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It's the first time I hear about this reviewer site; can't deny or confirm it's trustworthy. Even Cateye Volt 800 isn't good enough according to their data.
Anyhow, Niterider Lumina Micro 550 got much better representation from their side and retails for $35 also. There is a bunch of Luminas that retail for sub $50. Personal experience aside, I put more trust in road.cc reviews and still, for $25 the Swift 450 is more than a decent option. If you suspect your unit is defective, you can always reach out to customer support or just exchange it. |
Originally Posted by wombat_alex
(Post 20689276)
It's the first time I hear about this reviewer site; can't deny or confirm it's trustworthy. Even Cateye Volt 800 isn't good enough according to their data.
Anyhow, Niterider Lumina Micro 550 got much better representation from their side and retails for $35 also. There is a bunch of Luminas that retail for sub $50. Personal experience aside, I put more trust in road.cc reviews and still, for $25 the Swift 450 is more than a decent option. If you suspect your unit is defective, you can always reach out to customer support or just exchange it. With small lights such as the Lumina micro series and the Swift series, one would be well advised to not rely on acceptable "to see by" brightness for more than 45-60 minutes if run on the highest setting. While I like lights such as these for size, I really only use them as high-powered to be seen lights in flashing mode or as a backup to my main light (carried in a jersey pocket, pack, etc.) Remember, FL-1 standards to not require consistent output throughout the claimed runtime. |
Originally Posted by McMitchell
(Post 20615431)
I have the lights now, there is a front and rear light. Initial impressions. The mount(s) were the main reason I bought this particular set of lights. The mounts looked sturdier than many of the “quick/easy” mounts I have seen. The handlebar mount does have a large rubber clamp that fits around my carbon bar, unfortunately the clamp only fits on the 22mm sections of the bar. My current carbon riser bar has a larger 31mm section in the center that it does not fit around. Not sure if a longer SS screw will fix this, yet. I am thinking about ordering a shorter plain flat bar which has a narrower 31mm section though, as I am a little crowded on my current, cut down, to 680mm riser bar. The front light also comes with a helmet mount. The top part of the helmet mount, that came in the kit, actually fits in the base of my helmets “camera” mount. Will experiment with helmet mounting both lights as I am aware there are some advantages to this mounting system. The other thing I liked is the front light puts out 700 lumens, and has a flashing/strobe mode that saves the battery, as does the rear light. I plan to use both in the flashing mode on most rides, as the gravel roads I ride are in deep woods. With all the switch backs cars can appear quickly and I want to be seen. The lack of traffic sometimes means drivers may wander over to the wrong side of the very narrow roads. Both lights charged up quickly with their Mini USB chargers. The caps over the Mini USB holes do not look like they will last, which may mean they will not be waterproof for long. This is typical of the caps on these USB charging ports though. The front light is better than the rear light, which is held on with a large rubber band. I knew this before I ordered the lights though. If the rear light does not want to stay in place I can always order a rear light with a better mounting system. |
Originally Posted by radroad
(Post 20691042)
What is this a review for?
I just ordered a N N.Oranie, front 700 lumens & rear light from Amazon for $27. I figured with 28 5 star ratings it was worth a shot. I do not plan to ride at night. I ride in the deep woods with low light and lots of turns though. I wanted something to make my bike more noticeable. I was looking for something that charged via USB and was easy to remove from a solid mount for recharging. May buy a flashlight mount for one of several USB flashlights, if I actually decide to ride at night. I have a USB charging “station” for: phone, iPad, flashlights.....adding a couple more is practically no trouble. |
Originally Posted by KingOfTheHill
(Post 20690963)
With small lights such as the Lumina micro series and the Swift series, one would be well advised to not rely on acceptable "to see by" brightness for more than 45-60 minutes if run on the highest setting. While I like lights such as these for size, I really only use them as high-powered to be seen lights in flashing mode or as a backup to my main light (carried in a jersey pocket, pack, etc.)
I agree with what you said and thought it went without saying. After all, the thread is "the best headlights under $50", not the best headlights overall, or the best magic under $50. I use the Swift only in flashing mode as a secondary light paired with Cateye Volt 700. I wouldn't expect any magic from a budget headlight; they cost less for a reason. |
Originally Posted by noglider
(Post 20057850)
I read all threads about lights. I'm obsessed with knowing how each light works.
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Originally Posted by angerdan
(Post 20693993)
:thumb:
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Light & Motion has dropped the price on some older models after introducing some newer lights with more power and/or longer run time. So the Urban 350 is now around $30-$35. Very good value. Several friends use those.
If the Urban 500 drops to the sub-$50 mark it'll be another good value for this thread. Now that Light & Motion has basically upgraded the Urban 500 to the Rando 500 with longer running battery, they might drop the price on the original version. |
Hmm.
I'm seeing Shimano DH-2N30-E 6V 2.4W dynamo hubs on ebay for $35 (free shipping), and Foxeye StVZO 40 Lux dynamo headlamps on ebay for $13 (free shipping). $35 + $13 = $48. Dynamo hub energized headlamp system. You'd still need spokes and a rim - but a bike needs those anyway. Hmm. (Understand, this is not a recommendation. I haven't used this set up and don't know anyone who has. I was looking for other things and surprisingly stumbled across this. I had been under the impression that a hub generator & StVZO headlamp combination would begin at 2.5X our $50 limit on this thread.) |
Originally Posted by tcs
(Post 20704773)
Hmm.
I'm seeing Shimano DH-2N30-E 6V 2.4W dynamo hubs on ebay for $35 (free shipping), and Foxeye StVZO 40 Lux dynamo headlamps on ebay for $13 (free shipping). $35 + $13 = $48. Dynamo hub energized headlamp system. You'd still need spokes and a rim - but a bike needs those anyway. Hmm. |
[MENTION=81459]tcs[/MENTION], wow! Thanks!
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True. One can purchase conventional bike lights for around $30-$50, but if you have some duct tape and you're looking for 360 degrees of visibility, you can find some decent cheap flashlights under $5 that should last for a few years in moderately dry locations. I'm also a fan of a light or two on my helmet; again, not hard to go cheap if budget is an issue.
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Originally Posted by newenglandbikes
(Post 20708562)
True. One can purchase conventional bike lights for around $30-$50, but if you have some duct tape and you're looking for 360 degrees of visibility, you can find some decent cheap flashlights under $5 that should last for a few years in moderately dry locations. I'm also a fan of a light or two on my helmet; again, not hard to go cheap if budget is an issue.
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Pick up the light. Advise inexpensive.
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NiteRider Lumina 900 boost is currently on sale at Bike Closet. Just $43 for a really bright and well built headlight.
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I have the Redi x2 from virtualbikelane. Happy with it and looks pretty cool :)
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Originally Posted by spacemaniss
(Post 20895745)
NiteRider Lumina 900 boost is currently on sale at Bike Closet. Just $43 for a really bright and well built headlight.
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What do people think about getting a cheap ebay flashlight, like an inexpensive CREE XML-T6, that uses 18650 batteries, can be focused and mounted in a flashlight holder? I am worried that I'd end up with a oncoming blinding device, because there wouldn't be any nice cut-off...
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Originally Posted by rantoie
(Post 20942201)
What do people think about getting a cheap ebay flashlight, like an inexpensive CREE XML-T6, that uses 18650 batteries, can be focused and mounted in a flashlight holder? I am worried that I'd end up with a oncoming blinding device, because there wouldn't be any nice cut-off...
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Of the cheap headlights I've tried, the best one by far is one of the cheapest, the Xanes XLF-01. You can get it for $16.60 on Amazon or for $9.89 on banggood. It might be worth it to pay the extra on Amazon, because you can get a refund if it doesn't work right. I like it so much, I got two. I keep one in my bag as a spare. It makes a beam shape like the one required by German law. It's plenty bright for me. It's tiny and cheap.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...446667c061.jpg |
Originally Posted by noglider
(Post 20942740)
Of the cheap headlights I've tried, the best one by far is one of the cheapest, the Xanes XLF-01. You can get it for $16.60 on Amazon or for $9.89 on banggood. It might be worth it to pay the extra on Amazon, because you can get a refund if it doesn't work right. I like it so much, I got two. I keep one in my bag as a spare. It makes a beam shape like the one required by German law. It's plenty bright for me. It's tiny and cheap.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...446667c061.jpg |
Originally Posted by rantoie
(Post 20942201)
What do people think about getting a cheap ebay flashlight, like an inexpensive CREE XML-T6, that uses 18650 batteries, can be focused and mounted in a flashlight holder? I am worried that I'd end up with a oncoming blinding device, because there wouldn't be any nice cut-off...
BTW, the Two Fish holder with rubber block and Velcro straps works well. I used it to replace the broken rubber band strap on one of my bike headlights. Most dedicated bike headlights for the US market tend to concentrate the beam in the center, with falloff toward the edges. It's an unevenly distributed semi-flood pattern. My Light & Motion Urban 500 and NiteRider Lumina Micro have nearly identical beams -- hot in the center, dimmer toward the edges. Probably helps to get more reach from lower power to get a reasonable compromise between apparent brightness and battery run time per charge. To minimize spill I use a homemade hood/diffuser on my L&M Urban 500. It's just an empty translucent white pill bottle, cut to shape with scissors and a craft knife. The plastic is soft but tough, easy to cut to shape. Flexible enough for repeated reuse without cracking. I'll attach the hood/diffuser for riding the MUP at night, or group rides. Puts the light where I need it most, minimizing spill that might blind or annoy other folks. On solo rural rides I remove the hood -- easier to see overhanging trees, etc.https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b5099592cb.jpg Homebrewed diffuser/hood made from white translucent plastic pill bottle. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7352490dce.jpg Hood helps minimize blinding oncoming cyclists/joggers on the local MUP. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...bf83fd365b.jpg Black tape over the top helps protect my dark adapted eyes at night. I leave just a little of the translucent hood bare toward the bottom. It glows like a light bulb and enhances my visibility to cars from the sides. |
Originally Posted by canklecat
(Post 20944785)
Thanks, that light has been on my Amazon wish list for months. I've been looking for a decent cheap spare light or helmet light. That should do the trick.
They are cheaply made. One of mine has a USB charging port that is a little crooked. Don't expect it to last like a well-made light. But it's a great value, and I like to keep it as a spare or giveaway. It has a useless taillight mode which is the second press after turning it on. It is not bright enough to be useful. |
Originally Posted by canklecat
(Post 20697033)
Light & Motion has dropped the price on some older models after introducing some newer lights with more power and/or longer run time. So the Urban 350 is now around $30-$35. Very good value. Several friends use those.
If the Urban 500 drops to the sub-$50 mark it'll be another good value for this thread. Now that Light & Motion has basically upgraded the Urban 500 to the Rando 500 with longer running battery, they might drop the price on the original version. Just one man's opinion. dave |
This is great info! Thanks!
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Thanks!
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Cateye EL-500
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Originally Posted by dwmckee
(Post 20491616)
Ah, not true! Here is a great light for less than $8 (+ free shipping) that puts out 600 lumens and in a shaped reflector with a horizontal cutoff so you do not blind everyone heading towards you. The light puts out more light at the top of the beam too so you get more light further down the road for overall even illumination and better night vision retention. Just like the headlights on your car!
This bike-specific light is outstanding and even has a decent rechargeable battery. https://www.banggood.com/XANES-600LM...r_warehouse=CN Buy these three items and ride happy at night. I have many of these on my various bikes, tandems, and riding mowers without a single complaint. Larger battery sets are available if needed (these have 8 each 18659's instead of 4) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 |
Originally Posted by willieb
(Post 19316380)
After browsing the forum(s) and the last couple pages of this thread, here's what I decided. I'll give a short review once I've had a chance to use them a few times. Front and Rear for under $36...
Note they are both in the US, as I didn't want to wait for them to come from China or Hong Kong. Black Solarstorm 5000LM 2X CREE XML U2 LED Front Bicycle Bike Headlight Headlamp | eBay Cycling Bike Bicycle 2 Laser Beam and 5 LED Rear Tail Light Lamp 6 Modes Safety | eBay
Originally Posted by willieb
(Post 19316380)
Update: Original post above was 05-21-14, 09:27 PM. Still using occasionally, lights and head lamp battery still work great. I hate to say it but well worth the money.
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Originally Posted by K1NJO
(Post 6969689)
Just looking for something cheap but effective. This isn't really for any nighttime riding on the regular, but more for those times when I'm coming from a friend's house at night, for example.
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