Lights for training at night

patrick151

With the winter setting in and college returning I'm going to be doing alot of training in the dark so i need a new front light

Looking for something:
-to illuminate dark country roads
- ~€150(or less :P)
-Rechargeable, I'd rather not deal with AA's etc(i don't think they have the voltage for this anyway)
-one unit, I don;t want to have to run wires from a separate battery pack, but I'll learn to deal with it if it's cheaper/better

Thanks

ps. i did do a search for this and found a topic but most of the links where old/broken

Plastik

Philips LED.

Paddy The Pirate

http://www.ayup-lights.com/products/78/

A little over budget I know, but ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. Unbelievable power for such a little set and totally bombproof. Couldn't reccomend them enough. Great battery life too

ck101

Magicshine off eBay. The Garda could use them as search lights.
The back one would burn the eyes out of yer head.

Dubba

Hope Vision 1, seriously bright light at 240 lumens on max setting. Cost - €95

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/hope-vision-1-led-front-light/

cdaly_

A Fenix TK11 along with a handlebar mount, battery and charger. Comes in at GBP122 delivered.

I have this setup which did me nicely on the dark roads of wicklow last weekend...

reallyunique

For an all-in-one package, no wires, rechargeable and usefully bright I really loved my old Exposure Joystick. Comes with a helmet mount or bar mount and weighs very little. It's great for main roads on flash to get you seen but lights up the road properly on unlit roads. Definitely good enough to see the road surface at the sort of speeds I do.
The only issue I found was on lit roads with large shadows cast by hedges or trees. My eyes would be acclimatised to the street light and the beam wouldn't illuminate enough detail in the shadows to give me confidence to steam in at full speed. Could be just me of course.
A good, bright light and just maybe within budget on eBay.

chakattack

Dubba wrote: »

Hope Vision 1, seriously bright light at 240 lumens on max setting. Cost - €95

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/hope-vision-1-led-front-light/

I use this and it's great with the right high capacity batteries. I saw them somewhere for 65 euro last week...maybe parker international?? Sorry I know that's not much help. Handy because you can carry spare batteries with you if you're going out for more than 2.5-3 hrs.

west cork lad

Try www.lightslightslights.co.uk or I got my lights from www.dx.com (deals extream) . I got 1800 lumen ones for €70. Need them for off road. But they have smaller ones as well.

kingoffifa

west cork lad wrote: »

Try www.lightslightslights.co.uk or I got my lights from www.dx.com (deals extream) . I got 1800 lumen ones for €70. Need them for off road. But they have smaller ones as well.

Hi West Cork lad!

How is the Deal Extreme light? have you had it long? any problems with customs?

thebouldwhacker

Pretty comprehensive thread here with most lights debated and reviewed

http://touch.boards.ie/thread/2055705708?page=36#post_80846847

tunney

Dubba wrote: »

Hope Vision 1, seriously bright light at 240 lumens on max setting. Cost - €95

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/hope-vision-1-led-front-light/

240 lumen is not enough for proper training on proper dark roads. Decent backup light but not as a primary.

tunney

reallyunique wrote: »

For an all-in-one package, no wires, rechargeable and usefully bright I really loved my old Exposure Joystick. Comes with a helmet mount or bar mount and weighs very little. It's great for main roads on flash to get you seen but lights up the road properly on unlit roads. Definitely good enough to see the road surface at the sort of speeds I do.
The only issue I found was on lit roads with large shadows cast by hedges or trees. My eyes would be acclimatised to the street light and the beam wouldn't illuminate enough detail in the shadows to give me confidence to steam in at full speed. Could be just me of course.
A good, bright light and just maybe within budget on eBay.

Plus their after sales services is fantastic. My 4 year old Joystick died. Sent it back repaired for free - as a repair they replaced the LED setup and all.

C3PO

I would also recommend Exposure lights but the Joystick is not bright enough for unlit roads at night! I use a "Race" on the road bike and it's brilliant and as Tunney says their aftersales is great. Their lights look and feel really solid and beautifully built - mine is going into its 4th year (on and offroad) and looks like new. The Chinese lights are much cheaper but have very mixed reviews in terms of reliability and aftersales is very poor!
There was somebody selling a 2nd hand Exposure Toro on here the other day but his ad seems to have disappeared!

Lumen

tunney wrote: »

240 lumen is not enough for proper training on proper dark roads. Decent backup light but not as a primary.

I'm sure you know that lumens is a measure of light output rather than illumination; illumination depends on the beam shape.

http://www.torchythebatteryboy.com/p/bike-light-database.html

The Exposure Joystick m5, rated at 300 lumens, achieves 3850 lux @ 1m.

The Hope Vision 1 rated at 240 lumens achieves 6150 lux @ 1m.

I've done a fair amount of dark riding at 35-40kph with a dynamo light (Lumotec IQ Cyo Senso Plus, 60 lux @ 10m so 6000 lux @ 10m) and it was absolutely fine.

I've also used a battery-powered Ixon IQ Speed (50 lux @ 10m IIRC) and it was a borderline.

So I think 50-60 lux @ 10m (5000-6000 lux @ 1m) is what I'd personally consider acceptable for "lighting the way" at reasonable speed.

Also (and obviously) even lux isn't a definitive guide since you want the illumination in the right place.

tunney

Lumen wrote: »

I'm sure you know that lumens is a measure of light output rather than illumination; illumination depends on the beam shape.

http://www.torchythebatteryboy.com/p/bike-light-database.html

The Exposure Joystick, rated at 300 lumens, mk5 achieves 3850 lux @ 1m.

The Hope Vision 1 rated at 240 lumens achieves 6150 lux @ 1m.

I've done a fair amount of dark riding at 35-40kph with a dynamo light (Lumotec IQ Cyo Senso Plus, 60 lux @ 10m so 6000 lux @ 10m) and it was absolutely fine.

I've also used a battery-powered Ixon IQ Speed (50 lux @ 10m IIRC) and it was a borderline.

So I think 50-60 lux @ 10m (5000-6000 lux @ 1m) is what I'd personally consider acceptable for "lighting the way" at reasonable speed.

Also (and obviously) even lux isn't a definitive guide since you want the illumination in the right place.

Yip. Know that. Also know that the joystick is not a suitable primary light either. Its a nice spot and a handy backup light. It also doubles up nicely as a running head torch.

Its a fine light for commuting around Dublin and as a county road back up but thats it. Ultra dark country roads need more.

tunney

Saw this http://www.exposurelights.com/product/000086/reflex-mk1-(new)/#.UFrV_I1lQXg

A light which changes the output based on acceleration to conserve battery life - nice.

Lumen

tunney wrote: »

Saw this http://www.exposurelights.com/product/000086/reflex-mk1-(new)/#.UFrV_I1lQXg

A light which changes the output based on acceleration to conserve battery life - nice.

I don't know why you'd choose a light with a round beam for road cycling when there are loads with properly shaped ones.

tunney

Lumen wrote: »

I don't know why you'd choose a light with a round beam for road cycling when there are loads with properly shaped ones.

I didn't and wouldn't. I just wasn't aware of the light and I think its a very sensible use of accelometers to prolong battery life.

Dubba

tunney wrote: »

240 lumen is not enough for proper training on proper dark roads. Decent backup light but not as a primary.

I disagree, I've been using the Hope V1 for a couple of years now and it'll more than adequately light up a 6m wide pitch black country road for around 500m. I even had cars up to 1km away flash me because they think I'm a motorbike with heads on so I don't use it on full power and have it pointed slightly downwards. Also the beam is wide and strong enough that on pitch black roads car coming from behind see's the spread of the light and gives me plenty of room when passing. The beams are spots but are more than wide enough for what's needed.

Super Freaks excellent review here:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055708710&highlight=hope+vision

C3PO

Dubba wrote: »

Super Freaks excellent review here:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055708710&highlight=hope+vision

Not so good here!

http://www.torchythebatteryboy.com/p/bike-light-database.html

feck sake lads

Lumen wrote: »

I'm sure you know that lumens is a measure of light output rather than illumination; illumination depends on the beam shape.

http://www.torchythebatteryboy.com/p/bike-light-database.html

The Exposure Joystick m5, rated at 300 lumens, achieves 3850 lux @ 1m.

The Hope Vision 1 rated at 240 lumens achieves 6150 lux @ 1m.

I've done a fair amount of dark riding at 35-40kph with a dynamo light (Lumotec IQ Cyo Senso Plus, 60 lux @ 10m so 6000 lux @ 10m) and it was absolutely fine.

I've also used a battery-powered Ixon IQ Speed (50 lux @ 10m IIRC) and it was a borderline.

So I think 50-60 lux @ 10m (5000-6000 lux @ 1m) is what I'd personally consider acceptable for "lighting the way" at reasonable speed.

Also (and obviously) even lux isn't a definitive guide since you want the illumination in the right place.

Lumen can i ask what dynamo are you using hub/sidewall/ make.

Dubba

That's weird mine is much brighter and has a better spread than the the pic in that review. It does require good battery's tho. Looks like function 1 of the 5 power settings possibly. Have a look a pic no. 7 in Super Freaks review, that is more like mine, even brighter in real life I find.

Lumen

feck sake lads wrote: »

Lumen can i ask what dynamo are you using hub/sidewall/ make.

Shimano LX T665 6v 3w Dynamo Front Disc Hub.

It's currently built into an Open Pro rim and I'm planning to stick it on a fast road bike (running caliper brakes) for this winter.

feck sake lads

Lumen wrote: »

Shimano LX T665 6v 3w Dynamo Front Disc Hub.

It's currently built into an Open Pro rim and I'm planning to stick it on a fast road bike (running caliper brakes) for this winter.

thanks for that i will be getting a front wheel build when i have the dosh,
son 28 or shimano dyno hub
i'm waiting on lights from amazon i ordered 3 weeks ago :mad: seems the seller is out of stock shimano single shot so i'm being sent a different one but equally as good

Ryath

The Hope V1 and Fenix TK11 were good buys a few years ago for the price but modern bike lights are much better using much better LEDs

The OP wanted a single unit that doesn't use AA batteries. So that counts out the Philips and Hope V1, ayups and magicshines.

The Philips is a very good light by all accounts excellent beam pattern which I seriously considered but the thoughts of messing around with 4AA's and and allen key in the dark to change batteries. Probably one of the best though for road use if you know you'll never be out for more than 2 hours.

I've used this for the last year a Lezyne Super Drive

http://www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;navigation=1;product=25299;page=1;menu=1000,5,66;mid=196;pgc=;orderby=3

Which has now been updated to this

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/lezyne-super-drive-xl-front-light/

I have found it excellent 450 lumens max mostly use it at the mid 300 lumen setting. Very wide even beam with a slight cut off at the top. Lasts 2.5 hrs on med then runs for another 1/2 on low. Uses a single 18650 cell so its easy change even in darkness just screw of the bottom. Very well made solid piece of aluminium so very sturdy and very water resistant.

The updated one seems even better. Output has been increased by 50 lumens at high and medium and 25 on low and it now has an led to indicate the level of charge. Lezyne have a few other cheaper lights that really look like they would make excellent commuting lights.

For a rear light I used a Smart 1 watt which is highly recommended around here batteries leaked in it though and it is now stuck in flashing mode which is actually too bright and distracting for night time use. So I need a replacement. Because the batteries last so long in them I always used disposable so you're never sure when it will actually die. Always run a back up cateye but think I'm going to pick up this.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/lezyne-micro-drive-led-rear-light/#BVRRWidgetID

Great thing about the rechargeable is you can always keep it topped up so you know how much run time you have when you head out.

I may pick up another smart as well though and use it as backup as I like that it has clip to put on the saddle bag and I also use it running clipped on an arm band. Actually have this head torch for running which I carry as well on the bike as backup.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silva-Trail-Runner-Running-Torch/dp/B00388PISK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348135078&sr=8-1

lazycyclist

Anyone using the Exposure Flash and Flare as commuting lights? If so, would you recommend them?

I've used all concoctions of cheap lights and think now is the time to get something better, but easily removed when the bike is locked and preferably rechargeable.

tunney

lazycyclist wrote: »

Anyone using the Exposure Flash and Flare as commuting lights? If so, would you recommend them?

I've used all concoctions of cheap lights and think now is the time to get something better, but easily removed when the bike is locked and preferably rechargeable.

I use the Flare and a joystick for commuting in Dublin. Also use the flare as one of my three rear lights for country night riding.

its an excellent light - I use the rechargable batteries with it. Love it

jimmy blevins

Anyone know anything about this Electron Terra 1, looks good for the price of €60 with a claimed 10hrs run time but would 120 lumens be good enough for country roads?

Lumen

jimmy blevins wrote: »

Anyone know anything about this Electron Terra 1, looks good for the price of €60 with a claimed 10hrs run time but would 120 lumens be good enough for country roads?

Probably not, or at least there are better lights for the money. The beam pattern looks very round, which is not a very efficient use of the available light output.

Ryath

jimmy blevins wrote: »

Anyone know anything about this Electron Terra 1, looks good for the price of €60 with a claimed 10hrs run time but would 120 lumens be good enough for country roads?

To be honest no that light is actually fairly sh*t. 120 lumens for €60 :eek:

For €55 and with 300 lumens
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/lezyne-macro-drive-led-front-light/

Edit: Wrong price had wiggle set to Jersey to look at boardmans
€62 on ribble
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/road-track-bike/lezyne-lezyne-lights-and-lighting-systems-lezyne-macro-drive-front-light/lezyligh220

langdang

I have the Hope Vision1 and the Magicshine mj808 as in the link already posted.
http://www.torchythebatteryboy.com/p/bike-light-database.html

Hope -
Good - AA batteries, can easily bring spares. Won't burn your house down. Handy to clip/on off if using on a commuter. I'd be happy enough with one on decent unlit roads. Not good enough on it's own for MTB.
Bad - will cut out without warning when it exhausts the batteries. Needs VERY GOOD batteries, cheapos won't keep up to it's current draw.

Magicshine MJ808
Good - Very bright, good for MTB, can be helmet mounted, good price.
Bad - some not so useful modes on some models (anyone else have the epilepsy inducing strobe feature?). Supplied cable is too short. Was recalled for spontaneous combustion I think.

These are what I have and they work for me, there are more and more options out there for lights, I've no doubt I could find a combination that would beat the above on price and function if I was in the market this winter.

Edit - the magishines don't use AA's AFAIK. Mine doesn't anyway. Plastic wrapped array of Lithium ions AFAIK.

cdaly_

jimmy blevins wrote: »

Anyone know anything about this Electron Terra 1, looks good for the price of €60 with a claimed 10hrs run time but would 120 lumens be good enough for country roads?

I would have thought so. I was using my TK11 in low (60 lumen) mode on entirely unlit wicklow roads last weekend and was entirely happy.

superlav

I got one of these last year for about €65 and it's been the best money I spent on bike gear in quite a while.

The light has three settings:
Main light on, side lights on, and all three lights on.
And you can dim the light (alot) in any of the modes by holding down the button. Very happy about this feature, as the full strength of the light is way too much for most situations.

I commute about 35-40 mins each way, and on a few evening commutes I'll go a longer route of about 60-90 mins, and find that the battery lasts the week quite easily (Probably because I don't run it at full power).

The little button changes colour to let you know how much power the battery has left.

Anyway they are only €53 at the moment and at that price you can't go wrong!!

karltimber

hi,

not sure if this thread was linked to at all.

I use a magicshine on the handlebars and the above discussed torch on my helmet.
The torch is about 40$ total -torch, 2 batteries & a charger.
There is also a vid of it on page 3 of above.

the magicshine & the torch above give plenty of light - I use them all the time and are excellent.
I ride trails in winter around navan in total darkness and this combination works great.

K

minterno

jimmy blevins wrote: »

Anyone know anything about this Electron Terra 1, looks good for the price of €60 with a claimed 10hrs run time but would 120 lumens be good enough for country roads?

hi,I have one of those lights 'Terra 1' and its not a bad light,i use it on dark country roads and it will do the job but i was thinking of getting another one as id prefer some more light but it will do the job,the edge are doing a deal on their website for a pair for 90 euro which would do the job nicely, http://www.theedge-sports.com/store/search.asp,and the run time is what it says on the tin,they're not the brightest but will do on country roads just fine,i belt away at full speed on familiar roads a few nights a week,cheers

padjo5

Picked up one of these after asking a similar question....have only used it for a few hours so far, super bright, no idea about duarbility etc, but sure for 20e...!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1200-Lumen-CREE-XML-T6-LED-Bike-Bicycle-Outdoor-Sports-Light-HeadLight-headLamp-/300677445326?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Cycling_Bike_Lights&hash=item4601c5b6ce

Surinam

padjo5 wrote: »

Picked up one of these after asking a similar question....have only used it for a few hours so far, super bright, no idea about duarbility etc, but sure for 20e...!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1200-Lumen-CREE-XML-T6-LED-Bike-Bicycle-Outdoor-Sports-Light-HeadLight-headLamp-/300677445326?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Cycling_Bike_Lights&hash=item4601c5b6ce

Thanks for the link but on your one is part of the power cable permanently attached to the light itself as the pics suggest? What is the reason for that - is the excess cable annoying on the bike?

padjo5

Surinam wrote: »

padjo5 wrote: »

Picked up one of these after asking a similar question....have only used it for a few hours so far, super bright, no idea about duarbility etc, but sure for 20e...!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1200-Lumen-CREE-XML-T6-LED-Bike-Bicycle-Outdoor-Sports-Light-HeadLight-headLamp-/300677445326?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Cycling_Bike_Lights&hash=item4601c5b6ce

Thanks for the link but on your one is part of the power cable permanently attached to the light itself as the pics suggest? What is the reason for that - is the excess cable annoying on the bike?

Yeah it is, think on most of these models there is an inch or 2 of cable from the battery pack, and about 10inches attached to the light. Not a prob, just tuck it away!!

wendell borton

Very good comparison of different lights.
http://road.cc/content/news/46538-big-roadcc-lights-test-data

feck sake lads

tested out my new cayeye lights last night, went out at 9pm so it was nice and dark the headlight is the Cateye HL-EL540 RC,not as bright as i was hoping but still a very good light no problems seeing where you were going lit up the roads nicly ,i also had a cheap smart front ligh along side the cateye pointed directly in front of wheel proved very good indeed.
its a pricy enough light at 75 sterling but yeah have to say it worked great ,loads on dimming headlight from oncoming cars so i was seen from a good distance,
now the tail light is only fantastic cayeye TL-LD1100 worth every penny.
i was out for 1.5hours the front headlight did not loose any power and only needed a short top up charge when i got home.
verdict rear light 10
front08.5 out of ten :cool:
btw night riding is great.

buffalo

Had my Moon 300 with me tonight, didn't need its full capabilities as I was only up Howth. However, coming along the Clontarf cycle lane, the flashing mode was extremely useful - like a visual bell. People either got of the way, or stayed stock still. Of course, still have to slow down, especially for the dog walkers.

I just don't understand why they use the cycle lane when there's a) a nice footpath just over the wee wall, and b) a wonderful promenade down by the water. If there's a problem with one, why not use the other? What's the attraction of the cycle lane?

Myksyk

Yeah, had my Moon x300 out last night. Great light. Everyone in the group was asking about it. Lovely looking light, USB chargeable and light with it.

easygoing39

I use the light Padjo5 above has too.A great light,lights up the road as good as my Hope 2 light,which was €200!!Cheap as chips,and even if the customs gets to it in the post office,sure duty on €20 is very very little.

bogmanfan

Got a NiteRider MiNewt 600 for my birthday last week. Tried it out this morning and was very impressed. Very bright at the highest setting, and lit the road well ahead.

patrick151

Thanks for all the posts guys

In the end I went with the Exposure Strada

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/exposure-strada-mk3-front-light/

I realised from the posts that my original budget wasn't enough so I started looking at the Lumicycle LED 3 Si Elite 26 but then i seen wiggle[link above] were selling off the mark 3 strada to make way for the mark 4

It seemed to be the closest fit to the original specs
-decent battery life on high
-bright enough for unlit country roads
-single unit

But also has the advantage of the extra battery pack to double or triple the battery life if you need it

Thanks again

Plastik

Holy ****, €260!?! Jesus man, the second post in this thread has enough light on high mode for me to descend at 60kph on completely unlit country roads in complete darkness. Yes, it'll only do 2 hours on high, but it has superb light at low also and more than enough for the vast majority of each cycle. And it is rechargeable by usb.

robertxxx

260.................gulp.........please make it go away!

G rock

Lads hopefully the OP is happy with the purchase...that's the main thing, don't make him regret the purchase!

Although for that kinda money you could try a shimano hub dynamo with a cyo...although there's a new b&m light coming out soon too, the luxos, looks amazing

tunney

Plastik wrote: »

Holy ****, €260!?! Jesus man, the second post in this thread has enough light on high mode for me to descend at 60kph on completely unlit country roads in complete darkness. Yes, it'll only do 2 hours on high, but it has superb light at low also and more than enough for the vast majority of each cycle. And it is rechargeable by usb.

The expensive thing about lights is not the LEDs themselves but really the batteries.

For me its all about the batteries. My night rides include up to 6.5hr rides in total darkness. Burn times of alot of the lights just doesn't cut it.

Its all about the battery! (well not really but its very very important)

smacl

G rock wrote: »

...although there's a new b&m light coming out soon too, the luxos, looks amazing

Hopefully the build quality is better than the IXON IQs, which aren't great for the money you pay tbh. I've bust one at the catch so it needs a cable tie to keep closed, as has another cyclist I was chatting to recently. A good light let down by poor construction.