Lights

ted1 · 13-11-2019 5:01pm #1

in the absence of my Dynamo lights, I need to get a new light.

Criteria:
long life battery..
wan to be able to see
have flashing lights to be seen already.

my commute is about 1hr 10 each way, through the lit streets of town and out to the unlit suburban roads. Ideally something with a 12 hour battery would be the best, but that seems to be a big nono.

looking at:
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/moon-meteor-storm-dual-front-light/rp-prod173669

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/cateye-ampp-800-front-light/rp-prod189266

https://www.kryptonitelock.com/content/kryt-us-2/en/products/product-information/current-key/004530.html?type=lights
any thoughts or suggestions.

triggermortis · 13-11-2019 5:13pm

I like the look of the Moon one - it has the highest output and longest battery life and is also the cheapest.
I use a Trelock LS 950 with a Cateye 400. The Trelock has a good battery life, but isn't as bright as I'd like and the mount was utter rubbish (until I made a permanent fix to a small bar, that also houses my Garmin mount) but with the second light that I can set to flash when needed or use as a light on country roads, I find this does me ok. I have had to use either one on its own on occaision and they both do the job - just - but work well together. I prefer to have 2 lights front and back as I'm on unlit roads a lot

Alanstrainor · 13-11-2019 5:22pm

I picked this up for this years dark journeys:

https://www.halfords.ie/cycling/bike-lights/bike-lights/bikehut-1600-lumen-front-bike-light

It's actually very impressive. The light output is great, and the beam seems pretty well focused to my eye. The unit has a massive battery, so at a reasonable light output it lasts a long time. And you can really crank it if you need to light up the whole road.

Only drawback is that it is very large, but that's a trade off for the battery size.

ted1 · 13-11-2019 5:43pm

Alanstrainor wrote: »

I picked this up for this years dark journeys:

https://www.halfords.ie/cycling/bike-lights/bike-lights/bikehut-1600-lumen-front-bike-light

It's actually very impressive. The light output is great, and the beam seems pretty well focused to my eye. The unit has a massive battery, so at a reasonable light output it lasts a long time. And you can really crank it if you need to light up the whole road.

Only drawback is that it is very large, but that's a trade off for the battery size.

looks good. not to worried about size. will consider it, the AXA discount will make the price nicer too.

might pick up helmet light too https://www.halfords.ie/cycling/bike-lights/bike-lights/cateye-duplex-helmet-light

Alkers · 13-11-2019 5:55pm

Get a set of these:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/BYBO-Waterproof-Rechargeable-Headlight-Bicycling/dp/B0758C215T/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1538039164&sr=8-7&keywords=cree+led

Seriously - they're fantastic value for money. I use them for off-road mountain biking at night and the light they give off is great and battery life is excellent. They would be too bright for road use on the brightest setting.

Friends have €200 dedicated mountain biking lights and these give off almost as much light (although definitely not the 5,000 lumens advertised).

It does seem to be a bit hit and miss with the manufacturing quality by reading the reviews but I've had mine since last christmas and they're working perfectly still.

These guys seem to be selling the same kind of thing but with a bit more quality assurance:
https://www.mtbbatteries.co.uk/mountain-bike-lights/

Probably made in the same factory but perhaps with better customer service.

Kander · 13-11-2019 6:19pm

Alkers wrote: »

Get a set of these:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/BYBO-Waterproof-Rechargeable-Headlight-Bicycling/dp/B0758C215T/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1538039164&sr=8-7&keywords=cree+led

Seriously - they're fantastic value for money. I use them for off-road mountain biking at night and the light they give off is great and battery life is excellent. They would be too bright for road use on the brightest setting.

I have two of the above on my bike. They are amazing lights...more like spot lamps. I ordered mine from aliexpress and saved a bit more money but they are the same model as is linked.

ted1 · 13-11-2019 7:42pm

Alkers wrote: »

Get a set of these:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/BYBO-Waterproof-Rechargeable-Headlight-Bicycling/dp/B0758C215T/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1538039164&sr=8-7&keywords=cree+led

Seriously - they're fantastic value for money. I use them for off-road mountain biking at night and the light they give off is great and battery life is excellent. They would be too bright for road use on the brightest setting.

Friends have €200 dedicated mountain biking lights and these give off almost as much light (although definitely not the 5,000 lumens advertised).

It does seem to be a bit hit and miss with the manufacturing quality by reading the reviews but I've had mine since last christmas and they're working perfectly still.

These guys seem to be selling the same kind of thing but with a bit more quality assurance:
https://www.mtbbatteries.co.uk/mountain-bike-lights/

Probably made in the same factory but perhaps with better customer service.

I’ve seen them in the road and think they are dangerous, they just blind drivers. Thanks anyway

Large bottle small glass · 13-11-2019 9:08pm

ted1 wrote: »

I’ve seen them in the road and think they are dangerous, they just blind drivers. Thanks anyway

Since you have a conscience

https://www.rosebikes.com/b-m-ixon-iq-premium-led-light-kit-80-lux--703614?product_shape=standard&article_size=Standard

Nice light, especially if you are used to dynamo lights.

5hrs on max.

Buy the one linked which includes a charger and 4 AA rechargeable batteries

Bambaata · 13-11-2019 9:19pm

ted1 wrote: »

I’ve seen them in the road and think they are dangerous, they just blind drivers. Thanks anyway

You hit the nail on the head here. I've come across cyclists who have hit each other head on because one of them was using ones like these that blind everyone and everything ahead of them! Fine for trail riding where there no oncoming traffic but in my opinion too dangerous for roads

07Lapierre · 13-11-2019 9:36pm

ted1 wrote: »

I’ve seen them in the road and think they are dangerous, they just blind drivers. Thanks anyway

Any lights can be blinding if they are mounted incorrectly.

I have a hopetech R4 front light. Very VERY bright, but I have it mounted under my handlebar stem and it's angled down towards the road surface.

Same goes for rear lights, they should be angled down.

Alkers · 13-11-2019 10:06pm

ted1 wrote: »

I’ve seen them in the road and think they are dangerous, they just blind drivers. Thanks anyway

If you mount them correctly they are fine, the beam pattern is narrow enough - they're not floodlights. You will have a similar result if you aim any powerful lights at driver eye level as opposed to the ground. I have found it works well mounting many lights upside down beneath the handlebars

colm_mcm · 13-11-2019 10:10pm

Alanstrainor wrote: »

I picked this up for this years dark journeys:

https://www.halfords.ie/cycling/bike-lights/bike-lights/bikehut-1600-lumen-front-bike-light

It's actually very impressive. The light output is great, and the beam seems pretty well focused to my eye. The unit has a massive battery, so at a reasonable light output it lasts a long time. And you can really crank it if you need to light up the whole road.

Only drawback is that it is very large, but that's a trade off for the battery size.

I got the same type but the smaller 1000 lumen version. lights up the road safely and acts as a powerbank too.

ted1 · 14-11-2019 10:50am

Cheers all ,

The B&M from Rose look like the best light, that gives the best output pattern for cycling , however shipping is pricey, but tolerable, my main concern is that they don’t use a USB charger and unless I buy a second charger I couldn’t charge at both home and the office.

The Halfords one looks like next best option.

I’ll mull it over today. And order this evening.

As an aside it’s really crazy to see how little thought many cyclists give to lights and how manufacturers don’t think of sticking bigger batteries into their products.

Thanks all.

Invincible · 14-11-2019 11:04am

ted1 wrote: »

Cheers all ,

The B&M from Rose look like the best light, that gives the best output pattern for cycling , however shipping is pricey, but tolerable, my main concern is that they don’t use a USB charger and unless I buy a second charger I couldn’t charge at both home and the office.

The Halfords one looks like next best option.

I’ll mull it over today. And order this evening.

As an aside it’s really crazy to see how little thought many cyclists give to lights and how manufacturers don’t think of sticking bigger batteries into their products.

Thanks all.

Agree, delivery is expensive unless you're spending €200+. Wonder if there's any Promo Code available that would make it bearable.
You could always buy the same light for €45.90 and order a Nitecore charger off 7 day shop and carry spare set of batteries.

Sinbad_NI · 14-11-2019 11:08am

Got a Moon front light. Great job. Think it's the Meteor Storm Pro, but probably a new better version out now.

Large bottle small glass · 14-11-2019 2:16pm

ted1 wrote: »

Cheers all ,

The B&M from Rose look like the best light, that gives the best output pattern for cycling , however shipping is pricey, but tolerable, my main concern is that they don’t use a USB charger and unless I buy a second charger I couldn’t charge at both home and the office.

The Halfords one looks like next best option.

I’ll mull it over today. And order this evening.

As an aside it’s really crazy to see how little thought many cyclists give to lights and how manufacturers don’t think of sticking bigger batteries into their products.

Thanks all.

For a dying forum who's main traffic generator is pointing out the failures of other road users/commentators it is quite the double standard.

Unless your light is Stvo compliant or similar your 1000 lumen plus light is an issue for other users

07Lapierre · 14-11-2019 2:22pm

ted1 wrote: »

Cheers all ,

The B&M from Rose look like the best light, that gives the best output pattern for cycling , however shipping is pricey, but tolerable, my main concern is that they don’t use a USB charger and unless I buy a second charger I couldn’t charge at both home and the office.

The Halfords one looks like next best option.

I’ll mull it over today. And order this evening.

As an aside it’s really crazy to see how little thought many cyclists give to lights and how manufacturers don’t think of sticking bigger batteries into their products.

Thanks all.

Agree... cycles through Dublin centre last week and lots of cyclists with poor or no lights! IMO The Gardai should confiscate bikes from people who have no lights!

ILIKEFOOD · 14-11-2019 3:38pm

Lad in work has the bike hut one, impressive enough. Been looking for lights at a good price for ages but am hoping to pick up something decent at a lower price on hols this weekend in Latvia..who knows they could be cheaper there.. the cost of them is a bit of a racket imo

saccades · 15-11-2019 1:22am

Exposure Optix or strada.

Top quality, no cables and awesome customer service, recently serviced my 10-12 year old light for free, replaced an 8 yo corroded bracket for free and some of the most polite and friendly racers.

ted1 · 16-11-2019 9:30am

Picked up the light from Halfords. 54 euro after the usual discount. I’ll use it for the week and post a review.

Alanstrainor · 20-11-2019 1:16pm

Alanstrainor wrote: »

I picked this up for this years dark journeys:

https://www.halfords.ie/cycling/bike-lights/bike-lights/bikehut-1600-lumen-front-bike-light

It's actually very impressive. The light output is great, and the beam seems pretty well focused to my eye. The unit has a massive battery, so at a reasonable light output it lasts a long time. And you can really crank it if you need to light up the whole road.

Only drawback is that it is very large, but that's a trade off for the battery size.

This light is now 48 instead of 60 quid. And the others in the range are reduced by similar amounts. No brainer for that money imo.

c.p.w.g.w · 20-11-2019 1:18pm

Sorry to go off topic a bit...does anyone here regularly cycle at night on roads with no lighting whatsoever and if so what lights do ye use?

Stark · 20-11-2019 1:19pm

I usually use MTB style lights, the ones with a separate battery pack that attaches to the crossbar. Thing to be careful with there is they're approaching car headlight level of brightness so have the potential to blind oncoming road users.

c.p.w.g.w · 20-11-2019 1:31pm

Stark wrote: »

I usually use MTB style lights, the ones with a separate battery pack that attaches to the crossbar. Thing to be careful with there is they're approaching car headlight level of brightness so have the potential to blind oncoming road users.

Cheers any specific brand/model you could recommend

Plastik · 20-11-2019 1:34pm

c.p.w.g.w wrote: »

Sorry to go off topic a bit...does anyone here regularly cycle at night on roads with no lighting whatsoever and if so what lights do ye use?

I'm using a Cateye Volt1600 and would spend substantial time on completely unlit roads. The 500 lumen mode is more than enough for anything I need, the full 1600 only on fast descents.

c.p.w.g.w · 20-11-2019 1:59pm

Plastik wrote: »

I'm using a Cateye Volt1600 and would spend substantial time on completely unlit roads. The 500 lumen mode is more than enough for anything I need, the full 1600 only on fast descents.

Is 500 lumen enough for completely unlit roads, I'm probably looking at 9-11km on unlit dual carriageway (hard shoulder the whole way thankfully). Just a couple of jobs I'm looking at would likely require this journey to work

Alanstrainor · 20-11-2019 2:10pm

c.p.w.g.w wrote: »

Sorry to go off topic a bit...does anyone here regularly cycle at night on roads with no lighting whatsoever and if so what lights do ye use?

I use that Halfords light on a completely unlit road and it works well. I don't have it up on the max level either, plenty of headroom for more light if you feel you need it. As for rears, I have a seesense ICON, and other generic enough rears.

Mizu_Ger · 20-11-2019 3:02pm

Alkers wrote: »

Get a set of these:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/BYBO-Waterproof-Rechargeable-Headlight-Bicycling/dp/B0758C215T/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1538039164&sr=8-7&keywords=cree+led

Seriously - they're fantastic value for money. I use them for off-road mountain biking at night and the light they give off is great and battery life is excellent. They would be too bright for road use on the brightest setting.

ted1 wrote: »

I’ve seen them in the road and think they are dangerous, they just blind drivers. Thanks anyway

I use these on my commute. 95% of my route is on unlit back roads and the royal canal so I need something to light the road ahead and these do the job. However, I do have to dip the light (I just tip it to point downwards) when I see a car coming as they are extremely bright.

I think these would be overkill if you're on lit up roads.

Sinbad_NI · 20-11-2019 9:26pm

c.p.w.g.w wrote: »

Sorry to go off topic a bit...does anyone here regularly cycle at night on roads with no lighting whatsoever and if so what lights do ye use?

Yes, Moon Meter Storm Pro light. Works great.

Puggy · 21-11-2019 1:25am

If your using one of those eBay Cree lights, you need to get a lens to focus the beam. Something like this https://www.amazon.co.uk/SEEN-ANGLE-DIFFUSER-LIGHTS-APERTURE/dp/B00DQ5IGMU

It will produce a pattern something like a dipped beam, though you do need to ensure the angle does not cause an issue for other road users.

ted1 · 21-11-2019 10:15am

Alanstrainor wrote: »

This light is now 48 instead of 60 quid. And the others in the range are reduced by similar amounts. No brainer for that money imo.

Bargain

So after a week. I recommend it, I keep it in on 240Lumens, and the battery hasn’t had to be charged yet.
The buttons are big so if you need to change output it’s easy to do while wearing gloves. The battery indicator is good and let’s you know if you need to charge.

Only thing you need to look for is to tighten the holder when you get it, mine jumped off the handlebars as the screw was loose.

cdaly_ · 25-11-2019 4:26pm

ted1 wrote: »

in the absence of my Dynamo lights, I need to get a new light.

What happened your dynamo lights? Would you not fix/replace them? Dynamo lighting beats any battery option.

ted1 wrote: »

The B&M from Rose look like the best light, that gives the best output pattern for cycling , however shipping is pricey, but tolerable, my main concern is that they don’t use a USB charger and unless I buy a second charger I couldn’t charge at both home and the office.

It uses AA batteries. You'll pick up a charger from Lidl from time to time that you can keep at work.

ted1 · 25-11-2019 11:14pm

cdaly_ wrote: »

What happened your dynamo lights? Would you not fix/replace them? Dynamo lighting beats any battery option.

It uses AA batteries. You'll pick up a charger from Lidl from time to time that you can keep at work.

Rim blew out and I dislocated my shoulder.

I’ve got a new bike with discs to avoid rim wear. But I couldn’t find a good value dynamo wheel, rose came back with a price of 300, and 550 if I wanted a back wheel. And with all Internal cabling I said I’d try batteries again this winter.

Large bottle small glass · 26-11-2019 8:47am

ted1 wrote: »

Rim blew out and I dislocated my shoulder.

I’ve got a new bike with discs to avoid rim wear. But I couldn’t find a good value dynamo wheel, rose came back with a price of 300, and 550 if I wanted a back wheel. And with all Internal cabling I said I’d try batteries again this winter.

https://www.spacycles.co.uk/m2b0s170p3729/SPA-CYCLES-Shimano-XT-Disc-Dynamo-Wheel

You'll find something here for a lot less. Very cheap strong rim, shimano hub and hand built.

ted1 · 26-11-2019 10:01am

Large bottle small glass wrote: »

https://www.spacycles.co.uk/m2b0s170p3729/SPA-CYCLES-Shimano-XT-Disc-Dynamo-Wheel

You'll find something here for a lot less. Very cheap strong rim, shimano hub and hand built.

I’ll give them a shout, that one linked in only a 1.5V as opposed to a 6V 3W

cdaly_ · 26-11-2019 1:20pm

ted1 wrote: »

Rim blew out and I dislocated my shoulder.

What hub was in that wheel? Have you looked into getting it rebuilt?

ted1 · 26-11-2019 2:50pm

cdaly_ wrote: »

What hub was in that wheel? Have you looked into getting it rebuilt?

It wouldn’t fit my new bike , it was something like the shimano Dh-3n80

c.p.w.g.w · 03-12-2019 6:27pm

Sinbad_NI wrote: »

Yes, Moon Meter Storm Pro light. Works great.

Was looking at this light, have an issue with the bracket. Is there anyway to mount it to my stem? I have flat handlebars

ted1 · 30-09-2020 9:12am

Ok. the Halfords one is still going great, with a super battery life.

Now it is time to look for a good Rear light.

Any recommendations on the best rear light. I have a saddle bag and I think that it blocks the light from seat post mounted lights, and also ones mounted on the saddle bag don't aim right. so I think one that mount on the Seat Stay would be best

Any recommendations? criteria long battery life, and flashing one that makes me seen.

I've had See Sense rear lights, but to be honest the quality is really poor.

beauf · 30-09-2020 9:26am

I've been really happy with my Smart Lunar lights. I've had them for 6yrs+. Bit old so maybe there are better lights out there these days.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=smart+lunar+bike+light&crid=26DUFLMLR0U65&sprefix=Smart+Lunar+%2Caps%2C145&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-oa-p_1_12

I've a few of them. I usually have one on steady one on flashing. So two on front and two rear. Means you always have a backup.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Smart-Lunar-Front-Watt-Light/dp/B007XJRRKM/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=0.5+watt+rear+light+cycling&qid=1601454205&sr=8-11

tomasrojo · 30-09-2020 11:20am

I like the Smart ones too. I'm using a fairly old one I had in the shed now. It's still a totally acceptable rear light.

I mount it underneath the rear reflector, which also has a light built in, so I have sort of one big red light at the back. Like this:

hesker · 30-09-2020 2:29pm

I have a Moon Nebula rear light and think it’s a great light. Can be mounted on seatpost or chainstay.
Has portrait and landscape orientations, different light level and flashing settings. Bright but not blinding.

Omallep2 · 18-04-2021 9:10pm

Looking for a night for travelling unlit roads at night. I want something water proof. Any thoughts. Not convinced on the following https://www.wiggle.com/moon-vortex-pro-aw20-front-light

Seaswimmer · 19-04-2021 8:14am

Omallep2 wrote: »

Looking for a night for travelling unlit roads at night. I want something water proof. Any thoughts. Not convinced on the following https://www.wiggle.com/moon-vortex-pro-aw20-front-light

I don't know much about that light however I bought a Moon (XP300 I think) back in 2009 and it is still performing as well today on the original battery (USB rechargeable). 4 modes and extremely bright on the brightest with about 20 hours on the lowest which is still bright enough to light a dark road.
So my tuppence worth is that Moon as a manufacturer seem pretty reliable.

tomasrojo · 19-04-2021 11:12am

Not proper headlights, but I've had Moon Crescents for a good few years. They're a great little light, and durable. Based on them, I have a very good opinion of Moon as a manufacturer.

Assume this is pretty similar, and gets a good review:
https://road.cc/content/review/moon-meteor-vortex-1000-279513

That model's mount isn't great, says the review, and I'd say the same for the Moon Crescent. I like mounts you bolt on, and I can live even with the Cateye mounts, but I don't like the stretchy band mount design.

Lights

Comments