chuckred
10-17-2008, 03:06 PM
Someone asked me about lights on another forum, and I put this together. There was also a discussion a little while ago here about lights. For what it's worth, here's some information for those who need it.
The Exposure Joystick is one slick gadget!
On the handlebar, the Marwi light is an HID and certainly puts out a ton of light. It mounts easily, is solid and stable, and holds a long charge (I put it on a test stand after it was in storage for two years and it ran 6 hours on high). I mount the battery in a seat bag, run the wire along the top tube, zip tie it and it's a hassle free fit.
I had tried it mounted on my helmet when I first got it, but hated having a wire attached to my head, and it was a bit heavy that way.
Marwi Extreme Evo (http://www.marwiusa.com/default.aspx?taxid=24&cid=productview&bbid=3&pid=217#52) http://www.marwiusa.com/smallpic/big_evo-on-bike.jpg
I wanted a second light for the helmet - it seems to be the way to go - one on the bar, one on the helmet. Different schools of thought as to which should be the brighter, but I went with comfort. The Joystick is smaller and lighter than a mini maglite (the 2 AA battery size), clips on and off easily, and lsts on high for about 3 hours. It's a little less bright than the Marwi, but is greatfor a second light. My (limited) experience is that if you're going fast enough to need the full intenisity that the Marwi or other HIDs put out, the handle bar is fine - it doesn't move around as much at that speed (over 15 - 20 MPH). But the helmet mounted light does a great job for looking around switchbacks or tight turns, looking for lines through rocky or sandy climbs or descents, etc. You could certainly ride with it alone, but not quite as fast or you'd overshoot it. But, for $250, no wires, and superlightweight, hard to go wrong.
Exposure Joystick for the helmet (http://www.exposurelights.com/products/exposure_joystick/) http://www.exposurelights.com/uploads/joystickturbo.jpg
The Exposure Joystick is one slick gadget!
On the handlebar, the Marwi light is an HID and certainly puts out a ton of light. It mounts easily, is solid and stable, and holds a long charge (I put it on a test stand after it was in storage for two years and it ran 6 hours on high). I mount the battery in a seat bag, run the wire along the top tube, zip tie it and it's a hassle free fit.
I had tried it mounted on my helmet when I first got it, but hated having a wire attached to my head, and it was a bit heavy that way.
Marwi Extreme Evo (http://www.marwiusa.com/default.aspx?taxid=24&cid=productview&bbid=3&pid=217#52) http://www.marwiusa.com/smallpic/big_evo-on-bike.jpg
I wanted a second light for the helmet - it seems to be the way to go - one on the bar, one on the helmet. Different schools of thought as to which should be the brighter, but I went with comfort. The Joystick is smaller and lighter than a mini maglite (the 2 AA battery size), clips on and off easily, and lsts on high for about 3 hours. It's a little less bright than the Marwi, but is greatfor a second light. My (limited) experience is that if you're going fast enough to need the full intenisity that the Marwi or other HIDs put out, the handle bar is fine - it doesn't move around as much at that speed (over 15 - 20 MPH). But the helmet mounted light does a great job for looking around switchbacks or tight turns, looking for lines through rocky or sandy climbs or descents, etc. You could certainly ride with it alone, but not quite as fast or you'd overshoot it. But, for $250, no wires, and superlightweight, hard to go wrong.
Exposure Joystick for the helmet (http://www.exposurelights.com/products/exposure_joystick/) http://www.exposurelights.com/uploads/joystickturbo.jpg