I really wanted the P7, but was out of my budget. Then I went to Lowes looking for the Task Force but I could not find it. Then I saw the Mini Maglite, which I keep seeing everywhere (supermarkets, x-mart and here at lowes too). The thing is usually priced short of 20 bucks so I'll give it a try.



This is the 2 AA version. There's a 3 AA version that I think will give better battery life, but it was too long. Having it working with AA really works for me because I already have lots of rechargeable AA and a few chargers; almost all my gadgets use AA.

Mounting:

I used the cheapo hanger clamp trick described on other flash light threads. It works like a charm for less than a buck. I might paint it black later to make it look nicer:



A little closer...


Looking from above:


Front view:


1st test:

It's still day here around 1pm. But I kinda tested inside the garage:


I recognized there are other options with more bang for the buck but I needed something today (I'm impatient) and the whole thing was under $20 bucks. I will test ride it tonight (unless wife trows in a monkey wrench) and let you know how it worked out.

If it doesn't meet expectations, I already have somebody interested in it...

I used one of these for a couple of rides and found it adequate. Then, I got a DiNotte and found the Mag Lite to be good for an emergency backup, if for some reason the DiNotte failed. Then I got a Fenix and haven't looked at the Mag since.

I want to know why the reflector on top of the stem ?
is that so apache copter pilots don't land on you ? lulz

Like hopperja said, I found the light to be "adequate". Nothing impressive, but for under 20 bucks, you get what you paid for. I test it today for a short 5 miler in pitch black roads and I could see where I was going, avoided a few pebbels, some pot holes and a snake. I also got a friend to ride it towards me while I was riding his bike, to test if it was "too bright" as to impair vision of other riders. It obiously doesn't, which is a good thing if I ever get to use it on the MUP.

I'll eventually get something better, but for now, it does the job. If/when I get something better, I'll keep it as a backup, or a lower power light for MUP riding.

and to localhost: LOL I never noticed... it's a factory label... will have to ask trek engineers about it's purpose.

Rather than paint your holders black, put some black heat shrink on them.

Yeah, aesthetics aside, the best thing you could do to that mount is put some heat-shrink tubing or closed-cell foam on it so that if you end up face- or crotch-planting on it during some emergency maneuver, it doesn't cause serious injury. At the very least you should flip it around so the bolt is pointing forward and the smooth part is facing you while riding.

On-topic, should be a fine "be seen" light.

for 5 bucks or so more, and a little patience (3 day shipping) you could have gotten the romisen https://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/t...CREE-Q5/Detail that has gotten good feedback on the forum.

I have one and looking at your pics, it seems to put out a lot more light than the maglite.

Practically whether it makes a difference or or not I think depends on what type of night biking you do. I want a P7 also, but I think that is more of a "me caveman, light good, more light more good" kind of thing, FOR MY RIDING. I can see where other riding is going to warrant a lot more light than the romisen and the blinking led front light that is use.

Careful you don't pinch the cable housing with the clamp. Wouldn't want your light bracket to jack with your cable motion.

I'm using the Lowe's Task Force right now. Throws a spot a good distance, but up close is still a bit dark. How would this light be as short distance flood?

I'm think the mag LED's are great lights during a blackout emergency
due to their longer runtime. A 3watt maglight drop in bulb would have
cost you $30 a couple of years ago. even a 1watt may have been that much.
I like the idea mr. cJ posted, using a mag on flood and a Cree for throw.

I compared my 3watt luxeon vs. the Cree P4 light I just got, both on 2aa's.
I like the wide floody sidespill of the mini mag. the Cree has a very distinct hot spot
and little sidespill.

^^^
Linkie no worky....

Not to rain on your parade, but a Fenix L2D puts out so much more light than a Mini-Mag that it's hardly worth comparing them. I bought an LED upgrade for the Mini-Mag that I've had for ages, thinking it would be a good backup or addition to the Fenix. No way. The Fenix way, way, way more bright than the Mini-Mag. I wouldn't even attempt trying to commute with the Mini-Mag but it's fine for using around the house.

https://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/t...CREE-Q5/Detail

Did you buy the Mag branded LED replacement or that niteize thing that crap stores like walmart sell?

BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR MOUNTING BELOW THE BAR.
I understand everyones need to save a few bucks, but these conduit clamps below the handlebars can bump into your knees when out of the saddle.
Same can happen in a tight turn.
Also, having them a bit UNdERtightened to allow them to move in case you crash so the flashlight does not go INTO you.
The old style shifters that were on the stems were known to do some real nasty damage to riders in a crash.

Oh Yeah, Cut those bolts down or get shorter ones.

Rob