Recommend me a set of lights suitable for night time cycling on backroads....

terrydel · 11-02-2017 01:32PM #1

Was looking at lezyne micro or macro drive?
Would those be good enough (450/800 lumen respectively?
Any other options worth considering?
Cheers.

dragratchet · 11-02-2017 01:35PM

I bought a cat-eye volt 500 recently and took it up the mountains the other night. more than enough power to light the road ahead. some of these lights have crazy power but i feel the 500 was plenty for night-time road biking. not a huge amount of burn-time at high power (about an hour) but i don't think i even used full beam for more than 30 minutes cumulatively. blinking or low beam depending on light conditions otherwise. cateye volt 500 was about 55 quid.

mosstin · 11-02-2017 01:37PM

terrydel wrote: »

Was looking at lezyne micro or macro drive?
Would those be good enough (450/800 lumen respectively?
Any other options worth considering?
Cheers.

Trelock LS 950. Bought one two years ago and it's fantastic. As good as there is I think.

Lumen · 11-02-2017 02:01PM

Sounds like you need a Front Light For Dark Country Road Commute.

Wishbone Ash · 11-02-2017 02:04PM

terrydel wrote: »

.....Any other options worth considering?...

Bright lights have a quick burn time so worth considering one where the rechargable battery can be removed and replaced with a freshly charged one. This will allow you to continue riding for longer periods. (Many USB lights do not have removable batteries).

terrydel · 11-02-2017 05:15PM

Thanks all.

secman · 11-02-2017 05:25PM

Just picked up a Madison electron 650, double lamp, option to have 2 on giving 650 lumen, or one on giving 325 lumen with a third option of one on and one flashing. Was reduced from €90 to €45 in LBS in Gorey. Had purchased a 200 lumen for €35 which was faulty, only cost me €10 to trade up on the exchange.

ford2600 · 11-02-2017 06:04PM

mosstin wrote: »

Trelock LS 950. Bought one two years ago and it's fantastic. As good as there is I think.

Really good light, brilliant burn time.

The optics on most lights are poor/inefficient when compared with trelock/philips saferide/b&m.

These lights aren't high powered but use the power they have really well. A commuter would get away with charging a trelock 950 once a week.

I think the Supernova dynamo lamp has 210 lumens yet would out perform most 500 lumen lights.

Rose/bike discount/bike 24 would be a good place to look.

As an aside the demands in dark country roads isn't that high, the absence of light pollution means your eye adapts really well. (As long as you haven't some stupid 2000 lumen mtb light doing more harm than good with reflected light).

Heavy oncoming traffic in rural areas is probably trickiest environment for bike lighting

saccades · 11-02-2017 07:37PM

Exposure Strada or some proper german dynamo lights.

I have an ancient Exposure Race Maxx (480lumen) that's fine for pitch black countryside commuting at avre speed of 25km. Also powers a Redeye rear light.

sprite0 · 12-02-2017 04:36PM

Bought one of these recently. Brilliant light for road or trails with very good runtime.

https://www.evanscycles.com/en-ie/moon-meteor-storm-EV276569?&esvt=28958-GOIEe1893642&esvq=moon%20meteor%20storm&esvadt=999999-7597976-1077536-1&esvcrea=156950547006&esvplace=&esvd=c&esvaid=50080&gclid=CjwKEAiArIDFBRCe_9DJi6Or0UcSJAAK1nFvX3_z8INFEGj8SMuAZIZoHiO4gbKVaSnb6yq9Y1ZiixoCZLXw_wcB

doozerie · 12-02-2017 05:53PM

As ford2600 says the power output is all too often secondary to the pattern of light produced. I've had (far) brighter commute lights but my current Phillips dynamo-powered light is the best front light I've had by far, it lights the road well and is great for being seen by too.

It has changed the way that I think about lights, I used to look at power output first when evaluating lights. Which I now l realise was pointless, after all a laser pointer is incredibly (and dangerously) bright but you wouldn't want it on your bike.

And flashing and bright front lights are a terrible combination. Rather than making you more visible they tend to blind oncoming traffic, which is entirely counterproductive. Same goes for very bright and flashing rear lights, where the flash pattern of the light also plays a big part in whether it induces awareness of your existence or a need to effectively ignore it and the cyclist attached to it.

Beasty · 12-02-2017 07:59PM

Lumen wrote: »

Sounds like you need a Front Light For Dark Country Road Commute.

Think I found one or two....;)

terrydel · 19-03-2017 10:16AM

Well I went and got the Trelock ls950 on the strength of the recommendations here. I also got the ls720 reego for the back as the set offered a bit better value.
Here are my thoughts. Its very expensive, with postage it came to just over 100 euro. At that price I expected them to be very good. Ubfortunately the rear light lasted 1 sodding use, following that I charged it overnight and it has since stopped working altogether. Very very disappointing. Its cheap in comparison to the front light, which makes up over 70 euro of the cost, but nonetheless these German brands trade on their build quality and engineering expertise, and a Chinese rear light would probably have lasted longer. I have since bought an Infini sword in cyclesuperstore which seems much better, and the price matched online retailers. Another issue wih the Trelock (both front and back) is the clip for attaching it to the bike. It uses a plastic screw to hold it in place once youve fully pulled the cable-tie style strap. This screw is kinder egg toy in quality, and the head on both the front and rear one has sheared after fitting them, to such a degree that I had to just cut the rear one off with a knife when fitting the Infini light in its place. The front will no doubt be the same, as the head is sheared on that too after the first fitment. Again, when you trade on buld quality, this is ridiculous imho. As for the front light itself, it is good, the battery life excellent and having the level indicator helps with the anxiety of what juice you have left. The 5 level beam adjustment is good, I like the light coming from it as its not some overpowered blinding mess, but looks well designed and gives good field of vision in front and to the sides. It could be a little stronger possibly but its adequate. A flash mode would be nice too. Overlall then, Im happy with the front light itself, tho the attachment clip is a joke, and the rear light was a big disappointment in every way and a complete waste of money.

Kaisr Sose · 19-03-2017 01:28PM

Warranty on the rear?

SchrodingersCat · 19-03-2017 07:06PM

I used the Lezyne Macro 350L http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/lezyne-macro-drive-front-light-350l/rp-prod86383 for my night-time commute.

Its 300 lumen which I find grand. 500 lumen would be nicer, but I dont see the need for any higher. I use a Knog blinder on the back. Both front and back are rechargeable.

One important thing to know is that as these batteries arent replaceable, you should keep a spare light in your bag for emergencies when you forgot to charge your light. I use a small knog light for the front when such an occasion happens.

py · 19-03-2017 09:20PM

I purchased the Electron F-650 when it was on special and it's been great for any early morning or late night winter spins. Has been through some really heavy showers without issue. The mount is pretty solid and no real issues taking it on/off. I use a Lezyne strip drive on the rear and it's served me well for 2 years now. Both are USB rechargeable so I top up the charge every few days in the office via my work computer.

terrydel · 19-03-2017 09:34PM

Kaisr Sose wrote: »

Warranty on the rear?

Emailed trelock a week ago, still not heard back. The online shop I bought from (4denike) replied, but the light is only worth about 20 so returning it would be at my expense (German internet law for anything under 40), so its either return front and back or pay for postage myself. Not worth the hassle really, so chalk it off to experience.
As I said, front light is good, apart from the attachment clip, rear light rubbish.

terrydel · 19-03-2017 09:37PM

py wrote: »

I purchased the Electron F-650 when it was on special and it's been great for any early morning or late night winter spins. Has been through some really heavy showers without issue. The mount is pretty solid and no real issues taking it on/off. I use a Lezyne strip drive on the rear and it's served me well for 2 years now. Both are USB rechargeable so I top up the charge every few days in the office via my work computer.

Looks like Johnnie Five from Short Circuit!

py · 19-03-2017 09:39PM

terrydel wrote: »

Looks like Johnnie Five from Short Circuit!

It's not the prettiest but it lights up the road really well. Have used it rolling down country lanes without any street lights and it's fantastic.

ED E · 19-03-2017 10:07PM

Unless you really care about how the mount looks theres a much better option.

CREE based torch: €5. 18650 batteries: free from any old laptop battery. Mount €1. Charger: €8.

Output? Similar to a single cars headlight. Range? 120m ish (you can see the street signs blink).

Feel naked without em.

Kaisr Sose · 19-03-2017 11:19PM

ED E wrote: »

Unless you really care about how the mount looks theres a much better option.

CREE based torch: €5. 18650 batteries: free from any old laptop battery. Mount €1. Charger: €8.

Output? Similar to a single cars headlight. Range? 120m ish (you can see the street signs blink).
Feel naked without em.

How is it re the spread of the beam. Those crees can be blinding to other road users if they are a direct beam.
Did not know that about the old laptop batteries though.

secman · 19-03-2017 11:22PM

py wrote: »

I purchased the Electron F-650 when it was on special and it's been great for any early morning or late night winter spins. Has been through some really heavy showers without issue. The mount is pretty solid and no real issues taking it on/off. I use a Lezyne strip drive on the rear and it's served me well for 2 years now. Both are USB rechargeable so I top up the charge every few days in the office via my work computer.

Picked up one of these myself and happy with it so far, got it for approx €45.

Rokta · 20-03-2017 01:48AM

I use a flashlight too, half the price of dedicated bike lights, more versatile and durable. mine is waterproof. not just splash proof and uses 18560 batteries of which I always have at least one fully charged as a spare, most times more as I vape

. You do need a special charger for them but I had one already and at work I can charge them in my mod over USB.

tomasrojo · 20-03-2017 10:18AM

Rokta wrote: »

I use a flashlight too, half the price of dedicated bike lights, more versatile and durable. mine is waterproof. not just splash proof and uses 18560 batteries

That's a lot of batteries.

Lumen · 20-03-2017 10:54AM

Rokta wrote: »

I use a flashlight too, half the price of dedicated bike lights, more versatile and durable. mine is waterproof. not just splash proof and uses 18560 batteries of which I always have at least one fully charged as a spare, most times more as I vape . You do need a special charger for them but I had one already and at work I can charge them in my mod over USB.

I used 18650 torches a few years ago and they were invariably problematic and not that cheap. Maybe the latest ones are better, they're certainly cheaper - I picked up a 200 lumens Cree one in Woodies for less than €20 yesterday, and that place has enormous margins.

The main problems I had were with poor focusing (so had to point the beam down a lot, negating the point of a decent light) and potholes causing batteries to bounce around which then caused the torch to switch to strobe. So I'd always go with a torch that has a dedicated mode switch, e.g. a rotating bezel, and choose one with a narrow ("throwy") beam.

ED E reports 120m distance. Obviously that's only going to work with the beam pointing horizontally, which is not possible with oncoming traffic, so the other issue is having a mount that allows the light to be rotated up and down while riding depending on conditions.

Or just buy a proper bike light with a cut-off lens.

Rokta · 20-03-2017 05:02PM

I use a Nitecore flashlight that has a dedicated mode button switch with 3 intensity modes + strobe. They do not come that cheap but are solid, around the 40 to 50 mark from the bay.

I do not use the strobe mode, that is doing more harm than good on an 800 lumen light

, besides I despise this front disco flashers, yes you are seen, but in return some of them are so strong that oncoming traffic can't see anything else and this happened to me.

20-03-2017 05:50PM

ED E wrote: »

Unless you really care about how the mount looks theres a much better option.

CREE based torch: €5. 18650 batteries: free from any old laptop battery. Mount €1. Charger: €8.

Output? Similar to a single cars headlight. Range? 120m ish (you can see the street signs blink).

Feel naked without em.

I have this one got it on aliexpress.

It's a decent light but not really suitable for unlit roads imo. Replaced it with a lezyne 800xl which gives out much more light. Still use the Cree one as a backup.

Kaisr Sose · 20-03-2017 08:53PM

Lumen wrote: »

.

ED E reports 120m distance. Obviously that's only going to work with the beam pointing horizontally, which is not possible with oncoming traffic, so the other issue is having a mount that allows the light to be rotated up and down while riding depending on conditions.

Or just buy a proper bike light with a cut-off lens.

I would second your suggestion re a proper light. It so irresponsible and discourteous on other road users to use a light that is not fit or designed for use on public roads. That they are cheap or you can get batteries from old laptops or vaping things does not mean they make great bike lights.

Rokta · 21-03-2017 01:40AM

Kaisr Sose wrote: »

I would second your suggestion re a proper light. It so irresponsible and discourteous on other road users to use a light that is not fit or designed for use on public roads. That they are cheap or you can get batteries from old laptops or vaping things does not mean they make great bike lights.

Well, I agree, you have to find one that works for you but does not endanger other people, these things are there so you are seen and can see. The two extremes, no lights or the total over the top 3000 lumen football field illumination devices in strobe mode on a handlebar that are actually sold as dedicated bicycle lights albeit more for nightly off-road use.

In the end you have to find a solution that is reasonable, I found mine

Kaisr Sose · 21-03-2017 07:50AM

Rokta wrote: »

Well, I agree, you have to find one that works for you but does not endanger other people, these things are there so you are seen and can see. The two extremes, no lights or the total over the top 3000 lumen football field illumination devices in strobe mode on a handlebar that are actually sold as dedicated bicycle lights albeit more for nightly off-road use.

In the end you have to find a solution that is reasonable, I found mine

Grand so! But I don't see the reasonableness in using anything with a powerful non diffused beam on the road. (If yours is diffused /has a wide then you have indeed)

Said as a cyclist that understands the importance of good lights on dark roads and as a motorist that has encountered lots of cyclists using lights that are dangerous to other road users.

Good bike lights are no longer expensive and using something else instead does not make sense. Of course, if the law was clearer on a min and max output from cycle lights, it would help all road users.

T-Maxx · 21-03-2017 08:23AM

^
Time that we adopt a similar stance as Germany indeed.

Kaisr Sose · 21-03-2017 05:13PM

T-Maxx wrote: »

^
Time that we adopt a similar stance as Germany indeed.

Indeed. The benchmark (Switzerland too)

Rokta · 21-03-2017 07:11PM

Funny enough I am German

If you refer to the German 10 Lux regulation, that is the minimum (!) output at 10 meters a light has to achieve, so if it has a 20% angle beam you are talking about 100 lumens. The only restriction is that 3.4 degrees above the brightest spot the output cannot be higher than 2 lux, so actually your bike light should be rather focused and not to wide in order to not blind oncoming traffic. There is probably some regulation at what angle that light has to be mounted on the bike.

So according to German regulations diffused light is not acceptable unless it adheres to the above. Strobe lighting is also a no go.

However riding with a laser beam as a light is silly too, and mine is not as I prefer to see in front of the road to avoid potholes, a tiny over-illuminated spot on the road does not help.

My rear light though is not street legal in Germany, probably due to the flashing mode, I have to check again on that.

Seaswimmer · 25-04-2017 09:15AM

Weepsie wrote: »

I got a dynamo hub and b+m light last month. Expensive outlay, but best light I've ever used and i enjoy cycling in the dark now

I am looking at ordering new front wheel with Son hub dynamo for a new build for light touring and general use. What B+M light did you purchase?

I am looking at Busch + Müller Lumotec IQ2 LUXOS U. It gives output at 90 lumens which I assume is good enough to light up a dark road. Also usb charging which is something else I was keen on.

Seaswimmer · 25-04-2017 09:29AM

Weepsie wrote: »

I got this B + M Lumotec IQ Cyo Premium T (Not a catchy name)

I also got this USB charger which I have yet to use. It's separate and obviously far less discrete but I figured if there was a failure, I could send it back and still have my light. https://www.rosebikes.com/article/b--m-usb-werk-power-supply-and-charger/aid:639422

I've never used it so far, but hoping to next week on a long cycle. I'll test it over the weekend anyway.

The light is great. It was recommended by a few others. Only issue was the mount and my canti brakes so I had to buy a separate mount. It's not mounted quite as well placed as I'd want, but it's brilliant nonetheless. I'd have charged my Magicshine MJ900 a dozen + times by now.

Thanks.

Price of your light and charger is roughly same as light with inbuilt usb port but I take your point about a failure.

I wont make any decisions until I see how you get on. Let us know how it goes.

benneca1 · 25-04-2017 10:03AM

I got a new set up this year SP8 dynamo Supernova E3 light front and their rear light also. Really happy with set up no problem cycling at night and is basically set up and forget it.

Wishbone Ash · 02-12-2017 09:47AM

mosstin wrote: »

Trelock LS 950. Bought one two years ago and it's fantastic. As good as there is I think.

terrydel wrote: »

Well I went and got the Trelock ls950 on the strength of the recommendations here....

..... As for the front light itself, it is good, the battery life excellent and having the level indicator helps with the anxiety of what juice you have left. The 5 level beam adjustment is good, I like the light coming from it as its not some overpowered blinding mess, but looks well designed and gives good field of vision in front and to the sides. It could be a little stronger possibly but its adequate....

I got a Trelock LS950 myself yesterday and used it for the first time this morning. I'm a bit disappointed with the light output even set at the max of 70 lux. It immediately reminded me of the light from the old bottle dynamos that we used years ago. (It was dark and drizzly this morning so perhaps that made it seem duller than normal.) It's also bulkier than I expected and I had to re-align the Garmin out front mount to fit both of them.

Love the battery life and the visible battery level indicator though.

terrydel · 02-12-2017 11:16AM

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

I got a Trelock LS950 myself yesterday and used it for the first time this morning. I'm a bit disappointed with the light output even set at the max of 70 lux. It immediately reminded me of the light from the old bottle dynamos that we used years ago. (It was dark and drizzly this morning so perhaps that made it seem duller than normal.) It's also bulkier than I expected and I had to re-align the Garmin out front mount to fit both of them.

Love the battery life and the visible battery level indicator though.

How do you find the clamp that attaches it to the bars? I think its awful, so cheap for such a expensive light. The plastic screw is dreadful, the head goes very easily. I cant remove mine with cutting it off now. And it moves constantly on bumpy roads, which is 80% of my cycling. Always having to pull it back up. I like the light, its not super strong but its enough imho. The battery life is indeed great, we spend half our life charging things these days so nice to have something that doesnt require constant charging.

Wishbone Ash · 02-12-2017 11:59AM

terrydel wrote: »

How do you find the clamp that attaches it to the bars? I think its awful, so cheap for such a expensive light. The plastic screw is dreadful, the head goes very easily. I cant remove mine with cutting it off now. And it moves constantly on bumpy roads, which is 80% of my cycling....

Are you sure you're using it correctly? It seems robust to me and there was no movement. Once you get the correct position, you need to close the lower clamp to secure it. The screw is only for the directional turn mount. I just tightened it slightly to prevent the light from turning. It has nothing to do with the bar clamp.

R.dufy454773 · 02-12-2017 01:12PM

I've recently bought a jobsworth Mirzam front light. I bought mine in the planet x store in Athlone and they also have them on the Planet X website. 500 lumens, great battery life and only 30€. Very pleased with it.

Comma · 02-12-2017 01:16PM

terrydel wrote:

How do you find the clamp that attaches it to the bars? I think its awful, so cheap for such a expensive light. The plastic screw is dreadful, the head goes very easily. I cant remove mine with cutting it off now. And it moves constantly on bumpy roads, which is 80% of my cycling. Always having to pull it back up. I like the light, its not super strong but its enough imho. The battery life is indeed great, we spend half our life charging things these days so nice to have something that doesnt require constant charging.

Wishbone Ash wrote:

Are you sure you're using it correctly? It seems robust to me and there was no movement. Once you get the correct position, you need to close the lower clamp to secure it. The screw is only for the directional turn mount. I just tightened it slightly to prevent the light from turning. It has nothing to do with the bar clamp.

Do you both have different brackets? The plastic screw type came with mine last year and is pretty useless. It might be ok if you put it on correctly and never move it again. The plastic screw turns to mush with any pressure. I cut it off in the end.

I ended up buying the ZL10 variotex bracket which really should be supplied with the light. I've found it good and once on tight it won't stir.
I have no experience of other lights but the Trelock 950, I think, is pretty good and the display of battery time left is reassuring.

Wishbone Ash · 02-12-2017 02:22PM

Comma wrote: »

Do you both have different brackets? The plastic screw type came with mine last year and is pretty useless.....

Yes we must have different brackets Comma. The one that came with my light looks like this one:

https://www.rosebikes.com/article/trelock-zl-760-replacement-bracket--no-tools-required--/aid:2669168

The only screw is on top and is made of metal.

triggermortis · 02-12-2017 05:42PM

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

I got a Trelock LS950 myself yesterday and used it for the first time this morning. I'm a bit disappointed with the light output even set at the max of 70 lux. It immediately reminded me of the light from the old bottle dynamos that we used years ago. (It was dark and drizzly this morning so perhaps that made it seem duller than normal.) It's also bulkier than I expected and I had to re-align the Garmin out front mount to fit both of them.

Love the battery life and the visible battery level indicator though.

That looks a decent light - in the market for a new one myself as one of mine has just about given up. Does the lamp easily detatch from the mount? I need something that's removeable with as little faff as possible

Wishbone Ash · 02-12-2017 06:20PM

triggermortis wrote: »

That looks a decent light - in the market for a new one myself as one of mine has just about given up. Does the lamp easily detatch from the mount? I need something that's removeable with as little faff as possible

Yes, it detaches in a split second and reattaches with a reassuring chunky 'click'.

(It's also reduced at the moment on Rose bikes https://www.rosebikes.com/article/trelock-ls-950-ecopower-control-ion-headlight/aid:470889 ).

terrydel · 04-12-2017 09:27AM

I spoke to soon on my Trelock LS950, I and the light got right soaking from the top of the Gap back home to Valleymount yesterday, and the light seems to have died as a result. It still fires up on the lcd when a usb is connected, but it seems to display weird number sequences ended with what appears to be a code of -2.
I'll see if dries out over the day, otherwise its gone. If it comes back to life i'll get the bracket mentioned above

terrydel · 04-12-2017 09:30AM

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Yes we must have different brackets Comma. The one that came with my light looks like this one:

https://www.rosebikes.com/article/trelock-zl-760-replacement-bracket--no-tools-required--/aid:2669168

The only screw is on top and is made of metal.

It has a plastic screw that tightens the unit to the bar no? Thats the one I have, once you put it on the screw head dissolves and you cant undo it.

terrydel · 04-12-2017 09:37AM

Comma wrote: »

Do you both have different brackets? The plastic screw type came with mine last year and is pretty useless. It might be ok if you put it on correctly and never move it again. The plastic screw turns to mush with any pressure. I cut it off in the end.

I ended up buying the ZL10 variotex bracket which really should be supplied with the light. I've found it good and once on tight it won't stir.
I have no experience of other lights but the Trelock 950, I think, is pretty good and the display of battery time left is reassuring.

Any link to that zl10 variotex bracket online? Cant find it myself.

FergusF · 04-12-2017 04:15PM

I also bought a Trelock 950 about a month ago, no complaints so far and the bracket seems pretty solid. The directed beam is excellent and throws the light on the road where it's needed, not into drivers' eyes like off road or flashlight type lights. Very happy with it so far, great battery life and it has survived some heavy showers with no ill effects. The indicator showing the run time left is very handy too.
Link to the bracket that came with mine: https://www.rosebikes.com/article/trelock-zl-760-replacement-bracket--no-tools-required--/aid:2669168

Comma · 04-12-2017 07:06PM

Terrydel, try Bike24.de for Trelock ZL710. The link is not posting.

Wishbone Ash · 05-12-2017 07:39AM

Comma wrote: »

Terrydel, try Bike24.de for Trelock ZL710. The link is not posting.

Here you go with 2 other options also:

https://www.bike24.de/1.php?content=8;product=153456;menu=1400,1410,1415;mid%5B43%5D=1

https://www.bike24.de/1.php?content=8;product=5216;menu=1400,1410,1415;mid%5B43%5D=1

https://www.bike24.de/1.php?content=8;product=153496;menu=1400,1410,1415;mid%5B43%5D=1

terrydel · 05-12-2017 04:12PM

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Here you go with 2 other options also:

https://www.bike24.de/1.php?content=8;product=153456;menu=1400,1410,1415;mid%5B43%5D=1

https://www.bike24.de/1.php?content=8;product=5216;menu=1400,1410,1415;mid%5B43%5D=1

https://www.bike24.de/1.php?content=8;product=153496;menu=1400,1410,1415;mid%5B43%5D=1

Do they all work with the ls950?
Hoping mine comes back to life tonight after a day in the hot press

Recommend me a set of lights suitable for night time cycling on backroads....

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