Front light suggestions

DavidBelcher
DavidBelcher Posts: 2,684
edited September 2008 in Workshop
I'm currently on the lookout for a better front light for my training/commuting bike but am on a bit of a tight budget. Any suggestions for a good lower-end rechargeable set-up? Weight isn't an issue (so a cheap lead-acid system would be OK) as I only have a commute of about 3 or 4 miles each way; they key thing is that about half of that is on unlit roads, and I don't want to inflict any damage on the local wildlife after dark!
Alternatively, I could stick with my existing Cateye front battery lamp (one of the better halogen models, but has a big appetite for disposables) and splash out on some rechargeable batteries and a charger from Maplin or similar. Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance,
David
"It is not enough merely to win; others must lose." - Gore Vidal

Comments

  • ================
    2020 Voodoo Marasa
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  • alfablue
    alfablue Posts: 8,497
    Fenix L2D CE Q5 with Orange Peel reflector- incredibly bright, takes 2 AA rechargeable NiMH batteries, runs 4.5 hours on high (suitable for most conditions) or 2.5 on Turbo (genuinely bright enough to see whilst riding at speed on unlit roads). Cost £37.95, Lockblock bar mount £6, 4xAA NiMH 2900mah batteries (highest rated available), £5.50, Smart Charger £15 (you need a smart charger or battery life suffers).

    Fenix and Lockblock from The Photon Shop

    Batteries and charger from Vapextech

    All prices include next day delivery. This is simply the best setup under about £90 for riding on unlit roads. It weighs about 110g, is very easy to use and fit, and is also an incredibly versatile torch for off the bike use.

    If you are really on a tight budget, then something like this from Deal Extreme is about £14 delivered and is about 80% as bright as the Fenix, poorer build quality (still okay) one mode instead of 5, so run time about 2.5 hours.
  • andyp
    andyp Posts: 10,597
    I seem to be the only dissenting voice on here, but I find the Lockblock bar mount to be quite poor at holding the light in position no matter how much I tighten it. If I could sort that out I'd be delighted with the whole package as the Fenix torch is a superb piece of kit and very good value for money.
  • alfablue
    alfablue Posts: 8,497
    andyp wrote:
    I seem to be the only dissenting voice on here, but I find the Lockblock bar mount to be quite poor at holding the light in position no matter how much I tighten it. If I could sort that out I'd be delighted with the whole package as the Fenix torch is a superb piece of kit and very good value for money.
    On my mtb the lockblock did slip on the bar, I glued a strip of inner tube round the bar and it completely solved the problem. On my road bike it goes over the bar tape and doesn't move at all.
  • Thanks to all for feedback - looks for now like my next month's salary will be partly splurged on a Fenix set-up!

    David
    "It is not enough merely to win; others must lose." - Gore Vidal
  • andyp
    andyp Posts: 10,597
    alfablue wrote:
    On my mtb the lockblock did slip on the bar, I glued a strip of inner tube round the bar and it completely solved the problem. On my road bike it goes over the bar tape and doesn't move at all.
    Thanks for the sound tips. I've been mounting on the bare bar so will try the bar tape suggestion. Thanks again.