoughts on which flashies are good for forward-facing pedestrian/motorist avoidance?
#668
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 63
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I found a nice buy at Harbor Freight Tools, where they have a bike headlight for $7.99 (follow the link). I've used it quite a few times. It has 3 bright white LEDs and runs off of 3 AAA batteries. I'm not sure about the "lumens" rating, but it sure lights up the path in front of you quite well. Mounting and removing the light is simple, since it uses a thumbscrew to tighten its mount on the handlebars. It also removes easily from the mount to be used as a quite capable flashlight. In the "continuous" mode, its reported that the batteries last 70 hours, and double that in the blinking mode. I can't attest to the battery life (I'm only on my first set of batteries), but I do know that so far (after several hours of use) it hasn't shown any signs of dimming. We plan to return to purchase another one for my wife, since the Harbor Freight light is brighter than the one from the LBS that cost us $10 more.
They also have a tail light, also running off of 3 AAA batteries, that has a steady state or 3 different flash patterns ... for $5.99.
They also have a tail light, also running off of 3 AAA batteries, that has a steady state or 3 different flash patterns ... for $5.99.
Based on that experience I got their taillight too, haven't used it for very long but so far it works well. At first I thought I might not be able to find a good mounting point, ended up hooking it around a seatbag loop. Seems bright and it has 3 or 4 blink modes. Provisionally recommended.
Both of them go on sale regularly and both qualify for their usual 20% off coupon.
Last edited by ryanmm; 11-18-12 at 03:04 PM.
#669
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 2,468
Bikes: Co-Motion Cappuccino Tandem,'88 Bob Jackson Touring, Co-Motion Cascadia Touring, Open U.P., Ritchie Titanium Breakaway, Frances Cycles SmallHaul cargo bike. Those are the permanent ones; others wander in and out of the stable occasionally as well.
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 427 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 339 Times
in
229 Posts
The traffic laws specify a maximum permitted speed, yes, but you can't assume that just because you are going under this speed that you are "prepared to react as defined by the traffic laws". It's rare, but people do occasionally get speeding tickets when they're going under the posted speed limit but are going "too fast for conditions".
If you're zooming past a pedestrian at 18 mph at only three feet (I'm going to go out on a limb here and assume he didn't suddenly go into a full sprint into your path, but instead meandered somewhat) from his expected path -- that's either too fast or too close. As you've realized, pedestrians are unpredictable.
Give them more room or slow down. More light might be nice, but it's not a substitute for giving them more room or slowing down.
If you're zooming past a pedestrian at 18 mph at only three feet (I'm going to go out on a limb here and assume he didn't suddenly go into a full sprint into your path, but instead meandered somewhat) from his expected path -- that's either too fast or too close. As you've realized, pedestrians are unpredictable.
Give them more room or slow down. More light might be nice, but it's not a substitute for giving them more room or slowing down.
Last edited by dwmckee; 12-06-12 at 08:50 PM.
#670
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 2,468
Bikes: Co-Motion Cappuccino Tandem,'88 Bob Jackson Touring, Co-Motion Cascadia Touring, Open U.P., Ritchie Titanium Breakaway, Frances Cycles SmallHaul cargo bike. Those are the permanent ones; others wander in and out of the stable occasionally as well.
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 427 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 339 Times
in
229 Posts
Here is my new favorite (and I have owned a lot) https://dx.com/p/fandyfire-uv-s5-xm-l...x-18650-120679 . It is about $50 and puts out up to 3,000 lumens according to DX. Realistically it probably only puts out 1800 lumens, but still, on a lumens per dollar basis that is one of the best available... I use this to mount it https://dx.com/p/convenient-tie-on-si...ed-color-24369. And on some bikes I use this to mount the light lower, near the axle for better light angle on road https://www.ebay.com/itm/251066883528...84.m1438.l2649 .
#671
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Phoenix, Az
Posts: 161
Bikes: "10" Trek 7.3, early 90's Raliegh Dash, late 80's Takara 12spd Road Bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Here is the one I bought (its on its way from china)
https://dx.com/p/p7-water-resistant-s...pack-set-82734
$45 and good reviews. for intermittent usage you could just leave the battery on the bike and recharge it every few months depending on how often you used it. (should get 3-6 hours of run time depending if on high or low)
I will be sure to post a review/thoughts thread when I get it and use it.
https://dx.com/p/p7-water-resistant-s...pack-set-82734
$45 and good reviews. for intermittent usage you could just leave the battery on the bike and recharge it every few months depending on how often you used it. (should get 3-6 hours of run time depending if on high or low)
I will be sure to post a review/thoughts thread when I get it and use it.
#672
The Rock Cycle
I found a nice buy at Harbor Freight Tools, where they have a bike headlight for $7.99 (follow the link). I've used it quite a few times. It has 3 bright white LEDs and runs off of 3 AAA batteries. I'm not sure about the "lumens" rating, but it sure lights up the path in front of you quite well. Mounting and removing the light is simple, since it uses a thumbscrew to tighten its mount on the handlebars. It also removes easily from the mount to be used as a quite capable flashlight. In the "continuous" mode, its reported that the batteries last 70 hours, and double that in the blinking mode. I can't attest to the battery life (I'm only on my first set of batteries), but I do know that so far (after several hours of use) it hasn't shown any signs of dimming. We plan to return to purchase another one for my wife, since the Harbor Freight light is brighter than the one from the LBS that cost us $10 more.
They also have a tail light, also running off of 3 AAA batteries, that has a steady state or 3 different flash patterns ... for $5.99.
They also have a tail light, also running off of 3 AAA batteries, that has a steady state or 3 different flash patterns ... for $5.99.
__________________
Gunnar Sport
Specialized Ruby
Salsa Vaya Ti
Novara Randonee x2
Motobecane Fantom CXX
Jamis Dakar XCR
Gunnar Sport
Specialized Ruby
Salsa Vaya Ti
Novara Randonee x2
Motobecane Fantom CXX
Jamis Dakar XCR
#673
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 306
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
the tail light link is dead, so im guessing there out....will b getting the headlight for sure tho!
Last edited by trx1; 12-25-12 at 03:16 AM.
#674
You gonna eat that?
For anyone who has this style of light... they're on amazon for about $30-40. On one of the reviews, it sounds like the battery pack is not sealed well. Is this true? What does your actual battery pack look like?
#675
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 3,040
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro, Strada
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
The battery looks like four cells in some shrinkwrap, and they give you a little cloth case with velcro on it that holds it to a stem or something similar. Not water proof, but that's easily fixed as I just said. If you fix it right, it can even handle full immersion, though I wouldn't suggest that, but fixing against even torrential rain is easy.