In need of a new front headlight for regular night riding
#1
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 3
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In need of a new front headlight for regular night riding
I have a planet bike insight 15 watt rechargeable front headlight and it no longer works. I am in the market for a new front headlight and I would like one that is both bright, and rechargeable. Any suggestions are appreciated, Thanks.
#3
Dog Chaser
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 520
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From: Chicagoland
Bikes: Trek Emonda, Seven Evergreen, Merlin Cyrene, Trek TCT 5000, Trek Checkpoint
Also what type of riding do you do? Urban, semi-lighted, rural, road, commuting, trail, etc. The more info you provide the better the response.
#5
Dog Chaser
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 520
Likes: 0
From: Chicagoland
Bikes: Trek Emonda, Seven Evergreen, Merlin Cyrene, Trek TCT 5000, Trek Checkpoint
Here's a link to a recent thread with the same basic question you asked:
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...=#post11799976
There are numerous threads on the topic with a little research on back pages. Look them over and if you see something you're interested in, you can find more topics or ask questions on specific lights. Also, I hate to take you off these forums, but some of the best night riding and lighting discussions occur here:
https://forums.mtbr.com/forumdisplay.php?f=165
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...=#post11799976
There are numerous threads on the topic with a little research on back pages. Look them over and if you see something you're interested in, you can find more topics or ask questions on specific lights. Also, I hate to take you off these forums, but some of the best night riding and lighting discussions occur here:
https://forums.mtbr.com/forumdisplay.php?f=165
Last edited by BetweenRides; 01-11-11 at 07:04 AM.
#7
Senior Member


Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 6,925
Likes: 1,271
Am in my 2nd week using MagicShine headlight. Wow. Just wow. That is all you need to know, my friend. If you want to pay more money then buy the light the MagicShine copied: The Lupine Tesla (~300). However for half that money you can buy two (2) MS light-heads, a y-connector and batterypack (sourced separately and have nearly 1000 lumens (real). One MS blows away anything I have used before. I keep my Ascent Commuter light on flash and use the MS as needed on my commute. In the morning that means the 10 minutes out of town before I hit the next city and going home the last half (~15min) into town. Oncoming headlights still annoy but are no longer as crippling. I imagine w/two light-heads oncoming headlights wouldn't even affect me anymore. There are so many MagicShine threads on this forum it's hard to imagine anyone still asking "what headlight should I get" but here you are... do it. Buy the MagicShine. Thank me later.
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#8
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 960
Likes: 80
All that being said, I believe the Baja Designs Strykr is every bit as nice as any light you can buy. And, it's bomb proof, can be used for diving, snorkeling, ATVing, motorcycling, and biking. It's quite incredible and the quality surpasses even the Geoman-I-stand-behind-my-product MagicShine. Baja Designs is new to the bicycle lighting market but has been in the lighting business for 18 years. At ~$215 (after the $100 trade in credit) it's probably the cheapest high quality light out there.
Last edited by hopperja; 01-13-11 at 11:03 PM.
#9
Senior Member


Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 6,925
Likes: 1,271
I did buy my MagicShine from Geoman. Since he isn't selling their batteries I bought a batterypack separately from Batterysource. The MagicShine itself is not under scrutiny it is the batteries that are causing issues. My MagicShine feels solid, durable and so far has given me no reason to have any buyer remorse.
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#10
For a similar length commute, I've been using an Aurora P7 flashlight (2 modes - I always leave it on high) for 2 years now. The whole set up including 8 batteries and 2 chargers cost me less than $100. I can ride on high for 45-70 minutes with no problems at all.
Originally I was using the blue Trustfire batteries, but I switched to the black ones and they seem to work a little better.
Originally I was using the blue Trustfire batteries, but I switched to the black ones and they seem to work a little better.
#11
Older than dirt
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,342
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From: Winchester, VA
Bikes: Too darn many.. latest count is 11
#12
Seņior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 13,748
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From: Michigan
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
I really like my Magicshine. I have had no problems with the original battery and am still using it despite Geoman's recall. It's just a backup that I use once a month to make sure it's still good though; mainly I use an 8 cell pack that I bought from Tenergy when they were on sale.
I don't think I'd look elsewhere for a light, the Magicshine just can't be beat for bang for the buck. But I think it helps if you are a bit of a DIYer in case you need to replace a frayed wire or something. If you really can't do any repairs yourself, or don't think it's worth your time, I'd probably go with a P7 flashlight or two, or spend the money and go up to a bigger name brand.
I think the flashlight is probably a better call though.
I don't think I'd look elsewhere for a light, the Magicshine just can't be beat for bang for the buck. But I think it helps if you are a bit of a DIYer in case you need to replace a frayed wire or something. If you really can't do any repairs yourself, or don't think it's worth your time, I'd probably go with a P7 flashlight or two, or spend the money and go up to a bigger name brand.
I think the flashlight is probably a better call though.
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Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
#14
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
$30.00 for 40 lumens, not much bang for the buck.. I can get a 1 watt luxeon that puts out 60 lumens for $9.00 shipped..
#15
Seņior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 13,748
Likes: 10
From: Michigan
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
40 lumens is hardly enough to fix a flat tire with. If I tried to ride with it, I'd be the one that was flat.
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Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
#16
Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 47
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From: San Diego
Bikes: Giant Seek1, Rocky Mountain Hammer 29er, Schwinn Varsity
I bought a Nite Rider MiNewt 400 Dual in November 2009. Love these lights. 400 lumens on high and 200 on low. Run time is 3.5 hours on high and 7 hours on low. Low works just fine for commuting 95% of the time. High beam really lights up the road. This time of year I commute to and from work in the dark. In flash mode (at dusk or dawn) I have had car drivers yell at me to turn off my lights. I really feel a lot more safer with these lights. I paid $234 w/out tax at a bike store. My guess is you can do better than that online. The battery is lithium ion. Can take an hour or so to charge. Mounting is really easy and adaptable to different locations.
https://www.niterider.com/prod_minewt400dual.shtml
https://www.niterider.com/prod_minewt400dual.shtml






