Best Cycling Lights

PaulT21

Hi there,

apologies if this has already been covered and mods feel free to remove but I am wondering what are the best reasonably priced lights, both front and rear, to get for a road bike at the minute?

I did a search online and selected a Lezyne Strip Drive Pro for the rear, which arrived yesterday from CRC and which I returned today, due to the fact it wouldn't even charge or turn on!!:mad:

Any helpful suggestions and links are much appreciated.

Cheers

Crocked

There are lots of great lights out there these days, but which ones will be best for you will depend on where you'll be using them and how long they need to last for.

Can you give a bit of info on the type of cycling you'll be doing eg commute on urban roads or early morning spins in the countryside etc.

Rough budget?

PaulT21

Crocked wrote: »

There are lots of great lights out there these days, but which ones will be best for you will depend on where you'll be using them and how long they need to last for.

Can you give a bit of info on the type of cycling you'll be doing eg commute on urban roads or early morning spins in the countryside etc.

Rough budget?

Cheers Crocked,

Country roads of Donegal mostly, so not too much urban lighting. Maybe 3 - 4 hours runtime anyway and budget around €40 per light. Had some cheap Cateye but not really that great.

Thanks again.

mr spuckler

PaulT21 wrote: »

I did a search online and selected a Lezyne Strip Drive Pro for the rear, which arrived yesterday from CRC and which I returned today, due to the fact it wouldn't even charge or turn on!!:mad:

these are the ones that sit directly into the charger without a cable right? i hope you had them turned the right way around in the charger?! i've made that mistake more than once where i had them 'charging' overnight only to discover they'd been in the wrong way around all along and were still dead

PaulT21

mr spuckler wrote: »

these are the ones that sit directly into the charger without a cable right? i hope you had them turned the right way around in the charger?! i've made that mistake more than once where i had them 'charging' overnight only to discover they'd been in the wrong way around all along and were still dead

Cheers mr spuckler,

did see that written down on a few forum's, so tried the light in both directions. Charging light was flashing but still nothing after five hours so gave up and posted it back. Also read that the USB cap had a tendency to fall off so maybe a blessing in disguise:o

mr spuckler

PaulT21 wrote: »

Cheers mr spuckler,

did see that written down on a few forum's, so tried the light in both directions. Charging light was flashing but still nothing after five hours so gave up and posted it back. Also read that the USB cap had a tendency to fall off so maybe a blessing in disguise:o

you paid more attention than me so

i've had no issues with my USB cap but i mainly use it on the aero seat post of my good bike so it doesn't see day to day use.

for day to day / commuting use i have this and the rear equivalent. relatively cheap and very effective. that's as technical as my review gets.

PaulT21

mr spuckler wrote: »

you paid more attention than me so

i've had no issues with my USB cap but i mainly use it on the aero seat post of my good bike so it doesn't see day to day use.

for day to day / commuting use i have this and the rear equivalent. relatively cheap and very effective. that's as technical as my review gets.

Yeah, the problem is that that's another Lezyne and I am the person who tries only to get caught once, mind you not always successfully though!!:)

PaulT21

Deedsie wrote: »

This is possibly a big stereotype but if I was cycling around the roads of Donegal at night time I wouldn't be skimping on the lights. Some drivers up there are beyond head cases.

Tell me to F Off but better safe than sorry.

your are right Deedsie, we have our fair share of headers but so does everywhere in Ireland:o

But granted lights are important, not just in the evening but all day imo.

Crocked

I've used this set on both urban and quiet country back roads. One of the lads I was meeting very early one morning thought I was a motorbike coming around the corner as the front light was so strong. Won't last too long on full beam but easily adjusted on the fly. Best to have a second light as well, a smaller cheaper flasher.

http://www.halfords.ie/cycling/bike-lights/bike-lights/lezyne-micro-drive-bike-light-set-black

Just looking at the site I'm not sure if it's the 400 or 600 I have, think it's the 400 though.

I've used these as well commuting on urban roads. Both give off good, be seen light. The little knog lights are great as well as backup lights.

http://www.halfords.ie/cycling/bike-lights/bike-lights/cat-eye-bike-light-set-el130-ld130

If you're going to be doing a lot of hours on the road in dark conditions might also be worth checking out a dynamo wheel/light setup. Rose do good deals on pre-built wheels and the lights all meet German regulations on light shape etc so as not to dazzle oncoming traffic. Have one on the commuter and it's a great job to not have to worry about recharging or carrying spare batteries etc. The rear light even kinda works likes a brake light by getting brighter when you brake.

Edit: just saw you want to avoid Lezyne, someone else might have a few ideas on similar lights from other brands.

PaulT21

Crocked wrote: »

I've used this set on both urban and quiet country back roads. One of the lads I was meeting very early one morning thought I was a motorbike coming around the corner as the front light was so strong. Won't last too long on full beam but easily adjusted on the fly. Best to have a second light as well, a smaller cheaper flasher.

http://www.halfords.ie/cycling/bike-lights/bike-lights/lezyne-micro-drive-bike-light-set-black

Just looking at the site I'm not sure if it's the 400 or 600 I have, think it's the 400 though.

I've used these as well commuting on urban roads. Both give off good, be seen light. The little knog lights are great as well as backup lights.

http://www.halfords.ie/cycling/bike-lights/bike-lights/cat-eye-bike-light-set-el130-ld130

If you're going to be doing a lot of hours on the road in dark conditions might also be worth checking out a dynamo wheel/light setup. Rose do good deals on pre-built wheels and the lights all meet German regulations on light shape etc so as not to dazzle oncoming traffic. Have one on the commuter and it's a great job to not have to worry about recharging or carrying spare batteries etc. The rear light even kinda works likes a brake light by getting brighter when you brake.

Edit: just saw you want to avoid Lezyne, someone else might have a few ideas on similar lights from other brands.

Thanks for the ideas Crocked.

probably unfair of me to dis Lezyne after one attempt so might have another look. Seem like good enough lights. I am a poor enough cyclist without a dynamo holding me back ha ha:)

Will have a look at that website though. Cheers

thekooman

ive a set of these which are great:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/electron-terra-2-evo-front-light/rp-prod73909

but i see there is a 650 lumens version now.
http://www.marreybikes.com/lights/4376-electron-f-650-rechargeable-front-light.html

Chuchote

Anyone know anything about these spooky-sounding Irish-made (or Irish-designed, not sure which) lights that report any crashes, theft attempts etc, and change light level according to how dark it is where you're riding?

http://seesense.cc/features/

Fighting Tao

Chuchote wrote: »

Anyone know anything about these spooky-sounding Irish-made (or Irish-designed, not sure which) lights that report any crashes, theft attempts etc, and change light level according to how dark it is where you're riding?

I have the See.Sense Icon+. I reckon that the number of near misses I've had in the city has dropped dramatically since I got them. I use the A+E flash setting. There's a bit of peace of mind that if you crash then it sends your location to a phone number that you nominate. The alarm is a bit of a gimmick though as you need to be quite near for it to work due to the limitations of bluetooth.

Chuchote

Fighting Tao wrote: »

I have the See.Sense Icon+. I reckon that the number of near misses I've had in the city has dropped dramatically since I got them. I use the A+E flash setting. There's a bit of peace of mind that if you crash then it sends your location to a phone number that you nominate. The alarm is a bit of a gimmick though as you need to be quite near for it to work due to the limitations of bluetooth.

Will Bluetooth's limitations become less as more people use it?

Fighting Tao

Chuchote wrote: »

Will Bluetooth's limitations become less as more people use it?

Bluetooth has been around for over 20 years. The signal travels only travels between 10-100m and can be blocked walls etc. That's the limitation.

Phil.x

I've got this about two years now for my commute from D1 to D15.
It's comical its so bright.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0111W2O1S/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473454146&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=3X+CREE+XM-L+T6+LED+3800Lm+LED+Headlight+Headlamp+and+Bicycle+Light&dpPl=1&dpID=51RCcp6v4SL&ref=plSrch

Alanbt

Fighting Tao wrote: »

I have the See.Sense Icon+. I reckon that the number of near misses I've had in the city has dropped dramatically since I got them. I use the A+E flash setting. There's a bit of peace of mind that if you crash then it sends your location to a phone number that you nominate. The alarm is a bit of a gimmick though as you need to be quite near for it to work due to the limitations of bluetooth.

I'm waiting for delivery of the non + version of these. Also have the lezyne strip drive pro and find it s solid light. Very bright on higher settings and no issue with charging.
Will be using both to make double sure I'm seen!

PaulT21

Alanbt wrote: »

I'm waiting for delivery of the non + version of these. Also have the lezyne strip drive pro and find it s solid light. Very bright on higher settings and no issue with charging.
Will be using both to make double sure I'm seem!

Cheers Alanbt

Those lights from See.Sense look great. Maybe I just got a dud Lezyne!! Will have a look around the bike shops again tomorrow.

seanin4711

Good bike set front and rear cree led?

Kaisr Sose

Phil.x wrote: »

I've got this about two years now for my commute from D1 to D15.
It's comical its so bright.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0111W2O1S/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473454146&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=3X+CREE+XM-L+T6+LED+3800Lm+LED+Headlight+Headlamp+and+Bicycle+Light&dpPl=1&dpID=51RCcp6v4SL&ref=plSrch

These just dazzle drivers and IMO are not safe or suitable for use on open road. Might not be what you want to hear but cars have to dim/dip lights to avoid dazzling oncoming motorists and in areas where there is street lighting so the same should apply to these.

Chuchote

Fighting Tao wrote: »

I have the See.Sense Icon+. I reckon that the number of near misses I've had in the city has dropped dramatically since I got them. I use the A+E flash setting. There's a bit of peace of mind that if you crash then it sends your location to a phone number that you nominate. The alarm is a bit of a gimmick though as you need to be quite near for it to work due to the limitations of bluetooth.

What's the difference between the + and non+ versions? Why have your near misses dropped, do you think?

Alanbt

Chuchote wrote: »

What's the difference between the + and non+ versions? Why have your near misses dropped, do you think?

The + versions are brighter, that's the difference

Fighting Tao

Chuchote wrote: »

What's the difference between the + and non+ versions? Why have your near misses dropped, do you think?

Visibility is the reason I think near misses have dropped. I obviously don't know what is going on behind me but I've had less cars pull out or across in front of me. I even think more cars give me more room when they are stopped in traffic and I'm filtering down the left side of them because the flashing really stands out in their mirrors.

I actually asked quite a few people in work what they thought the most noticeable setting was and a+e was the clear winner. It seems to be working. Of course it could be coincidence that there are less near misses.

Phil.x

Kaisr Sose wrote: »

These just dazzle drivers and IMO are not safe or suitable for use on open road. Might not be what you want to hear but cars have to dim/dip lights to avoid dazzling oncoming motorists and in areas where there is street lighting so the same should apply to these.

They're great for cycling on the quays at night.

Wishbone Ash

Phil.x wrote: »

They're great for cycling on the quays at night.

But causes inconvenience to others!

At 3800 lumens, it's probably for off road use only. 400/500 lumens is quite enough for any type of cycling. In urban areas, 100 is probably enough.

Alanbt

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

But causes inconvenience to others!

At 3800 lumens, it's probably for off road use only. 400/500 lumens is quite enough for any type of cycling. In urban areas, 100 is probably enough.

Totally agree.3800 way too bright for road use

Chuchote

It just seems boorish to dazzle other road users on busy streets or highways.

T-Maxx

Lux is where it's at. Get something with a proper reflector that puts the light where it's needed, not in the eyes of oncoming traffic.

Chuchote

T-Maxx wrote: »

Lux is where it's at. Get something with a proper reflector that puts the light where it's needed, not in the eyes of oncoming traffic.

But lights are mostly sold by lumen, not by lux. I don't know how to find out the lux of lights, do you?

Kaisr Sose

Phil.x wrote: »

They're great for cycling on the quays at night.

Are you trolling ? It is inconsiderate to use them on any road at night and on a road with street lighting - just plain stupid!

ted1

Chuchote wrote: »

But lights are mostly sold by lumen, not by lux. I don't know how to find out the lux of lights, do you?

Well designed bike lights should be sold in lux.
http://en.bumm.de

Chuchote

Can't see lux on those seesense ones, but I'm probably looking straight at it.

Wishbone Ash

ted1 wrote: »

Well designed bike lights should be sold in lux....

The problem is that many people including myself, don't know how to rate Lux. If I see a light advertised as 30 Lux, it means nothing to me.

Chuchote

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

The problem is that many people including myself, don't know how to rate Lux. If I see a light advertised as 30 Lux, it means nothing to me.

Me too.

Firedance

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

The problem is that many people including myself, don't know how to rate Lux. If I see a light advertised as 30 Lux, it means nothing to me.

Stupid question alert how do I know what 'lumen' my lights are? they came with the bike - the front one says 0.5 Watt white LED (smart white 1.5m Led). I don't see a brand name on it though.

Wishbone Ash

Firedance wrote: »

Stupid question alert how do I know what 'lumen' my lights are? they came with the bike - the front one says 0.5 Watt white LED (smart white 1.5m Led). I don't see a brand name on it though.

I don't know but if they came with the bike, and don't have any branding, they are unlikely to be greater than 100 Lumens.

ford2600

Firedance wrote: »

Stupid question alert how do I know what 'lumen' my lights are? they came with the bike - the front one says 0.5 Watt white LED (smart white 1.5m Led). I don't see a brand name on it though.

Depends.

Lumens and Watts quantity power. If it LED then about 30 lumens.

See here
http://www.rapidtables.com/calc/light/lumen-to-watt-calculator.htm

Lux is a measure of light falling on a surface at a given distance from source. It's ALL about the beam pattern.

Google road cc website 2016 light review for comparison beam shots.

The eye is a complicated device though and the environment is as important as anything. The aperture of your eye will be very different on Sally Gap versus city centre. I regularly walk in countryside at night without any light.

Phil.x

Kaisr Sose wrote: »

Are you trolling ? It is inconsiderate to use them on any road at night and on a road with street lighting - just plain stupid!

It's just as inconsiderate when a car can't see you as you have a very small and dim lights and shout and roar at him when he nearly runs over you -that's just stupid!!

ted1

Phil.x wrote: »

It's just as inconsiderate when a car can't see you as you have a very small and dim lights and shout and roar at him when he nearly runs over you -that's just stupid!!

Blinding drivers is hazardous to life.

bren2001

Phil.x wrote: »

It's just as inconsiderate when a car can't see you as you have a very small and dim lights and shout and roar at him when he nearly runs over you -that's just stupid!!

So some would say the perfect balance is lights that are bright enough for any car to see you but not bright enough so as to impair a drivers vision? or to put a number on it, lights ~100 lumen.

Kaisr Sose

Phil.x wrote: »

It's just as inconsiderate when a car can't see you as you have a very small and dim lights and shout and roar at him when he nearly runs over you -that's just stupid!!

You are mixing up driving without due care and attention with being inconsiderate. Both are wrong! As a cyclist there is no benefit to be had from being deliberately inconsiderate to any road user.

Phil.x

bren2001 wrote: »

So some would say the perfect balance is lights that are bright enough for any car to see you but not bright enough so as to impair a drivers vision? or to put a number on it, lights ~100 lumen.

A general car headlight is between 700 -1100 lumen.
A modern bmw/audi/Marc etc, HID headlamps are 3500+ and both are for one light only.

Why should a vulnerable cyclist be hidden in the dark with a measly 100lumen minuscule light.

Post what you want but at least I'll be seen when cycling on the one-way quays and hopefully stay alive.

07Lapierre

It's not just the brightness of the light. The angle of the light is also important.

IMO BIcycle lights should be tilted down towards the road.

ted1

Phil.x wrote: »

A general car headlight is between 700 -1100 lumen.
A modern bmw/audi/Marc etc, HID headlamps are 3500+ and both are for one light only.

Why should a vulnerable cyclist be hidden in the dark with a measly 100lumen minuscule light.

Post what you want but at least I'll be seen when cycling on the one-way quays and hopefully stay alive.

Cars have to go through NCTs to ensure that their headlights are angled correctly so as to not cause a danger to other road users

cython

Phil.x wrote: »

A general car headlight is between 700 -1100 lumen.
A modern bmw/audi/Marc etc, HID headlamps are 3500+ and both are for one light only.

Why should a vulnerable cyclist be hidden in the dark with a measly 100lumen minuscule light.

Post what you want but at least I'll be seen when cycling on the one-way quays and hopefully stay alive.

The simultaneously hilarious and tragic part of this is that in one way traffic such as on the quays, a ridiculous front light won't actually make you that visible to traffic approaching from behind/overtaking, so unless you expect to be filtering or overtaking a lot, you are very misguided in that view.

Phil.x

cython wrote: »

The simultaneously hilarious and tragic part of this is that in one way traffic such as on the quays, a ridiculous front light won't actually make you that visible to traffic approaching from behind/overtaking, so unless you expect to be filtering or overtaking a lot, you are very misguided in that view.

You've obvious never seen this light in action.

cython

Phil.x wrote: »

You've obvious never seen this light in action.

Thankfully, but I would also imagine you have not driven up behind a cyclist equipped with it either to quantify it. On the other hand, I have seen and driven behind several similar models (as crew on round the clock endurance races) and while they may illuminate the road in front, they simply do not draw attention to the cyclist from behind. Hell, the indicator LED on the back of most of them drew more attention than the beam, and unless it's attached to a helmet, that isn't visible either.

ford2600

http://www.recumbentjournal.com/views/columns/item/485-views-on-equipment-choices-for-nighttime-cycling.html

Fighting Tao

Deedsie wrote: »

My current lights are on the way out. Anyone recommend a good quality usb charged rear light?

See.sense icon or icon+. Their Ace is out next year but I’m not sure you can hold on that long.

tomasrojo

I have the battery version of the Lunar R2, which I like a lot. There's a USB version. I don't know anything about it, and one Amazon review says it doesn't use micro-USB, but the older standard. Don't know whether that's true, because I don't own one.

Grassey

Fighting Tao wrote:

See.sense icon or icon+. Their Ace is out next year but I’m not sure you can hold on that long.

Seconded.