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

keith_d99 · 09-10-2009 12:39pm #1

Hi all,

Cycled for the first time in pitch darkness on my commute home, part of which is through unlit country roads (and lanes) - and yeah it was dark to say the least!

Anyhow - had a 9 bulb led front light (BBB) - was grand, but couldn't see to far ahead of me as I had to point it fairly down to watch for potholes etc.

Can anyone recommend a light? Or should I just get a second led light?

Cheers,
Keith.

godihatethehils · 09-10-2009 12:42pm

Budget?

Jawgap · 09-10-2009 12:43pm

Allow me.......

http://www.fenixtorch.co.uk/led_torches/fenix_tk11_r2.html

The Fenix torches are pretty good - I've this one and it's great for the pitch black roads.

keith_d99 · 09-10-2009 12:44pm

Budget? Yeah sorry forgot to mention that ... looked on CRC and realised that yeah you can spend BIG money on lights ... probably around the 50 mark

penexpers · 09-10-2009 12:45pm

Hub dynamo + B+Q Lumotec IQ Fly = bright light with very good beam dispersal and never running out of batteries again.

godihatethehils · 09-10-2009 12:48pm

I have this and it's very good but clocks in at €150.....

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=29549

Lumen · 09-10-2009 12:51pm

penexpers wrote: »

Hub dynamo + B+Q Lumotec IQ Fly = bright light with very good beam dispersal and never running out of batteries again.

Total cost?

BostonB · 09-10-2009 12:55pm

I have the Cateye HL-EL530 along side another 5 led flasher. The HL-EL530 is only just bright enough on a unlit road. A bit brighter would be better if you're on dark roads a lot. I'm only on a completely unlit road for 5 mins or so, as the rest of the my route has street lights. The EL530 does pickup up the path/road better than other 5 led light. I notice cars noticing a bit earlier with it too. But if I was on unlit dark roads a lot I'd get a really serious rechargable light.

http://www.cateye.com/en/product_detail/345

I'm not crazy about the CAT mounting bracket. Both of mine aren't rock solid, slowly slipping around, so I have to adjust every so often. I probably wouldn't buy another for that reason. Though maybe theres a knack to it. I have no other problem with my other lights though.

CheGuedara · 09-10-2009 1:03pm

Those Fenix torches - what is 225 lumens when it's at home? And for comparison sake what would 900 lumens like on the Luu lights be like?

I've read it's not as straight forward (or even possible) to say it's like a 100 watt bulb or even comparing it to candle power is bright but if 225 lumens is bright enough to cycle home in pitch blackness then something like 900 must be visible from space or capable of cooking food in the beam of or being seen through a solid wall, right?

Tawfee · 09-10-2009 1:19pm

BostonB wrote: »

I'm not crazy about the CAT mounting bracket. Both of mine aren't rock solid, slowly slipping around, so I have to adjust every so often. I probably wouldn't buy another for that reason. Though maybe theres a knack to it. I have no other problem with my other lights though.

i've the Cateye EL135 which has the same bracket & i have to agree with you BostonB, it's hard to get it very tight & even though it sounds contradictory, it's also a nuisance to remove it altogether from the bars. Apart from that the EL135 is a good one, surprising how much light it throws out.

penexpers · 09-10-2009 1:23pm

Lumen wrote: »

Total cost?

Hub dynamo wheel (Shimano hub + Mavic rim) - 45 euro + postage (I got this one - very happy with it http://cgi.ebay.ie/28-Laufrad-Nabendynamo-Shimano-DH-3N30-Mavic-A119-STVO_W0QQitemZ310171689955QQcmdZViewItemQQptZSport_Radsport_Fahrradteile?hash=item4837ac63e3&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262 )

Light - I got this one http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-Busch-and-Muller-Busch-and-Muller-Lumotec-IQ-Fly-Senso-Plus-Switchable-LED-Headlight-with-Bracket-15239.htm whihc was about 100 euro at the time. You can get less featured ones (for example without a sensor) for cheaper. This one from ebay would be good http://cgi.ebay.ie/B-M-Scheinwerfer-Lumotec-Fly-N-PLUS-6-V-20-Lux-19894_W0QQitemZ300348914170QQcmdZViewItemQQptZSport_Radsport_Fahrradteile?hash=item45ee30b9fa&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Gavin · 09-10-2009 1:30pm

+ spokes + nipples + build cost ?

http://wiki.boards.ie/wiki/Bike_lights

edit - ah I see it has spokes and nipples. That's not a bad price then alright

Lumen · 09-10-2009 1:31pm

CheGuedara wrote: »

Those Fenix torches - what is 225 lumens when it's at home? And for comparison sake what would 900 lumens like on the Luu lights be like?

I've read it's not as straight forward (or even possible) to say it's like a 100 watt bulb or even comparing it to candle power is bright but if 225 lumens is bright enough to cycle home in pitch blackness then something like 900 must be visible from space or capable of cooking food in the beam of or being seen through a solid wall, right?

I have a 240 lumen Fenix, a 700-900 lumen dealextreme jobby, and a Dereelight DBS (the most throwy torch in the world, I think).

In total light output there's that not much in it (you can tell my removing the reflector and using the point source to illuminate a dark room).

The most important thing is beam pattern - getting the light where you want it. The problem (or benefit) of the 700-900 lumen LEDs is that they're actually a 4-element array, so are hard to focus for throw - you tend to end up with a floodlight.

edit: actually no, the most important thing is reliability.

Lumen · 09-10-2009 1:44pm

These look good value.

I'm tempted.

keith_d99 · 09-10-2009 1:50pm

Jeez - wide range of replies!! Keep em coming - thanks all!

No Cateyes on CRC from what I can see - sounds like a good light with a poor bracket!
Lumen that Busch + Muller looks good alright - you would need to get the charger too - with shipping comes to just under €80

Lumen · 09-10-2009 1:53pm

keith_d99 wrote: »

Lumen that Busch + Muller looks good alright - you would need to get the charger too - with shipping comes to just under €80

It takes 4xAA, so you'd need a recharger (and rechargables) for that if you want to go that route and avoid long term planet/wallet-killing.

Or there's the Ixon IQ Speed which has a battery pack, but it's more expensive, but you can go the twin headlight route with the one battery pack.

There's a lot to be said for lights which take standard cells - batteries die eventually.

keith_d99 · 09-10-2009 2:00pm

Busch + Muller looks top bet at the mo

Anything on CRC or Wiggle (free shipping) worth a punt???

The tax man · 09-10-2009 2:03pm

These look good value.
I'm tempted.

Think that's the light Rottenhat had on the Dying sow. Impressive light for the money.

blorg · 09-10-2009 2:04pm

CheGuedara wrote: »

Those Fenix torches - what is 225 lumens when it's at home? And for comparison sake what would 900 lumens like on the Luu lights be like?

The Fenix on 225 lumens is more than sufficient for cycling along completely dark country roads. To be honest even the 60 lumen mode on these (15hr+ runtime) is sufficient, the 225 is just luxurious. I have gone on long cycles in the dark (across the country) with it and it works very well.

The Fenix is very reliable, the "900 lumen" DealExtreme jobs more of a gamble. Maybe not a good idea if they were your only light. The DX ones are also generally considered to be overrated compared to the likes of the Fenix- they are brighter but not that much so.

As Lumen alludes to the issue with these flashlights is that the beam pattern is pretty much circular so it can blind oncoming motorists. In practice I don't find this a major problem although it could be an issue if on a busy road. On quieter roads running it at full intensity I dip it manually after an oncoming motorist dips theirs. To be honest on a busy road you could probably just leave it on the 60 lumen mode, I don't seem to get flashed with it on this mode. In the city there is so much in the way of other light sources I don't think it is so blinding for them, but they certainly notice you.

I am sure there are better lens patterns but then the price goes up significantly.

petethedrummer · 09-10-2009 2:04pm

Lumen wrote: »

batteries die eventually.

"I think batteries are the most dramatic object of all the objects because other things they stop working or they break. But batteries...they die. If you're a battery you're either working or you're dead. That's a **** life."

Demetri Martin

tunney · 09-10-2009 2:05pm

jerseyeire wrote: »

I spent €129 on a great BBB one from my LBS, 1840 lumens (or lux, which ever sounds realistic). Used it in the country side on a spin last week and it worked a treat.
Alternatively you can get more info here

you got a 1840 lumen BBB light for €129?

I don't know where to start with this claim....

blorg · 09-10-2009 2:08pm

Lumen wrote: »

There's a lot to be said for lights which take standard cells - batteries die eventually.

Standard AA cells have substantially lower energy density than the Lithium Ion 18650 cells used by the Fenix (cost under $5 each.) These are basically the cells you have inside laptop batteries. Easy to carry spares; carry three and you have 60 hours of night riding on standard mode between charges. That is a fair bit of night riding.

Captain Havoc · 09-10-2009 2:08pm

tunney wrote: »

you got a 1840 lumen BBB light for €129?

I don't know where to start with this claim....

This obviously sounds wrong, I'll delete and double check it later.

one2one · 09-10-2009 2:09pm

I cycle to work alot on dark country lanes, picked myself up a head light (helmet light in B&Q) and it works wonders! Only cost €15 - I got two, as they have both White LED and Red LED fitted.

Lumen · 09-10-2009 2:11pm

blorg wrote: »

Standard AA cells have substantially lower energy density than the Lithium Ion 18650 cells used by the Fenix (cost under $5 each.) These are basically the cells you have inside laptop batteries. Easy to carry spares; carry three and you have 60 hours of night riding on standard mode between charges. That is a fair bit of night riding.

Sorry for abiguity, 18650 are "standard cells" in my eyes. I meant rather than proprietary battery packs (like in the Ixon IQ Speed).

blorg · 09-10-2009 2:33pm

Lumen wrote: »

These look good value.

I'm tempted.

That looks like a very good price for that light, the beam pattern is meant to be more suitable for road riding all right.

The Ixon is definitely not as bright as the Fenix but all it has to be is "bright enough" which from the evidence it is...

Lumen · 09-10-2009 2:35pm

blorg wrote: »

The Ixon is definitely not as bright as the Fenix but all it has to be is "bright enough" which from the evidence it is...

Have you seen them together?

edit...

The TK-10 is 91 lux at 10m, according to this. I assume this is turbo mode, which lasts 2-3 hours. I assume the TK10 and TK11 are largely identical.

The Ixon IQ is 40 lux at 10m, for 5 hours
The Ixon IQ Speed is 50 lux at 10m, for 5 hours.

So the Ixons give out about half the lux in the centre spot, but (from the pics) have a larger, more controlled area of illumination.

Horses for courses.

petethedrummer · 09-10-2009 2:39pm

I'm very close to purchasing the fenix tk11 - Are the mounts good for helmets and handlebars?

http://www.fenixtorch.co.uk/led_torches/fenix_mount.html

http://www.thetorchsite.co.uk/LED_Lenser_Bike_Mounts.html

Looks like I won't need a helmet:
http://www.fenixtorch.co.uk/led_torches/fenix_headband.html

rottenhat · 09-10-2009 3:10pm

Lumen wrote: »

It takes 4xAA, so you'd need a recharger (and rechargables) for that if you want to go that route and avoid long term planet/wallet-killing.

The Ixon IQ comes with a set of rechargeable batteries and they charge in the light - it's an all in one package. The light from it was enough to get me and Honkjelly along the Wicklow coast road (which is overhung by trees and is very dark indeed) without any trouble on the Dying Sow. The only problem I've had with it is that electronics knocked out the wireless reception on my computer, but I've since replaced that with a wired one. It's an excellent light.

Edit: Ah, I see that Bike24 sell the batteries/lead separately...my apologies, that wasn't an option where I bought the light which was Modern Times, but I see their price is up to £75 now, so €70 from Bike24 is cheaper.

Lumen · 09-10-2009 3:14pm

rottenhat wrote: »

The Ixon IQ comes with a set of rechargeable batteries and they charge in the light - it's an all in one package.

Ah, OK. On bike24 they are doing two versions, one with and one without the batteries and charger. The "with" version is €14 extra.

"Included in delivery: front light incl. standard handle bar mounting (22 bis 26mm), optional available with 4 accus and controlled charger."

ISTR reading that you also need an extra widget for clamping to O/S bars, if you have those, @ €5.90.

keith_d99 · 09-10-2009 3:20pm

Rottenhat - how do you mean charge in the light?

There seems to be 2 versions:

version: without accus and charger (192QM)
version: incl. accus and charger (192QMLA)

Is the charger just a regular charger and 2 AA rechargable batteries?
Link

rottenhat wrote: »

The Ixon IQ comes with a set of rechargeable batteries and they charge in the light - it's an all in one package. The light from it was enough to get me and Honkjelly along the Wicklow coast road (which is overhung by trees and is very dark indeed) without any trouble on the Dying Sow. The only problem I've had with it is that electronics knocked out the wireless reception on my computer, but I've since replaced that with a wired one. It's an excellent light.

07Lapierre · 09-10-2009 3:21pm

keith_d99 wrote: »

Hi all,

Cycled for the first time in pitch darkness on my commute home, part of which is through unlit country roads (and lanes) - and yeah it was dark to say the least!

Anyhow - had a 9 bulb led front light (BBB) - was grand, but couldn't see to far ahead of me as I had to point it fairly down to watch for potholes etc.

Can anyone recommend a light? Or should I just get a second led light?

Cheers,
Keith.

I ordered these from CRC and they arrived today (battery charging as we speak)

Similar to yourself, my commute is on unlit roads. Can't comment on these lights yet but they can't make the road any darker!:D

rottenhat · 09-10-2009 3:21pm

Lumen wrote: »

"Included in delivery: front light incl. standard handle bar mounting (22 bis 26mm), optional available with 4 accus and controlled charger."

ISTR reading that you also need an extra widget for clamping to O/S bars, if you have those, @ €5.90.

Ah yes, just as well you mentioned that - the standard bracket only barely fits onto a 26.0mm bar (in what universe is 22mm a standard size anyway?) to the point where I was worried that it might break under the weight of the light over rough roads, so I did wind up getting the oversized bracket which I might have had to shim, though you do get a couple of pieces of rubber with it for that purpose.

Sounds like less of a bargain with every passing minute really....

rottenhat · 09-10-2009 3:23pm

keith_d99 wrote: »

Rottenhat - how do you mean charge in the light?

There seems to be 2 versions:

version: without accus and charger (192QM)
version: incl. accus and charger (192QMLA)

Is the charger just a regular charger and 2 AA rechargable batteries?
Link

Yeah, I was being dim...you leave the batteries in the light and plug the light into a charger. So it's not a regular charger, although you could certainly use one, and it takes 4AAs.

keith_d99 · 09-10-2009 3:34pm

Let us know how you get on! Reviews seem to be very good!

07Lapierre wrote: »

I ordered these from CRC and they arrived today (battery charging as we speak)

Similar to yourself, my commute is on unlit roads. Can't comment on these lights yet but they can't make the road any darker!:D

Lumen · 09-10-2009 3:36pm

rottenhat wrote: »

Sounds like less of a bargain with every passing minute really....

For the Fenix option I paid:

TK11 R2: £69.94
2 x protected 18650: £12.95 (TheTorchSite.co.uk)
Lockblocks (3 pack): $15.99
Charger: $8.44 (DealExtreme)

I make that €113.87, although I might have overpaid for the batteries (but my non-protected DX ones died after being used on a constant brightness torch).

The Ixon option works out at €85.80.

blorg · 09-10-2009 3:37pm

Lumen wrote: »

Have you seen them together?

Yes, I did the Surf and Turf 300 with Rottenhat. The Fenix is brighter. To be honest I didn't get into comparing beam patterns, we were cycling along... The Ixon probably does have a better beam pattern, the Fenix is more impressive in terms of the "holy fúck what is that" burn the eyes off you effect, which for quieter roads and indeed urban use I am quite happy with as it gets me noticed.

The Ixon might be comparable to the Fenix on its lower mode (which is also perfectly usable.) Consider that you get 15+ hours out of this mode on the Fenix with easier/more compact spares... I find it very good in particular for travelling (obviously it doubles up as a torch

).

Both are good lights, the Ixon probably better if you want to be able to cycle along moderately busy roads in the dark without having to constantly dip like the Fenix.

Gavin · 09-10-2009 3:38pm

It would be nice if the B&M lights gave a lumen output as well. Some super light nerd probably has measured it on candlepowerforums or cycleforums

edit - contrary to Lumen, I've had no problems with the Dealextreme P7 or MTE torches. I use one on my commute regularly and a bit of night mtb and no issues. This include over the bars whacking of the light into mud and extreme rain. Their QA isn't great, but if there is a problem, they are ok with returns and replacements. Never gotten flashed when on medium ~200 lumen mode.

I've been contemplating a dynamo powered light, but really, the cost outweighs the convenience (as I have sufficient lights anyway)

There is also a new bike specific light http://dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.25149 - which is getting good reviews on mtbr.com. More of an MTB, or touring light though, the battery pack would be a bit of hassle.

Lumen · 09-10-2009 3:41pm

Gavin wrote: »

It would be nice if the B&M lights gave a lumen output as well. Some super light nerd probably has measured it on candlepowerforums or cycleforums

IMO Lumens is irrelevant.

(careful now)

rottenhat · 09-10-2009 3:42pm

Gavin wrote: »

It would be nice if the B&M lights gave a lumen output as well. Some super light nerd probably has measured it on candlepowerforums or cycleforums

Well, there is this thread on yacf. Could use better pictures possibly.

The tax man · 09-10-2009 4:47pm

Gavin wrote: »

There is also a new bike specific light http://dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.25149 - which is getting good reviews on mtbr.com. More of an MTB, or touring light though, the battery pack would be a bit of hassle.

I've one of those on the way. Damn thing is still somewhere in the postal system.

keith_d99 · 09-10-2009 4:58pm

Stuck in customs???
Tax Man - did you order there? What about US adapter?

The tax man wrote: »

I've one of those on the way. Damn thing is still somewhere in the postal system.

The tax man · 09-10-2009 5:15pm

keith_d99 wrote: »

Stuck in customs???
Tax Man - did you order there? What about US adapter?

No ordered it through Ebay. Coming from Hong Kong.10-14 days delivery time.:( Seller claims no one has been hit for customs,looking through feedback it seems no one has....yet.

blorg · 09-10-2009 5:26pm

keith_d99 wrote: »

Stuck in customs???
Tax Man - did you order there? What about US adapter?

It's 100V~240V AC charger (US plug) - you only need a mechanical adapter of which I have countless from ordering stuff from Pixmania. (Let me know if you need one Taxman.)

Gavin · 09-10-2009 5:39pm

The tax man wrote: »

I've one of those on the way. Damn thing is still somewhere in the postal system.

Cool, let me know what you think of it. Tempted to get it for MTB.

ajk24 · 09-10-2009 6:28pm

http://www.ayup-lights.com/systems/lighting-systems/v-twin-sports/

a guy at work has a set of these and swears by them - will be taking a lend next week to test so will report back

The tax man · 09-10-2009 7:02pm

Gavin wrote: »

Cool, let me know what you think of it. Tempted to get it for MTB.

Will do.

keith_d99 · 12-10-2009 3:23pm

Ended up going with Gavin ad Taxman's recommendation (couldn't wait to see how Taxman got on as it's 2 weeks til the clocks go back).

All in €55 including shipping - just hope customs don't put on extra!
Great reviews on mtbr.com

Thanks to all for the recommendations!

Gavin wrote: »

There is also a new bike specific light http://dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.25149 - which is getting good reviews on mtbr.com. More of an MTB, or touring light though, the battery pack would be a bit of hassle.

biker_joe · 12-10-2009 4:06pm

Anyone tried these ?

http://www.planet-x-warehouse.co.uk/acatalog/Airbike.html

thinking of ordering this week ????

Biker JOe

rflynnr · 13-10-2009 11:34am

Just so youse know: I ordered the Ixus IQ with charger and a helmet mount (since that is where it'll be sitting). Will report back when it arrives...

ajk24 · 13-10-2009 8:39pm

ajk24 wrote: »

http://www.ayup-lights.com/systems/lighting-systems/v-twin-sports/

a guy at work has a set of these and swears by them - will be taking a lend next week to test so will report back

just back from a spin from cork city out into the countryside (crossbarry) and back by way of south link ring road - the ayup lights are savage. 2 independently adjustable leds - better than most cars dipped beams, even
had a pedestrian comment "those are an awesome set of lights" (it was a yank) as I pulled back into carpark at work.

they are reviewed on bike radar at the moment as well
http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/category/accessories/lights/front/product/roadie-kit-32400

will def be ordering - if anyone wants to get one there is a decent saving to be made on postage for a group order.

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

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