Bike Lights - What do you use?

[Dr Zoid]

Hi all,

I recently purchased a second Zebralight SC600 and now have two of these mounted on my bike, using Fenix AF02 mounts. I have a Portland Design Works Radbot on the rear, with an Exposure Flare above it

The result is some pretty obnoxious lighting front and rear. I would highly recommend these two rear lights in particular, espescially if you are using one of the cheapo Halfrauds type rear lights just now.



I never intended initially to have twin lights front and rear but there are some advantages. The rear lights are slightly different in their beam type so you get better spread and visibility. I can also angle my front two a number of different ways. I have one for close range, one further out at present. Using two lights also means if one light or battery fails or runs out, I am not left in the dark or not able to be seen.

What do you use any why? Would love to see some pictures of other peoples set-ups.

[Jerry Cornelius]

Last winter I used a LED lenser p7 as a front light, for the focusing ability, and a fenix PD30 as a rear, because I had a red filter, with el cheapo LED flashers front and rear as back up.

The LED Lenser was fine, but for this winter I'll have a longer ride and the run time may not be enough (though the fact that the light gradually dims rather than cutting out when a protection circuit kicks in is a big big plus, direct drive has its uses). But I was using eneloops, which was pretty stupid as I don't need the long shelf life as I ride every day, and do need bigger capacity. Maybe I should just ride faster, as it is I've invested in some 1100 mAh NiMh batts to see how I get on.

The fenix isn't massively suitable as the beam is very narrow. Also I found the high level strobe a bit too obnoxious, and the low level flash is an SOS pattern, which somehow felt like tempting fate... Also having a AAA/ Li-ion mix was kind of the worst of all worlds, as you get poor run times from the AAAs and all the hassle from the Li Ions. I may have to reconsider going Li ion front and rear if the LED lenser run time isn't up to the job this winter but I just didn't warm to getting in on a winter evening and having to baby a set of Li ions on a charger and messing about with voltmeters. I'd rather just slam NiMh's in a charger and if I forget about them overnight, so what. Plus as I say the idea of being left in the dark because a protection circuit has just kicked in is a no-no.

That Radbot looks like what I need to replace the Fenix, I think I'll check Wiggle out for one. Good tip thanks.

[stefanr]

I've got one from trek mounted, but I think that my LD12 will do a way better job..

[Nice65]

I just didn't warm to getting in on a winter evening and having to baby a set of Li ions on a charger and messing about with voltmeters. I'd rather just slam NiMh's in a charger and if I forget about them overnight, so what.

NiMhs blow up sometimes. Fairly sure Tall and Hairy heard a huge bang in the night.

Just get a decent charger that stops charging at 4.2v and run 18650s.

[Jerry Cornelius]

NiMhs blow up sometimes. Fairly sure Tall and Hairy heard a huge bang in the night.

Just get a decent charger that stops charging at 4.2v and run 18650s.

Sure, but reputable brand NiMh batts plus reputable charger = no real worries for me. I don't intentionally leave them on charge once the cycle is complete, but I don't lose sleep if I do.

I do have a decent Li Ion charger but (probably wrongly) treat it, and protection circuits on the cells, as being like a safety catch on a rifle: there, hopefully, to save bacon in the event of user error, rather than the primary safety device. Hence the fussing with the voltmeter.

I do use Li ion for pocket torches, for a few chargeing cycles a year its well worth it. I just can't be bothered when it's weekly.

[Dr Zoid]

I have just ordered a PDW Dangerzone

Will see how good it is in combination with the rear lights I have. I never use flashing modes of any kind front or rear on my bike, so I like the light I do have to be plenty bright.

I have never had an issue charging Li-ion cells, and do so regularly.

I was tempted by the new Niteye B30 but I prefer not to have any wires if I can.

[cbr6fs]

I tend to swap and change and use whatever comes to hand really.

Best i've found from my lights so far was the TM11 together with the TK35.
It was like riding in daylight, the TM11 gave fantastic flood in front of the bike and the TK35 a lot more throw, so got the best of both worlds.

The TK35 has been on the bike more than any other torch so far though.
Great spread of light and the flat sides mean i can tie-wrap it to the handlebars really easily.
I'll then usually use the SC600 of H600 head mounted as i like some light to move with my head.


Quick caution on batteries.


NEVER leave ANY batteries charging unattended.


I have seen cars, garages and even houses burn down from NiMh cells exploding.
All you need is for the charger to develop a fault and your screwed.


With modern cells and charger being able to charge up to 15C these days there really is no reason to leave a charge unattended.

[Noddy]

Usually a Fenix velcro bike mount on the fron with a Fenix L1D in it, and two Cat Eyes on the back - one big one smaller.

Lost a Zebralight a while ago - it just came off whilst I was crossing Burrard Bridge, and I couldn't find it when I went back. It haunts me it does so

[benp1]

used my sunwayman v20c in the park cycling with the dog, nice easy adjustment whilst cycling

there are cycling specific torches about. I think theres a jetbeam one, cycler maybe?

[Dr Zoid]

TM11 on a bike?!

No pictures anyone?

[cbr6fs]

TM11 on a bike?!

No pictures anyone?

I didn't snap any pics, but when i get a few mins i'll fit them again and snap a couple.

[Dr Zoid]

Well my new Portland Design Works DangerZone arrived today. Nice little light. Twin LED's, three modes and runs on two AAA batteries. Bought it from Ebay.com, shipped from USA and cost about £25.

Being paired with a PDW Radbot 1000 and an Exposure Flare should make driver's notice me!

Made a quick video showing the modes. Please excuse the camera phone.

WARNING: CONTAINS FLASHING LIGHTS.

Video Link

[hughtrimble]

This is my very simple 'set-up': the Nite Ize Lights BikeLit: http://www.heinnie.com/Nite-Ize-BikeLit/p-0-0-6400/

I found carrying larger lights around a right pain upon arrival (always removed due to the likelihood of them being nabbed), and was therefore only using my lights when absolutely necessary.

With these BikeLit things, they're so thin and light, that I end up using them far more, as they're easily stashed in a pocket - in this way they are far more effective, as I will use them far more readily than the larger ones.

They won't light your way down a dirt path in the pitch black, but they at least make you slightly more visible on the roads.

[Bluebs4]

Are flashing fronts against the law ? Anyways cateyes brand for me

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

[hughtrimble]

Are flashing fronts against the law ? Anyways cateyes brand for me

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

Not according to this seemingly comprehensive cycling regulation site: http://www.ctc.org.uk/desktopdefault.aspx?tabid=4071

But there would appear to be an understandable issue with ridiculously dazzling lights:

The suggestion that any lamp on a bicycle might cause undue dazzle or discomfort to other users of the road would have been laughable a few years ago, but not any more. It is not only illegal but doesn't actually improve your safety, should the person driving a heavy motor vehicle towards you be temporarily blinded by your headlamp! So please don't let it do that.