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Light Recommendations (formerly Front Light For Dark Country) Road Commute

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Comments

  • #752
    colm_mcm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,324 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    ted1 wrote: »
    This :
    https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-accessories/bike-lights/halfords-advanced-1600-lumen-front-bike-light-253334.html


    1600 lumens, super bright when you need it.

    Keep it in 250 when in the city and the battery will last fir a Long long time.

    Have this and can recommend.


  • #753
    07Lapierre
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,428 ✭✭✭07Lapierre


    Darc19 wrote: »
    But cyclists don't need lights especially when wearing dark clothing on dark nights.

    Hence no thread.

    But fair play to you for being in the minority and wanting decent lights to keep yourself safe.

    From a motorists point of view, the flickering lights are best as you know immediately that it is either a pedestrian or cyclist.

    Not sure if it's something available, but having them built into a helmet would be a great idea. The moving head would give motorists an even clearer idea that it is a cyclist and prepare as necessary to slow down.


    Correct... hi viz jackets protect cyclists from ALL danger ;)

    Helmets are designed to crush/break in the event of an impact right? So putting a light in a helmet doesn't sound like a good idea to me.


  • #754
    ted1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,531 ✭✭✭✭ted1


    Darc19 wrote: »
    From a motorists point of view, the flickering lights are best as you know immediately that it is either a pedestrian or cyclist.

    Not sure if it's something available, but having them built into a helmet would be a great idea. The moving head would give motorists an even clearer idea that it is a cyclist and prepare as necessary to slow down.

    Awful advice. A helmet attachment is what did the damage to Schumacher.


    https://www.google.ie/amp/s/unofficialnetworks.com/2018/10/09/michael-schumachers-brain-injury-said-to-be-caused-by-his-gopro-helmet-cam/amp/

    Some countries have banned flickering lights. As it attracts drunk and tired drivers and gives poor depth perspective


  • #755
    Darc19
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,814 ✭✭✭Darc19


    Eleven Benevolent Elephants wrote: »
    Yaawwwnn

    Yes, yawn yawn, but a significant number of cyclists don't use lights.

    It's so frustrating for a motorist especially in badly lit areas.

    And this 'yawn' attitude sort of explains it.

    I'd be the motorist that has no problem waiting until it is very safe to overtake a cyclist, I don't have an issue with groups of cyclists either, or those who may take a little too much of the road.

    But the number without lights at night is utterly ridiculous and they simply CANNOT be seen.

    So yawn away, but maybe one day you will awaken from your yawning and notice the huge number of cyclists that don't use lights.

    For the op, good lighting, especially rear lighting will keep you safe.


  • #756
    07Lapierre
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,428 ✭✭✭07Lapierre


    Darc19 wrote: »

    For the op, good lighting, especially rear lighting will keep you safe.

    If only it was that simple!


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  • #757
    ratracer
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,512 ✭✭✭ratracer


    ted1 wrote: »
    This :
    https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-accessories/bike-lights/halfords-advanced-1600-lumen-front-bike-light-253334.html


    1600 lumens, super bright when you need it.

    Keep it in 250 when in the city and the battery will last fir a Long long time.

    Are these available in Irish stores? Can only see a 1000 Lumen one listed on the .ie website?


  • #758
    ted1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,531 ✭✭✭✭ted1


    ratracer wrote: »
    Are these available in Irish stores? Can only see a 1000 Lumen one listed on the .ie website?

    Should be I got mine there. Ask on their chat tomorrow


  • #759
    magicbastarder
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Sports Moderators, Paid Member Posts: 53,863 CMod ✭✭✭✭magicbastarder


    Darc19 wrote: »
    Yes, yawn yawn, but a significant number of cyclists don't use lights.

    It's so frustrating for a motorist especially in badly lit areas.
    thank you for your input. don't post in this thread again, for two reasons - you're preaching to the converted, and your posting style runs foul of point 8 in the charter. we can't help with cyclists who don't use lights.
    any questions, PM me, do not respond in thread.


  • #760
    TheChizler
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,541 ✭✭✭TheChizler


    Darc19 wrote: »
    But the number without lights at night is utterly ridiculous and they simply CANNOT be seen.
    If a cyclist cycles down the road but nobody sees them, were they really there?


  • #761
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 15,777 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    magicbastarder wrote: »
    thank you for your input. don't post in this thread again, for two reasons - you're preaching to the converted, and your posting style runs foul of point 8 in the charter. we can't help with cyclists who don't use lights.
    any questions, PM me, do not respond in thread.

    I'd suggest that some of the responses to that poster left a lot to be desired too.


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  • #762
    magicbastarder
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Sports Moderators, Paid Member Posts: 53,863 CMod ✭✭✭✭magicbastarder


    TheChizler wrote: »
    If a cyclist cycles down the road but nobody sees them, were they really there?
    folks, Darc19 can't post here again so please don't reply to him/her


  • #763
    gn3dr
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 966 ✭✭✭gn3dr


    I got this https://www.brightbikelights.com/product/wiz-xp2-quality-mountain-bike-light/ about 2years ago. Great light.

    And on the cheaper end of the scale I go one of these https://www.amazon.com.au/Bicycle-Headlight-Battery-Cycling-Flashlight/dp/B07SRQ8W3X for about €24 - also very good. I think I bought it from Gearbest or Geekbuying - (one of those anyway - can't remember_


  • #764
    5uspect
    Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 10,588 Mod ✭✭✭✭5uspect


    Found this site useful:

    https://www.bikelightdatabase.com/reviews/


  • #765
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 26,162 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    Depends on the situation and finances. If you have theoney, dynamo with a shmidt edelux. Beautifully shaped light beams, always ready, no charging and we'll, for road riding, in my opinion, the gold standard. No dynamo but still have money, any of the Cateye Volt range. If money is a concern, the Aldi USB rechargeable set for just under 20euro are excellent. You can get really good lights for far cheaper than my first two options but very few have shaped light beams which is very important for on road.


  • #766
    Large bottle small glass
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,327 ✭✭✭Large bottle small glass


    https://www.rosebikes.com/bike-parts/bike-lights/battery-powered/headlights?brand%5B%5D=B+%2B+M&brand%5B%5D=Cateye

    Any of the 80 lux or higher B&M options in list above. They work on AA rechargeable batteries, allowing you to keep lamp going when batteries eventually degrade.

    Really nice light, works for 4 hrs plus on high setting.

    I'm sure there are other options with German manufacturers also.

    Using 1000+lumen mtb lights on a road is just acting the b0llix with other road users including other cyclists


  • #767
    Eamonnator
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,561 ✭✭✭Eamonnator


    https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/best-bike-lights/

    A review of some front and rear lights.


  • #768
    tomasrojo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 11,961 ✭✭✭✭tomasrojo


    Large bottle small glass wrote: »
    https://www.rosebikes.com/bike-parts/bike-lights/battery-powered/headlights?brand%5B%5D=B+%2B+M&brand%5B%5D=Cateye

    Any of the 80 lux or higher B&M options in list above. They work on AA rechargeable batteries, allowing you to keep lamp going when batteries eventually degrade.

    Really nice light, works for 4 hrs plus on high setting.

    I'm sure there are other options with German manufacturers also.

    Using 1000+lumen mtb lights on a road is just acting the b0llix with other road users including other cyclists

    I got the Cateye Gvolt20 during the summer, getting ready for the darker days. It's one of the German-standard ones. I like it a lot. Again, uses AA rechargeables, which is what I wanted. It's only 10lux/20lux, but I find that's more than enough for city use.


  • #769
    hesker
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 1,603 ✭✭✭hesker


    What would be considered too bright for road use.

    I have a Cateye Volt 800 that I always have on 400 lumen setting.

    I’ve had 2 complaints that it was too bright, one from a pedestrian and one from a cyclist. I now keep it pointed at the ground about 15 feet in front of me. No complaints since but still unsure if it is too bright

    Edit: Found some good info here.
    https://bicycles.stackexchange.com/questions/31557/is-it-possible-to-get-a-light-that-is-too-bright


  • #770
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 26,162 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    hesker wrote: »
    What would be considered too bright for road use.

    I have a Cateye Volt 800 that I always have on 400 lumen setting.

    I’ve had 2 complaints that it was too bright, one from a pedestrian and one from a cyclist. I now keep it pointed at the ground about 15 feet in front of me. No complaints since but still unsure if it is too bright

    Edit: Found some good info here.
    https://bicycles.stackexchange.com/questions/31557/is-it-possible-to-get-a-light-that-is-too-bright

    A light which has a proper beam shape and angled correctly will rarely be too bright. One that is pointed upwards or has no beam shape has a good chance of appearing too bright. My edelux was as bright (or brighter) as dims on a modern car but the beam shape meant that when positioned properly, it never lit anything above the horizontal plane where it shone but the road an ditches would be illuminated for a few 100m below that plane. I had a Cateye Volt which was good, not as good as the Schmidt but once angled correctly achieved nearly the same effect. Its when you have lights that have no beam shape, like many MTB lights, that light everything up, that is when it is too bright.


  • #771
    TheChizler
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,541 ✭✭✭TheChizler


    How do people stop lights slipping round on the handlebar and pointing either down at the ground or into the eyes of oncoming traffic? I have them attached over some electrical tape which is an improvement but it still slips in wet.


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  • #772
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 26,162 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    TheChizler wrote: »
    How do people stop lights slipping round on the handlebar and pointing either down at the ground or into the eyes of oncoming traffic? I have them attached over some electrical tape which is an improvement but it still slips in wet.
    On the handlebar tape or a bit of an old tyre typically gives more grip, and thenn overtighten it.


  • #773
    TheChizler
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,541 ✭✭✭TheChizler


    CramCycle wrote: »
    On the handlebar tape or a bit of an old tyre typically gives more grip, and thenn overtighten it.
    All my old tyres are blocky MTB style so not ideal! Might call down to the local bike shop see if they're throwing out any.


  • #774
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 26,162 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    TheChizler wrote: »
    All my old tyres are blocky MTB style so not ideal! Might call down to the local bike shop see if they're throwing out any.
    Sorry, my bad, I meant tube not tyre. The tiny bit of compression means you can overtighten slightly and it gives good grip.


  • #775
    tomasrojo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 11,961 ✭✭✭✭tomasrojo


    CramCycle wrote: »
    Sorry, my bad, I meant tube not tyre. The tiny bit of compression means you can overtighten slightly and it gives good grip.

    Similarly: you get strips of rubber with some lock mounts and light mounts. I keep these, as they're handy for non-slip mounting. My Cateye headlight mount hasn't moved since I laid a one of the strips under the mount before tightening.


  • #776
    tomasrojo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 11,961 ✭✭✭✭tomasrojo


    CramCycle wrote: »
    A light which has a proper beam shape and angled correctly will rarely be too bright.

    If you get a light that meets the German standards (StVZO), it will have a nice beam, I think. Again, the GVolt20 I got has a very nice beam, not conical.


  • #777
    Rechuchote
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,171 ✭✭✭Rechuchote


    IMG_0722.JPG
    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/115076351#Comment_115076351

    Thanks, helpful reviews. I'm trending towards buying the front light offered by an LBS, which has a softer city mode and a bright country mode (pic attached).

    For the back light, I'd stick with my SeeSense except that they tend to be killed by heavy rain. But it has two features that I like very much: it's very bright without being blinding, and its cadence changes according to your speed, so the blinks speed up as you slow, for instance for traffic lights. And it's Irish-made. (It can also be coded to your phone easily to "report an accident" if it thinks you've crashed.)

    Are there any other rear lights that alter the cadence of the flashes according to your speed, but are totally waterproof?



  • #778
    Rechuchote
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,171 ✭✭✭Rechuchote


    Hm, this relatively cheap light seems to be getting (mostly) rave reviews on Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/GuardG3X-Rechargeable-Bike-Light-Apace/dp/B01LZL4O72/ref=sr_1_13?dchild=1&keywords=Exposure+Lights+TraceR&qid=1629820501&sr=8-13



  • #779
    CantGetNoSleep
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,406 ✭✭✭CantGetNoSleep


    Can anyone recommend a front light that mounts under a Garmin out-front mount - but can be moved between bikes easily?

    I have three bikes with the same Garmin mount (the newest extended one for the Edge 1030). I'd like something that isn't just a "be seen" light, but would be an added bonus if it comes from a family with the same mounting system so I would buy a cheaper light for the city, and something 1000lm+ for unlit roads.

    Either something that can easily move from one bike to another, or where I can buy three reasonably priced mounts so I move the light and leave a mount permanently under the Garmin out-front mount of each bike.

    I looked at the Garmin Varia, but that seems to have its own special out-front mount (i.e. not just something that attaches onto an existing Garmin mount) so I'd need to replace all three. Halfords have something that looks ideal but I can't figure out how the mounting system works.



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