How do I see my bike computer at night?
#1
Thread Starter
Runaway Breadtruck
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 279
Likes: 1
From: Merrimack, nh
Bikes: Trek Fuel EX 8, Giant Defy Advanced 2, TT Cruiser, GT Zaskar, Diggler scooter
How do I see my bike computer at night?
I'm going to be doing a lot of night riding this winter. I have a good headlight, a good taillight, etc. etc. What I lack, is the ability to see my computer while riding. I dont really want to wear a light on my forehead just to see the display. Is there anything out there for this purpose?
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,055
Likes: 8
From: Central Louisiana
Since my night rides are in the winter (no daylight saving time), I carry a small flashlight in my wind jacket. It's my backup should I lose my primary headlight. If I need to see the computer, that's what I use. Some computer have back lighting, but mine doesn't.
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 223
Likes: 1
From: Sioux Falls
Bikes: Bianchi Road bike, Nashbar Ultegra triple cyclocross, Raleigh full XT hybrid, lugged steel Schwinn, Full rigid Diamondback MTB
I use a Fenix L2D mounted on top of my helmet. It's primarily for seeing the road (trail) but there is enough spill to see the computer as well. I know you mentioned not wanting a light on your forhead, but if I only have one set of batteries they will go in the helmet light way before any of my bar mounted lights because being able to point the light where you need it is very valuable.
#4
Slo Spoke Jim
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 0
From: Altamonte Springs, FL
Bikes: 1982 Raleigh road bike & love it
https://store.icyclesusa.com/pyramid-...ight-p254.aspx
Give this a try. I have one but have never used it so I cannot tell you how well it works but at that price if you dont like it you will not be out much cash.
Give this a try. I have one but have never used it so I cannot tell you how well it works but at that price if you dont like it you will not be out much cash.
#5
I use a Fenix L2D mounted on top of my helmet. It's primarily for seeing the road (trail) but there is enough spill to see the computer as well. I know you mentioned not wanting a light on your forhead, but if I only have one set of batteries they will go in the helmet light way before any of my bar mounted lights because being able to point the light where you need it is very valuable.
Except I use a Trustfire TR801. Great for looking ahead at curves/corners or spotting deer lurking about as well as checking out speed etc.
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 672
Likes: 12
From: SF Penunsula
Bikes: 1970? Dawes Galaxy (cannibalized), 197? Bob Jackson Frankenbike, 1989 Jamis Diablo
How about something like these?
https://www.amazon.com/40-Super-Brigh.../dp/B0018LAGZY
I saw these on a blog...the writer bought a batch of these and were handing them out (for free) to unlit walkers, joggers and cyclists along his route.
https://www.amazon.com/40-Super-Brigh.../dp/B0018LAGZY
I saw these on a blog...the writer bought a batch of these and were handing them out (for free) to unlit walkers, joggers and cyclists along his route.
#8
I am a caffine girl
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,815
Likes: 1
From: Bay Area
Bikes: 2012 Stumpjumper FSR Comp...2010 Scott CR1 CF...2007 Novara FS Float2.0...2009 Specialized Hardrock Disc...2009 Schwinn Le Tour GSr
You can try those small and lightweight clip on led light that they sell for caps. Here's one from amazon that weights less than an once. In one of the review, it is only 1.5x1.1/4 in size. Clip it or cable tie it to your helmet. The good thing about having a light of any kind on your helmet is the ability to use as a hand free flashlight when in need of roadside repair.
https://www.amazon.com/Cyclops-CYC-MH...1576331&sr=1-6
I like that since it uses common CR2032 batteries and price is right. I wonder if two mounted at each end of the handle bar will light up the whole bar?
https://www.amazon.com/Cyclops-CYC-MH...1576331&sr=1-6
https://store.icyclesusa.com/pyramid-...ight-p254.aspx
Give this a try. I have one but have never used it so I cannot tell you how well it works but at that price if you dont like it you will not be out much cash.
Give this a try. I have one but have never used it so I cannot tell you how well it works but at that price if you dont like it you will not be out much cash.
#9
Senior Member

Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,049
Likes: 11
From: La Verne CA
Bikes: Litespeed Liege, Motorola Team Issue Eddy Mercxk, Santana Noventa Tandem, Fisher Supercaliber Mtn. Bike
My cheap and easy light is one that is 9.00 shipped.. It is only a 1w led, puts out 60 lumens, has 3 modes.. High - Low and Flashing.. The flashing has a nice tempo about 100 pulses per minute.. I normally leave it on flashing mode to get drivers attention.. If you do not want to wait for overseas delivery, any basic led headlamp from Walmart or Target will also do the trick with the velcro straps to hold in place..
You can use either 12 or 18 inch length of velcro to attach to helmet.. There is a small screw on the headlamp, if you tighten this a touch it will make the movement a little stiffer which is better for bike riding, so you do not have to adjust it if it moves on you..
https://cgi.ebay.com/1W-LED-NEW-HEADL...item3a5614626f
velcro: https://www.rei.com/product/794899
You can use either 12 or 18 inch length of velcro to attach to helmet.. There is a small screw on the headlamp, if you tighten this a touch it will make the movement a little stiffer which is better for bike riding, so you do not have to adjust it if it moves on you..
https://cgi.ebay.com/1W-LED-NEW-HEADL...item3a5614626f
velcro: https://www.rei.com/product/794899
#10
17yrold in 64yrold body
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 922
Likes: 1
From: Northern CA
I like to wear a bike cap under my helmet to conserve heat at night, so a cap light works well to see my computer.
I found this on ebay: https://cgi.ebay.com/Base-Ball-Cap-Ha...item335e9b1a79
I found this on ebay: https://cgi.ebay.com/Base-Ball-Cap-Ha...item335e9b1a79
#12
Galveston County Texas
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 33,335
Likes: 1,285
From: In The Wind
Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum
__________________
Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
#13
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,341
Likes: 326
From: Mountain View, CA USA and Golden, CO USA
Bikes: 97 Litespeed, 50-39-30x13-26 10 cogs, Campagnolo Ultrashift, retroreflective rims on SON28/PowerTap hubs
https://store.icyclesusa.com/pyramid-...ight-p254.aspx
Give this a try. I have one but have never used it so I cannot tell you how well it works but at that price if you dont like it you will not be out much cash.
Give this a try. I have one but have never used it so I cannot tell you how well it works but at that price if you dont like it you will not be out much cash.
https://store.icyclesusa.com/sigma-bi...rce=googlebase
#14
Rides again
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,282
Likes: 1
From: SW. Sacramento Region, aka, down river
Bikes: Giant OCR T, Trek SC
Adjust the position of the cyclometer so it falls inside the spill angle of your primary headlight. With both mounted on an extension bar and the cyclometer pushed forward, it is easy to see.
#15
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Winter Garden, FL
Bikes: 2008 Trek 2.1
#16
Marqueteur
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
Bikes: Primary: Specialized crossroads; Secondary: seldom used specialized MTB
I've used a basic cateye headlight purchased as an emergency backup mounted to my helmet for this purpose. Totally washed out by my HID headlight, but it serves this purpose quite well. A little unbalanced, perhaps. Lately I haven't been wearing a helmet after reading a good deal on the subject (just a note for clarity; I won't answer any questions or comments on the merits of helmets in this thread, so please don't try to hijack it), so I plan to get a more standard camping headlight to serve in place of the cateye, the strap on which just broke anyway.
Tor
Tor
#17
Thread Killer

Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 13,140
Likes: 2,162
From: Ann Arbor, MI
Bikes: 15 Kinesis Racelight 4S, 76 Motebecane Gran Jubilée, 17 Dedacciai Gladiatore2, 12 Breezer Venturi, 09 Dahon Mariner, 12 Mercier Nano, 95 DeKerf Team SL, 19 Tern Rally, 21 Breezer Doppler Cafe+, 19 T-Lab X3, 91 Serotta CII, 23 3T Strada
The Knog Nerd 12 has a cool, Indiglo-style backlight...and it's a cool-all-'round cyclocomputer. It's a super clean and way more sano than velcroing lights to your fingers or strapping a reading light on your bars.
#18
Velocommuter Commando
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,683
Likes: 38
From: Houston, Texas
Bikes: '88 Specialized Sirrus, '89 Alpine Monitor Pass, two '70 Raligh Twenties, '07 Schwinn Town & Country Trike, '07 Specialized Sirrus Hybrid
https://store.icyclesusa.com/pyramid-...ight-p254.aspx
Give this a try. I have one but have never used it so I cannot tell you how well it works but at that price if you dont like it you will not be out much cash.
Give this a try. I have one but have never used it so I cannot tell you how well it works but at that price if you dont like it you will not be out much cash.
#19
Velocommuter Commando
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,683
Likes: 38
From: Houston, Texas
Bikes: '88 Specialized Sirrus, '89 Alpine Monitor Pass, two '70 Raligh Twenties, '07 Schwinn Town & Country Trike, '07 Specialized Sirrus Hybrid
https://store.icyclesusa.com/pyramid-...ight-p254.aspx
Give this a try. I have one but have never used it so I cannot tell you how well it works but at that price if you dont like it you will not be out much cash.
Give this a try. I have one but have never used it so I cannot tell you how well it works but at that price if you dont like it you will not be out much cash.
Don't waste your money I had one and it sucks.

#20
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: California
Bikes: 2010 Fuji Roubaix ACR 3.0
https://www.niterider.com/cycle_computers.shtml
or just guess and check when you come up on street lights....
or just guess and check when you come up on street lights....
#21
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,341
Likes: 326
From: Mountain View, CA USA and Golden, CO USA
Bikes: 97 Litespeed, 50-39-30x13-26 10 cogs, Campagnolo Ultrashift, retroreflective rims on SON28/PowerTap hubs
https://www.niterider.com/cycle_computers.shtml
or just guess and check when you come up on street lights....
or just guess and check when you come up on street lights....
#22
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 885
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, NV
Bikes: 2011 Trek SOHO Deluxe, and 2010 Specialized Roubaix Expert
My cheap and easy light is one that is 9.00 shipped.. It is only a 1w led, puts out 60 lumens, has 3 modes.. High - Low and Flashing.. The flashing has a nice tempo about 100 pulses per minute.. I normally leave it on flashing mode to get drivers attention.. If you do not want to wait for overseas delivery, any basic led headlamp from Walmart or Target will also do the trick with the velcro straps to hold in place..
You can use either 12 or 18 inch length of velcro to attach to helmet.. There is a small screw on the headlamp, if you tighten this a touch it will make the movement a little stiffer which is better for bike riding, so you do not have to adjust it if it moves on you..
https://cgi.ebay.com/1W-LED-NEW-HEADL...item3a5614626f
velcro: https://www.rei.com/product/794899
You can use either 12 or 18 inch length of velcro to attach to helmet.. There is a small screw on the headlamp, if you tighten this a touch it will make the movement a little stiffer which is better for bike riding, so you do not have to adjust it if it moves on you..
https://cgi.ebay.com/1W-LED-NEW-HEADL...item3a5614626f
velcro: https://www.rei.com/product/794899
#23
Senior Member

Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,049
Likes: 11
From: La Verne CA
Bikes: Litespeed Liege, Motorola Team Issue Eddy Mercxk, Santana Noventa Tandem, Fisher Supercaliber Mtn. Bike
are you using nimh cells or alkaline.. I have 3 of these and they all work fine but one of them will not work with nimh rechargeables, I can only use alkalines in one of them. Not sure why, they all look the same but that is what I have experienced.
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