Impulse buy: keep or return?

thebouldwhacker

Hi all,

The usual story went into my lbs to buy a cheap set of lights just to get me on the road tonight (my gf has my normal set atm) I was gonna spend maybe €10/20 but came out with this...

Normally I'd put in research to such a purchase ie weight, strength, length of life etc etc but he showed me the lamps and I got dizzy. I woke up outside the shop with these and without €34.

I have no idea if they are a good road light and I know some of ye have similar, what do ye more informed think. I can return them tomorrow if I'm not keeping them. Thanks

blorg

I imagine that will be perfectly bright, the main downside with it compared to more modern LED systems is mainly the size and weight, having a battery in a bottle cage, etc. Modern LED systems will provide equivalent or better performance in a smaller form factor.

thebouldwhacker

yea, thats what I was thinking. They are bright but the battery is heavy... but then for that money... I have torch lights and they are great, I'll prob keep them unless someone has a better product for the same money.

DePurpereWolf

They seem to be brighter than LED's I don't think it's a complete waste of money. But best is to try out of course. for 33 euro I wouldn't worry about it.

blorg

Modern high power LEDs are brighter. I'm not talking about 3-LED flashers.

You are unlikely to get anything brighter or lighter for that money but €55 would get you a Magicshine which would be both substantially brighter and lighter, or around €100 a Fenix TK11 with batteries and charger which is a lot smaller and probably also brighter (although not as bright as the Magicshine.)

If you don't mind the weight what you got will be more than bright enough for commuting and almost certainly cycling along completely unlit roads also.

wotdef

Hate to burst your bubbles(well maybe not) but these lights are a waste of money. They need constant recharging and are forever blowing bulbs. Pay out a bit more and get a decent LED light.I got A Light & Motion Stella 200. Got flashed by a car driver this morning. Result:D.

nochain5

got those torch lights for mizen 2 malin 24hr non stop cycle 4 years ago and havent had a prob to this day!!at that price i reckon you have as good as is out there..

lescol

I have a set of these for about 8 years http://www.cateye.com/en/product_detail/259, they also use a 6V 4.2AH lead acid battery. They are powerful at 10W per bulb, the battery takes all day to recharge and when it does discharge it's sudden, catastophic! They didn't have a "smart" charger so you need to be careful. The battery is heavy but I don't find it a problem on a commute since I'm on an old steel bike and carrying a backpack. If your happy with the limited battery life and recharging they should serve you well and you can always try upgrading the bulbs for more power.

blue chuzzle

lescol wrote: »

I have a set of these for about 8 years http://www.cateye.com/en/product_detail/259, they also use a 6V 4.2AH lead acid battery. They are powerful at 10W per bulb, the battery takes all day to recharge and when it does discharge it's sudden, catastophic! They didn't have a "smart" charger so you need to be careful. The battery is heavy but I don't find it a problem on a commute since I'm on an old steel bike and carrying a backpack. If your happy with the limited battery life and recharging they should serve you well and you can always try upgrading the bulbs for more power.

all of that sounds like its leading up to a punchline. something like... NOT!

lescol

The weakest part is the battery, heavy, long charging time, short duration of power, sudden discharge. If I was relying on the lights for a long commute or winter rides then I'd say take them back, modern lights are much more efficient.

thebouldwhacker

As always thanks for the posts.
I got all rock and roll last night, half a mile down a dark road, down hill doing about 30kph and *putt* no lights:eek: frantically hit the button and the turned on the dim light... the head light blew. The dim isnt much stronger than the lamp I use already, stayed out for 20k but between the crap vision and the rain I called it a night. Ah well I'll be returning it today and I'll splash the cash on a light weight strong LED.... so the hunt begins:D

blorg

If you are only going to have one light I would get a Fenix TK-11. They are rock solid reliable.

The Magicshine is brighter and cheaper but might be slightly more risky on the reliability front. I will be getting a Magicshine myself but you need at least one light you know if solid.

thebouldwhacker

Cheers Blorg,

So you reckon the Fenix TK-11 gets the 'Blorg seal of approval'? does it illuminate the road ahead so as to cycle at speed?

ROK ON

Yes.

blorg

thebouldwhacker wrote: »

Cheers Blorg,

So you reckon the Fenix TK-11 gets the 'Blorg seal of approval'? does it illuminate the road ahead so as to cycle at speed?

Yes, I am pretty sure I have topped 70km/h with it. Would be interested in a brighter light really just for the luxury factor on descents. The TK-11 is possibly the best balance of weight/light/battery life- plus it is pretty rock solid, some of the other lights are cheaper and brighter but can be a bit more of a gamble. I bought another after I lost the first one.

Signal_ rabbit

thebouldwhacker wrote: »

As always thanks for the posts.
I got all rock and roll last night, half a mile down a dark road, down hill doing about 30kph and *putt* no lights:eek: frantically hit the button and the turned on the dim light... the head light blew. The dim isnt much stronger than the lamp I use already, stayed out for 20k but between the crap vision and the rain I called it a night. Ah well I'll be returning it today and I'll splash the cash on a light weight strong LED.... so the hunt begins:D

Was that you going past Seany Barrys last night at about 6ish?

thebouldwhacker

Cheers guys


Hey Signal, nope, I was out Wed night, I was in Cork last night. I returned the torch so I'm blind @the mo. When I figure out where to by a Fenix TK-11 I'll be back out there, fancy meeting up for a night ride before christmas?

Signal_ rabbit

Hey BW sounds good to me, if only someone would turn the water off! The Fenix's look good for about 60 squid am very tempted myself.