Lighting up - AGAIN

zeroshoddy
zeroshoddy Posts: 59
edited September 2007 in Road beginners
I know it’s a well worn path but…

New 20 mile commute takes me on unlit high hedged potholed country roads. Light recommendations. Obviously less I have to spend the better.

Comments

  • Airfriday
    Airfriday Posts: 69
    The Smart BL201 is about as cheap as you'll get that will light up the road. This is the twin 10 watt version. The Twin 6 Watt version is no good, I've tried them both:

    http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SMART-RECHARGEABL ... 0159806350

    Lights that allow you to see, compared to lights that allow you to been seen are a whole different ball-game!
  • tom-nook
    tom-nook Posts: 7
    airfriday - I'm thinking of buying the BL201 but a bit worried about whether the battery will fit on my frame as I also have my Kryptonite lock mounted on it.

    You don't by any chance have a rough idea of the dimensions of the battery pack/case do you?

    Cheers :)
  • Airfriday
    Airfriday Posts: 69
    tom-nook

    If you don't find out from someone else first, I'll get it measured later. The BL201 set is now up in Nottingham on my sons bike. I'll be talking to him later.

    I use the same battery with my home made lights and sling it in one of the bags on the back! Not so easy to stow on a road bike!

    http://www.microyacht.com/airfriday/battery-in-bag.jpg

    This is the same battery as supplied with the Smart BL201 setup. It's mounted on it's side in a tight fitting bag: http://www.microyacht.com/airfriday/6v4.5a-battery.jpg
  • tom-nook
    tom-nook Posts: 7
    Thanks airfiriday - I'd very much appreciate it.

    From your pics my 1st impression is that does look pretty 'chunk' so may be a bit of a prob for frame mounting. :shock:

    Judging by the Maplins logo on yours it look like spares should at least be easy enough to come by!

    I guess the extra size/ weight is the price you pay for a more wallet friendly option.
  • graemeH
    graemeH Posts: 12
    Have you considered indicators?

    Just heard about them on the radio, because they're wirefree it must be fun cycling in a group!

    http://www.bicygnals.com/Bicygnals_prod ... s%202.html

    G.
  • bigmug
    bigmug Posts: 58
    Go on the ride at the weekend and spray each pothole rim with day-glow yellow paint!
  • Airfriday
    Airfriday Posts: 69
    Have you considered indicators?

    Just heard about them on the radio, because they're wirefree it must be fun cycling in a group!

    http://www.bicygnals.com/Bicygnals_prod ... s%202.html

    G.

    The "lightweight" road bike becomes heavier and heavier!

    Go on the ride at the weekend and spray each pothole rim with day-glow yellow paint!

    Or go the day before and fill them in!
  • Airfriday
    Airfriday Posts: 69
    The BL201 battery pack is 125 X 75 X 40mm approx and weighs 1.25kgs (almost 3lbs)
  • tom-nook
    tom-nook Posts: 7
    Thanks very much for confirming the dimensions for me Airfriday - it's very decent of you thanks!

    zeroshoddy - apologies for hijacking your post... :oops:
  • mr_chambo
    mr_chambo Posts: 43
    If you buy from their site its £5.00 postage, from their eBay shop its £8.50 postage. Looks like a price screw up; especially as they use parcel force 48
  • Airfriday
    Airfriday Posts: 69
    If you buy from their site its £5.00 postage, from their eBay shop its £8.50 postage. Looks like a price screw up; especially as they use parcel force 48

    Happens all the time. Not defending them but a many real shops on eBay sell at a lower price but mark up the postage. Their eBay charges are based on the unit price and eBay do not charge them commission on postage. Overall, it's still cheaper for the customer.

    I got mine from SJS in an eBay auction and paid £15.01 + £8.50 = £23.51 . . . you won't get them much cheaper than that anywhere else!

    They also have spare parts for them. I was surprised that a replacement SLA 6V 4.5A battery was £4.99 (Maplin price £6.99). A replacement charger is £9.99 same as Maplin. They seem to have everything else as well in case it gets broken or worn out.

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