Commuting in the Dark
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Commuting in the Dark
Postby kunalraiker » Tue Feb 26, 2013 7:16 am
My requirements are as follows:
1. Needs to be lightweight, preferably under 250 grams
2. Need to have rechargeable battery, preferably usb charging
3. Price should not exceed $50.00 if possible
4. Highest Lumens output.
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Re: Commuting in the Dark
Postby AUbicycles » Tue Feb 26, 2013 8:08 am
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Re: Commuting in the Dark
Postby il padrone » Tue Feb 26, 2013 8:12 am
"An unjustified and unethical imposition on a healthy activity."
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Re: Commuting in the Dark
Postby g-boaf » Tue Feb 26, 2013 8:39 am
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Re: Commuting in the Dark
Postby kunalraiker » Tue Feb 26, 2013 9:43 am
g-boaf wrote:Just ordered that light shown above, I need a new one and the Bontrager Ion2 I have is just about useless.
IS the one above something that everyone is going for, in my price range of course!
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Re: Commuting in the Dark
Postby jcjordan » Tue Feb 26, 2013 9:48 am
If you want to see in the dark you need to invest in some serious illumination, such as what you get from a set of ayups.
Based on your USB requirements I would look at some of the nightrider range. http://www.niterider.com/lumina-500-2013/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Edit:add url
Veni, Vidi, Vespa -- I Came, I Saw, I Rode Home
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Re: Commuting in the Dark
Postby kunalraiker » Tue Feb 26, 2013 9:50 am
The price can be bumped up, but would prefer to not exceed $50.00jcjordan wrote:Little lighter like those shown do little more than let people know you ate coming.
If you want to see in the dark you need to invest in some serious illumination, such as what you get from a set of ayups.
Based on your USB requirements I would look at some of the nightclub range
I would be commuting in the dark, so definitely need lights to show me where I'am heading
Although the weight and other requirements do stand.
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Re: Commuting in the Dark
Postby thomashouseman » Tue Feb 26, 2013 10:17 am
Quality
Bright
pick any two.
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Re: Commuting in the Dark
Postby hannos » Tue Feb 26, 2013 10:40 am
kunalraiker wrote: The price can be bumped up, but would prefer to not exceed $50.00
I would be commuting in the dark, so definitely need lights to show me where I'am heading
Although the weight and other requirements do stand.
How much is your life worth?
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Re: Commuting in the Dark
Postby clackers » Tue Feb 26, 2013 10:43 am
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Re: Commuting in the Dark
Postby twizzle » Tue Feb 26, 2013 10:51 am
You need to define "Dark" first, then at what speeds are you talking.kunalraiker wrote:In my preparation to venture out in the dark wondering what front light would suit me, given there are numerous options out there.
My requirements are as follows:
1. Needs to be lightweight, preferably under 250 grams
2. Need to have rechargeable battery, preferably usb charging
3. Price should not exceed $50.00 if possible
4. Highest Lumens output.
ie. Unlit, debris covered roads with speeds up to 50kph - V4 Ayup kit or a HID. Or 20kph entirely on well lit shared path... anything cheap.
...real cyclists don't have squeaky chains...
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Re: Commuting in the Dark
Postby jcjordan » Tue Feb 26, 2013 10:52 am
Better to spend money on a good quality set of lights. My ayups are 5 years old and going strong and a mate who bought the original version of the light I linked to is still happy over the same time.kunalraiker wrote:The price can be bumped up, but would prefer to not exceed $50.00jcjordan wrote:Little lighter like those shown do little more than let people know you ate coming.
If you want to see in the dark you need to invest in some serious illumination, such as what you get from a set of ayups.
Based on your USB requirements I would look at some of the nightclub range
I would be commuting in the dark, so definitely need lights to show me where I'am heading
Although the weight and other requirements do stand.
Veni, Vidi, Vespa -- I Came, I Saw, I Rode Home
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Re: Commuting in the Dark
Postby Red Rider » Tue Feb 26, 2013 10:59 am
Cygolite 350 - $79.95, USB recharging, 130 grams, all-in-one unit.
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Re: Commuting in the Dark
Postby kunalraiker » Tue Feb 26, 2013 11:12 am
Commuting between Maidstone to Melbourne, passing through Footscray Road and Docklands.twizzle wrote: You need to define "Dark" first, then at what speeds are you talking.
ie. Unlit, debris covered roads with speeds up to 50kph - V4 Ayup kit or a HID. Or 20kph entirely on well lit shared path... anything cheap.
The Speed is between 30-35 KMH.Does the info help in assisting with a more informed decision?
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Re: Commuting in the Dark
Postby kunalraiker » Tue Feb 26, 2013 11:13 am
I used to have a Night Rider with a battery kit and what not.Red Rider wrote:Pushing the budget, but well worth getting a light that you can see properly with:
Cygolite 350 - $79.95, USB recharging, 130 grams, all-in-one unit.
But that was for my MTB and was stolen.
How is this one?
http://www.this link is broken/cateye-hl-el135 ... ont-light/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: Commuting in the Dark
Postby il padrone » Tue Feb 26, 2013 11:24 am
In other words mostly urban lit streets and bike path with parallel very well-lit Footscray Rd. No problems with obscuring shrubbery or steep descents at 50kmh Your speeds will be mostly 25-35kmh I'd guess.kunalraiker wrote:Commuting between Maidstone to Melbourne, passing through Footscray Road and Docklands.
The Speed is between 30-35 KMH.Does the info help in assisting with a more informed decision?
Yes, that would probably be very good. For a bit more money the EL 530 also linked on that page would be even better - probably the best battery LED light for routine urban commuting.kunalraiker wrote:How is this one?
http://www.this link is broken/cateye-hl-el135" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ... ont-light/
You really do not need a mountain trail marsupial-fryer to ride safe and well-lit in the city. Drivers (and other cyclists) will see you well and thank you for not blinding them in the process.
"An unjustified and unethical imposition on a healthy activity."
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Re: Commuting in the Dark
Postby AndrewBurns » Tue Feb 26, 2013 11:27 am
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Re: Commuting in the Dark
Postby kunalraiker » Tue Feb 26, 2013 11:34 am
I did look at that one too, but unfortunately there is no rechargeable battery, don't want to shell millions on batteries!il padrone wrote:In other words mostly urban lit streets and bike path with parallel very well-lit Footscray Rd. No problems with obscuring shrubbery or steep descents at 50kmh Your speeds will be mostly 25-35kmh I'd guess.kunalraiker wrote:Commuting between Maidstone to Melbourne, passing through Footscray Road and Docklands.
The Speed is between 30-35 KMH.Does the info help in assisting with a more informed decision?
Yes, that would probably be very good. For a bit more money the EL 530 also linked on that page would be even better - probably the best battery LED light for routine urban commuting.kunalraiker wrote:How is this one?
http://www.this link is broken/cateye-hl-el135" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ... ont-light/
You really do not need a mountain trail marsupial-fryer to ride safe and well-lit in the city. Drivers (and other cyclists) will see you well and thank you for not blinding them in the process.
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Re: Commuting in the Dark
Postby Red Rider » Tue Feb 26, 2013 11:42 am
Having a read of the reviews listed on Wiggle, "although it's not bright enough to ride with on dark roads at speed, this is a cracking little light to be seen with." - Bikeradar. And "for being seen, this is a great little unit, but it's not that great for seeing where you are going. Then again, it is clearly not intended for that kind of use." - Cycling Pluskunalraiker wrote:I used to have a Night Rider with a battery kit and what not.Red Rider wrote:Pushing the budget, but well worth getting a light that you can see properly with:
Cygolite 350 - $79.95, USB recharging, 130 grams, all-in-one unit.
But that was for my MTB and was stolen.
How is this one?
http://www.this link is broken/cateye-hl-el135 ... ont-light/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: Commuting in the Dark
Postby il padrone » Tue Feb 26, 2013 11:51 am
A pack of 4 rechargeable AAs and a battery charger?kunalraiker wrote:I did look at that one too, but unfortunately there is no rechargeable battery, don't want to shell millions on batteries!
Having said that, the hassles of recharging batteries or keeping fresh batteries in lights, when I really only commute in the dark for 2-3 months of the year, was what pushed me to getting set up with the dynamo lights. Great to simply get out the bike and know that if I need lights they are there and will work, no questions.
"An unjustified and unethical imposition on a healthy activity."
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Re: Commuting in the Dark
Postby kunalraiker » Tue Feb 26, 2013 11:54 am
il padrone wrote: A pack of 4 rechargeable AAs and a battery charger?
Having said that, the hassles of recharging batteries or keeping fresh batteries in lights, when I really only commute in the dark for 2-3 months of the year, was what pushed me to getting set up with the dynamo lights. Great to simply get out the bike and know that if I need lights they are there and will work, no questions.
Come to think of it, carrying 4 AA batteries is not really light weight, might drop this one
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Re: Commuting in the Dark
Postby kunalraiker » Tue Feb 26, 2013 11:55 am
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Re: Commuting in the Dark
Postby twizzle » Tue Feb 26, 2013 12:10 pm
Have a look at the torches on DX. There were some threads on here previously with people using cheap torches with bike mounts.
...real cyclists don't have squeaky chains...
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Re: Commuting in the Dark
Postby boyracer » Tue Feb 26, 2013 12:28 pm
what twizzle just said^^^
this whole lot cost $3o.oo delivered. the light is SO BRIGHT it hurts...1100lumen. charger included is not usb, but you could get one from DX with your 20 change!
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Re: Commuting in the Dark
Postby rangersac » Tue Feb 26, 2013 12:32 pm
Check your route to see regularly spaced the traffic lights are. If you have sections where they are widely spaced, giving 'black holes' then for your budget I don't think you'll find something that's bright enough. Provided it's lit well enough then I'd go for one of these:kunalraiker wrote:Commuting between Maidstone to Melbourne
http://www.this link is broken/Mode ... elID=86381
Or if you can afford a few more pennies one of these:
http://www.this link is broken/Mode ... elID=86301" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I haven't used either of these models, but I have plenty of Lezyne gear and it's very good quality. The nice thing about these lights is they have an aluminium housing for durability, a low battery indicator, and importantly for you their run times on the max power setting are well in excess of what your commute will take so you won't run the risk of the light dying on you half way home.
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