Adding alternative spots for mounting lights
10-04-12 | 11:26 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,040
Likes: 1
From: Austin, TX
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro, Strada
Adding alternative spots for mounting lights
So, I'm setting up a road bike, and want to set up room for two computers, at least two lights (flashlights or something like a Magicshine) and a camera.
I'd rather leave the bars mostly empty -- currently, I've got my GPS on the stem, and the computer on the bar near the middle, and the lights are currently mounted to a Topeak BarXtender that's connected to the stem and puts the lights beneath and in front of the bars. It works, mostly.
However, the lights are interfering with the cables (this bike has 105 brifters, so the cables all go inside the bar tape and then come out near the middle of the bars) -- I can adjust things and it mostly works, but the cables do put pressure on the lights to one side so it causes them to shift to one side over time, which is kind of annoying.
Really, what I need to do is put the lights even further forward, and I'm wondering anybody has any ideas. I can mount the BarXtender to the bar instead of the stem and have it go forward, but in that configuration it wobbles more than I'd prefer and gravity tends to pull it down. (Perhaps I should try something like this which might wobble a little less, but I think it would still have the same problem with gravity.)
I'd really like to do something like this, but I don't have that much extra space in my steering tube to add another complete stem. Does anybody make a stem that is extra long (like six inches?) but the part that wraps around the steering tube is like 1/3rd the usual height? (Since it won't be supporting your weight, it doesn't need to be super strong.)
Another idea would be something similar to this, a stem that goes to a short bar that you can mount lights to -- but it mounts to the face of your existing stem (probably replacing it) rather than to the steering tube itself.
This is pretty close to that latter idea, though I'd prefer it stick out a bit more and be a bit wider. (And actually be available for purchase rather than being on kickstarter.)
I imagine I might be able to make these things myself if I get the assistance of some friends that work in a machine shop and/or can do welding, but I'd rather buy something if they're available. I just haven't found what I'm looking for.
I'd rather leave the bars mostly empty -- currently, I've got my GPS on the stem, and the computer on the bar near the middle, and the lights are currently mounted to a Topeak BarXtender that's connected to the stem and puts the lights beneath and in front of the bars. It works, mostly.
However, the lights are interfering with the cables (this bike has 105 brifters, so the cables all go inside the bar tape and then come out near the middle of the bars) -- I can adjust things and it mostly works, but the cables do put pressure on the lights to one side so it causes them to shift to one side over time, which is kind of annoying.
Really, what I need to do is put the lights even further forward, and I'm wondering anybody has any ideas. I can mount the BarXtender to the bar instead of the stem and have it go forward, but in that configuration it wobbles more than I'd prefer and gravity tends to pull it down. (Perhaps I should try something like this which might wobble a little less, but I think it would still have the same problem with gravity.)
I'd really like to do something like this, but I don't have that much extra space in my steering tube to add another complete stem. Does anybody make a stem that is extra long (like six inches?) but the part that wraps around the steering tube is like 1/3rd the usual height? (Since it won't be supporting your weight, it doesn't need to be super strong.)
Another idea would be something similar to this, a stem that goes to a short bar that you can mount lights to -- but it mounts to the face of your existing stem (probably replacing it) rather than to the steering tube itself.
This is pretty close to that latter idea, though I'd prefer it stick out a bit more and be a bit wider. (And actually be available for purchase rather than being on kickstarter.)
I imagine I might be able to make these things myself if I get the assistance of some friends that work in a machine shop and/or can do welding, but I'd rather buy something if they're available. I just haven't found what I'm looking for.
10-04-12 | 01:03 PM
#2
Because I thought I could
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 969
Likes: 0
From: Wash DC Metro
Bikes: November, Trek OCLV, Bianchi Castro Valley commuter
Looks similar to this Velo-Orange Dajia Accessory mount: https://store.velo-orange.com/index.p...ess-stems.html If you follow the links on the kick-starter page, the Beam product appears to be available at $25 each: https://www.tinylightbulbs.com/sports-outdoors/beam.html
With some aluminum rod and a metric tap & die set, you could fabricate something similar to the VO mount with greater extension from the handlebars. I'd be concerned about the amount of vibration and dynamic loads if you start hanging 2 lights, a camera, etc. cantilevered out several inches. Might affect handling noticably, too, depending on bike geometry and how much weight is out there. A brace extending below the bar extension might be able to use a large p-clip or hose clamp with a bolt on it to provide a mount point at the bottom of the head tube above the fork and provide enough support.
With some aluminum rod and a metric tap & die set, you could fabricate something similar to the VO mount with greater extension from the handlebars. I'd be concerned about the amount of vibration and dynamic loads if you start hanging 2 lights, a camera, etc. cantilevered out several inches. Might affect handling noticably, too, depending on bike geometry and how much weight is out there. A brace extending below the bar extension might be able to use a large p-clip or hose clamp with a bolt on it to provide a mount point at the bottom of the head tube above the fork and provide enough support.
10-04-12 | 02:09 PM
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 875
Likes: 0
From: New York City
10-04-12 | 04:29 PM
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 15,252
Likes: 1,759
From: Far beyond the pale horizon.
10-04-12 | 05:28 PM
#7
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,040
Likes: 1
From: Austin, TX
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro, Strada
Peruse this....
https://www.peterwhitecycles.com/light-mounts.asp
https://www.peterwhitecycles.com/light-mounts.asp
Like others, I like the Nitto Lamp Holder, though the price does seem high. Lots of ideas though ...
10-04-12 | 06:27 PM
#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
I bought one of this bar after I saw it on MTBR. It's wide but does not stick out too far which is probably not really what you wanted, but the price is right. I got the BNC204 model which has two bar clamps. Here is a picture of it on my MTB.
If you don't want the two bar lights or flashlights on your handle bar, you can mount it to the bottom of the drop. I mounted mine like this. Just don't do what I did and that was using zip ties for the wires. I was way too lazy to undo the bar tape and wrap it underneath....one day. You can also do the same with the flashlight like this.
One more DIY is to take a PVC pipe and a PVC T and make your own extender. You can cut the tail end of the T or the two side for whatever length you require. You can use a flashligh mount to attach the DIY extender to the bar or even clamp it under the stem. If the angle of the T is wrong, you can use a heat gun and heat the PVC pipe and bend it to any angle you want. Paint it before mounting it.
If you don't want the two bar lights or flashlights on your handle bar, you can mount it to the bottom of the drop. I mounted mine like this. Just don't do what I did and that was using zip ties for the wires. I was way too lazy to undo the bar tape and wrap it underneath....one day. You can also do the same with the flashlight like this.
One more DIY is to take a PVC pipe and a PVC T and make your own extender. You can cut the tail end of the T or the two side for whatever length you require. You can use a flashligh mount to attach the DIY extender to the bar or even clamp it under the stem. If the angle of the T is wrong, you can use a heat gun and heat the PVC pipe and bend it to any angle you want. Paint it before mounting it.
10-04-12 | 08:02 PM
#9
Thunder Whisperer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,841
Likes: 7
From: NE OK
Bikes: '06 Kona Smoke
If you go the MS route, you might be able to mount it on the fork crown. My first dedicated bike light purchase (front) is gonna be one of those MS clones and I'm putting the light head on the fork crown.
You could also use on of these on any M5 eyelet, so you could mount a light lower on the fork or at the drop out.
You could also use on of these on any M5 eyelet, so you could mount a light lower on the fork or at the drop out.
10-04-12 | 09:26 PM
#10
Just Plain Slow
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 6,026
Likes: 5
From: Santa Clarita, CA
Bikes: Lynskey R230
I hung my MagicShine under my garmin. It works really well other than it's a bit tough to get to the button on the back if you need to adjust intensity mid-ride. The version with the remote button would have been easier, but not as clean. I still have some work to do on tidying up the wiring. I'm a neat freak when it comes to wires. Battery is hung under the stem.
10-05-12 | 07:23 AM
#11
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 875
Likes: 0
From: New York City
If you go the MS route, you might be able to mount it on the fork crown. My first dedicated bike light purchase (front) is gonna be one of those MS clones and I'm putting the light head on the fork crown.
You could also use on of these on any M5 eyelet, so you could mount a light lower on the fork or at the drop out.
You could also use on of these on any M5 eyelet, so you could mount a light lower on the fork or at the drop out.
10-05-12 | 12:31 PM
#12
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,040
Likes: 1
From: Austin, TX
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro, Strada
It wouldn't, but this would and is very similar.
That said, I looked at my bike more carefully -- I've got about 1.25" of spacers beneath the stem, which is 1.5" tall. If I can find a stem that's about 6" long and 1" tall, I should be able to make this work beautifully for less money than the lamp holder.
We'll see.
That said, I looked at my bike more carefully -- I've got about 1.25" of spacers beneath the stem, which is 1.5" tall. If I can find a stem that's about 6" long and 1" tall, I should be able to make this work beautifully for less money than the lamp holder.
We'll see.
10-05-12 | 01:09 PM
#13
Certified Bike Brat
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,251
Likes: 6
From: Montreal, Quebec
It wouldn't, but this would and is very similar.
That said, I looked at my bike more carefully -- I've got about 1.25" of spacers beneath the stem, which is 1.5" tall. If I can find a stem that's about 6" long and 1" tall, I should be able to make this work beautifully for less money than the lamp holder.
We'll see.
That said, I looked at my bike more carefully -- I've got about 1.25" of spacers beneath the stem, which is 1.5" tall. If I can find a stem that's about 6" long and 1" tall, I should be able to make this work beautifully for less money than the lamp holder.
We'll see.
and so will this: https://www.aspirevelotech.com/Mercha..._Code=PCHBM-01
Last edited by Burton; 10-05-12 at 01:15 PM.
10-05-12 | 01:50 PM
#15
Don from Austin Texas
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,211
Likes: 1
From: Austin, Texas
Bikes: Schwinn S25 "department store crap" FS MTB, home-made CF 26" hybrid, CF road bike with straight bar, various wierd frankenbikes
So, I'm setting up a road bike, and want to set up room for two computers, at least two lights (flashlights or something like a Magicshine) and a camera.
I'd rather leave the bars mostly empty -- currently, I've got my GPS on the stem, and the computer on the bar near the middle, and the lights are currently mounted to a Topeak BarXtender that's connected to the stem and puts the lights beneath and in front of the bars. It works, mostly.
However, the lights are interfering with the cables (this bike has 105 brifters, so the cables all go inside the bar tape and then come out near the middle of the bars) -- I can adjust things and it mostly works, but the cables do put pressure on the lights to one side so it causes them to shift to one side over time, which is kind of annoying.
Really, what I need to do is put the lights even further forward, and I'm wondering anybody has any ideas. I can mount the BarXtender to the bar instead of the stem and have it go forward, but in that configuration it wobbles more than I'd prefer and gravity tends to pull it down. (Perhaps I should try something like this which might wobble a little less, but I think it would still have the same problem with gravity.)
I'd really like to do something like this, but I don't have that much extra space in my steering tube to add another complete stem. Does anybody make a stem that is extra long (like six inches?) but the part that wraps around the steering tube is like 1/3rd the usual height? (Since it won't be supporting your weight, it doesn't need to be super strong.)
Another idea would be something similar to this, a stem that goes to a short bar that you can mount lights to -- but it mounts to the face of your existing stem (probably replacing it) rather than to the steering tube itself.
This is pretty close to that latter idea, though I'd prefer it stick out a bit more and be a bit wider. (And actually be available for purchase rather than being on kickstarter.)
I imagine I might be able to make these things myself if I get the assistance of some friends that work in a machine shop and/or can do welding, but I'd rather buy something if they're available. I just haven't found what I'm looking for.
I'd rather leave the bars mostly empty -- currently, I've got my GPS on the stem, and the computer on the bar near the middle, and the lights are currently mounted to a Topeak BarXtender that's connected to the stem and puts the lights beneath and in front of the bars. It works, mostly.
However, the lights are interfering with the cables (this bike has 105 brifters, so the cables all go inside the bar tape and then come out near the middle of the bars) -- I can adjust things and it mostly works, but the cables do put pressure on the lights to one side so it causes them to shift to one side over time, which is kind of annoying.
Really, what I need to do is put the lights even further forward, and I'm wondering anybody has any ideas. I can mount the BarXtender to the bar instead of the stem and have it go forward, but in that configuration it wobbles more than I'd prefer and gravity tends to pull it down. (Perhaps I should try something like this which might wobble a little less, but I think it would still have the same problem with gravity.)
I'd really like to do something like this, but I don't have that much extra space in my steering tube to add another complete stem. Does anybody make a stem that is extra long (like six inches?) but the part that wraps around the steering tube is like 1/3rd the usual height? (Since it won't be supporting your weight, it doesn't need to be super strong.)
Another idea would be something similar to this, a stem that goes to a short bar that you can mount lights to -- but it mounts to the face of your existing stem (probably replacing it) rather than to the steering tube itself.
This is pretty close to that latter idea, though I'd prefer it stick out a bit more and be a bit wider. (And actually be available for purchase rather than being on kickstarter.)
I imagine I might be able to make these things myself if I get the assistance of some friends that work in a machine shop and/or can do welding, but I'd rather buy something if they're available. I just haven't found what I'm looking for.
What will you be doing with two computers?
Don, also in Austin
10-05-12 | 02:22 PM
#16
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 7
That looks like a threadless stem turned around to the front and add to with a bit of tubing.... Note that that steerer tube is probably just the result of an uncut replacement fork. That could be made better by cutting it enough to get rid of the 3-4 spacers leaving just the double stems. Actually looks almost dangerously tall... imho.
10-05-12 | 03:03 PM
#17
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,660
Likes: 177
https://harriscyclery.net/product/min...ights-2389.htm I use these on steel forks.
10-06-12 | 11:00 PM
#18
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,040
Likes: 1
From: Austin, TX
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro, Strada
Advantage A: Available whatever bike you are riding.
What will you be doing with two computers?
Right now, while I'm intrigued by Burton's HED water bottle mount (would just need to make a way to mount a bar on the end of it), I think I'll just go with a standard stem. Looks like I can use a stem with a 30 mm stem height -- that's exactly how much space I have, and while that's on the short side, they do exist. Just need to find a long one and I'm set.
10-07-12 | 06:39 AM
#19
Certified Bike Brat
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,251
Likes: 6
From: Montreal, Quebec
If I do, that'll be my third light. I've tried that, and I've found I don't like the additional weight on the helmet, and I tend to blind people when I look at them. Might be OK if I pick a small flashlight, however.
Every bike in the household has at least one of the $2 flashlight mounts on it, so I just put a flashlight on whatever bike I'm riding, and have several more ready for the rest of the family too if they want to ride. Works well.
Computing! Actually, one is a standard cyclocomputer and one is a GPS. I don't always have the GPS with me, but I still like to keep track of how far each bike has been ridden, and so a (cheap) cyclocomputer on each bike does that nicely, and even if I forgot the GPS at home.
Right now, while I'm intrigued by Burton's HED water bottle mount (would just need to make a way to mount a bar on the end of it), I think I'll just go with a standard stem. Looks like I can use a stem with a 30 mm stem height -- that's exactly how much space I have, and while that's on the short side, they do exist. Just need to find a long one and I'm set.
Every bike in the household has at least one of the $2 flashlight mounts on it, so I just put a flashlight on whatever bike I'm riding, and have several more ready for the rest of the family too if they want to ride. Works well.
Computing! Actually, one is a standard cyclocomputer and one is a GPS. I don't always have the GPS with me, but I still like to keep track of how far each bike has been ridden, and so a (cheap) cyclocomputer on each bike does that nicely, and even if I forgot the GPS at home.
Right now, while I'm intrigued by Burton's HED water bottle mount (would just need to make a way to mount a bar on the end of it), I think I'll just go with a standard stem. Looks like I can use a stem with a 30 mm stem height -- that's exactly how much space I have, and while that's on the short side, they do exist. Just need to find a long one and I'm set.
The HED unit normally mounts above the existing stem for a bottle cage, but mounted below the stem, is nice to mount a light(s) on a road bike. As long as you have no bar bag that is.
Neither solution requires a fork with an uncut steering tube.
Last edited by Burton; 10-07-12 at 06:45 AM.
10-11-12 | 02:12 PM
#20
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,040
Likes: 1
From: Austin, TX
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro, Strada
I'm not buying a new fork, just looking to use what I've got.
Turns out that the stem I'm looking for really doesn't exist or is really hard to find, so I'm going to leave that idea alone for now. The HED unit looks interesting, but I'd have to order it online (the local shops don't carry it) and I'm not sure it's quite what I want either. (I'd like to hold it in my hands before I buy it.)
I went ahead and reconfigured my Bar-Xtender, and I think this works better than what I had before. Rather than hang it off the stem downwards, I'm doing it off the middle of the bar through the hole in the face of the stem. This gets the lights mostly out of the way of the cables and improves on that aspect of things.
It's not quite what I was after, but it's pretty good.
Turns out that the stem I'm looking for really doesn't exist or is really hard to find, so I'm going to leave that idea alone for now. The HED unit looks interesting, but I'd have to order it online (the local shops don't carry it) and I'm not sure it's quite what I want either. (I'd like to hold it in my hands before I buy it.)
I went ahead and reconfigured my Bar-Xtender, and I think this works better than what I had before. Rather than hang it off the stem downwards, I'm doing it off the middle of the bar through the hole in the face of the stem. This gets the lights mostly out of the way of the cables and improves on that aspect of things.
It's not quite what I was after, but it's pretty good.
10-11-12 | 03:45 PM
#21
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 15,252
Likes: 1,759
From: Far beyond the pale horizon.
This isn't less money, and it's actually intended for water bottles, but it's smaller than a second stem and WILL go where you want it to: https://www.hedcycling.com/misc-acc/d...pop_Adjustable
https://www.bikeradar.com/gear/catego...mount-10-39470
10-11-12 | 04:48 PM
#22
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 875
Likes: 0
From: New York City
You can also get one or two of these and an old handlebar off CL or a 12" metal tube.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bike-Handle-...item43b44a8a29
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bike-Handle-...item43b44a8a29
10-11-12 | 05:03 PM
#23
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 15,252
Likes: 1,759
From: Far beyond the pale horizon.
You can also get one or two of these and an old handlebar off CL or a 12" metal tube.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bike-Handle-...item43b44a8a29
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bike-Handle-...item43b44a8a29
The same thing (in black), the BNC-201P, is cheaper (even with shipping) here:
https://www.action-led-lights.com/col...eadlight-mount
11-05-12 | 10:32 PM
#24
Certified Bike Brat
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,251
Likes: 6
From: Montreal, Quebec
I'm not buying a new fork, just looking to use what I've got.
Turns out that the stem I'm looking for really doesn't exist or is really hard to find, so I'm going to leave that idea alone for now. The HED unit looks interesting, but I'd have to order it online (the local shops don't carry it) and I'm not sure it's quite what I want either. (I'd like to hold it in my hands before I buy it.)
I went ahead and reconfigured my Bar-Xtender, and I think this works better than what I had before. Rather than hang it off the stem downwards, I'm doing it off the middle of the bar through the hole in the face of the stem. This gets the lights mostly out of the way of the cables and improves on that aspect of things.
It's not quite what I was after, but it's pretty good.
Turns out that the stem I'm looking for really doesn't exist or is really hard to find, so I'm going to leave that idea alone for now. The HED unit looks interesting, but I'd have to order it online (the local shops don't carry it) and I'm not sure it's quite what I want either. (I'd like to hold it in my hands before I buy it.)
I went ahead and reconfigured my Bar-Xtender, and I think this works better than what I had before. Rather than hang it off the stem downwards, I'm doing it off the middle of the bar through the hole in the face of the stem. This gets the lights mostly out of the way of the cables and improves on that aspect of things.
It's not quite what I was after, but it's pretty good.
Regarding that HED unit: Some things are kinda dependent on your personal set. The lolipop set up the way I use it is placed just above the headset and works best if your stem is neutral or oriented for an upwards rather than a downwards attitude. The HED can then be used to mount a bar a distance of 4.5 inches (center to center) in front of the stearing tube. A slot is cut in the bar and a bolt and shaped washer (front fork brake or/ fender washer) used to attach the bar. There are 8 threaded holes (5x0.mm in the HED so if you were only mounting a single light - you could do so firectly for some models. Extremely rigid. Something to think about if you need a winter project.
Last edited by Burton; 11-05-12 at 10:42 PM.
