Headlight/Tail light
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 749
Likes: 1
From: Northern Virginia
Bikes: Specialized Crux Elite X1, Specialized Roubaix SL4 Expert, Specialized Crux Disc
Headlight/Tail light
I want a HL/TL for the purpose of being seen by others, not so much to see at night.
When the sune starts going down, it goes from bad to worse, people backing out in front of me, etc. I rarely (okay, never) ride in the dark.
I'd like something easily moveable from one bike to another
If not rechargeable, AA Batteries
Under $100 for the combo. Cheaper is better
When the sune starts going down, it goes from bad to worse, people backing out in front of me, etc. I rarely (okay, never) ride in the dark.
I'd like something easily moveable from one bike to another
If not rechargeable, AA Batteries
Under $100 for the combo. Cheaper is better
__________________
Gary F.
2019 Specialized Crux Elite X1
2015 Specialized Roubaix SL4 Expert
My bike page: https://www.gwfweb.com/bicycles
Build a bike stand! https://www.gwfweb.com/bicycles/stands.html
Gary F.
2019 Specialized Crux Elite X1
2015 Specialized Roubaix SL4 Expert
My bike page: https://www.gwfweb.com/bicycles
Build a bike stand! https://www.gwfweb.com/bicycles/stands.html
#2
Galveston County Texas
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 33,335
Likes: 1,285
From: In The Wind
Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum
No Shipping.
Cheap enough to keep on all your bikes.
https://www.dealextreme.com/products.dx/category.905
Cheap enough to keep on all your bikes.
https://www.dealextreme.com/products.dx/category.905
__________________
Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
#3
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 749
Likes: 1
From: Northern Virginia
Bikes: Specialized Crux Elite X1, Specialized Roubaix SL4 Expert, Specialized Crux Disc
Anybody have any feelings about this
Planet Bike Beamer 3 LED Bicycle Light with Quick Cam Bracket Mount
Planet Bike Beamer 3 LED Bicycle Light with Quick Cam Bracket Mount
__________________
Gary F.
2019 Specialized Crux Elite X1
2015 Specialized Roubaix SL4 Expert
My bike page: https://www.gwfweb.com/bicycles
Build a bike stand! https://www.gwfweb.com/bicycles/stands.html
Gary F.
2019 Specialized Crux Elite X1
2015 Specialized Roubaix SL4 Expert
My bike page: https://www.gwfweb.com/bicycles
Build a bike stand! https://www.gwfweb.com/bicycles/stands.html
#4
Year-round cyclist

Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,023
Likes: 3
From: Montréal (Québec)
Go with this one or this one.
I have the 0.5 W one as a backup to my generator and it is a good be-seen headlight. While it has some side visibility, most of the light is thrown forward, and it is also good as a flashlight or even to illuminate a path if you're stuck in the dark.
The 1W one is fairly new in the market and therefore should start to be available soon. Subject to autonomy and price considerations, it could be a better choice than the 0,5 W one.
Their design is damp-proof but not water proof, but once I added some electrical tape around the seal, it has become water proof enough to endure a 1.5 hour downpour without problem.
The Planet Bike Superflash is also a very good taillight, but installing electrical tape around the seam is also a very good idea.
I have the 0.5 W one as a backup to my generator and it is a good be-seen headlight. While it has some side visibility, most of the light is thrown forward, and it is also good as a flashlight or even to illuminate a path if you're stuck in the dark.
The 1W one is fairly new in the market and therefore should start to be available soon. Subject to autonomy and price considerations, it could be a better choice than the 0,5 W one.
Their design is damp-proof but not water proof, but once I added some electrical tape around the seal, it has become water proof enough to endure a 1.5 hour downpour without problem.
The Planet Bike Superflash is also a very good taillight, but installing electrical tape around the seam is also a very good idea.
#5
Banned.
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,761
Likes: 3
From: Fort Wayne, Indiana
Bikes: 84 Trek 660 Suntour Superbe; 87 Giant Rincon Shimano XT; 07 Mercian Vincitore Campy Veloce
You want feelings about this? YOU CAN'T HANDLE MY FEELINGS!
Ok all kidding aside. You mentioned in your first post that things go from bad to worse at night for you. Let me tell you something, a cheap light will hardly get you noticed! I don't mean that you need to go out and get a $500 light, but there are lights on the market that can be plenty bright enough for under $50 which would include the HD and TL.
If you want the least expensive set up yet still be high quality (though not really very bright but better then most and especially at this price) then look at this: https://www.amazon.com/Cateye-EL-220-...5576346&sr=1-1
You can always upgrade later when money becomes available and use the old HL for a front flasher and add a brighter HL. If you can afford upwards of $100 you can get very good lighting for that cost that people will see and you can see by. If interested in more info on that just post a reply.
Ok all kidding aside. You mentioned in your first post that things go from bad to worse at night for you. Let me tell you something, a cheap light will hardly get you noticed! I don't mean that you need to go out and get a $500 light, but there are lights on the market that can be plenty bright enough for under $50 which would include the HD and TL.
If you want the least expensive set up yet still be high quality (though not really very bright but better then most and especially at this price) then look at this: https://www.amazon.com/Cateye-EL-220-...5576346&sr=1-1
You can always upgrade later when money becomes available and use the old HL for a front flasher and add a brighter HL. If you can afford upwards of $100 you can get very good lighting for that cost that people will see and you can see by. If interested in more info on that just post a reply.
#6
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 946
Likes: 2
From: beantown
Bikes: '89 Specialized Hardrock Fixed Gear Commuter; 1984? Dawes Atlantis
I like this one: https://ecom1.planetbike.com/3019.html for a rear light, mainly because it gives side visability as well as rear.
This is said to be very good, too: https://www.cateye.com/en/product_detail/550.
Of course, a great many people love the superflash.
For headlights the Beamer 3 isn't bad for a "be seen" light, I've had one for over two years now. That said, if I had to buy a replacement, I would upgrade with the Blaze or the Blaze 1w. Having more light to compete with city background lights is not a bad thing.
I use recharchable AAA bateries in mine, recharge them every few weeks to keep the lights nice and bright.
I have one rear blinky that handles rain very well and one that doesn't - I wil try Michels's electrical tape trick.
This is said to be very good, too: https://www.cateye.com/en/product_detail/550.
Of course, a great many people love the superflash.
For headlights the Beamer 3 isn't bad for a "be seen" light, I've had one for over two years now. That said, if I had to buy a replacement, I would upgrade with the Blaze or the Blaze 1w. Having more light to compete with city background lights is not a bad thing.
I use recharchable AAA bateries in mine, recharge them every few weeks to keep the lights nice and bright.
I have one rear blinky that handles rain very well and one that doesn't - I wil try Michels's electrical tape trick.
#7
Maybe it is the best thing going, and maybe it's just me, but my .5 watt blaze is a pain to swap the mounts from bike to bike. The little barrel nut that turns so easily and falls out is difficult to work with. Pretty screwy design overall IMO.
I would agree that it doesn't have much in the way of off-angle visibility. Head on it is bright, but the projector lens really keeps it from being a great "be seen light" IMO. Too blue also. I just can't recommend it. Don't really even want it as my back up light...
The 1 watt is available now at REI for $40 (local store has them). Much whiter than the bluish .5 watt model, but still poor visibility to the sides.
https://www.rei.com/product/769616
How many bikes do you need to swap between? If you can, get a set for each so you don't have to swap mounts.
I would agree that it doesn't have much in the way of off-angle visibility. Head on it is bright, but the projector lens really keeps it from being a great "be seen light" IMO. Too blue also. I just can't recommend it. Don't really even want it as my back up light...
The 1 watt is available now at REI for $40 (local store has them). Much whiter than the bluish .5 watt model, but still poor visibility to the sides.
https://www.rei.com/product/769616
How many bikes do you need to swap between? If you can, get a set for each so you don't have to swap mounts.
#9
Anybody have any feelings about this
Planet Bike Beamer 3 LED Bicycle Light with Quick Cam Bracket Mount
Planet Bike Beamer 3 LED Bicycle Light with Quick Cam Bracket Mount
You want feelings about this? YOU CAN'T HANDLE MY FEELINGS!
Ok all kidding aside. You mentioned in your first post that things go from bad to worse at night for you. Let me tell you something, a cheap light will hardly get you noticed! I don't mean that you need to go out and get a $500 light, but there are lights on the market that can be plenty bright enough for under $50 which would include the HD and TL.
If you want the least expensive set up yet still be high quality (though not really very bright but better then most and especially at this price) then look at this: https://www.amazon.com/Cateye-EL-220-...5576346&sr=1-1
You can always upgrade later when money becomes available and use the old HL for a front flasher and add a brighter HL. If you can afford upwards of $100 you can get very good lighting for that cost that people will see and you can see by. If interested in more info on that just post a reply.
Ok all kidding aside. You mentioned in your first post that things go from bad to worse at night for you. Let me tell you something, a cheap light will hardly get you noticed! I don't mean that you need to go out and get a $500 light, but there are lights on the market that can be plenty bright enough for under $50 which would include the HD and TL.
If you want the least expensive set up yet still be high quality (though not really very bright but better then most and especially at this price) then look at this: https://www.amazon.com/Cateye-EL-220-...5576346&sr=1-1
You can always upgrade later when money becomes available and use the old HL for a front flasher and add a brighter HL. If you can afford upwards of $100 you can get very good lighting for that cost that people will see and you can see by. If interested in more info on that just post a reply.
#10
"Florida Man"



Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,668
Likes: 2,599
From: East Florida
Bikes: '16 Bob Jackson rando, '66 Raleigh Superbe, 80 Nishiki Maxima, 07 Gary Fisher Utopia, 09 Surly LHT
For the headlight, I would suggest something like this:
https://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.13096
and this to mount:
https://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.792
For about $20, it will be much brighter than anything mentioned so far(you will want rechargable batteries). Even better, spend $40 and get 2 sets. If you are so inclined, you can make your own light for the fun of it, too. These solutions fill the Grand Canyon gap between the useless but affordable Cat Eye/Blackburns, and the ridiculously expensive but useful options. The more blinkies the better for the tail light.
https://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.13096
and this to mount:
https://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.792
For about $20, it will be much brighter than anything mentioned so far(you will want rechargable batteries). Even better, spend $40 and get 2 sets. If you are so inclined, you can make your own light for the fun of it, too. These solutions fill the Grand Canyon gap between the useless but affordable Cat Eye/Blackburns, and the ridiculously expensive but useful options. The more blinkies the better for the tail light.
#11
Galveston County Texas
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 33,335
Likes: 1,285
From: In The Wind
Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum
broke
For the headlight, I would suggest something like this:
https://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.13096
and this to mount:
https://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.792
For about $20, it will be much brighter than anything mentioned so far(you will want rechargable batteries). Even better, spend $40 and get 2 sets. If you are so inclined, you can make your own light for the fun of it, too. These solutions fill the Grand Canyon gap between the useless but affordable Cat Eye/Blackburns, and the ridiculously expensive but useful options. The more blinkies the better for the tail light.
https://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.13096
and this to mount:
https://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.792
For about $20, it will be much brighter than anything mentioned so far(you will want rechargable batteries). Even better, spend $40 and get 2 sets. If you are so inclined, you can make your own light for the fun of it, too. These solutions fill the Grand Canyon gap between the useless but affordable Cat Eye/Blackburns, and the ridiculously expensive but useful options. The more blinkies the better for the tail light.
__________________
Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
#12
Galveston County Texas
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 33,335
Likes: 1,285
From: In The Wind
Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum
3$ lite
I want a HL/TL for the purpose of being seen by others, not so much to see at night.
When the sune starts going down, it goes from bad to worse, people backing out in front of me, etc. I rarely (okay, never) ride in the dark.
I'd like something easily moveable from one bike to another
If not rechargeable, AA Batteries
Under $100 for the combo. Cheaper is better
When the sune starts going down, it goes from bad to worse, people backing out in front of me, etc. I rarely (okay, never) ride in the dark.
I'd like something easily moveable from one bike to another
If not rechargeable, AA Batteries
Under $100 for the combo. Cheaper is better

Have purchased 8 of them and gave them away.
The Helmet Mount is good for aiming at a car driver's window or around a curve if you are on a trail.
Nice part is you turn if Off and On Very quickly.
https://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1119

__________________
Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
#13
You can get a combo pack, Blackburn Quadrant and Mars for about $30-40. The Quadrant is rather large for a 4-LED light, but I like that it has a dual-mode (2 steady, 2 flashing) as I'm a firm believer in having at least some steady light for reference - it's hard to gauge distances when all they see of you is flashing light. The Mars is also quite competitive for a taillight in the <$50 category. (read as: not a Dinotte) 
Separately, I like the PB Beamer5 a lot, as well as the Superflash and the Flashpoint from Performance. Hope that helps!

Separately, I like the PB Beamer5 a lot, as well as the Superflash and the Flashpoint from Performance. Hope that helps!
#14
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 749
Likes: 1
From: Northern Virginia
Bikes: Specialized Crux Elite X1, Specialized Roubaix SL4 Expert, Specialized Crux Disc
I ended up getting the Cateye EL-220 and TL-LD270 combo from Amazon. I have a Prime account and it made it a pretty good deal, as I wanted it for a trip next week and it will be here tomorrow.[/font]
__________________
Gary F.
2019 Specialized Crux Elite X1
2015 Specialized Roubaix SL4 Expert
My bike page: https://www.gwfweb.com/bicycles
Build a bike stand! https://www.gwfweb.com/bicycles/stands.html
Gary F.
2019 Specialized Crux Elite X1
2015 Specialized Roubaix SL4 Expert
My bike page: https://www.gwfweb.com/bicycles
Build a bike stand! https://www.gwfweb.com/bicycles/stands.html
Last edited by gforeman; 07-11-08 at 12:05 PM.
#15
I'd be interested in your review. Assuming you're talking about the link that froze posted, there are only 2 reviews on it on Amazon's site. Good luck w/ it!
#16
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 749
Likes: 1
From: Northern Virginia
Bikes: Specialized Crux Elite X1, Specialized Roubaix SL4 Expert, Specialized Crux Disc
I'll let you know after I try it. The build looks good. The tail light may have been a waste as I don't have a place to mount it with the pack under the seat on the Trek, and the luggage bag on the Gary Fisher.
__________________
Gary F.
2019 Specialized Crux Elite X1
2015 Specialized Roubaix SL4 Expert
My bike page: https://www.gwfweb.com/bicycles
Build a bike stand! https://www.gwfweb.com/bicycles/stands.html
Gary F.
2019 Specialized Crux Elite X1
2015 Specialized Roubaix SL4 Expert
My bike page: https://www.gwfweb.com/bicycles
Build a bike stand! https://www.gwfweb.com/bicycles/stands.html
#17
Worse case, maybe somehow mount the TL to the back of your helmet? Looking forward to your HL review.
#18
Banned.
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,761
Likes: 3
From: Fort Wayne, Indiana
Bikes: 84 Trek 660 Suntour Superbe; 87 Giant Rincon Shimano XT; 07 Mercian Vincitore Campy Veloce
You got a good deal. Don't forget later you can upgrade to a brighter hl and used the old one as a flasher to attract drivers eyes to you. You can also up grade later to a brighter tl and use the old one either on the helmet or on a stay.




