Lights?

maesrichard1

Whats the best lights for night riding out there. Dont want to spend too much, try keep it under 100€. I currently have the smart lunar 35 which isnt too bad but i want something a little stronger. Thanks

countrykid

maesrichard1 wrote: »

Whats the best lights for night riding out there. Dont want to spend too much, try keep it under 100€. I currently have the smart lunar 35 which isnt too bad but i want something a little stronger. Thanks

I have a magic shine mj-872. - about €100 online
Great light

Cycle plus magazine has a full run down of all offerings out there this month
Worth a look

2 Wheels Good

Road.cc did a feature last week with comparisons on a good range of lights

tunney

2 Wheels Good wrote: »

Road.cc did a feature last week with comparisons on a good range of lights

Mostly the low end lights though

Alanstrainor

I wonder if a "Lights" megathread is worthwhile...given the time of year...

I have a lyzyne micro up front, and 2 cateye in the rear for commuting. I'm feeling like I'm not sufficiently visible up front, although the lyzyne does put out a 100 lumens. Was thinking about purchasing something else, but don't really know if I need it, and how much I'd need to spend to get something better.

Lumen

Alanstrainor wrote: »

I wonder if a "Lights" megathread is worthwhile...given the time of year...

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055705708

Ryath

Alanstrainor wrote: »

I wonder if a "Lights" megathread is worthwhile...given the time of year...

There is of sorts
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=62463756

Alanstrainor wrote: »

I have a lyzyne micro up front, and 2 cateye in the rear for commuting. I'm feeling like I'm not sufficiently visible up front, although the lyzyne does put out a 100 lumens. Was thinking about purchasing something else, but don't really know if I need it, and how much I'd need to spend to get something better.

Lezyne Micro drive rear is best rear light I've seen. The macro Drive is a decent front light that's not too expensive. I got the set for about €70

m5ex9oqjawdg2i

The lyzyne is a fantastic light.

muggles

I wouldn't mind getting a decent recommendation on something for in or around that price mark either. I've read a few of the previous threads but to be honest came away no further enlightened (except for the mention of Cree lights create almighty rows). I have read and respect the arguments of German standards and dazzling oncoming cars, although on saying that I'd be lucky to meet two cars over a 60km spin on the roads I'd be cycling!! I'd rather not burn the house down on any account. As a matter of fact I'd ideally prefer a USB rechargeable light rather than a battery pack. I was half set on the Lyzyne Macro Drive but when I mentioned to someone it had 350 lumen I was laughed out of it and informed theirs was 3,000 lumen.

Lumen

muggles wrote: »

I was half set on the Lyzyne Macro Drive but when I mentioned to someone it had 350 lumen I was laughed out of it and informed theirs was 3,000 lumen.

Anything over ~250 lumens will illuminate the road if the beam pattern is good.

More data here:

http://reviews.mtbr.com/2014-mtbr-bike-lights-shootout-lumen-measurements

If you don't come across any cars then you don't need as much light because your eyes will adjust to the darkness.

The downsides of USB chargeable lights are:

1. The batteries are generally not replaceable and will degrade over time.
2. If you forget to charge it you're screwed, whereas an AA-powered light can be "fixed" with a petrol station pitstop and a light with removable rechargables (e.g. 18650) can be fixed by carrying a spare charged battery.

Lumen

Oh, and the reason there's no definitive answer to the "which light?" question is because they all have pros and cons.

It's like asking "what car should I buy for my commute?".

muggles

Thanks Lumen for the feedback. That's a good point I guess on the batteries. I've been caught on occasion with not having the small flashy light recharged when it wouldn't even have mattered so much so can see where you're coming from. I've also read your posts on the dynamos you use. Impressive set up but I couldn't justify the expense of such right now. It's really only a past time I picked up during the Summer (which is slowly but surely consuming my hours and internet browsing).

CatFromHue

My light is 300 lumen and is grand for cycling on unlit roads.

It's a Cateye and is USB rechargeable. I think it says it has 3 hours on the full/high setting but I dunno as I wouldn't have been out that long in it.

I think it was 60 or 65euro in the local bike shop.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/cateye-volt-300-el-460-front-light/rp-prod123981

ted1

I picked these up for £24 (+€4 with parcel motel). http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00DSP6J7M
Very happy with them and there perfect for my cummute. Not a fan of USB ones as the battery life is to poor, these will last between 60-129 hours.

Keep_Her_Lit

Spotted this while getting some PC/printer bits'n'pieces:

http://www.7dayshop.com/bike-lights/7dayshop-bike-light-hyper-bright-t6-cree-led-bicycle-light-with-headlight-kit-rechargeable-genuine-cree-t6-xm-l-led

OK, so 7dayshop isn't the first place you might think of looking for a high performance bike light but the reviews seem pretty good and given the spec, it's certainly competitively priced (1300 lumens, £40). One weak point is the mounting method, which just uses a rubber band around the handlebars, though that could probably be improved upon with a little improvisation.

Could be worth a punt if you're looking for high output but the budget doesn't stretch to the offerings from the better known cycling brands. BTW, I haven't bought it myself, so can't vouch for it first hand.

fat bloke

The dynamo systems seem like a really smart option to me but I know next to nothing about them. (There's a contradictory statement if ever there was one!).

It does seem that for the same price as a mid to high end light you could get yourself a dynamo wheel and lamp and never buy a battery again.

Could anyone illuminate a couple of issues for me? (haw haw haw)

-How do you connect the hub to the light?
-Does any place sell a "pack" or "system" - hub in a wheel plus a lamp - like an out of the box dynamo set up for newbs.
-I read references to drag on the wheel. Could someone quantify it? Would you equate it to a 1% increase in hill grade, or 2 or 3 %? -A little bit wouldn't bother me, sure I'd be using the wheel for night training anyway, so a slight increase in resistance wouldn't bother me.

Ryath

Ryath wrote: »

There is of sorts
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=62463756



Lezyne Micro drive rear is best rear light I've seen.

Also makes a good pumpkin light on pulse

muggles wrote: »

I wouldn't mind getting a decent recommendation on something for in or around that price mark either. I've read a few of the previous threads but to be honest came away no further enlightened (except for the mention of Cree lights create almighty rows). I have read and respect the arguments of German standards and dazzling oncoming cars, although on saying that I'd be lucky to meet two cars over a 60km spin on the roads I'd be cycling!! I'd rather not burn the house down on any account. As a matter of fact I'd ideally prefer a USB rechargeable light rather than a battery pack. I was half set on the Lyzyne Macro Drive but when I mentioned to someone it had 350 lumen I was laughed out of it and informed theirs was 3,000 lumen.

Their light doesn't really put out 3,000 lumens I'd say. I have a lezyne macro drive and superdrive. The macro even on the lowest 100 lumen setting is more than adequate to see with on straight sections of road. It makes a good back up light as it runs for over 8 hrs. The super is a better light but doesn't last as long but you can change the battery. It has a much wider beam but the micro is better on the lowest setting as the beam is more focused.

Very good price here for loaded pack that include a spare battery and helmet mount.
http://www.merlincycles.com/lezyne-2014-power-drive-xl-loaded-led-light-73167.html

fat bloke wrote: »

The dynamo systems seem like a really smart option to me but I know next to nothing about them. (There's a contradictory statement if ever there was one!).

It does seem that for the same price as a mid to high end light you could get yourself a dynamo wheel and lamp and never buy a battery again.

Could anyone illuminate a couple of issues for me? (haw haw haw)

-How do you connect the hub to the light?
-Does any place sell a "pack" or "system" - hub in a wheel plus a lamp - like an out of the box dynamo set up for newbs.
-I read references to drag on the wheel. Could someone quantify it? Would you equate it to a 1% increase in hill grade, or 2 or 3 %? -A little bit wouldn't bother me, sure I'd be using the wheel for night training anyway, so a slight increase in resistance wouldn't bother me.

The light is usually mounted on the brake caliper. Wire run down fork mine is wrapped around and held with a few cable ties. Hub has a connector mine has spades but some use a little plug. Rear light is plugged into front light and wiring ran back along the frame.

Rose use to sell a kit can't find it now.
Good budget options
http://www.rosebikes.com/article/b--m-lumotec-iq-cyo-premium-t--senso-plus-front-headlamp/aid:709237
and
http://www.rosebikes.com/article/road-front-wheel-28700-c-mavic-cxp-33dh-3n80/aid:716428
I have seen the wheel on other German sites for €145 or with an open pro rim for similar money.

Drag is minimal I can't even notice the change with the light on and off. Same as climbing 5-6 feet every mile according to this.
http://www.ctc.org.uk/file/public/feature-hub-dynamos.pdf

Posted about it as well in the last few posts of the mega thread.

Lumen

fat bloke wrote: »

How do you connect the hub to the light?

I can only speak for my Shimano dynohub/B&M light experience.

Spiral the wire down the fork, trim to correct length, strip cable end and fit plug. Push plug on to hub connector.

In terms of faff it's slightly more demanding than fitting a domestic plug, and massively easier than fitting mudguards.

Does any place sell a "pack" or "system" - hub in a wheel plus a lamp - like an out of the box dynamo set up for newbs.

You can definitely buy built wheels (from SJS for example) but I don't think light-hub compatibility is really an issue. The hub pukes electrons (6V in total, 0.6V for the back and 5.4V for the front) and the light(s) eat them.

I went the restaurant wine ordering route - bought the second cheapest Shimano hub. It has been brilliant - I didn't touch it in three years and when the shop serviced it the other day they just cleaned it out and regreased it and declared it perfect. The rim will die before the hub.

Lights are a bit more complex. There are loads of B&M IQ Cyo variants which have different features, some of which are useless or counterproductive. I did a lot of research and the "IQ Cyo Senso Plus" was the best of the bunch at a sane price level. But that was in 2011.

The new B&M Luxos lights are reputedly awesome albeit more expensive, and the only choice is whether you want a USB charge port or not.

Peter White Cycles is a good place to do research.

http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/b&m-hl.asp

fat bloke wrote: »

I read references to drag on the wheel. Could someone quantify it? Would you equate it to a 1% increase in hill grade, or 2 or 3 %? -A little bit wouldn't bother me, sure I'd be using the wheel for night training anyway, so a slight increase in resistance wouldn't bother me.

I am super-sensitive to drag - I abandoned my hub gear bike because I didn't like the drag, although others are happy with theirs - and I find the drag from the dynohub really isn't noticeable with the light on or off. I'd happily race with the light on.

There is something deeply satisfying about lighting up the world with your legs.

mirrormatrix

Just get a Maglite and mount it?

Lumen

mirrormatrix wrote: »

Just get a Maglite and mount it?

Yes.

m5ex9oqjawdg2i

mirrormatrix wrote: »

Just get a Maglite and mount it?

Meh, Maglites are not ideal for bikes imo. I would rather get a "proper" bike light.
Maglites can be expensive and then you have to get a mount for it too.

maesrichard1

Hi Lumen,

You seem to know alot about these light
Im looking for a light that will be used on light up areas and country roads no no lighting. Some of my training spins can be up to 3/3.5 hours so battery life would be an issue. I was looking at the Moon X Power 780. The light it gives off seems good and i can always set it to a lower setting on the country roads. Also im looking at the cateye volt 700. Would you recommend any of these?

CramCycle

fat bloke wrote: »

-How do you connect the hub to the light?

For the Shimano ones, once it is connected to the plug the first time, it is simply a plug and play, slots on and off for punctures etc.

Does any place sell a "pack" or "system" - hub in a wheel plus a lamp - like an out of the box dynamo set up for newbs.

I got mine from Rose, CXP33 rims with a DH3N80 hub. This is Shimanos premium hub

I read references to drag on the wheel. Could someone quantify it? Would you equate it to a 1% increase in hill grade, or 2 or 3 %? -A little bit wouldn't bother me, sure I'd be using the wheel for night training anyway, so a slight increase in resistance wouldn't bother me.

For the Top end one, the drag is almost unnoticeable, poor Lumen should not have cheaped out :pac: The resistance to me was the equivalent of a medium range hub. You'll notice the difference if you have high end hubs but I found the DH3N80 hubs had less drag then stock wheels and were equivalent to Mavic Aksiums. The only time I ever felt it was after cycling all night with the lights on, I started to bonk at about 8am and I turned off the lights and I think I noticed the difference but I was exhausted so who knows. The 3N80 supposedly locks up the magnets if nothing is drawing power so the drag is non existent when no lights are on but even when they were, I certainly could not tell unless doing over 60kmph downhill, I heard you can hear the magnets rumbling.

Lumen

maesrichard1 wrote: »

Hi Lumen,

You seem to know alot about these light
Im looking for a light that will be used on light up areas and country roads no no lighting. Some of my training spins can be up to 3/3.5 hours so battery life would be an issue. I was looking at the Moon X Power 780. The light it gives off seems good and i can always set it to a lower setting on the country roads. Also im looking at the cateye volt 700. Would you recommend any of these?

I don't have much recent experience of battery lights, but other people seem to like the Moon products and Cateye are very well established.

This thread covers a lot of ground.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showt...p?t=2055705708

Lumen

CramCycle wrote: »

FI certainly could not tell unless doing over 60kmph downhill, I heard you can hear the magnets rumbling.

Ah yes. There's some blog I can't find right now written by someone really obsessive about lights who bangs on about vibration from dynohubs.

IIRC it varies with speed and is related to the number of poles in the hub.

In my experience it varies a lot with different bikes (I've used my hub on three or four bikes) but I never found it annoying.

CramCycle

Lumen wrote: »

In my experience it varies a lot with different bikes (I've used my hub on three or four bikes) but I never found it annoying.

I have never found it either, and I have belted down some hills while on Audaxes at speeds that were at the legal speed limit. More likely to get frame vibration first in my experience.

fat bloke

Thanks for the info lads.

One more question - can one hub run front and rear lights or do you need a hub each?

Hunterbiker

muggles wrote: »

...(which is slowly but surely consuming my hours and internet browsing).

You are not alone

Lumen

fat bloke wrote: »

Thanks for the info lads.

One more question - can one hub run front and rear lights or do you need a hub each?

Lost in waffle:

Lumen wrote: »

The hub pukes electrons (6V in total, 0.6V for the back and 5.4V for the front) and the light(s) eat them.

So yes, one hub runs both. But rear flashers that run off a dynamo are like hens teeth (IIRC flashers are illegal in Germany) so you'll probably want to run a battery operated flashing rear light anyway. I guess having a constant rear light as a backup means you only have to use one battery rear light.

CramCycle

Make sure your rear light has a standlight as well, some of them don't and are pointless IMO. A standlight for both the front and rear should be of paramount importance.

AlanDeGenerous

I'm also looking to buy some decent lights for around €70. I've pretty much decided (I think) on going with Lezyne, although I'm between the Micro and Macro Drives - I guess it comes down to how bright a light I need. I've got about 4km on an unlit "country" road and need something that would light up the road in front of me a decent amount. Would the Micro set be enough or should I stop being a cheap b*stard and get the Macro?

Both seem to be a good price on Merlin

Micro
Macro

m5ex9oqjawdg2i

AlanDeGenerous wrote: »

I'm also looking to buy some decent lights for around €70. I've pretty much decided (I think) on going with Lezyne, although I'm between the Micro and Macro Drives - I guess it comes down to how bright a light I need. I've got about 4km on an unlit "country" road and need something that would light up the road in front of me a decent amount. Would the Micro set be enough or should I stop being a cheap b*stard and get the Macro?

Both seem to be a good price on Merlin

Micro
Macro

I have the macro for about 2 weeks now and I can honestly say it's the best light I have seen on the road. I have cycled home on dark roads and it lights up everything. The ark is good, it's a rechargable USB battery and has plenty of modes. There's a supercharge mode which increases the lumens to the maximum and that's incredibly bright. You can get brighter lights, but they tend to come with battery packs and I just wasn't bothered with that sort of output.

In the bike shop I think it worked out at about 90 euro for the front and back light, or 65 for just the front light.

I cannot comment on the back light, but if it's anywhere near as good as the front light, it's probably one of the best in it's class :P

Macy0161

Keep_Her_Lit wrote: »

Could be worth a punt if you're looking for high output but the budget doesn't stretch to the offerings from the better known cycling brands. BTW, I haven't bought it myself, so can't vouch for it first hand.

I got one earlier in the year (don't think I paid that much though). I got it based on seeing an earlier model recommended last winter.

The beam seems tight enough to me (which is one of the complaints about the Cree lights). Haven't tested the limits of the battery. Don't quite trust it to be left plugged in overnight, but it is from a UK site - so far a charge of the weekend has got me through my commute, but it's only really been used one way. I tend to switch between solid beam and flashing modes depending on the sections of my commute! I've used it on rural roads at night, and it's done the job too.

I've left it on the bike, and just take off the battery pack. Not sure how well the rubber would hold up to repeated use, but it's holding fine so far being left on. You can buy spare bands when ordering.

I don't know enough about the alternatives, but it's a step from my previous AA/AAA battery powered lights anyway. So far, I'm happy with it.

BremoreDave

CatFromHue wrote: »

My light is 300 lumen and is grand for cycling on unlit roads.

It's a Cateye and is USB rechargeable. I think it says it has 3 hours on the full/high setting but I dunno as I wouldn't have been out that long in it.

I think it was 60 or 65euro in the local bike shop.

I got the same one last month , found it very good.
I paired it with an older Cateye model that I found in the shed which I set to pulse mode for the front.
I also think that the Aldi set were quite reasonable for the price, which included a silicone mount that I can use for the other Cateye.

AlanDeGenerous

Cody Refined Glue wrote: »

I have the macro for about 2 weeks now and I can honestly say it's the best light I have seen on the road. I have cycled home on dark roads and it lights up everything. The ark is good, it's a rechargable USB battery and has plenty of modes. There's a supercharge mode which increases the lumens to the maximum and that's incredibly bright. You can get brighter lights, but they tend to come with battery packs and I just wasn't bothered with that sort of output.

In the bike shop I think it worked out at about 90 euro for the front and back light, or 65 for just the front light.

I cannot comment on the back light, but if it's anywhere near as good as the front light, it's probably one of the best in it's class :P

Thanks for that info, went for the Macro!

Chipbutty

Got myself the Cateye Volt 700 (www.cateye.com/en/products/detail/HL-EL470RC/) last week. Tried it out night before last for the first time on dark country roads very impressed with it, has five different settings and you can switch from the brightest setting to a lower and back quite easily. Battery life on full light is 2 hours, bought a battery pack to charge it during a spin but the unit does not work when charging, so back to the drawing board, will probably have to buy a spare battery. Not a cheap light but very effective.

CramCycle

Chipbutty wrote: »

Got myself the Cateye Volt 700

Not sure about the 700 but the battery on the 300 can be swapped out mid spin. Might be worth looking into.

stecleary

http://shop.seesense.cc/collections/all/products/see-sense-2-0-front-and-rear-set

just ordered these, €113.92 plus DHL put them on the pricey side but well worth it in my view

fat bloke

stecleary wrote: »

http://shop.seesense.cc/collections/all/products/see-sense-2-0-front-and-rear-set

just ordered these, €113.92 plus DHL put them on the pricey side but well worth it in my view

"Please note that the front light in this set is designed for being seen (not to light your path)."

Pricey alright given the above is the case.

Hunterbiker

I was just looking online at these - chainreaction have the 250L front Light for €103

Cyclewizard

fat bloke wrote: »

"Please note that the front light in this set is designed for being seen (not to light your path)."

Pricey alright given the above is the case.

have a set of the intense versions sending them back for a update program they are running. really impressed with them, front can give you a bit of a headache when flashing rapidly