Looking for: a short cabled, high output headlight

[Nooch]

I'm currently commuting with a l&m seca 750 race headlight, that's pretty much permanently attached to my CruX, as this is the bike that gets the commuting nod 90% of the time. but on those days that I want to take my caad9 in, i'm stuck with either not running a headlight, or having to unravel the three feed of cable that's wrapped around the crux's brake houseing.

Is there a solid light, around the same output, that has only a foot or so of cable to accomodate a quick(er) on and off? heck, if it's self contained, even better (but I don't think anyone makes that high an output in a self contained unit, or am i wrong?), or even if the battery could mount on a 100mm stem, that'd work too!

I suppose as the days get longer I could get away with just a 'to be seen' silicone headlight, but I love having the output in case I need it.

[sparky33]

Most powerful commuter lights I see these days have the battery integrated into the light head....so no cable. Most of these have more than plenty of output for riding of any type.

I use this one: http://supernova-lights.com/en/products/airstream.html
Medium or low is still crazy bright.

I hear goods things about the L&M Urban (550) series too.

[fiamme red]

I have the Cygolite Expilion 700 and really like it: http://www.modernbike.com/itemgroup.asp?IGPK=2126198435

[jchasse]

I've owned a bunch of lights and did my research for a new one a month ago. Got a GloWorm X1 and love it. Great reviews, nice build quality, an HONEST 850 lumens, and $179.00.

http://www.action-led-lights.com/collections/bike/products/gloworm-x1-850-lumen-bike-light

[jblande]

I have a Dinotte headlight and battery that I no longer use. I think it is 600L. I would be glad to sell it cheap if you are interested. Have the taillight too.

[carpediemracing]

I bought a CREE XML T6 light for about $30 off of amazon. Cable is about a foot long, at least if you don't use the extensions.

Works well although I've only used it to light up part of the house during blackouts. 1200 lumens on high - pointed at our ceiling where you can look over the railing from the second floor... you can see in the kitchen, living room, the upstairs hall, downstairs hall, nursery upstairs, bedroom upstairs, and sort of in the office (first floor), den (first floor), and two of the bathrooms (first and second floor). The thing is bright.

Not sure of burn time but allegedly in the 180-240 minute range on high.

Search for "4 Mode 1200 Lumen CREE XML T6 Bulb LED Bicycle bike" in Amazon if you want to take a look.

Charging it hasn't been a problem in terms of burning batteries or whatever but I've only charged it a few times.

Because I've been sick I haven't had a lot of outside time.

I've decided to use these types of lights as flashlights. They cost about the same, last much longer, have much more light, and they're more usable in terms of lighting up whole areas.

[JayBay]

I'm a big fan of the Exposure stuff. They're not cheap, but not having to mess with cables is key. I have the handlebar mount on each of my bikes and can quickly throw the light on whichever bike I need.

I have the Diablo. It's actually overkill on the road, but great in the woods. There are some mornings when I leave my house in the dark for a road ride and it's nice to have the extra light. Looks like they have some deals going on right now on demo models:
Diablo - Demo (http://store.ibexsports.com/catalog/product/98ab56e6ea2743488985f1e8699a83c2)

Diablo - New (http://store.ibexsports.com/2012-exposure-lights-diablo-mk-3)

If I were looking for something just for the road and commuting, I'd probably do the Joystick.

Joystick (http://store.ibexsports.com/exposure-lights-joystick-mk-6)

[Nooch]

I bought a CREE XML T6 light for about $30 off of amazon. Cable is about a foot long, at least if you don't use the extensions.

Works well although I've only used it to light up part of the house during blackouts. 1200 lumens on high - pointed at our ceiling where you can look over the railing from the second floor... you can see in the kitchen, living room, the upstairs hall, downstairs hall, nursery upstairs, bedroom upstairs, and sort of in the office (first floor), den (first floor), and two of the bathrooms (first and second floor). The thing is bright.

Not sure of burn time but allegedly in the 180-240 minute range on high.

Search for "4 Mode 1200 Lumen CREE XML T6 Bulb LED Bicycle bike" in Amazon if you want to take a look.

Charging it hasn't been a problem in terms of burning batteries or whatever but I've only charged it a few times.

Because I've been sick I haven't had a lot of outside time.

I've decided to use these types of lights as flashlights. They cost about the same, last much longer, have much more light, and they're more usable in terms of lighting up whole areas.

I had the magicshine, and while it was functional, the battery (design) sucked and now, the battery itself is pretty shot.. that was my previous go to for this bike..

question -- how wide of a beam can those single led (like the cygolite) throw? it just seems like it's such a pencil beam based on the size of the lens.. (again, remember I'm coming off a big, wide, seca)

[fiamme red]

question -- how wide of a beam can those single led (like the cygolite) throw?http://www.modernbike.com/guide.asp?ListID=61#2126198435

[reggiebaseball]

I cannot speak to your question, but I did see this interesting light roundup on mtbr.com that might be helpful

http://reviews.mtbr.com/2013-bike-lights-shootout

[saab2000]

Light and Motion Taz 1200. 1200 honest lumens and self-contained. Battery on high will last 75-85 minutes but high is not needed very often.

It is a great commuter light but I wouldn't use it for long rides due to limited battery life.

[DRZRM]

I just picked up a Lezyne Super Drive XL from chainlove for $74. An honest 500 output in a contained unit, and it comes with a spare battery to double ride time (and you can carry spares). Currently a bit more money, but they seem a good investment.

Lezyne Light (http://www.competitivecyclist.com/product-accessories/2013-lezyne-super-drive-xl-loaded-front-light-37249.46.1.html?CMP_ID=GAN_GPLA&mr:trackingCode=E0158FBD-CE75-E211-9B44-001B21BCB944&mr:referralID=NA&mr:adType=pla&mr:ad=29101731705&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:filter=20762933025&origin=pla&gclid=CMyf67XQ7bUCFag7MgodpAoAPA)

[Nooch]

I just picked up a Lezyne Super Drive XL from chainlove for $74. An honest 500 output in a contained unit, and it comes with a spare battery to double ride time (and you can carry spares). Currently a bit more money, but they seem a good investment.

Lezyne Light (http://www.competitivecyclist.com/product-accessories/2013-lezyne-super-drive-xl-loaded-front-light-37249.46.1.html?CMP_ID=GAN_GPLA&mr:trackingCode=E0158FBD-CE75-E211-9B44-001B21BCB944&mr:referralID=NA&mr:adType=pla&mr:ad=29101731705&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:filter=20762933025&origin=pla&gclid=CMyf67XQ7bUCFag7MgodpAoAPA)

saw that one, actually put it in my cart on a whim..

I can pick up a serfas tsl1500+ for cheap -- I know it's probably a ton more light than I could possibly need, but for the price (and seemingly stem mountable battery) I think I might go this route..

though that cygolite is pretty impressive -- I never thought you could get such great light out of such a little package (that's what she said?)

[fatallightning]

niterider illumina 650 for the least money
lezyne mega drive for a little more
L&M taz 1200 for even more

all self contained, all plenty bright. good, better, best beam patterns.

if you want to be unproductive at work, read here http://reviews.mtbr.com/category/lights-shootout

[svelocity]

The Niterider Minewt has been a great light for me. I think they have some units now without a large battery pack and with very high lumens. Their customer service is great btw.

[arcadian]

I'm a big fan of the Exposure stuff. They're not cheap, but not having to mess with cables is key. I have the handlebar mount on each of my bikes and can quickly throw the light on whichever bike I need.

I have the Diablo. It's actually overkill on the road, but great in the woods. There are some mornings when I leave my house in the dark for a road ride and it's nice to have the extra light. Looks like they have some deals going on right now on demo models:
Diablo - Demo (http://store.ibexsports.com/catalog/product/98ab56e6ea2743488985f1e8699a83c2)

Diablo - New (http://store.ibexsports.com/2012-exposure-lights-diablo-mk-3)

If I were looking for something just for the road and commuting, I'd probably do the Joystick.

Joystick (http://store.ibexsports.com/exposure-lights-joystick-mk-6)


+1 on exposure lights - I run the diablo - great light

[madcow]

I'm a huge fan of Exposure too. In my opinion the Strada is the best commuting light ever produced.

[JayBay]

Competitive Cyslist just sent out an email with some Lenzyne stuff on sale...
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/sc/lezyne-light-sale.3733.html?cmp_id=EM_SAL15307a1

[cp43]

Competitive Cyslist just sent out an email with some Lenzyne stuff on sale...
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/sc/lezyne-light-sale.3733.html?cmp_id=EM_SAL15307a1

I've been eyeing those lights, I may snag one now. Thanks for the heads up.

Chris

[xjoex]

I highly recommend the Lezyne Mega Drive, self contained, 1000 lumens and only $200.

More info here:
http://robonza.blogspot.com/2012/12/review-lezyne-mega-drive-light.html

-Joe

[bingomck]

Another Exposure vote here. I have the Diablo and Joystick. Bought the Joystick first, loved it, then bought the Diablo, and now the Joystick mainly sits at home.

[oldpotatoe]

If ya still need lights, get a decent one but

HOORAY, the time change!!!!

[Nooch]

If ya still need lights, get a decent one but

HOORAY, the time change!!!!

Indeed, the time change! The morning ride needed the light this morning.. I'm actually thinking of just getting a 'to be seen' led for the race bike should I be commuting on it.

also swapped over to road compact gearing on the cx/commuter, from the cx gearing, and tossed on the ruffy tuffy's over the studded snows.. so realistically, it shouldn't phase me too much continuing to commute on that (even though variety is the spice of life, or so i hear).

[BumbleBeeDave]

I have the 600 and it's a great light for less than $50. Totally self-contained and not large at all. You can even wear it on ahelmet mount with minimal discomfort.

I don't commute, but it gives me 600 lumens for an honest 1.5 hours and that's about as long as I'd want to ride in the dark anyway.

The newer 650 has marginally more shine, but also they redesigned the bar mount to be more secure and durable.

BBD

[bluesea]

I've owned a bunch of lights and did my research for a new one a month ago. Got a GloWorm X1 and love it. Great reviews, nice build quality, an HONEST 850 lumens, and $179.00.

http://www.action-led-lights.com/collections/bike/products/gloworm-x1-850-lumen-bike-light



I will pick one of these up eventually. I prefer the O ring mount as a 42 c-t-c OS drop bar does not leave much room for solid mounts.

[kenmetzger]

We have had great success with the Lezyne Super Drive XL. They also make the Mega Drive for 1,000 lumens.

We also have Lumintrail ("Lumintrek" until they were sued) as well which makes a 1,000 and 1,600 lumen option. It is hard to beat the price on these powerful lights.

[NateM]

This is worth the $ at this price,bright but a little on the heavy side.

http://www.coloradocyclist.com/product/item/LEZQRNZ8

[martl]

Best bike lights:

http://www.lupine2013.de/

not cheap tho. They make individual setups, too. Excellent quality, aircraft grade cables and jacks, selected batteries, reflectors made to their specs.
Their top model does 3600 Lumen -a cars Xenon Hi-beam does about the same- but their smallest model should be sufficient for commuting.

I personally went with a SON and an IQ Fly (or a Edelux if want to spend the dough) as i was getting sick of uncharged batteries when you need them...

[Nooch]

This is worth the $ at this price,bright but a little on the heavy side.

http://www.coloradocyclist.com/product/item/LEZQRNZ8

ah, on backorder..