Peek the Geek

Seems like lately I haven't had enough time to ride as much as I'd like, so I thought it'd be nice to get some rides in after my 1-yr-old son goes to bed. I'd like to hit the local singletrack, but first thing's first---I need a lighting system.

Bottom line is, I don't want to spend $500+, because I'm not out there doing 24-hour races or anything like that. I just need a one or two hours runtime, and lights bright enough for tight singletrack through the woods. I'd also like both a helmet light and a bar light. And I'd rather not spend any more than $300 at the most.

Problem is, I don't know the differences between the different bulb and battery types.

I know there's lots of info using the search function, and yes I am looking at it. But I'd also like to hear some first-hand experiences from those of you who ride trails at night (not interested in hearing about what people are commuting/road riding with).

Enlighten me.

SpiderMike

I run a cygo lite explorer on the bars. I've had this for over 5 years now. One one charge it has about a 2-3 hour run time, pending I burn both lights or just one.
I bought some LED light at the LBS for the helmet. I keep forgetting the brand, but I do know its very bright, it was only $40, and also came with a handlebar mount. It has three intinsity levels and a flash mode. On one set of batteries, it has about a 30 hour run time. I just found out that there is a better version that has 3 leds.

And because I use this for offroad and on, I also run a cat eye LD600 taillight. It comes in handy from the trail head to my truck.

DiRt DeViL

Check out the Light and Motion Solo series, it's a 20w halogen lamp and depending on the battery and charger is the price. Also the Vega series might do the trick and it's a bit cheaper.

I own a Solo Logic with the Li Ion SL battery; saw them on sale on the latest Nashbar catalog.

Joecool85

I've got a 20w halogen setup for sale on eBay right now:

https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MESE%3AIT&rd=1

Worth a look. I use one exactly like it (I make them) and between that and my helmet LED I am extremely comfortable in the dark.

archdude79

I am in the same boat as you. I have a 17 month old and wanted to do more night rides to get some saddle-time in. This spring/summer I bought the BlackBurn X3. Blackburn is owned by Bell-so they're not some brand new company with no history. I have used it about 10-15 times. I like it because it is a LED bulb and doesn't get hot and has a great battery life. I would recommend it. You should probably decide how fast you want to be going in the dark on the trails. This light is only good for about 10mph. Good luck!

Here is the Website for that light:

https://www.blackburndesign.com/lights.html

archdude79

Also, I forgot to mention that I paid $125 for mine on sale at my lbs. Normal price should be $150.

BoSoxYacht

you can make one www.bikelight.blogspot.com

mx_599

thanks...that looks pretty cool. are you going to try? i am not sure i like the helmet...i think i would try to have it on my bars. i wonder how long run time you can get with that set-up?

Brate

There is usualy alot of info on home built lights in the commuter forum, they love their lights...

2manybikes

Go for it !


https://www.batteryspace.com/index.as...OD&ProdID=2499