Lights for commuting (yes, I have read the other threads!)

jf22901

Hi all.

As I'll be cycling to and from uni in Milton Keynes for the next 3 years, I'm going to need some lights. Now, I have never ridden in the dark before, and so I have never needed to buy any lights. I have searched the forum for all the topics relating to lights, but am now more confused than when I started. :?

I'll be cycling solely on lit (but not brightly lit) cyclepaths, which are also used by pedestrians. I hear people recommend MagicShine, P7 torches, Exposure lights etc, but I'm concerned that these will be too bright for the oncoming pedestrians. :shock:

Can anyone with any experience comment on the brightness of these lights? Will they blind oncomers? If so, can anyone recomment any other lights? I've got the rear lights sorted, I just need a front one (or two).

Thanks very much, and sorry about posting another lights topic. :oops:

northpole

Don't worry about blinding pedestrians - you can direct the beam of the front light such that it focuses on the tarmac in front of you rather than oncoming pedestrians or car drivers.

If you have ever walked along a trafficked road and looked at a cyclist coming along with no lights on you will appreciate just how important lights are - most importantly to ensure vehicles entering the highway from side roads know that you are there.

Incidentally, i have a Hope Vision 2 which has served me extremely well.

Peter

glasgowbhoy

do these torches come with bike mounts or are people just taping them on ?

meggiedude

Glasgowbhoy wrote:

do these torches come with bike mounts or are people just taping them on ?

The P7 and P4 ones from dealextreme come with mounts, but can't say that is the case for all stores.
They are cheap, but I guess you get what you pay for. Some items I've had from them have been great. Others have fallen to bits after a short while. Luck of the draw.

glasgowbhoy

Not so keen on having to wait for quite a while for a light from Hong Kong.

I am looking for something that will help light my way on country roads commuting this winter.

Have about £60 to spend.

Any suggestions?

Saw this:

http://www.bikester.co.uk/bicycle-equip ... 3917_&c=18

or

http://www.ashcycles.com/site/index.php ... ts_id=3740

bartimaeus

For £60 you can get 2 DX P7s or a Magcshine with £10 change (but as the man said, you will need to wait 2-3 weeks) - however there are some ebay sellers if you are willing to spend slightly more. It sounds like you only need 1 light - so one P7 on your bars should be quite sufficient, and that will leave you change for a decent rear light and some back up LEDs.

The P7 5 modes and the Magicshines have a useful MED (as well as HI, a dim LO and two strobe settings), so you can run on MED with a longer burn time if you are worried about other road/path users... or you can angle the mount downwards.

I've also seen recommendations for an XPG torch (similar to the P7 but with a different emitter - lower lumens overall, but more focussed so still bright but with less flood to the beam. This may be your best bet as one should be plenty bright enough for the type of use you want, and have a longer run time. I've seen an XPG drop-in module on DX, but I'm not sure where you get these from. I have a previous generation XPE torch (a C1) from DX which I would be happy to use on its own on the road or on paths.

cookiemonster

I've a dealextreme P7 that I bought a year or so ago

Firstly, it has two modes (and I think the ones they have now have 3 or 5); its not massively bright on the lower mode. Second, you just point it downwards, like a dipped headlight - simple. Really not a problem blinding anyone unless you point it horizontal on full blast.

jon

Essex Man

cookiemonster wrote:

I've a dealextreme P7 that I bought a year or so ago

Firstly, it has two modes (and I think the ones they have now have 3 or 5); its not massively bright on the lower mode. Second, you just point it downwards, like a dipped headlight - simple. Really not a problem blinding anyone unless you point it horizontal on full blast.

jon

Mine has a 3rd mode where it cuts out after going over rough ground on unlit country roads.

cookiemonster

Maybe you should look where you're going? I hear Hope do some decent lights that might help you avoid the potholes

Essex Man

Sorry, I should have been more specific. I meant anything but completely smooth tarmac :P

steve36

i have a hope vision 1 and use it on unlit country roads,good purchase in my opinion,never had to use it on full power yet!.for use on roads it takes some beating for the price but beam is narrow for off-road.

father_jack

Got Hope Vision 4, fantastic light but should be for the price. Hope Vision 2 is great too but thought why not