cygolite expilion experience
09-16-12 | 04:57 AM
#26
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Judging by its size, I suspect that's what it is, but it's molded into a custom holder. They have a few different versions depending on the output of the lights they fit. They probably do this to control the type and quality of the battery, and of course to make more money.
09-16-12 | 06:13 AM
#27
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From: NE Indiana
Bikes: 2020 Masi Giramondo 700c; 2013 Lynskey Peloton; 1992 Giant Rincon; 1989 Dawes needs parts; 1985 Trek 660; 1985 Fuji Club; 1984 Schwinn Voyager; 1984 Miyata 612; 1977 Raleigh Competition GS
09-16-12 | 08:00 AM
#29
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Bucks County, PA
I think they say somewhere in their advertising that the battery inside the holder is a Li Ion 18650. I don't think they say if it is the 'protected' type or the 'unprotected' type.
I can guess a few reasons why they might put it in a custom holder...
- Make some profit
- Control the quality, capacity and type of cell
- Assure reliable electrical contact - better than you would get with spring contacts on a bare cell.
- Make it easier to swap batteries during a ride
- Reduce legal liability. Li Ion cells have been known to 'vent with flame' if charged improperly. The holder forces us to charge it only using their built-in charging circuit.
I can guess a few reasons why they might put it in a custom holder...
- Make some profit
- Control the quality, capacity and type of cell
- Assure reliable electrical contact - better than you would get with spring contacts on a bare cell.
- Make it easier to swap batteries during a ride
- Reduce legal liability. Li Ion cells have been known to 'vent with flame' if charged improperly. The holder forces us to charge it only using their built-in charging circuit.
Last edited by JPMacG; 09-16-12 at 08:09 AM. Reason: clarification
09-16-12 | 08:42 AM
#30
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From: Brooklyn NY
Bikes: Kuota Kredo/Chorus, Trek 7000 commuter, Trek 8000 MTB and a few others
I think they say somewhere in their advertising that the battery inside the holder is a Li Ion 18650. I don't think they say if it is the 'protected' type or the 'unprotected' type.
I can guess a few reasons why they might put it in a custom holder...
- Make some profit
- Control the quality, capacity and type of cell
- Assure reliable electrical contact - better than you would get with spring contacts on a bare cell.
- Make it easier to swap batteries during a ride
- Reduce legal liability. Li Ion cells have been known to 'vent with flame' if charged improperly. The holder forces us to charge it only using their built-in charging circuit.
I can guess a few reasons why they might put it in a custom holder...
- Make some profit
- Control the quality, capacity and type of cell
- Assure reliable electrical contact - better than you would get with spring contacts on a bare cell.
- Make it easier to swap batteries during a ride
- Reduce legal liability. Li Ion cells have been known to 'vent with flame' if charged improperly. The holder forces us to charge it only using their built-in charging circuit.
But a lot of products come with their own proprietary version of these batteries in special cases. It gets annoying when you can find the charger for you camera, cell phone, whatever, and these things still aren't anywhere near universal.
09-24-12 | 12:38 PM
#31
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Joined: May 2012
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From: Alexandria, VA
Bikes: Ridley
Wow. Me too. Just got mine from Amazon yesterday and took it for a ride last night. It's replacing my 8 year old Light&Motion HID light which has (had?) a similar lumen rating. It's 2/3 the size and less than 1/4 the weight of just the NiMH battery for the old HID light, which was something like $350 at the the time. And it's significantly brighter and with a fairly wide uniform beam. I used to like the HID light because it was fairly hot in the center and had wide low level illumination. Even though the Expilion is brighter in the middle than the HID light, if I could shape the beam I would sacrifice some of the side intensity and make the center even brighter.
That was with the light on the bars. I want to try it mounted to my helmet and see how well that works.
It has 5 steady modes. Walking, which is really very feeble, then Med, High, Boost, and low, in that order. The difference going between Med and High and High and Boost isn't that much visually, but according to the spex has a rather dramatic effect on run times. Low is pretty dim, maybe OK for riding very slowly or in well lit areas. I have not yet verified the run times.
So far, the only place I have found spare batteries for it is the Cygolite website.
That was with the light on the bars. I want to try it mounted to my helmet and see how well that works.
It has 5 steady modes. Walking, which is really very feeble, then Med, High, Boost, and low, in that order. The difference going between Med and High and High and Boost isn't that much visually, but according to the spex has a rather dramatic effect on run times. Low is pretty dim, maybe OK for riding very slowly or in well lit areas. I have not yet verified the run times.
So far, the only place I have found spare batteries for it is the Cygolite website.
1. The little soft rubber cover for the USB port is really poorly designed. Second week of use and the cover fell off as I was trying to peel it back to charge the battery. It seems impossible to put it back in the tiny hole (you can also see in the picture). So without a cover for the USB port the light is not weatherproof, and that's a dealbreaker.
2. The handle bar attachment does not inspire confidence to me, especially if it gets exposed to the elements a bit longer. Having such an expensive light on the handlebars means that I will need to remove it each time I lock the bike outside (which is nearly everyday), so the constant mounting and removal will inevitably cause the mount to break. Of course it has not broken yet, but it's the engineer in me thinking ahead.
Other than that it's really impressive and good bang for the buck.
09-24-12 | 01:11 PM
#32
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Joined: Sep 2010
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From: NE Indiana
Bikes: 2020 Masi Giramondo 700c; 2013 Lynskey Peloton; 1992 Giant Rincon; 1989 Dawes needs parts; 1985 Trek 660; 1985 Fuji Club; 1984 Schwinn Voyager; 1984 Miyata 612; 1977 Raleigh Competition GS
1. The little soft rubber cover for the USB port is really poorly designed. Second week of use and the cover fell off as I was trying to peel it back to charge the battery. It seems impossible to put it back in the tiny hole (you can also see in the picture). So without a cover for the USB port the light is not weatherproof, and that's a dealbreaker.
2. The handle bar attachment does not inspire confidence to me, especially if it gets exposed to the elements a bit longer. Having such an expensive light on the handlebars means that I will need to remove it each time I lock the bike outside (which is nearly everyday), so the constant mounting and removal will inevitably cause the mount to break. Of course it has not broken yet, but it's the engineer in me thinking ahead.
2. The handle bar attachment does not inspire confidence to me, especially if it gets exposed to the elements a bit longer. Having such an expensive light on the handlebars means that I will need to remove it each time I lock the bike outside (which is nearly everyday), so the constant mounting and removal will inevitably cause the mount to break. Of course it has not broken yet, but it's the engineer in me thinking ahead.
09-24-12 | 01:36 PM
#33
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Joined: May 2012
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From: Alexandria, VA
Bikes: Ridley
Odd, I have the 350 version for over a year and half and haven't had any problems, in fact I really like the handlebar attachment, it's been very sturdy compared to some stuff I've seen. The little rubber thing on mine hasn't come off, but I've seen a lot of lights with similar cheaply built rubber crap even on much more expensive lights, you just learn to be careful, they don't want you to own stuff forever...sad but true. But the good news is that since you just bought it it still has a 1 year warranty, send it back for replacement or maybe they have a aftermarket thing they've come up with they'll send you.
09-24-12 | 03:46 PM
#34
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Joined: Dec 2010
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$120 seems cheap to me compared to what this level of illumination cost a few years ago. Anyway, I'm confident the mount is sufficient for the task.
Agree that the rubber usb cover is a bit tricky to close, but a little silicone grease helps quite a bit and also helps ensure its waterproofness. If it tore off and I lost it, I'd cover the hole with a piece of tape.
Agree that the rubber usb cover is a bit tricky to close, but a little silicone grease helps quite a bit and also helps ensure its waterproofness. If it tore off and I lost it, I'd cover the hole with a piece of tape.
09-24-12 | 05:23 PM
#35
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,954
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From: NE Indiana
Bikes: 2020 Masi Giramondo 700c; 2013 Lynskey Peloton; 1992 Giant Rincon; 1989 Dawes needs parts; 1985 Trek 660; 1985 Fuji Club; 1984 Schwinn Voyager; 1984 Miyata 612; 1977 Raleigh Competition GS
Phillips sent me a brand new light after I found out that burn rate on mine was less then half of what it was suppose to be, and they did that with a simple phone call that they actually answered quickly! Imagine that in todays world that first off a company would even have a phone number, and second a real person answers it and does so within 5 rings!!
02-04-13 | 07:23 AM
#36
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,391
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From: Memphis TN area
Bikes: 2011 Felt Z85 (road/commuter), 2006 Marin Pine Mountain (utility/commuter E-bike), 1995 KHS Alite 1000 (gravel grinder)
I just purchased an Expilion 700 yesterday from Amazon, along with a Hotshot rear light. Nice to see all the positive reviews here. Now I just returned a L&M VIS 180 Micro rear light to the LBS yesterday, because the USB charge port broke the first time I plugged it in, and also because I wasn't very happy with the way it mounts with just a rubber strap. Please tell me the Expilion 700 front light has something better than just a rubber strap that you have to remove each time you want to remove the light. Anybody?
02-04-13 | 11:06 AM
#37
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Joined: Dec 2011
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From: Fort Worth, Texas
Bikes: 2000 Bianchi Veloce, '88 Schwinn Prologue, '90 Bianchi Volpe,'94 Yokota Grizzly Peak, Yokota Enterprise, '16 Diamondback Haanjo, '91 Bianchi Boardwalk, Ellsworth cruiser
I've got a Pace 400, which is the version of the Expilion sold by Perfromance/Nashbar. Very happy with it. I usually run it at 300 lumens and just bump it to the full 400 when I need it on an unlit trail. I get between 2 to 1 1/2 hours out of it this way. Usually last me for a full ride, but I carry a spare battery just in case.
On the battery question, it is an 18650 in a proprietary casing.
On the battery question, it is an 18650 in a proprietary casing.
02-04-13 | 11:16 AM
#38
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02-04-13 | 11:18 AM
#39
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From: Memphis TN area
Bikes: 2011 Felt Z85 (road/commuter), 2006 Marin Pine Mountain (utility/commuter E-bike), 1995 KHS Alite 1000 (gravel grinder)
Actually I did find some other pics online that appear to have a more substantial mount than just a rubber strap. Can't wait for these new lights to arrive this week!
02-04-13 | 12:49 PM
#40
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Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Tampa, FL
Bikes: 2014 Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod 2, 2012 Specialized Roubaix Elite Rival, 2012 Cannondale Scalpel 4, 2010 Trek 7.7 FX
The Expillion 700 has one of those locks where you push down and remove the light from the mount. I've had mine for a couple of weeks and am very happy with it.
02-04-13 | 12:50 PM
#41
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,391
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From: Memphis TN area
Bikes: 2011 Felt Z85 (road/commuter), 2006 Marin Pine Mountain (utility/commuter E-bike), 1995 KHS Alite 1000 (gravel grinder)
02-04-13 | 07:51 PM
#42
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Joined: May 2012
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From: Alexandria, VA
Bikes: Ridley
I should add that I've been a bit worried about deterioration with rain and sun, and so far not a sign of wear. Great sturdy mount. Great light!
02-05-13 | 11:11 AM
#43
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,391
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From: Memphis TN area
Bikes: 2011 Felt Z85 (road/commuter), 2006 Marin Pine Mountain (utility/commuter E-bike), 1995 KHS Alite 1000 (gravel grinder)
Wow I can't believe it! Ordered the lights from Amazon on Sunday and they're already here today, even with the free standard shipping!
Initial thoughts: omg WHOA this Expilion 700 is BRIGHT!!! Even the lowest setting is brighter than my old light. Can't wait to get out there on some night rides. I guess I should probably pick up a spare battery, and will also get a second mount so I can use the same light on both of my bikes. And yes, I'm VERY impressed with the mount. Seems extremely sturdy, much more so than what came with my old light.
Also got the Cygolight Hotshot rear light in the same order. Also much, much brighter than the other 3 tail lights I already have. Impressive choice of flash modes, also. I actually brought my road bike to work today and was afraid I would have to ride during lunch with no lights (transferred my other lights to other bikes already). But since these came in this morning I've already got them mounted on the bike and ready to go. Will also be testing the night performance this Saturday night during the local monthly "social" bike ride.
Initial thoughts: omg WHOA this Expilion 700 is BRIGHT!!! Even the lowest setting is brighter than my old light. Can't wait to get out there on some night rides. I guess I should probably pick up a spare battery, and will also get a second mount so I can use the same light on both of my bikes. And yes, I'm VERY impressed with the mount. Seems extremely sturdy, much more so than what came with my old light.
Also got the Cygolight Hotshot rear light in the same order. Also much, much brighter than the other 3 tail lights I already have. Impressive choice of flash modes, also. I actually brought my road bike to work today and was afraid I would have to ride during lunch with no lights (transferred my other lights to other bikes already). But since these came in this morning I've already got them mounted on the bike and ready to go. Will also be testing the night performance this Saturday night during the local monthly "social" bike ride.
02-05-13 | 02:27 PM
#44
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02-05-13 | 07:35 PM
#46
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 286
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From: Tampa, FL
Bikes: 2014 Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod 2, 2012 Specialized Roubaix Elite Rival, 2012 Cannondale Scalpel 4, 2010 Trek 7.7 FX
$55 to order the mount and battery through Cygolite. Was able to order a new 600 (primarily for those parts w/ the bonus of the additional lamp) from Amazon for $89 total.
02-05-13 | 09:29 PM
#47
Thread Killer
Joined: Aug 2008
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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
I'm no fan of the Expilion 700, finding the user experience barely acceptable. It's heavy, ugly, and awkward in most every sense, and is just a clumsy piece of equipment. The pricing is excellent, however, and if you can suffer the lousy design elements, you've gotten a good deal.
My full review is here: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...e+expilion+700
My full review is here: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...e+expilion+700
02-05-13 | 09:56 PM
#48
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,391
Likes: 13
From: Memphis TN area
Bikes: 2011 Felt Z85 (road/commuter), 2006 Marin Pine Mountain (utility/commuter E-bike), 1995 KHS Alite 1000 (gravel grinder)
Good gosh man, super picky eh? I'm thoroughly pleased with this light so far, although I only have a $20 Walmart light to compare it to, so obviously I'm not going to be too picky with it. To me the light is outstanding. My only wish is that the beam spread was just a touch wider, without such a sharp cutoff at the edges of the circular beam. But other than that it should work great for me.
02-05-13 | 09:57 PM
#49
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,391
Likes: 13
From: Memphis TN area
Bikes: 2011 Felt Z85 (road/commuter), 2006 Marin Pine Mountain (utility/commuter E-bike), 1995 KHS Alite 1000 (gravel grinder)
I dunno, getting the 600 seems like a good idea actually. It doesn't come with a helmet mount, but I could use the helmet mount that came with my 700, and then put the 600's mount on my MTB.
02-06-13 | 08:52 AM
#50
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,391
Likes: 13
From: Memphis TN area
Bikes: 2011 Felt Z85 (road/commuter), 2006 Marin Pine Mountain (utility/commuter E-bike), 1995 KHS Alite 1000 (gravel grinder)
Hey sorry chaadster I didn't mean to come across as hating on your review or anything. It's just that I only have that one cheap light to compare this E700 to and it is leaps and bounds better (better be for 6 times the price haha). I might not like the E700 as much if I had experience with other lights. But for now I love this E700.