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Recommend me a good bike light

eric strt6

Resident Curmudgeon
Sep 8, 2001
23,190
13,450
directly above the center of the earth
I have a 10 watt helmet light but what I want is something that is bar mounted that puts out a good beam but will not break the bank and get vetoed by my accountant (wife). so yes it wll be a compromise of sorts.

I want to be able to use it for road and dirt in combo with the helmet light. Something that puts out enough lumens to pick my way down a singletrack, not necessarily bomb down one
 

jstuhlman

bagpipe wanker
Dec 3, 2009
16,628
12,924
Cackalacka du Nord
haven't gotten a light in a while. there was a local guy who made awesome ones for a bunch of us a few years back but he's stopped doing it. prior to that, after they worked out the warranty/battery issues, the magicshine was hard to beat for the $.
 

AngryMetalsmith

Business is good, thanks for asking
Jun 4, 2006
21,083
9,793
I have no idea where I am
I'm a fan of Light and Motion Secca and the Stella. They are bright, have an excellent beam pattern, and by far the most reliable I've used. The current models are pricy, but last years lights can be found for reasonable prices.
 

Jm_

sled dog's bollocks
Jan 14, 2002
18,855
9,560
AK
cygolite, magicshine, cat-eye, lupine. A little cheaper is my xeccon, which is still a good quality light and battery, unlike the trash-lights that are all over Ebay.

I have an 800 cygolite, 2200 xeccon and a cheap chinese one. The xeccon floods very well, better than the cygolite, puts out more light, maybe not 2200, but at least 1500. The cygolite has a little more of a spot, which can be good for a helmet mount when the flood is on the bars. Cygolite has a pretty small battery, but makes very good use of it with a good long burn time. I could have gotten the cygolite 1200, but it uses the same battery and I figured I'd rather run 3-4hrs on the lesser setting all the time anyways, rather than turn it up and decrease the run time.

If you can only have one light, make sure you put it on your helmet. Putting it on your bars does not allow you to see ahead with any kind of turns and dips/rises will take the light off the trail ahead, causing lots of shadows (where there could be a freaking hole, or root, etc). It's a real good idea though to have two lights. A small flashlight backup is not a bad idea either, depending on how long your ride is. The more people you ride with, the better, because in a group you can use everyone's light. The person in the front may not need any at all :)

I'm not sure what your helmet light is, but in the last 5-6 years the lights in general have a come a long way, the cygolite battery is a workhorse and about 1x2x6", pretty compact, nowhere near the ridiculous water-bottle-batteries people use to lug around. The xeccon battery is bigger, but uses high quality cells and is way lighter than it looks. I put the battery for my bar-light in a small bag I have mounted to my top-tube/stem. Magicshine batteries are also pretty high quality and come in a variety of amperages. Be careful when ordering some of these, you might think you are getting a great deal, but if the amps is real low, the burn time will be quick.

Around here, 500 is the minimum in the winter, but that's because the snow is so reflective. 800-1000 is probably the min elsewhere. To a significant extent, more light is always better. There's no way I can ever have enough light for commuting in the winter at night.
 
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Jm_

sled dog's bollocks
Jan 14, 2002
18,855
9,560
AK
that xeccon stuff doesn't break the bank and puts out a lot of light...decent mounts (one of the issues usually with the cheap chinese stuff).
 

canadmos

Cake Tease
May 29, 2011
20,195
19,159
Canaderp
I got a pair of Cygolites after recommendation from a few dudes here. No complaints about them. I think I got their 800w and 1200w offering (can't remember exact model), the smaller one has a smaller batter and the larger light has a bigger battery (both interchangeable). They weren't cheap, but they also didn't break my bank.

Just the bigger light on the bar. Helmet was turned off...
 

slyfink

Turbo Monkey
Sep 16, 2008
9,289
5,029
Ottawa, Canada
came here to recommend these. I don't have first hand experience yet, but I have an XP3 kit and a Wiz20 in the mail. Should arrive this week (fingers crossed).

Have a look on mtbr lights and night riding forum. I've always found Cat-man-do and tigris99's advice to be spot-on. they really like the ITUO lights. It sounds like ITUO was on the boards collecting info on what riders wanted, and then put it together, a bit like that german website's internet bike. and by the sounds of it, they delivered a great product. I'm looking forward to trying them.

I have a Gemini Duo and Xera right now. Duo is ok as a bar light, but thermal protection isn't great. if you ride slow, it will auto-adjust the light setting to low. apparently, this is one of the biggest advantages of the ITUO lights. They "micro-manage" the light output in very small increments, so as to not overheat. The Duo's light pattern is more of a flood, which makes it better for use on the bar. The Xera is a tiny single LED that works pretty decent as a helmet light. 900 lumens, and if you get a spot optic, it'll give decent throw, though not enough for when speeds really pick up.

as others have alluded to, you may find that any new light significantly outperforms your old one, to the point of totally overpowering it and making it obsolete. it may be worth buying a pair of lights to work as a system.

I use the headlight as the main light; it illuminates far ahead, where I want to go. I use the bar light as a flood, mainly to provide a certain measure of contrast to obstacles. I found that if your bar light is brighter than the headlight, your eyes get accustomed to the amount of light in the foreground and can't see in the distance. This is important when going fast downhill. when climbing, I'll drop the headlight's power and rely more on the bar, the only reason being that I have the bigger battery pack strapped to the bike. (the Xera runs on a small 2-cell battery that is velcro'd to the helmet, totally self contained. when I get the ITUP XP3, the battery pack will go in my camel-back)

I've had a few of the decent-quality chinese lights in the past:
- Gemini : I use the Xera and the Duo (for now. when I get the XP3, it will go on the helmet and the duo will be on the bar)
- Gloworm X2: was nice, but not big enough of a step up from the Duo so I sent in back
- Xeccon: same as Gloworm. decent, but not enough of an upgrade from the Xera, so I sold it to a friend. He's still using it three years later and it works fine.
- MagicShine: used for a bunch of years. still use it sometimes. If you're lucky, you get a product that works as intended. but you're just as likely to get a unit with poor quality control, and have to send it back or get it fixed.

good luck...
 
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amishmatt

Turbo Monkey
Sep 21, 2005
1,263
396
Lancaster, PA
If you're really looking for something inexpensive, check out this Cyclebeam light for $45: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TJYJ3F6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I picked one up last fall when I first started night riding. For the money, I was impressed. But we ride just as fast at night as we do during the day, and I wanted more light, so I eventually upgraded to a Gloworm X2 on my helmet.

IMG_1160.jpg


I have a Magicshine on my bars I'll be replacing with a Gloworm XS once they release the version with the BT remote later this fall. The Magicshine cost nearly 2x the Cyclebeam, and only puts out a bit more light (though it did come with a bigger/better battery).
 
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maxyedor

<b>TOOL PRO</b>
Oct 20, 2005
5,496
3,140
In the bathroom, fighting a battle
I have a Magic-shine on my helmet and a cheapie https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C2MHNJK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 on my bars. I like having both lights, as it gives a bit more definition to the landscape.

One thing I've noticed is that it's not all about having the brightest lights, they'll never really be bright enough anyway. I turn mine way down on the climbs and flats where I don't need as much light, then all the way up on the downhill sections, keeps my night vision tuned in and makes the light much more effective.
 

Nick

My name is Nick
Sep 21, 2001
23,929
14,451
where the trails are
eric, I have the Serfas usb rechargeable 750 (?) lumen light and I'd buy it again. Not super expensive, not heavy, and its usb so you can finish charging it in the truck if it isn't 100%.
 

kazlx

Patches O'Houlihan
Aug 7, 2006
6,985
1,957
Tustin, CA
I have a Light and Motion Stella. I think they were $150 (hard wired pair). Totally worth it. IMO I think even a few hundred investment in lights gives a great return with increased riding time available.
 

Wumpus

makes avatars better
Dec 25, 2003
8,161
153
Six Shooter Junction
I have a 10 watt helmet light but what I want is something that is bar mounted that puts out a good beam but will not break the bank and get vetoed by my accountant (wife). so yes it wll be a compromise of sorts.

I want to be able to use it for road and dirt in combo with the helmet light. Something that puts out enough lumens to pick my way down a singletrack, not necessarily bomb down one
Since you are talking watts, I assume that is halogen light? Any of the LED lights will be a 100% improvement.
 

canadmos

Cake Tease
May 29, 2011
20,195
19,159
Canaderp
yep but it will have to do for now as the accountant has said one system for now and most of my riding at night will be a post work 25 miles on the roads so a bar mount it is. later I will get a new helmet light for trail use
Shouldn't 'safety' trump any accountant's opinion/word? :busted:
 

Wumpus

makes avatars better
Dec 25, 2003
8,161
153
Six Shooter Junction
yep but it will have to do for now as the accountant has said one system for now and most of my riding at night will be a post work 25 miles on the roads so a bar mount it is. later I will get a new helmet light for trail use
Most any light should be able to do both bars or helmet. I'm thinking about picking up a light and motion Urban 850 Trail. It'll do both. $150 suggested retail.

http://www.lightandmotion.com/urban-850-trail
 

slyfink

Turbo Monkey
Sep 16, 2008
9,289
5,029
Ottawa, Canada
In that case, I think a Gemini Duo is a great place to start, and you can build on it as you figure out what you need. Action LED has been a great place to do business with. Prompt, cordial and took back a few products I was disappointed with: http://www.action-led-lights.com/collections/gemini-sets-1/products/2016-gemini-duo-light-set

edited to add: I have run the Duo both on the bars and on the helmet. I would have liked more throw for helmet use, but in the version I have I can't replace the optics to run spot/spot. In the new ones you can, making them even more versatile.
 

syadasti

i heart mac
Apr 15, 2002
12,690
290
VT
In that case, I think a Gemini Duo is a great place to start, and you can build on it as you figure out what you need. Action LED has been a great place to do business with. Prompt, cordial and took back a few products I was disappointed with: http://www.action-led-lights.com/collections/gemini-sets-1/products/2016-gemini-duo-light-set

edited to add: I have run the Duo both on the bars and on the helmet. I would have liked more throw for helmet use, but in the version I have I can't replace the optics to run spot/spot. In the new ones you can, making them even more versatile.
But the Ituo XP2 is a better system and $30 cheaper than the Duo.
 

eric strt6

Resident Curmudgeon
Sep 8, 2001
23,190
13,450
directly above the center of the earth
I think I am going to enjoy Night Riding with the Magicshine Eagle M2. Riding using it on high power is like driving my truck with the high beams on. On low power flood beams, it's still bright. There is a section in the video where i toggled through all the beam/power sections

 

Jm_

sled dog's bollocks
Jan 14, 2002
18,855
9,560
AK
Your nights of darkness are over.

In AK, you need good lights. With them, you can ride all the time through the winter, which is exactly what we do. The modern stuff is so much better than the old night-rider water-bottle car-battery-weighing stuff. Good LEDs and good batteries are amazing.
 

Toshi

Harbinger of Doom
Oct 23, 2001
38,037
7,555
I just ordered up a Ituo Wiz XP3. My new helmet has an integrated GoPro mount so this should work perfectly.
 

SuboptimusPrime

Turbo Monkey
Aug 18, 2005
1,658
1,633
NorCack
Light and motion Taz 1500 on the way. Looking forward to a self contained bar mounted light as I always hated cords and batteries strapped to my frame due to periodic branch grabbing the cord and leaving me in the dark.

Will be upgrading my helmet light eventually and considering Light and Motion Imjin vs Gemini Duo. I was considering the Ituo light for my helmet but Keith there said they did not have cords long enough to reach a pocket or even some hydration packs so that is not an option currently. Seems he is working to source longer cords. To their credit very speedy response to email.
 

slyfink

Turbo Monkey
Sep 16, 2008
9,289
5,029
Ottawa, Canada
I just ordered up a Ituo Wiz XP3. My new helmet has an integrated GoPro mount so this should work perfectly.
I used mine for the first time last week. finally, I can ride at the same speed at night as during the day. that thing rocks. I would say it could use a bit more spill, but that's just being greedy. One day I may install one of those semi-spot optics to keep the throw, but get more halo. I'm very impressed by the unit after one ride.
 

slyfink

Turbo Monkey
Sep 16, 2008
9,289
5,029
Ottawa, Canada
I was considering the Ituo light for my helmet but Keith there said they did not have cords long enough to reach a pocket or even some hydration packs so that is not an option currently. Seems he is working to source longer cords. To their credit very speedy response to email.
It works perfectly fine with an extension cord from any other brand. I used my cord from my Gemini, no problems. Also, I got the Ituo Wiz20 self-contained unit, and it's brilliant (no pun intended). Nice, solid, well put together unit. That said, I'm not 100% sold on these self contained units for use on the bars. They're pretty heavy, and I'm not sure they will stay put riding off-road. as a commuter, they kick ass.
 

slyfink

Turbo Monkey
Sep 16, 2008
9,289
5,029
Ottawa, Canada
I used mine for the first time last week. finally, I can ride at the same speed at night as during the day. that thing rocks. I would say it could use a bit more spill, but that's just being greedy. One day I may install one of those semi-spot optics to keep the throw, but get more halo. I'm very impressed by the unit after one ride.
Night ride #2 last night my with ITUO XP3. Can re-confirm that I can ride as fast at night as during the day with this baby. I got within 3 seconds of my fastest time on a 3 minute DH segment on strava in the dark last night (see Strava is good for something afterall!) That's faster than a lot of my day times!

One interesting thing I've noticed is that while it works really well for going fast, it's a little annoying at intermediate speeds. The spot is very focused, and at medium speeds it's like your eyes can take in more information than you need and you'd be better off with a bit more flood. But whatever, it's a tradeoff I am willing to live with given that the downs are what I prefer.

The other slightly annoying thing is how long you have to press and hold the power button to turn it off. I frequently end up in the programming mode instead of shutting her down.

Otherwise, it's great. the best light I've owned so far.
 

jonKranked

Detective Dookie
Nov 10, 2005
85,573
24,193
media blackout
so for off road riding, what's the best setup? helmet only? bar only? bar + helmet? remote battery packs still the way to go? or are the fully contained units good enough now that a separate battery pack is unnecessary?

i have some blackburn light that's ok for road / rail trail stuff, but it's starting to give up the ghost. looking to maybe pony up some scratch for a proper system.
 

Nick

My name is Nick
Sep 21, 2001
23,929
14,451
where the trails are
id say if you're only going to use one light, put it on your helmet. bike mounted lights aren't always pointed where you're looking.

my only two lights are self contained and more than bright enough with plenty of battery life.
 

jonKranked

Detective Dookie
Nov 10, 2005
85,573
24,193
media blackout
id say if you're only going to use one light, put it on your helmet. bike mounted lights aren't always pointed where you're looking.

my only two lights are self contained and more than bright enough with plenty of battery life.
i'm open to either a one light / two light system.

when you say plenty of battery life how long are we talking? realistically i wouldn't be riding much more than 1.5 to 2 hours in the dark.
 

slyfink

Turbo Monkey
Sep 16, 2008
9,289
5,029
Ottawa, Canada
so for off road riding, what's the best setup? helmet only? bar only? bar + helmet? remote battery packs still the way to go? or are the fully contained units good enough now that a separate battery pack is unnecessary?
i'm open to either a one light / two light system.

when you say plenty of battery life how long are we talking? realistically i wouldn't be riding much more than 1.5 to 2 hours in the dark.
Absolutely, unquestionnably a two light system. If only for redundancy if one craps out. Spot on the head, flood on the bar. Spot to see where you're going, flood to provide contrast. Make sure your flood does not overpower your spot.

I have a self contained light, and I think they are too heavy and would be susceptible to bouncing around a lot. But I haven' tried it off-road yet, so i can't say definitively.

If you don't want/need long run times, you can get smaller battery packs (2-cell vs 4-cell vs 6-cell). When I ran a one LED system on my helmet, a 2-cell battery would get me through a 2 hour ride on high most of the time. And I could mount it on the helmet for a nicely balanced feel.

I find 4-cell systems are perfectly fine weight wise though. I used to lug around a sealed lead-acid house alarm battery back in the day, so anything is an improvement I guess, but I don't find the weight of the new batteries to be a problem.

Honestly, take a close look at the ITUO systems. They're well priced and well made. you could get an XP2 with spot spot on the helmet, and an xp2 with flood flood for your bars. Get a 2-cell battery for the helmet and a 4-cell for the bar (that way you have a bit of backup run-time if you need it).
 
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