headlight recommend?

[Nate Nagel]

Rode down to LBS today, explained my headlight dilemma (cross bike,
difficult to find space to mount headlight) and after explaining desired
use - allowing me to ride after dark, because I don't often have the
opportunity to ride during the day, save on weekends - they recommended
this:

http://www.abikestore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=mini-newt&Category_Code=&Store_Code=pbs

Looks like a sweet little piece, but the price tag is almost half as
much as I paid for my bike! (granted, it cost a good bit more than that
new... but I *am* trying to maintain some semblance of a budget here.)

Am I silly in thinking I ought to be able to find something "acceptable"
for less? or should I suck it up and buy it? Can anyone recommend any
products in particular?

BTW riding with a computer for the first time is a really humbling
experience. I had never gone on a real ride with one before today...
My average speed is slow, my cadence is pathetic... I guess that's why
they sell the darn things, so you can find out what you need to work on.
I *really* need to get my leg speed up - I don't even feel comfortable
over about 70 RPM. Maybe I should take the 53 off and put the 46 on to
force me to pedal faster if I want to maintain a reasonable speed?

Thanks,

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

[(PeteCresswell)]

Per Nate Nagel:
>Am I silly in thinking I ought to be able to find something "acceptable"
>for less? or should I suck it up and buy it? Can anyone recommend any
>products in particular?

Lowe's "Task Force" flashlight - the one that takes 2 C cells and
contains a Cree 4w emitter. http://tinyurl.com/4ev9ly

About thirty bucks.

Puts out an astonishing amount of light and the batteries last a
long time. I accidentally left one on for one or two days (not
sure which) and it was still putting out light when I discovered
it was on.

For comparison, I have an officially-sanctioned, European
something-or-other safety standard halogen headlight on my bike
whose light output is just totally pathetic compared to the
Lowe's flashlight.

Before the OP (understandably....) dismisses this as someone's
ravings, maybe somebody else can chime in on how much light this
thing puts out.
--
PeteCresswell

[Eric Vey]

Nate Nagel wrote:
> Rode down to LBS today, explained my headlight dilemma (cross bike,
> difficult to find space to mount headlight) and after explaining desired
> use - allowing me to ride after dark, because I don't often have the
> opportunity to ride during the day, save on weekends -
>

Got an message today from Marty Goodman (the Sheldon Brown of
flashlights -- google him) describing the brightest LED light he has in
his testing lab. You may want to modify it a bit because it is not a
bicycle light and it seems none of the best ones are. Maybe liability
problems?

I'll paste in what he said:

Report on Romisen RC-T5 regulated 4 Cree LED flashlight:

This is the brightest LED flashlight I have. AND it cost a bit under
$50, with the four CR123 batteries it runs off, and a holster, at
DealExtreme.com.

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.10452

Regulation:

Here are voltage vs current and watts drawn tables for the hi and low
modes (it also has an intense strobing mode)

high power low power
volts amps watts amps watts
----- ---- ----- ---- -----
6.0 .25 1.50 .11 .66
6.5 .48 3.12 .20 1.30
7.0 .73 5.11 .30 2.10
8.0 .75 6.00 .32 2.56
8.5 .78 6.63 .33 2.64
9.0 .78 7.02 .33 3.00
9.5 .76 7.22 .32 3.04
10.0 .73 7.30 .31 3.10
10.5 .70 7.35 .29 3.05
11.0 .68 7.45 .28 3.08
11.5 .64 7.36 .27 3.11
12.0 .61 7.32 .26 3.12
12.5 .59 7.38 .25 3.13
13.0 .56 7.28 .24 3.12
13.5 .55 7.43 .23 3.12
14.0 .53 7.42 .22 3.08
14.5 .51 7.40 .22 3.20
15.0 .49 7.35 .21 3.15


Thus, regulation is EXCELLENT between 9 and 15 volts in (I didn't
test beyond 15 volts, since this flashlight was designed to work off
either a 9 or 12 volt set of batteries (3 or 4 CR123 cells).


The thing is made of rugged metal.

All in all, while obviously NOT a high end product with carefully bin
picked emitters and ultra sophisticated circuitry driving the LEDs ultra
hard (in fact, this drives them VERY gently... presumeably resulting in
manageable heat to dissipate and slightly greater efficiency, perhaps,
too) this seems to me a VERY good value in a rugged, highly regulated,
high power flashlight.

And the head DOES unscrew, for those wanting to make neat backpacking
headlamp or bike light projects out of it.

---marty

[Jay]

"Nate Nagel" <njnagel@roosters.net> wrote in message
news:fuvvss02ru6@news2.newsguy.com...
> Rode down to LBS today, explained my headlight dilemma (cross bike,
> difficult to find space to mount headlight) and after explaining desired
> use - allowing me to ride after dark, because I don't often have the
> opportunity to ride during the day, save on weekends - they recommended
> this:
>
http://www.dinottelighting.com/

you will thank me later.

J.

[Tim McNamara]

In article <fuvvss02ru6@news2.newsguy.com>,
Nate Nagel <njnagel@roosters.net> wrote:

> Rode down to LBS today, explained my headlight dilemma (cross bike,
> difficult to find space to mount headlight) and after explaining
> desired use - allowing me to ride after dark, because I don't often
> have the opportunity to ride during the day, save on weekends - they
> recommended this:
>
> http://www.abikestore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_C
> ode=mini -newt&Category_Code=&Store_Code=pbs

Good grief. How long are you planning to ride after dark? An hour? Two
hours? Four? This is an important factor in your decision.

> Am I silly in thinking I ought to be able to find something
> "acceptable" for less? or should I suck it up and buy it? Can
> anyone recommend any products in particular?

No, no and yes.

The first question IMHO is whether you want a battery light or a
generator light. If you're going to be doing long rides at night, get
the latter so that you don't have to worry about batteries. But if
you're looking for, say, light for an hour or so after sunset then a
battery light can be a good choice.

If you're riding longer at night- say over two hours- or just really
like dead-simple convenience, I would recommend a hub generator. There
are several from Shimano that are very good and one from Schmidt which
is superb (but it'd be about $400 to get it built into a wheel, etc.;
the Shimano options cost much less). And you can keep the wheel and
lamp and use it on your next bike, too- it'll last for years if not
decades. I have a Schmidt hub and a Lumotec headlamp- other than
replacing bulbs a couple of times, this setup has served me very well
for 5+ years and I expect it to last for another 20 years.

With the rapid changes in LEDs and battery technologies, battery powered
lights have really started to get useable- more light and longer run
times. Several participants in this newsgroup have reported good
results with certain flashlights bought at Home Depot and places like
that, which have a 5W Luxeon LED, are compact, use normal batteries,
etc. With a TwoFish mounting block they are easy to mount to a bike.
This might be a more flexible arrangement than buying a "bike headlight."

> BTW riding with a computer for the first time is a really humbling
> experience.

No accessory that you can install on your bike will slow it down as much
as a computer.

[Jay]

"Nate Nagel" <njnagel@roosters.net> wrote in message
news:fuvvss02ru6@news2.newsguy.com...
> Rode down to LBS today, explained my headlight dilemma (cross bike,
> difficult to find space to mount headlight) and after explaining desired
> use - allowing me to ride after dark, because I don't often have the
> opportunity to ride during the day, save on weekends - they recommended
> this:
>
> http://www.abikestore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=mini-newt&Category_Code=&Store_Code=pbs
>
> Looks like a sweet little piece, but the price tag is almost half as much
> as I paid for my bike!
>
How much would it cost to drag your wrecked bike and injured body by
ambulance to the nearest hospital? Because you were penny wise on your bike
headlight?!

An ambulance ALONE is $1,000 USD. Plus the hospital bill. Plus the ER DR
bill.

If you go with a cheapie headlight, I hope you have great group insurance
coverage. Otherwise, you are undoubtedly financially SCREWED.

There is NO FREE LUNCH.

J.

[Brian Huntley]

On Apr 26, 2:30 pm, Nate Nagel <njna...@roosters.net> wrote:
> Rode down to LBS today, explained my headlight dilemma (cross bike,
> difficult to find space to mount headlight) and after explaining desired
> use - allowing me to ride after dark, because I don't often have the
> opportunity to ride during the day, save on weekends - they recommended
> this:
>
> http://www.abikestore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_...
>
> Looks like a sweet little piece, but the price tag is almost half as
> much as I paid for my bike! (granted, it cost a good bit more than that
> new... but I *am* trying to maintain some semblance of a budget here.)
>
> Am I silly in thinking I ought to be able to find something "acceptable"
> for less? or should I suck it up and buy it? Can anyone recommend any
> products in particular?
>
> BTW riding with a computer for the first time is a really humbling
> experience. I had never gone on a real ride with one before today...
> My average speed is slow, my cadence is pathetic... I guess that's why
> they sell the darn things, so you can find out what you need to work on.
> I *really* need to get my leg speed up - I don't even feel comfortable
> over about 70 RPM. Maybe I should take the 53 off and put the 46 on to
> force me to pedal faster if I want to maintain a reasonable speed?
>
> Thanks,
>
> nate
>
> --
> replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.http://members.cox.net/njnagel

If you're having mounting issues due to handlebar space, you might
want to consider an accessory bar. I made this one (http://
www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/HandleBar) for a bag, originally, but
found it works great for lights, too. I used two lamps through this
winter (a well focused 1-watter and a wind angle 'see me' 300 mw LED.)

[Michael Press]

In article <fuvvss02ru6@news2.newsguy.com>,
Nate Nagel <njnagel@roosters.net> wrote:

> Rode down to LBS today, explained my headlight dilemma (cross bike,
> difficult to find space to mount headlight) and after explaining desired
> use - allowing me to ride after dark, because I don't often have the
> opportunity to ride during the day, save on weekends - they recommended
> this:
>
> http://www.abikestore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=mini-newt&Category_Code=&Store_Code=pbs
>
> Looks like a sweet little piece, but the price tag is almost half as
> much as I paid for my bike! (granted, it cost a good bit more than that
> new... but I *am* trying to maintain some semblance of a budget here.)
>
> Am I silly in thinking I ought to be able to find something "acceptable"
> for less? or should I suck it up and buy it? Can anyone recommend any
> products in particular?
>
> BTW riding with a computer for the first time is a really humbling
> experience. I had never gone on a real ride with one before today...
> My average speed is slow, my cadence is pathetic... I guess that's why
> they sell the darn things, so you can find out what you need to work on.
> I *really* need to get my leg speed up - I don't even feel comfortable
> over about 70 RPM. Maybe I should take the 53 off and put the 46 on to
> force me to pedal faster if I want to maintain a reasonable speed?

Gnaw, unplug the computer.

--
Michael Press

[RS]

In article <fuvvss02ru6@news2.newsguy.com>, njnagel@roosters.net says...
>
>
>Rode down to LBS today, explained my headlight dilemma (cross bike,
>difficult to find space to mount headlight) and after explaining desired
>use - allowing me to ride after dark, because I don't often have the
>opportunity to ride during the day, save on weekends - they recommended
>this:
>
>http://www.abikestore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?
Screen=PROD&Product_Code=mini-newt&Category_Code=&Store_Code=pbs
>
>Looks like a sweet little piece, but the price tag is almost half as
>much as I paid for my bike! (granted, it cost a good bit more than that
>new... but I *am* trying to maintain some semblance of a budget here.)
>
>Am I silly in thinking I ought to be able to find something "acceptable"
>for less? or should I suck it up and buy it? Can anyone recommend any
>products in particular?
>
>BTW riding with a computer for the first time is a really humbling
>experience. I had never gone on a real ride with one before today...
>My average speed is slow, my cadence is pathetic... I guess that's why
>they sell the darn things, so you can find out what you need to work on.
> I *really* need to get my leg speed up - I don't even feel comfortable
>over about 70 RPM. Maybe I should take the 53 off and put the 46 on to
>force me to pedal faster if I want to maintain a reasonable speed?
>
>Thanks,
>
>nate
>
>--
>replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
>http://members.cox.net/njnagel
Just remove the computer, then you won't worry about your cadence and
spending money on chainrings. Just ride and enjoy.

[Mark Shroyer]

On 2008-04-26, Nate Nagel <njnagel@roosters.net> wrote:
> Rode down to LBS today, explained my headlight dilemma (cross bike,
> difficult to find space to mount headlight) and after explaining
> desired use - allowing me to ride after dark, because I don't often
> have the opportunity to ride during the day, save on weekends - they
> recommended this:
>
> http://www.abikestore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=mini-newt&Category_Code=&Store_Code=pbs
>
> Looks like a sweet little piece, but the price tag is almost half as
> much as I paid for my bike! (granted, it cost a good bit more than
> that new... but I *am* trying to maintain some semblance of a budget
> here.)
>
> Am I silly in thinking I ought to be able to find something
> "acceptable" for less? or should I suck it up and buy it? Can anyone
> recommend any products in particular?

What are the street lights like on your route (if applicable)? In other
words, is your objective with such a light to be able to see the road,
or merely to be seen by traffic? If the former, then you will probably
require a somewhat expensive light in order to put out that much
candlepower; but if the latter, a less expensive model will often
suffice.

When I ride at night I'm almost always going along a lit street, so I've
had great luck with the Cat Eye HL-EL530 AA-powered LED headlamp:

http://www.cateye.com/en/product_detail/345

It's not bright enough to light the road very thoroughly, but it sure as
heck gets the attention of drivers. (If you keep the batteries fresh,
it can significantly light up a stop sign from a quarter-mile away --
for whatever that's worth.)

The good news is that this light only cost me something like $35 USD.
The bad news:

* They say it has a 90 hour battery life, but it's only at its
brightest for the first six hours or so. You will want to use
rechargeable NiMH batteries for this, otherwise you'll bust your
budget on alkalines.

* I needed to replace the handlebar mount after about a year or so,
because the screw adjustment mechanism, made of cheap plastic, had
locked up (cost: $5 from http://www.cateye.com/).

* It's a little wide. If handlebar space is at an absolute premium
then this might not be the best choice.

Sadly, the really small lights -- those that can fit practically
anywhere on your handlebars -- are generally those with either an
external battery pack (expensive), or the $6 models that aren't even
bright enough to be /seen/ by, let to illuminate the road.

--
Mark Shroyer, http://markshroyer.com/contact/
I have joined others in blocking Google Groups due to excessive
spam. If you want more people to see your posts, you should use
another means of posting on Usenet. http://improve-usenet.org/

[Alan Hoyle]

On Sat, 26 Apr 2008 15:30:36, Nate Nagel wrote:
> Rode down to LBS today, explained my headlight dilemma (cross bike,
> difficult to find space to mount headlight) and after explaining desired
> use - allowing me to ride after dark, because I don't often have the
> opportunity to ride during the day, save on weekends - they recommended
> this:

> [...link to NiteRider MiNewt X2...]

> Looks like a sweet little piece, but the price tag is almost half as
> much as I paid for my bike! (granted, it cost a good bit more than that
> new... but I *am* trying to maintain some semblance of a budget here.)

My wife and I each have the original MiNewt that I bought on close-out
for around $100 right before the X2 version came out. We really like
them: small, lightweight, smart charger, good battery life.

There are cheaper options out there, but this one works really well
for us. If you get an all-in-one design, make sure it has a smart
charger that lets you plug-in and forget it. That feature is very
nice to have.

-a


--
Alan Hoyle - alanh@unc.edu - http://www.alanhoyle.com/

[SMS]

Nate Nagel wrote:
> Rode down to LBS today, explained my headlight dilemma (cross bike,
> difficult to find space to mount headlight) and after explaining desired
> use - allowing me to ride after dark, because I don't often have the
> opportunity to ride during the day, save on weekends - they recommended
> this:
>
> http://www.abikestore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=mini-newt&Category_Code=&Store_Code=pbs

That's insanely expensive.

The short answer is to get either a $58 Fenix L2DCE or a $30 TaskForce
2C 3W Cree LED (from Lowe's), and either buy or fabricate a mounting
bracket. Both lights are self-contained. Both are far better than most
bicycle lights on the market, at considerably less cost.

Yeah, the MiNewt puts out a bit more light than the Fenix (150 lumens
versus 135 lumens) and uses a more efficient Li-Ion battery, but it's
really overkill unless you really need the higher efficiency (and with
the Fenix or TaskForce you can carry a couple of extra batteries around
or buy at any store in a pinch). I'm normally a big advocate of Li-Ion
batteries (for digital cameras) but one reason is that after-market
Li-Ion camera batteries are very inexpensive.

Go to "http://bicyclelighting.com" and go to the flashlights section (or
go straight to "http://nordicgroup.us/s78/flashlights.html"). Lots of
suggestions for flashlights and handlebar mounts. You can also just type
"bicycle lighting" into the Google search bar, and click on "I'm Feeling
Lucky" and it'll take you right to that site. Oh, did I mention that
it's my site?!

You don't need to spend the big bucks on a MiNewt, or a DiNotte.

[Nate Nagel]

(PeteCresswell) wrote:
> Per Nate Nagel:
>
>>Am I silly in thinking I ought to be able to find something "acceptable"
>>for less? or should I suck it up and buy it? Can anyone recommend any
>>products in particular?
>
>
> Lowe's "Task Force" flashlight - the one that takes 2 C cells and
> contains a Cree 4w emitter. http://tinyurl.com/4ev9ly
>
> About thirty bucks.
>
> Puts out an astonishing amount of light and the batteries last a
> long time. I accidentally left one on for one or two days (not
> sure which) and it was still putting out light when I discovered
> it was on.
>
> For comparison, I have an officially-sanctioned, European
> something-or-other safety standard halogen headlight on my bike
> whose light output is just totally pathetic compared to the
> Lowe's flashlight.
>
> Before the OP (understandably....) dismisses this as someone's
> ravings, maybe somebody else can chime in on how much light this
> thing puts out.

Actually I'm not dismissing anything at this point, although I was
hoping for a more, um, aesthetically appealing solution. How do you
mount it? I'm envisioning a small piece of softwood or plastic shaped
with a hole saw and then cut apart to allow the flash, er, headlight to
be held firmly on the handlebars...

At this point, I'm about ready to take the headlight mount for the light
I've already bought and do something to it with a hose clamp; it's
worthless to me as it is, so... so long as I don't damage my
handlebars, and nobody looks too closely (and by that time they're
already laughing at my extra-Freddy pedals, another budget concession)
who cares?

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

[Nate Nagel]

(PeteCresswell) wrote:
> Per Nate Nagel:
>
>>Am I silly in thinking I ought to be able to find something "acceptable"
>>for less? or should I suck it up and buy it? Can anyone recommend any
>>products in particular?
>
>
> Lowe's "Task Force" flashlight - the one that takes 2 C cells and
> contains a Cree 4w emitter. http://tinyurl.com/4ev9ly
>
> About thirty bucks.
>
> Puts out an astonishing amount of light and the batteries last a
> long time. I accidentally left one on for one or two days (not
> sure which) and it was still putting out light when I discovered
> it was on.
>
> For comparison, I have an officially-sanctioned, European
> something-or-other safety standard halogen headlight on my bike
> whose light output is just totally pathetic compared to the
> Lowe's flashlight.
>
> Before the OP (understandably....) dismisses this as someone's
> ravings, maybe somebody else can chime in on how much light this
> thing puts out.

this one?

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=225285-50584-FT-NS-2C%203W&lpage=none

looks tempting, if nothing else I could always use another decent
flashlight (I have two cars, a pickup truck, and a company car...)

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

[landotter]

On Apr 26, 2:55 pm, "(PeteCresswell)" <x...@y.Invalid> wrote:
> Per Nate Nagel:
>
> >Am I silly in thinking I ought to be able to find something "acceptable"
> >for less? or should I suck it up and buy it? Can anyone recommend any
> >products in particular?
>
> Lowe's "Task Force" flashlight - the one that takes 2 C cells and
> contains a Cree 4w emitter. http://tinyurl.com/4ev9ly
>
> About thirty bucks.
>

Costco has a similar flashlight with the same emitter, also cheap with
a nice alu case. Should be easy to mod a mount for it.

It all depends on whether you need to see or be seen. I just have a
cheap Sigma LED JB welded under my front platform rack. Plenty for the
city.

[datakoll]

On Apr 26, 3:55*pm, "(PeteCresswell)" <x...@y.Invalid> wrote:
> Per Nate Nagel:
>
> >Am I silly in thinking I ought to be able to find something "acceptable"
> >for less? *or should I suck it up and buy it? *Can anyone recommend any
> >products in particular?
>
> Lowe's "Task Force" flashlight - the one that takes 2 C cells and
> contains a Cree 4w emitter. *http://tinyurl.com/4ev9ly
>
> About thirty bucks.
>
> Puts out an astonishing amount of light and the batteries last a
> long time. *I accidentally left one on for one or two days (not
> sure which) and it was still putting out light when I discovered
> it was on.
>
> For comparison, I have an officially-sanctioned, European
> something-or-other safety standard halogen headlight on my bike
> whose light output is just totally pathetic compared to the
> Lowe's flashlight.
>
> Before the OP (understandably....) dismisses this as someone's
> ravings, maybe somebody else can chime in on how much light this
> thing puts out.
> --
> PeteCresswell

2 C batts with a LED ? next week.

basic flashlight mount: 2 hose clamps (see Lowes). One for the bar one
for flashlight.
Slip flashlight clampunder bar clamp, clamp between bar and bar hose
clamp, fit flashlight to open clamp and tighten.
Viola !
buy two - put one down low on a fork near the axle.
don't forget small flashing ambers for the bar. turn to face
intersection oncomin when crossing.
ambers give notice the white light is on the front end of a vehicle.
a red front is acceptable with the ambers.
a xmas tree effect yields safety.

[It's Chris]

Why can't they standardize the way these things were rated? This
headlight has a 32 watt bulb, that one gives 3400 max candlepower, yet
another has 4500 lumens of light.

So which one is brightest? I don't know, go ask a physicist, stupid!

- -
Compliments of:
"Your Friendly Neighborhood Wheelman"

If you want to E-mail me use:
ChrisZCorner "at" webtv "dot" net

My website:
http://geocities.com/czcorner

[(PeteCresswell)]

Per Nate Nagel:
> How do you
>mount it? I'm envisioning a small piece of softwood or plastic shaped
>with a hole saw and then cut apart to allow the flash, er, headlight to
>be held firmly on the handlebars...

I just hold it in one hand. There have, however, been a number
of home-brew mounting systems shown by others in other threads.

--
PeteCresswell

[SMS]

Nate Nagel wrote:

> At this point, I'm about ready to take the headlight mount for the light
> I've already bought and do something to it with a hose clamp; it's
> worthless to me as it is, so... so long as I don't damage my
> handlebars, and nobody looks too closely (and by that time they're
> already laughing at my extra-Freddy pedals, another budget concession)
> who cares?

See "http://nordicgroup.us/s78/flashlights.html". You don't have to get
too funky for the mounting. I've made several mountings for flashlights.

Just remember that often the clamp will go on a non-straight section of
the handlebars, so whatever mount you have needs to be be able to be
rotated enough for the light to point straight ahead.

[Chalo]

Nate Nagel wrote:
>
> PeteCresswell wrote:
> >
> > Before the OP (understandably....) dismisses this as someone's
> > ravings, maybe somebody else can chime in on how much light this
> > thing puts out.
>
> this one?
>
> http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=225285-...

That's the one-- the best value in a flashlight that you don't have to
buy online from Hong Kong. It's shockingly bright, and it uses real
voltage conversion unlike most other low-budget LED lights. It even
comes with decent batteries.

But it makes a much better bike light if you buy some replacement
optics from Hong Kong:

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1919

I got a pack of these optics, and they convert the beam from a small,
intense round spot to a broad horizontal band that is just right for
general road use.

The catalog page says they are glass-- they are in fact made of
plastic-- and it says they're diffusers, when they are actually
collimators.

I think TwoFish Cyclopblocks work with lights the size of the Task
Force 2C light, at least if you pull off the rubber sleeve. Another
thing to consider getting is a pair of AA-to-C battery adapters so you
can use cheap and convenient AA rechargeables.

Chalo

[(PeteCresswell)]

Per Nate Nagel:
>this one?
>
>http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=225285-50584-FT-NS-2C%203W&lpage=none
>
>looks tempting, if nothing else I could always use another decent
>flashlight (I have two cars, a pickup truck, and a company car...)

That be the one.

They make good gifts too bco the unusually good functionality.
--
PeteCresswell

[DougC]

Nate Nagel wrote:
> ...
> this one?
>
> http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=225285-50584-FT-NS-2C%203W&lpage=none
>
>
> looks tempting, if nothing else I could always use another decent
> flashlight (I have two cars, a pickup truck, and a company car...)
>
> nate
>

The Lowe's Task Force flashlight comes in two versions, and both have
the same product number and prices. The first version says "Luxeon" on
the package and has a Luxeon LED. The second one says "60X brighter" on
the package, and has the CREE LED. You want the SECOND one. There's some
chatter about it on the Candlepower forums, if you want further info.

....I have one, and it is -amazingly- bright, but I don't know what the
runtime is. Also it is a very-tight spot beam that may need a bit of
remedying for bicycle use.

The problem you may have with "flashlights as bikelights" is that many
flashlights aren't made for running for extended periods, and that the
batteries may rattle and cause the light to flicker as you're riding.

When I say that "some LED flashlights aren't made for running for
extended periods", what I mean is that the LED is essentially
overdriven. There is a circuit inside that controls the LED current,
based on the LED's temperature (to prevent it from overheating). After
the flashlight has been on for a minute or two it can heat up so much
that the circuit may cut back on the power.... So the brightness that
you see when you immediately turn it on may *not* be the brightness that
you get most of the time you're using it out on a bike ride.

-----

Now then: on the general subject of bike lights.

I don't understand the reasoning for most "light freaks"; I have heard
of people who like to ride off-road at night, or who have bad eyesight
and for them perhaps a 10 or 15W HID makes sense--but for most people
(especially riding on the street) it's really not necessary. And
spending $500 for a bike and then spending $500 for a light kit is
rather silly, IMO.

For headlights I am partial to the Cateye disposable-battery-powered
lights (EL530), and have two on each of my bikes--mostly for redundancy,
as I rarely run both at the same time. I take to the roads with only two
watts of LED headlight power, most of the time only use one watt, and I
have never not rode anywhere because my headlights were not bright
enough. The EL530's have a very tight spot beam (unlike the shaped beam
of the earlier EL500's) but you can spread out a spot beam somewhat by
sticking a piece of opaque clear tape over the center of the lens.

For taillights I use P.B. Superflashes or Serfas TL-2000's, although
there's a generic version of the TL-2000 floating around that costs
about half as much. I'm not sure it's the same brightness but I'd bet it
is. I also run dual tail-lights, on blink, all the time--because if I'm
riding alone and only have one on and it fails, I would not know until I
got off the bike for some reason.
~

[SMS]

landotter wrote:
> On Apr 26, 2:55 pm, "(PeteCresswell)" <x...@y.Invalid> wrote:
>> Per Nate Nagel:
>>
>>> Am I silly in thinking I ought to be able to find something "acceptable"
>>> for less? or should I suck it up and buy it? Can anyone recommend any
>>> products in particular?
>> Lowe's "Task Force" flashlight - the one that takes 2 C cells and
>> contains a Cree 4w emitter. http://tinyurl.com/4ev9ly
>>
>> About thirty bucks.
>>
>
> Costco has a similar flashlight with the same emitter, also cheap with
> a nice alu case. Should be easy to mod a mount for it.

The problem with the Costco (Leatherman Monarch 500) Cree emitter
flashlight is that it runs off three AAA batteries, rather the two C
batteries. You can get two 5500 mAH NiMH C batteries, for 2.4V x 5.5AH =
13.2WH. You can get three 1000 mAH NiMH AAA cells for 3.6V x 1 AH
=3.6WH. That's a very big difference in operating time.

The Costco flashlight is better in some ways, as it's better
constructed, and it has an adjustable beam.

You can see more info about it at
"http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=182032"

[Nate Nagel]

Tim McNamara wrote:
> In article <fuvvss02ru6@news2.newsguy.com>,
> Nate Nagel <njnagel@roosters.net> wrote:
>
>
>>Rode down to LBS today, explained my headlight dilemma (cross bike,
>>difficult to find space to mount headlight) and after explaining
>>desired use - allowing me to ride after dark, because I don't often
>>have the opportunity to ride during the day, save on weekends - they
>>recommended this:
>>
>>http://www.abikestore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_C
>> ode=mini -newt&Category_Code=&Store_Code=pbs
>
>
> Good grief. How long are you planning to ride after dark? An hour? Two
> hours? Four? This is an important factor in your decision.

Probably at least an hour, maybe more. Not so important now, that it's
staying light later... not to get all windy, but my goal is to get my
bike set up so that I can use it for real transportation. I can't
commute on it for various reasons, but I *would* like to be able to use
it for light store runs, running to the post office, etc. - all the
stuff that I normally do in my car but is within a mile or two of my
house. Two reasons - I finally live in a somewhat bike-friendly area,
and I feel mildly guilty about using my car so much. Also, I'm turning
into a fat sack of crap - I'm about 15 lbs. over what I'd feel
comfortable weighing, and I'd be lying if I said that I still had all
the muscle mass that I did in high school or college. So I may simply
choose to go for a ride even if I don't have an errand to run, esp.
seeing as there's an intersection with the W&OD trail less than a mile
from my house so I have somewhere to ride if I don't feel like dicing
with traffic. The major impediment to me doing this seems to be
daylight, therefore my query - it's a problem that can easily be solved
with just a little (?) cash.

>>Am I silly in thinking I ought to be able to find something
>>"acceptable" for less? or should I suck it up and buy it? Can
>>anyone recommend any products in particular?
>
>
> No, no and yes.
>
> The first question IMHO is whether you want a battery light or a
> generator light. If you're going to be doing long rides at night, get
> the latter so that you don't have to worry about batteries. But if
> you're looking for, say, light for an hour or so after sunset then a
> battery light can be a good choice.
>
> If you're riding longer at night- say over two hours- or just really
> like dead-simple convenience, I would recommend a hub generator. There
> are several from Shimano that are very good and one from Schmidt which
> is superb (but it'd be about $400 to get it built into a wheel, etc.;
> the Shimano options cost much less). And you can keep the wheel and
> lamp and use it on your next bike, too- it'll last for years if not
> decades. I have a Schmidt hub and a Lumotec headlamp- other than
> replacing bulbs a couple of times, this setup has served me very well
> for 5+ years and I expect it to last for another 20 years.

That sounds like an ideal setup for me, but it isn't in the budget now.
(your hypothetical front wheel costs about what I paid for my whole
bike, and I seem to be finding that buying all the little must haves -
water bottles, blinky, frame pump, multitool, seat bag, etc. are adding
up) Plus it appeals to my engineering weenie/must last forever, no
maintenance, no changing batteries etc. preferences. Maybe down the road.


> With the rapid changes in LEDs and battery technologies, battery powered
> lights have really started to get useable- more light and longer run
> times. Several participants in this newsgroup have reported good
> results with certain flashlights bought at Home Depot and places like
> that, which have a 5W Luxeon LED, are compact, use normal batteries,
> etc. With a TwoFish mounting block they are easy to mount to a bike.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> This might be a more flexible arrangement than buying a "bike headlight."

Thank you! That's what I was missing... after the first couple
responses to this thread I was figuring how to fab that exact part in my
head, but I see someone's already saved me the trouble, which is good,
'cause I'm lazy :) I gotta get me one of those; even if I do upgrade to
a "real" headlight, that's a handy little thing to have around in a pinch.

>>BTW riding with a computer for the first time is a really humbling
>>experience.
>
> No accessory that you can install on your bike will slow it down as much
> as a computer.

I'm not sure here if you're making a joke, imagining me with a tower
case bungeed to a rack, or if you're actually making a point about
paying too much attention to the numbers...

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

[Tom Sherman]

Tim McNamara wrote:
> [...]
> No accessory that you can install on your bike will slow it down as much
> as a computer.

butbutbut, adding a second wheel magnet will double your speed for the
same effort.

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
The weather is here, wish you were beautiful

[me@privacy.net]

Nate Nagel <njnagel@roosters.net> wrote:

>Probably at least an hour, maybe more.

A bit OT but I like Kent Peterson's idea of using
cheap, small helmet mounted lights as well

see link

http://kentsbike.blogspot.com/2008/03/lightweight-helmet-with-lights.html

[Nate Nagel]

Jay wrote:
> "Nate Nagel" <njnagel@roosters.net> wrote in message
> news:fuvvss02ru6@news2.newsguy.com...
>
>>Rode down to LBS today, explained my headlight dilemma (cross bike,
>>difficult to find space to mount headlight) and after explaining desired
>>use - allowing me to ride after dark, because I don't often have the
>>opportunity to ride during the day, save on weekends - they recommended
>>this:
>>
>>http://www.abikestore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=mini-newt&Category_Code=&Store_Code=pbs
>>
>>Looks like a sweet little piece, but the price tag is almost half as much
>>as I paid for my bike!
>>
>
> How much would it cost to drag your wrecked bike and injured body by
> ambulance to the nearest hospital? Because you were penny wise on your bike
> headlight?!
>
> An ambulance ALONE is $1,000 USD. Plus the hospital bill. Plus the ER DR
> bill.
>
> If you go with a cheapie headlight, I hope you have great group insurance
> coverage. Otherwise, you are undoubtedly financially SCREWED.
>
> There is NO FREE LUNCH.
>
> J.

I realize this, but I'm sure that there's something a little heavier,
larger, whatever that will do the same job for less money. I'm not
talking about compromising on light, but on aesthetics or weight
(cutting out the malt sodas would probably do a better job of both than
buying an expensive micro-headlight, and you don't see me doing that, do
you?)

I might as well embrace my fredness and investigate the LED flashlight
options. I've seen several presented that look appealing. Apparently
this is a new concept only to me as I've already found three purpose
made mounts since I started this thread.

Telling everyone that wants to ride at night that they need to spend
$180 on a headlight is fine, I guess, if you want to encourage people
not to ride...

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

[Chalo]

Jay wrote:
>
> How much would it cost to drag your wrecked bike and injured body by
> ambulance to the nearest hospital? Because you were penny wise on your bike
> headlight?!
>
> An ambulance ALONE is $1,000 USD. Plus the hospital bill. Plus the ER DR
> bill.
>
> If you go with a cheapie headlight, I hope you have great group insurance
> coverage. Otherwise, you are undoubtedly financially SCREWED.

Funny that so many of us have ridden so long and so far with nothing
more than the most rudimentary, cheap lighting-- or even just
reflectors and no actual lights at all.

I have figured out a whole bunch of ways to get hurt on my bike, but
using inadequate illumination has not been one of them so far. Good
(or good and expensive) lighting is something I'd put in the "nice to
have" category.

Anyway, a $30 Task Force light or a $20 Hong Kong LED light is a way
more serious piece of bike lighting equipment than you used to be able
to buy for less than $100.

Chalo

[frkrygow@gmail.com]

On Apr 26, 7:38 pm, "Jay" <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
> "Nate Nagel" <njna...@roosters.net> wrote in message
>
> > ... Looks like a sweet little piece, but the price tag is almost half as much
> > as I paid for my bike!
>
> How much would it cost to drag your wrecked bike and injured body by
> ambulance to the nearest hospital? Because you were penny wise on your bike
> headlight?!
>
> An ambulance ALONE is $1,000 USD. Plus the hospital bill. Plus the ER DR
> bill.
>
> If you go with a cheapie headlight, I hope you have great group insurance
> coverage. Otherwise, you are undoubtedly financially SCREWED.
>
> There is NO FREE LUNCH.

Hmm. So the advice is, always sacrifice as much money as you can to
the consumer gods, so they won't curse you?

There may be no free lunch. But there are an awful lot of very
expensive lunches that are worse than a McDonald's sandwich.

On bike lights: I've ridden with folks whose headlights cost many
times what mine did, but illuminated the road far worse than mine did.

- Frank Krygowski

[TBerk]

Jay, I'm rather new here but why do I get the distinct feeling you
piss people off on a regular basis?


TBerk

[SMS]

Jay wrote:
> "Nate Nagel" <njnagel@roosters.net> wrote in message
> news:fuvvss02ru6@news2.newsguy.com...
>> Rode down to LBS today, explained my headlight dilemma (cross bike,
>> difficult to find space to mount headlight) and after explaining desired
>> use - allowing me to ride after dark, because I don't often have the
>> opportunity to ride during the day, save on weekends - they recommended
>> this:
>>
>> http://www.abikestore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=mini-newt&Category_Code=&Store_Code=pbs
>>
>> Looks like a sweet little piece, but the price tag is almost half as much
>> as I paid for my bike!
>>
> How much would it cost to drag your wrecked bike and injured body by
> ambulance to the nearest hospital? Because you were penny wise on your bike
> headlight?!
>
> An ambulance ALONE is $1,000 USD. Plus the hospital bill. Plus the ER DR
> bill.
>
> If you go with a cheapie headlight, I hope you have great group insurance
> coverage. Otherwise, you are undoubtedly financially SCREWED.

OMG, talk about ridiculous.

You can't plot night time riding danger on a graph of bicycle light cost
versus injuries. You could spend $500 on a SON dynamo and headlight and
have a system that illuminates more poorly than a $30 Lowe's Cree
flashlight, but that has advantages over the flashlight nevertheless.

The key here is to choose a middle ground, of a very efficient Cree LED
flashlight, attached via a solid mount to the handlebars. It'll be no
less safe than an outrageously priced MiNewt or DiNotte, just a little
less elegant.

[Jay]

On Apr 26, 6:59*pm, Nate Nagel <njna...@roosters.net> wrote:
> Jay wrote:
>
> I realize this, but I'm sure that there's something a little heavier,
> larger, whatever that will do the same job for less money. *I'm not
> talking about compromising on light, but on aesthetics or weight
> (cutting out the malt sodas would probably do a better job of both than
> buying an expensive micro-headlight, and you don't see me doing that, do
> you?)
>
> I might as well embrace my fredness and investigate the LED flashlight
> options. *I've seen several presented that look appealing. *Apparently
> this is a new concept only to me as I've already found three purpose
> made mounts since I started this thread.
>
> Telling everyone that wants to ride at night that they need to spend
> $180 on a headlight is fine, I guess, if you want to encourage people
> not to ride...
>
> nate
>
> --
> replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.http://members.cox.net/njnagel- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
>
>
I commute 5,000 miles yearly in Chicago every day of the year
regardless of weather or darkness. In the winter it is in the dark
both morning and night. 5am mornings, 6pm at night.

I ride no more than 15 MPH. Even so, it is easy to ride faster than I
can see in the dark.

I do know one thing: One cannot impart wisdom. Wisdom must be either
experienced or otherwise embraced.

Wisdom CANNOT be learned by Usenet or any other means.

J.

[Andre Jute]

On Apr 27, 12:59*am, Nate Nagel <njna...@roosters.net> wrote:
> Jay wrote:
> > "Nate Nagel" <njna...@roosters.net> wrote in message
> >news:fuvvss02ru6@news2.newsguy.com...
>
> >>Rode down to LBS today, explained my headlight dilemma (cross bike,
> >>difficult to find space to mount headlight) and after explaining desired
> >>use - allowing me to ride after dark, because I don't often have the
> >>opportunity to ride during the day, save on weekends - they recommended
> >>this:
>
> >>http://www.abikestore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_....
>
> >>Looks like a sweet little piece, but the price tag is almost half as much
> >>as I paid for my bike!
>
> > How much would it cost to drag your wrecked bike and injured body by
> > ambulance to the nearest hospital? Because you were penny wise on your bike
> > headlight?!
>
> > An ambulance ALONE is $1,000 USD. Plus the hospital bill. Plus the ER DR
> > bill.
>
> > If you go with a cheapie headlight, I hope you have great group insurance
> > coverage. Otherwise, you are undoubtedly financially SCREWED.
>
> > There is NO FREE LUNCH.
>
> > J.
>
> I realize this, but I'm sure that there's something a little heavier,
> larger, whatever that will do the same job for less money. *I'm not
> talking about compromising on light, but on aesthetics or weight
> (cutting out the malt sodas would probably do a better job of both than
> buying an expensive micro-headlight, and you don't see me doing that, do
> you?)
>
> I might as well embrace my fredness and investigate the LED flashlight
> options. *I've seen several presented that look appealing. *Apparently
> this is a new concept only to me as I've already found three purpose
> made mounts since I started this thread.
>
> Telling everyone that wants to ride at night that they need to spend
> $180 on a headlight is fine, I guess, if you want to encourage people
> not to ride...
>
> nate

I tend to agree with Jay, though I haven't actually gone as far as
buying Dinotte lights.

But then I'm not a commuter, more in your position of occasionally
wanting a nighttime ride because the day has been awful for one reason
or another. If find dynamo and hub generator lights, both of which I
have on various bikes, to be not quite good enough for riding even
gently along known but unlit (blacktop) lanes, and quite useless for
riding onto the estates of friends. If you want to see, and especially
if you ride fast, a battery light is essential. Those torches
recommended in this thread are not available here, so I bought a set
of Electron EHP315 simply because I make it a practice never to go
into even the least friendly bike shop without buying something. I've
found them very good, though of course the promised endurance of the
battery is a joke; but at around an hour they do have a margin over
the normal time taken for my shortest ride, even on full blast. They
cost me eighty euro but that's from Victoria Cycles, a shop known to
charge like a famine is coming; I saw them at Chain Reaction the next
day for 60 and in the States they are probably much, much cheaper. The
two lights make enough light to see properly by on unlit roads, and
will get you seen in town, and can be directed one nearby and one a
bit up to show the width of the road and far enough along to ride at
speed down hills even on less than perfect roads. With careful use,
you can get nearer two hours of use but I like just blasting all the
light I can get on the road.

If you ride through motorized traffic, you also need a flashing rear
light, and the cheapest that actually works is the Cateye TL-LD1100
which, compared to a Dinotte, is a bargain.

Andre Jute
http://members.lycos.co.uk/fiultra/BICYCLE%20%26%20CYCLING.html

[Ecnerwal]

In article <fv0fla05uj@news2.newsguy.com>,
Nate Nagel <njnagel@roosters.net> wrote:

> Telling everyone that wants to ride at night that they need to spend
> $180 on a headlight is fine, I guess, if you want to encourage people
> not to ride...

Well, you know, there those who encourage riding, and those who
encourage spending lots of money at the LBS, with riding being quite
optional, so long as the money gets spent - and not at any of your
hardware stores or evil on-line places.

Put on a tail-light and some side markers as well, preferably. You can
get the standard 3 red LED tail unit for $2.95 + shipping from
www.sciplus.com (just a happy customer). They also have a bigger one
(with 6 times the LEDs) for $8.50. At least you'll know how much your
LBS is extorting (above the commodity price) for this sort of thing if
you shop there.

If you're handy with a soldering iron, you can cobble tail and marker
lights up yourself, though you would have a difficult time breaking even
for the above price on a tail light with a nice lens and mount.

Don't bother with their 9 white LED "bike & head lamp", other than as a
possible side marker light, with a little yellow on the lens. Beats no
light at all (I got one for the headlamp function), but is shamed by the
low-end single emitter light mentioned below (which I got later on).

If you'll be riding a lot, a NiMH rapid charger and a pile of NiMH AA's
will cost a lot less than disposables. If you don't use them much,
disposables are cheaper. Best price I those I found last year was for a
20-pack at Adorama camera (also just a happy customer, and a very price
sensitive one for "commodity" items like this). Some other place may
well have them cheaper this week. Avoid coin-cell lights for regular use
- coin cells are expensive unless you buy thousands at a time.

I've got one of the less exciting super-duper LED lights (Terrralux
lower-end conversion for a 2AA minimag I already owned) and it's very
effective for being seen (by oncoming cars - I use it when walking along
the road at night - there's no sidewalk here), and pretty darn good for
seeing, though I'd suggest getting one of the better/brighter units (as
others have suggested) for that purpose on a bike. Goes a very long time
on a set of AA rechargables (I have yet to run it all the way out before
I decide to recharge for the sake of the batteries). Changed a dim
battery-eater into a useful light.

Be careful about aiming the bright LED lights - they are painfully
bright to look at and can blind/dazzle the same as a car high-beam if
aimed too high. That can help get you IN an accident.

Riding at night can be a hairy proposition - but that's regardless of
how much or how little you've spent on lights, and daytime does not
remove the hairiness in many places. Every route out of town here
involves long stretches of too many cars and not enough space for bikes
(one even has a goodly stretch of concrete retaining wall on the inside
of a corner - no place to go AND no visibility) - I'm surprised there
are not more accidents. Once out of town the bike-lane program on the
highway bills has had a noticeable positive effect on room for bikes -
getting there is not half the fun, however. At present, I try to stick
to riding during daylight.

When I lived in a somewhat more developed area, I rode at night on the
sidewalks, and got off and walked across the intersections. Faster than
walking the whole way, and safer than sharing the road with obliviots
who would run you over with or without lights. On the rare occasion I
encountered a pedestrian, I'd pop out into the road (for the space
between driveways needed to bypass the pedestrian) if there were no
cars, or dismount and walk by if there were, so as not to be an obliviot
on a bike hogging the sidewalk.

--
Cats, coffee, chocolate...vices to live by

[(PeteCresswell)]

Per Nate Nagel:
>I might as well embrace my fredness and investigate the LED flashlight
>options. I've seen several presented that look appealing. Apparently
>this is a new concept only to me as I've already found three purpose
>made mounts since I started this thread.

You've gotta get at least one just for use as a in-car
flashlight.
--
PeteCresswell

[Jay]

"Chalo" <chalo.colina@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1f2894eb-c1fb-470c-981b-3bf058b7ef53@f63g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...
>
> Funny that so many of us have ridden so long and so far with nothing
> more than the most rudimentary, cheap lighting-- or even just
> reflectors and no actual lights at all.
>
> I have figured out a whole bunch of ways to get hurt on my bike, but
> using inadequate illumination has not been one of them so far. Good
> (or good and expensive) lighting is something I'd put in the "nice to
> have" category.
>
> Anyway, a $30 Task Force light or a $20 Hong Kong LED light is a way
> more serious piece of bike lighting equipment than you used to be able
> to buy for less than $100.
>
> Chalo
>
>
Here's an idea! Don't use a headlight at all. Keep that $20 in your pocket.

Just say a prayer before you ride. And tape a plastic Jesus to your
handlebars.

J.

[Jay]

On Apr 26, 7:37*pm, Andre Jute <fiult...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> On Apr 27, 12:59*am, Nate Nagel <njna...@roosters.net> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> > Jay wrote:
> > > "Nate Nagel" <njna...@roosters.net> wrote in message
> > >news:fuvvss02ru6@news2.newsguy.com...
>
> > >>Rode down to LBS today, explained my headlight dilemma (cross bike,
> > >>difficult to find space to mount headlight) and after explaining desired
> > >>use - allowing me to ride after dark, because I don't often have the
> > >>opportunity to ride during the day, save on weekends - they recommended
> > >>this:
>
> > >>http://www.abikestore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_...
>
> > >>Looks like a sweet little piece, but the price tag is almost half as much
> > >>as I paid for my bike!
>
> > > How much would it cost to drag your wrecked bike and injured body by
> > > ambulance to the nearest hospital? Because you were penny wise on your bike
> > > headlight?!
>
> > > An ambulance ALONE is $1,000 USD. Plus the hospital bill. Plus the ER DR
> > > bill.
>
> > > If you go with a cheapie headlight, I hope you have great group insurance
> > > coverage. Otherwise, you are undoubtedly financially SCREWED.
>
> > > There is NO FREE LUNCH.
>
> > > J.
>
> > I realize this, but I'm sure that there's something a little heavier,
> > larger, whatever that will do the same job for less money. *I'm not
> > talking about compromising on light, but on aesthetics or weight
> > (cutting out the malt sodas would probably do a better job of both than
> > buying an expensive micro-headlight, and you don't see me doing that, do
> > you?)
>
> > I might as well embrace my fredness and investigate the LED flashlight
> > options. *I've seen several presented that look appealing. *Apparently
> > this is a new concept only to me as I've already found three purpose
> > made mounts since I started this thread.
>
> > Telling everyone that wants to ride at night that they need to spend
> > $180 on a headlight is fine, I guess, if you want to encourage people
> > not to ride...
>
> > nate
>
> I tend to agree with Jay, though I haven't actually gone as far as
> buying Dinotte lights.
>
> But then I'm not a commuter, more in your position of occasionally
> wanting a nighttime ride because the day has been awful for one reason
> or another. If find dynamo and hub generator lights, both of which I
> have on various bikes, to be not quite good enough for riding even
> gently along known but unlit (blacktop) lanes, and quite useless for
> riding onto the estates of friends. If you want to see, and especially
> if you ride fast, a battery light is essential. Those torches
> recommended in this thread are not available here, so I bought a set
> of Electron EHP315 simply because I make it a practice never to go
> into even the least friendly bike shop without buying something. I've
> found them very good, though of course the promised endurance of the
> battery is a joke; but at around an hour they do have a margin over
> the normal time taken for my shortest ride, even on full blast. They
> cost me eighty euro but that's from Victoria Cycles, a shop known to
> charge like a famine is coming; I saw them at Chain Reaction the next
> day for 60 and in the States they are probably much, much cheaper. The
> two lights make enough light to see properly by on unlit roads, and
> will get you seen in town, and can be directed one nearby and one a
> bit up to show the width of the road and far enough along to ride at
> speed down hills even on less than perfect roads. With careful use,
> you can get nearer two hours of use but I like just blasting all the
> light I can get on the road.
>
> If you ride through motorized traffic, you also need a flashing rear
> light, and the cheapest that actually works is the Cateye TL-LD1100
> which, compared to a Dinotte, is a bargain.
>
> Andre Jutehttp://members.lycos.co.uk/fiultra/BICYCLE%20%26%20CYCLING.html- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
>
>
Andre is, of course, essentially correct:

(1) Any cheap piece of Chinese s*** will work for a taillight;

Headlights come in two distinct flavors: Be seen; or illuminate the
pavement.

For 'be seen' headlights, see (1) above;

For 'illuminate pavement' headlights, see DiNotte headlights: Simply
the best, brightest, and best customer service, by far.

J.

[Tom Sherman]

Jay Bollyn wrote:
> [...]
> For 'illuminate pavement' headlights, see DiNotte headlights: Simply
> the best, brightest, and best customer service, by far.
>
Why go with such inexpensive, low powered lights?

This is the one to have: <http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/bigbang.asp>.
If only the adapter for US/Canadian outlets was no additional charge.

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
The weather is here, wish you were beautiful

[Nate Nagel]

Ecnerwal wrote:
> In article <fv0fla05uj@news2.newsguy.com>,
> Nate Nagel <njnagel@roosters.net> wrote:
>
>
>>Telling everyone that wants to ride at night that they need to spend
>>$180 on a headlight is fine, I guess, if you want to encourage people
>>not to ride...
>
>
> Well, you know, there those who encourage riding, and those who
> encourage spending lots of money at the LBS, with riding being quite
> optional, so long as the money gets spent - and not at any of your
> hardware stores or evil on-line places.
>
> Put on a tail-light and some side markers as well, preferably. You can
> get the standard 3 red LED tail unit for $2.95 + shipping from
> www.sciplus.com (just a happy customer). They also have a bigger one
> (with 6 times the LEDs) for $8.50. At least you'll know how much your
> LBS is extorting (above the commodity price) for this sort of thing if
> you shop there.
>
> If you're handy with a soldering iron, you can cobble tail and marker
> lights up yourself, though you would have a difficult time breaking even
> for the above price on a tail light with a nice lens and mount.

Already picked up a seriously bright blinky; one of those 9 LED deals.
It's brighter than the taillights on my car, I think. But thanks for
the pointers...

> Don't bother with their 9 white LED "bike & head lamp", other than as a
> possible side marker light, with a little yellow on the lens. Beats no
> light at all (I got one for the headlamp function), but is shamed by the
> low-end single emitter light mentioned below (which I got later on).
>
> If you'll be riding a lot, a NiMH rapid charger and a pile of NiMH AA's
> will cost a lot less than disposables. If you don't use them much,
> disposables are cheaper. Best price I those I found last year was for a
> 20-pack at Adorama camera (also just a happy customer, and a very price
> sensitive one for "commodity" items like this). Some other place may
> well have them cheaper this week. Avoid coin-cell lights for regular use
> - coin cells are expensive unless you buy thousands at a time.

That's what I'm thinking... I've already got the charger and batteries
for the digicam that I keep in my car for work, so buying a couple more
batteries would make sense. Also if I felt like a long ride I could
easily just throw some extra batteries in my seat bag.

> I've got one of the less exciting super-duper LED lights (Terrralux
> lower-end conversion for a 2AA minimag I already owned) and it's very
> effective for being seen (by oncoming cars - I use it when walking along
> the road at night - there's no sidewalk here), and pretty darn good for
> seeing, though I'd suggest getting one of the better/brighter units (as
> others have suggested) for that purpose on a bike. Goes a very long time
> on a set of AA rechargables (I have yet to run it all the way out before
> I decide to recharge for the sake of the batteries). Changed a dim
> battery-eater into a useful light.
>
> Be careful about aiming the bright LED lights - they are painfully
> bright to look at and can blind/dazzle the same as a car high-beam if
> aimed too high. That can help get you IN an accident.

Believe me I'm well aware of that... I'm running E-code halogens on my
car as well, just my way of trying to set a good example...

> Riding at night can be a hairy proposition - but that's regardless of
> how much or how little you've spent on lights, and daytime does not
> remove the hairiness in many places. Every route out of town here
> involves long stretches of too many cars and not enough space for bikes
> (one even has a goodly stretch of concrete retaining wall on the inside
> of a corner - no place to go AND no visibility) - I'm surprised there
> are not more accidents. Once out of town the bike-lane program on the
> highway bills has had a noticeable positive effect on room for bikes -
> getting there is not half the fun, however. At present, I try to stick
> to riding during daylight.

I hear you there. From a driver's perspective, I absolutely *hate*
those bikers that you don't see until "almost too late." So I am indeed
planning lots of reflective tape, etc. should my rims not appear shiny
enough in the headlight test (probably not, I'm guessing.)

I think I'm back where I started, though - your ideas for homebrew look
good, but I've got so many other projects (old car, old house, ugly
yard, etc.) that I was really hoping for something involving minimal
fitting. Looks like this is would actually work with my handlebars and
appears to be fairly bright:

http://www.bikemannetwork.com/biking/p/LT1042

found it here:

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=176131

where it seems to be pretty good in the "bang for the buck" department.
I think it was the very first light I found when looking for a light
with a handlebar mount that would work on my bike, and it actually looks
like a very viable option. It ain't the size of my pinkie but it might
get the job done. I am still considering the LED flashlight options
too, for the multifunctional goodness.

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

[helen.oster@adoramacamera.com]

On Apr 27, 4:18*am, Ecnerwal <LawrenceSM...@SOuthernVERmont.NyET>
wrote:
> In article <fv0fla0...@news2.newsguy.com>,
> *Nate Nagel <njna...@roosters.net> wrote:
>
> > Telling everyone that wants to ride at night that they need to spend
> > $180 on a headlight is fine, I guess, if you want to encourage people
> > not to ride...
>
> Well, you know, there those who encourage riding, and those who
> encourage spending lots of money at the LBS, with riding being quite
> optional, so long as the money gets spent - and not at any of your
> hardware stores or evil on-line places.
>
> Put on a tail-light and some side markers as well, preferably. You can
> get the standard 3 red LED tail unit for $2.95 + shipping fromwww.sciplus.com(just a happy customer). They also have a bigger one
> (with 6 times the LEDs) for $8.50. At least you'll know how much your
> LBS is extorting (above the commodity price) for this sort of thing if
> you shop there.
>
> If you're handy with a soldering iron, you can cobble tail and marker
> lights up yourself, though you would have a difficult time breaking even
> for the above price on a tail light with a nice lens and mount.
>
> Don't bother with their 9 white LED "bike & head lamp", other than as a
> possible side marker light, with a little yellow on the lens. Beats no
> light at all (I got one for the headlamp function), but is shamed by the
> low-end single emitter light mentioned below (which I got later on).
>
> If you'll be riding a lot, a NiMH rapid charger and a pile of NiMH AA's
> will cost a lot less than disposables. If you don't use them much,
> disposables are cheaper. Best price I those I found last year was for a
> 20-pack atAdoramacamera (also just a happy customer, and a very price
> sensitive one for "commodity" items like this). Some other place may
> well have them cheaper this week. Avoid coin-cell lights for regular use
> - coin cells are expensive unless you buy thousands at a time.
>
> I've got one of the less exciting super-duper LED lights (Terrralux
> lower-end conversion for a 2AA minimag I already owned) and it's very
> effective for being seen (by oncoming cars - I use it when walking along
> the road at night - there's no sidewalk here), and pretty darn good for
> seeing, though I'd suggest getting one of the better/brighter units (as
> others have suggested) for that purpose on a bike. Goes a very long time
> on a set of AA rechargables (I have yet to run it all the way out before
> I decide to recharge for the sake of the batteries). Changed a dim
> battery-eater into a useful light.
>
> Be careful about aiming the bright LED lights - they are painfully
> bright to look at and can blind/dazzle the same as a car high-beam if
> aimed too high. That can help get you IN an accident.
>
> Riding at night can be a hairy proposition - but that's regardless of
> how much or how little you've spent on lights, and daytime does not
> remove the hairiness in many places. Every route out of town here
> involves long stretches of too many cars and not enough space for bikes
> (one even has a goodly stretch of concrete retaining wall on the inside
> of a corner - no place to go AND no visibility) - I'm surprised there
> are not more accidents. Once out of town the bike-lane program on the
> highway bills has had a noticeable positive effect on room for bikes -
> getting there is not half the fun, however. At present, I try to stick
> to riding during daylight.
>
> When I lived in a somewhat more developed area, I rode at night on the
> sidewalks, and got off and walked across the intersections. Faster than
> walking the whole way, and safer than sharing the road with obliviots
> who would run you over with or without lights. On the rare occasion I
> encountered a pedestrian, I'd pop out into the road (for the space
> between driveways needed to bypass the pedestrian) if there were no
> cars, or dismount and walk by if there were, so as not to be an obliviot
> on a bike hogging the sidewalk.
>
> --
> Cats, coffee, chocolate...vices to live by

Lawrence

Thanks for the recommendation - at Adorama, we always appreciate when
happy customers tell others about our competitive prices!

Best

Helen Oster
Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador

[Michael Press]

In article <n7udneNBN9I0RI7VnZ2dnUVZ_gydnZ2d@comcast.com>,
"Jay" <jbollyn@gmail.com> wrote:

> "Chalo" <chalo.colina@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1f2894eb-c1fb-470c-981b-3bf058b7ef53@f63g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...
> >
> > Funny that so many of us have ridden so long and so far with nothing
> > more than the most rudimentary, cheap lighting-- or even just
> > reflectors and no actual lights at all.
> >
> > I have figured out a whole bunch of ways to get hurt on my bike, but
> > using inadequate illumination has not been one of them so far. Good
> > (or good and expensive) lighting is something I'd put in the "nice to
> > have" category.
> >
> > Anyway, a $30 Task Force light or a $20 Hong Kong LED light is a way
> > more serious piece of bike lighting equipment than you used to be able
> > to buy for less than $100.
> >
> > Chalo
> >
> >
> Here's an idea! Don't use a headlight at all. Keep that $20 in your pocket.
>
> Just say a prayer before you ride. And tape a plastic Jesus to your
> handlebars.

I don't care if it rains or freezes,

--
Michael Press

[Chalo]

Jay wrote:
>
> Here's an idea! Don't use a headlight at all. Keep that $20 in your pocket.

As a youth, I did just that for many years. I even expunged all the
reflective surfaces from myself and my bike. And then I rode like I
was invisible, taking to the sidewalks, parking lots, and back alleys
of the city. I ventured out into the lane only when I could have it
to myself.

The same driver behavior that must be regarded as callous or
aggressive by day can be fully excused at night if one is blacked
out.

Motorcycle riding made me more vehicular in my habits, so I restored
lights and reflectors to my pushbikes. Over time I have become less
nimble and more sedate in my riding, which also suggests good lighting
and a predictable, vehicular approach. Courtesy to motorists is a
wholesome side effect-- but since motorists are intrinsically the most
uncivil class of folk, none of us owe them anything.

> Just say a prayer before you ride. And tape a plastic Jesus to your
> handlebars.

I would have considered a plastic Jesus too conspicuously shiny,
possibly alerting pious yet murderous drivers to my presence.

Chalo

[landotter]

On Apr 26, 8:40 pm, "Jay" <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
> "Chalo" <chalo.col...@gmail.com> wrote in message
>
> news:1f2894eb-c1fb-470c-981b-3bf058b7ef53@f63g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...
>
>
>
> > Funny that so many of us have ridden so long and so far with nothing
> > more than the most rudimentary, cheap lighting-- or even just
> > reflectors and no actual lights at all.
>
> > I have figured out a whole bunch of ways to get hurt on my bike, but
> > using inadequate illumination has not been one of them so far. Good
> > (or good and expensive) lighting is something I'd put in the "nice to
> > have" category.
>
> > Anyway, a $30 Task Force light or a $20 Hong Kong LED light is a way
> > more serious piece of bike lighting equipment than you used to be able
> > to buy for less than $100.
>
> > Chalo
>
> Here's an idea! Don't use a headlight at all. Keep that $20 in your pocket.
>
> Just say a prayer before you ride. And tape a plastic Jesus to your
> handlebars.

"Jesus shines with divine glory in this glow-in-the-dark offering. A
devout reminder that He is an everlasting light in the darkness."

http://www.busynestonline.com/product.asp?dept_id=5037&pfid=33202

[Ecnerwal]

In article <fv0m4d0a9n@news2.newsguy.com>,
Nate Nagel <njnagel@roosters.net> wrote:

> http://www.bikemannetwork.com/biking/p/LT1042

90 LUX, but not specifying what area is being lit. Perhaps 90 lumens,
perhaps more, perhaps less.

Considering you can get (no kludging required) a handlebar mount for $15
and a 2AA 180 lumen light that fits it for $60 from
http://www.pts-flashlights.com (not even a customer, but they have been
mentioned by several places as a source of good, really bright, lights)
I'd be guessing you'd do better there, for the same money. I'm somewhat
in the "happy with my cheesy minimag upgrade, can't justify spending $60
for a better light right now" state WRT becoming a customer.

Fenix L2D Q5 Cree LED Flashlight

Fenix Bike Flashlight Mount

--
Cats, coffee, chocolate...vices to live by

[Nate Nagel]

Ecnerwal wrote:
> In article <fv0m4d0a9n@news2.newsguy.com>,
> Nate Nagel <njnagel@roosters.net> wrote:
>
>
>>http://www.bikemannetwork.com/biking/p/LT1042
>
>
> 90 LUX, but not specifying what area is being lit. Perhaps 90 lumens,
> perhaps more, perhaps less.
>
> Considering you can get (no kludging required) a handlebar mount for $15
> and a 2AA 180 lumen light that fits it for $60 from
> http://www.pts-flashlights.com (not even a customer, but they have been
> mentioned by several places as a source of good, really bright, lights)
> I'd be guessing you'd do better there, for the same money. I'm somewhat
> in the "happy with my cheesy minimag upgrade, can't justify spending $60
> for a better light right now" state WRT becoming a customer.
>
> Fenix L2D Q5 Cree LED Flashlight
>
> Fenix Bike Flashlight Mount
>

I dont think that mount would work for me; I couldn't mount it on my
bars as it would interfere with the cables coming out of the cross brake
levers. It doesn't appear that it would mount on the stem either as
then I couldn't adjust the angle up/down... however the twofish thingy
would work I think. or maybe this guy:

http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1593

I could turn it around "backwards" so that the thumbscrew would be on
the rear of the bars and then it would be OK. Although I'm guessing
that the 2AA Fenix flashlight is about the size of a mini mag so I'd
probably want to use the smaller twofish product if I went down that road?

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

[Ecnerwal]

In article <fv0q350i4j@news2.newsguy.com>,
Nate Nagel <njnagel@roosters.net> wrote:

> I could turn it around "backwards" so that the thumbscrew would be on
> the rear of the bars and then it would be OK. Although I'm guessing
> that the 2AA Fenix flashlight is about the size of a mini mag so I'd
> probably want to use the smaller twofish product if I went down that road?

The barrel should be almost exactly the same diameter as a 2AA minimag,
since the battery inside in the same.

--
Cats, coffee, chocolate...vices to live by

[mtb Dad]

On Apr 26, 8:29*pm, m...@privacy.net wrote:
> Nate Nagel <njna...@roosters.net> wrote:
> >Probably at least an hour, maybe more.
>
> A bit OT but I like Kent Peterson's idea of using
> cheap, small helmet mounted lights as well
>
> see link
>
> http://kentsbike.blogspot.com/2008/03/lightweight-helmet-with-lights....

I have the minewt, and like it very much. The main benefits, besides
good light, are that it moves easily from bike to bike. No mounting
bracket required. The rubber band that holds the light on the bars
has been reliable and firm, easy to set the aim, but quick to undo
when parking where an expensive light might be a temptation to some.
Also the velcro strap on the battery is equally quick, for the same
purposes. The battery mount works over or under the stem without
marring the finish, and also on the front of the head tube, tho' that
might not work on cantilevers with a cable. Should work behind the
head tube tho.

I use it on four different bikes (road bike, fender road bike,
commuter/cross bike, and a flat-bar errand bike.) I ease my budget
concerns by convincing myself that I can easily loan it to another
family member if they need a super light. They haven't used it yet
though. ;)

For budget, others in my riding group like this one, but admit it's
not as powerful.
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444262 1577&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302692895&bmUID=1209315473449

The biggest risks for me are oncoming cars turning in front, and
walkers at night on bike paths with no lights or reflectors. This
light gives me lots of warning in both cases. I've even had motorists
compliment me on the light "I thought you were a motorcycle or
scooter."

Good luck

PS I don't have a computer because I don't like the bad news. Not a
good reason, but...;)

[Nate Nagel]

Michael Press wrote:
> In article <n7udneNBN9I0RI7VnZ2dnUVZ_gydnZ2d@comcast.com>,
> "Jay" <jbollyn@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>>"Chalo" <chalo.colina@gmail.com> wrote in message
>>news:1f2894eb-c1fb-470c-981b-3bf058b7ef53@f63g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...
>>
>>>Funny that so many of us have ridden so long and so far with nothing
>>>more than the most rudimentary, cheap lighting-- or even just
>>>reflectors and no actual lights at all.
>>>
>>>I have figured out a whole bunch of ways to get hurt on my bike, but
>>>using inadequate illumination has not been one of them so far. Good
>>>(or good and expensive) lighting is something I'd put in the "nice to
>>>have" category.
>>>
>>>Anyway, a $30 Task Force light or a $20 Hong Kong LED light is a way
>>>more serious piece of bike lighting equipment than you used to be able
>>>to buy for less than $100.
>>>
>>>Chalo
>>>
>>>
>>
>>Here's an idea! Don't use a headlight at all. Keep that $20 in your pocket.
>>
>>Just say a prayer before you ride. And tape a plastic Jesus to your
>>handlebars.
>
>
> I don't care if it rains or freezes,
>

damn you.

nate

(I'll be humming that all day now...)

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

[Jay]

"Nate Nagel" <njnagel@roosters.net> wrote in message
news:fv1o1v01f94@news2.newsguy.com...
>>
>>
>> I don't care if it rains or freezes,
>>
>
> damn you.
>
> nate
>
> (I'll be humming that all day now...)
>
> --
> replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
> http://members.cox.net/njnagel
>
>
LOL - J.

[Me]

Chalo wrote:
> Jay wrote:
>> Here's an idea! Don't use a headlight at all. Keep that $20 in your pocket.
>
> As a youth, I did just that for many years. I even expunged all the
> reflective surfaces from myself and my bike. And then I rode like I
> was invisible, taking to the sidewalks, parking lots, and back alleys
> of the city. I ventured out into the lane only when I could have it
> to myself.
>
> The same driver behavior that must be regarded as callous or
> aggressive by day can be fully excused at night if one is blacked
> out.
>
> Motorcycle riding made me more vehicular in my habits, so I restored
> lights and reflectors to my pushbikes. Over time I have become less
> nimble and more sedate in my riding, which also suggests good lighting
> and a predictable, vehicular approach. Courtesy to motorists is a
> wholesome side effect-- but since motorists are intrinsically the most
> uncivil class of folk, none of us owe them anything.
>
>> Just say a prayer before you ride. And tape a plastic Jesus to your
>> handlebars.
>
> I would have considered a plastic Jesus too conspicuously shiny,
> possibly alerting pious yet murderous drivers to my presence.
>
> Chalo

I like how that rolls off the tongue, "Pious, yet murderous"! Great
thought for the day as I watch 'em roar off in their SUVs to the various
houses of worship today to throw some loose change in the bucket and get
their dose of fantasy. Me, I'll be on my bike, experiencing the wind.

Cal

[Jay]

"Chalo" <chalo.colina@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:fe062667-4a87-4db7-937a-f25b017762f0@w74g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...
> Jay wrote:
>>
>> Here's an idea! Don't use a headlight at all. Keep that $20 in your
>> pocket.
>
> As a youth, I did just that for many years. I even expunged all the
> reflective surfaces from myself and my bike. And then I rode like I
> was invisible, taking to the sidewalks, parking lots, and back alleys
> of the city. I ventured out into the lane only when I could have it
> to myself.
>
>
The *Stealth*Biker* - wear all black, no lights, no reflectors, on a seek
and destroy mission in the back alleys of whatever big city...
>
> I would have considered a plastic Jesus too conspicuously shiny,
>
> Chalo
>
> I might buy a plastic Jesus for my handlebars. Just to see the response.
> *That* would be a hoot.

J.

[Jay]

"landotter" <landotter@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:7ced021a-5832-4628-ab28-26cf471182b4@26g2000hsk.googlegroups.com...
>
> "Jesus shines with divine glory in this glow-in-the-dark offering. A
> devout reminder that He is an everlasting light in the darkness."
>
> http://www.busynestonline.com/product.asp?dept_id=5037&pfid=33202
>
>
'Glow in the Dark Jesus' - only $13 USD!

Thanks, LO!

I am going to buy one, and there WILL be pics on my website!

LOL - J.

[Nate Nagel]

Tom Sherman wrote:
> Tim McNamara wrote:
>
>> [...]
>> No accessory that you can install on your bike will slow it down as
>> much as a computer.
>
>
> butbutbut, adding a second wheel magnet will double your speed for the
> same effort.
>

HA! that's awesome. I probably have a spare magnet on a stick that
could donate its end for the cause. Take my digicam with me for a ride
and get some pics - look at me I am teh awesome! 50 MPH on street
shoes, suck it biotches!!!11!!11eleventy!

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

[Tom Sherman]

TBerk wrote:
>
May we have some context here?

> Jay, I'm rather new here but why do I get the distinct feeling you
> piss people off on a regular basis?
>
Only the over-sensitive.

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
The weather is here, wish you were beautiful

[Jay]

"TBerk" <bayareaberk@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:4710d07b-f6e6-4102-8045-5c8e987f4fb4@j33g2000pri.googlegroups.com...
>
>
> Jay, I'm rather new here but why do I get the distinct feeling you
> piss people off on a regular basis?
>
>
> TBerk
>
If day kant stan' da f***** heat get da f*** outta f***** Usenet!?! Was any
part of dat unkleer? What parta dat did youse fail 2 unerstan'?!

I write edgy comedy for my comedian friends. They pass my jokes off as their
own personal thoughts. I could not POSSIBLY care less if anyone believes
this. I am paid too well to care. Part of the deal is: I keep my big mouth
SHUT, which is difficult for me.

So I do not disclose my standup clients. Otherwise, they would be FORMER
clients.

J.

[Nate Nagel]

mtb Dad wrote:
> On Apr 26, 8:29 pm, m...@privacy.net wrote:
>
>>Nate Nagel <njna...@roosters.net> wrote:
>>
>>>Probably at least an hour, maybe more.
>>
>>A bit OT but I like Kent Peterson's idea of using
>>cheap, small helmet mounted lights as well
>>
>>see link
>>
>>http://kentsbike.blogspot.com/2008/03/lightweight-helmet-with-lights....
>
>
> I have the minewt, and like it very much. The main benefits, besides
> good light, are that it moves easily from bike to bike. No mounting
> bracket required. The rubber band that holds the light on the bars
> has been reliable and firm, easy to set the aim, but quick to undo
> when parking where an expensive light might be a temptation to some.
> Also the velcro strap on the battery is equally quick, for the same
> purposes. The battery mount works over or under the stem without
> marring the finish, and also on the front of the head tube, tho' that
> might not work on cantilevers with a cable. Should work behind the
> head tube tho.
>
> I use it on four different bikes (road bike, fender road bike,
> commuter/cross bike, and a flat-bar errand bike.) I ease my budget
> concerns by convincing myself that I can easily loan it to another
> family member if they need a super light. They haven't used it yet
> though. ;)
>
> For budget, others in my riding group like this one, but admit it's
> not as powerful.
> http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444262 1577&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302692895&bmUID=1209315473449
>
> The biggest risks for me are oncoming cars turning in front, and
> walkers at night on bike paths with no lights or reflectors. This
> light gives me lots of warning in both cases. I've even had motorists
> compliment me on the light "I thought you were a motorcycle or
> scooter."
>
> Good luck
>
> PS I don't have a computer because I don't like the bad news. Not a
> good reason, but...;)

Grr. that light you posted a link to looks very similar to the one I
already have, which *doesn't work* on my bike because the attachment
hardware to the handlebars is on the front of the bars, not the rear. I
have almost no room between the front of the bar and the brake cable...

I may just order that Sigma that I posted a link to and be done with it,
and a twofish block as a backup (already have a 2AA Mag-Lite)

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

[mtb Dad]

On Apr 27, 10:19*am, Nate Nagel <njna...@roosters.net> wrote:

> Grr.

?

[Jay]

"Tom Sherman" <sunsetss0003@REMOVETHISyahoo.com> wrote in message
news:fv2cqq$sb2$1@registered.motzarella.org...
> TBerk wrote:
>>
> May we have some context here?
>
>> Jay, I'm rather new here but why do I get the distinct feeling you
>> piss people off on a regular basis?
>>
> Only the over-sensitive.
>
> --
> Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
> The weather is here, wish you were beautiful
>
>
bingo!

J.

[Nate Nagel]

mtb Dad wrote:
> On Apr 27, 10:19 am, Nate Nagel <njna...@roosters.net> wrote:
>
>
>>Grr.
>
>
> ?
>

just frustration. Every single time someone has recommended a light as
"this is cheap but decent" looking at the pictures alone as confirmed
that the light in question will not fit on a cross bike with the aux.
brake levers installed.

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

[landotter]

On Apr 27, 12:52 pm, Nate Nagel <njna...@roosters.net> wrote:
> mtb Dad wrote:
> > On Apr 27, 10:19 am, Nate Nagel <njna...@roosters.net> wrote:
>
> >>Grr.
>
> > ?
>
> just frustration. Every single time someone has recommended a light as
> "this is cheap but decent" looking at the pictures alone as confirmed
> that the light in question will not fit on a cross bike with the aux.
> brake levers installed.
>
http://www.velo-orange.com/lowdolimoty1.html

Not cheap, not expensive--but definitely elegant!

[frkrygow@gmail.com]

On Apr 27, 1:52 pm, Nate Nagel <njna...@roosters.net> wrote:
> mtb Dad wrote:
> > On Apr 27, 10:19 am, Nate Nagel <njna...@roosters.net> wrote:
>
> >>Grr.
>
> > ?
>
> just frustration. Every single time someone has recommended a light as
> "this is cheap but decent" looking at the pictures alone as confirmed
> that the light in question will not fit on a cross bike with the aux.
> brake levers installed.

Try this:

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=&subcategory=&brand=60001184&sku=12832&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Brand%3A%20Minoura

or http://tinyurl.com/3x4drz

- Frank Krygowski

[mtb Dad]

On Apr 27, 10:52*am, Nate Nagel <njna...@roosters.net> wrote:
> mtb Dad wrote:
> > On Apr 27, 10:19 am, Nate Nagel <njna...@roosters.net> wrote:
>
> >>Grr.
>
> > ?
>
> just frustration. *Every single time someone has recommended a light as
> "this is cheap but decent" looking at the pictures alone as confirmed
> that the light in question will not fit on a cross bike with the aux.
> brake levers installed.
>
> nate
>
> --
> replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.http://members.cox.net/njnagel

By the way, your original question included "or should I suck it up
and buy it? Can anyone recommend any
products in particular? ", and you didn't mention the conflict with
cross levers until your 4th or 5th post. Sorry I missed it. Maybe
just say 'thanks but', instead of growling?

[SMS]

Nate Nagel wrote:
> mtb Dad wrote:
>> On Apr 27, 10:19 am, Nate Nagel <njna...@roosters.net> wrote:
>>
>>
>>> Grr.
>>
>>
>> ?
>>
>
> just frustration. Every single time someone has recommended a light as
> "this is cheap but decent" looking at the pictures alone as confirmed
> that the light in question will not fit on a cross bike with the aux.
> brake levers installed.

Some of the flashlight mounts will let you mount the flashlight pretty
far back in the mount.

I.e. "http://www.eliteled.com/products/accessory/fenix-bfm.html" I think
you can move the flashlight very far back in the mount so it doesn't
stick out past the bars, i.e. the lens almost flush with the mount. You
just have to be sure that the mount is secure enough so it doesn't
rotate around the handlebars due to the flashlight not being balanced in
the middle.

Also remember that the light can hang below the handlebars, it doesn't
have to be above.

One bracket I made "http://nordicgroup.us/s78/images/IMG_0239.JPG" is
very narrow, and might be out of the way of the cables.

[Nate Nagel]

landotter wrote:
> On Apr 27, 12:52 pm, Nate Nagel <njna...@roosters.net> wrote:
>
>>mtb Dad wrote:
>>
>>>On Apr 27, 10:19 am, Nate Nagel <njna...@roosters.net> wrote:
>>
>>>>Grr.
>>
>>>?
>>
>>just frustration. Every single time someone has recommended a light as
>>"this is cheap but decent" looking at the pictures alone as confirmed
>>that the light in question will not fit on a cross bike with the aux.
>>brake levers installed.
>>
>
> http://www.velo-orange.com/lowdolimoty1.html
>
> Not cheap, not expensive--but definitely elegant!
>

thanks, I really like that! That might allow me to keep using the light
that I already have, which would be a big bonus. Have to look and see
how wide it is, but I think you're onto something there. Also much less
risk of blinding motorists with such a low mount.

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

[Nate Nagel]

mtb Dad wrote:
> On Apr 27, 10:52 am, Nate Nagel <njna...@roosters.net> wrote:
>
>>mtb Dad wrote:
>>
>>>On Apr 27, 10:19 am, Nate Nagel <njna...@roosters.net> wrote:
>>
>>>>Grr.
>>
>>>?
>>
>>just frustration. Every single time someone has recommended a light as
>>"this is cheap but decent" looking at the pictures alone as confirmed
>>that the light in question will not fit on a cross bike with the aux.
>>brake levers installed.
>>
>>nate
>>
>>--
>>replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.http://members.cox.net/njnagel
>
>
> By the way, your original question included "or should I suck it up
> and buy it? Can anyone recommend any
> products in particular? ", and you didn't mention the conflict with
> cross levers until your 4th or 5th post. Sorry I missed it. Maybe
> just say 'thanks but', instead of growling?

Wasn't aimed at you. I apologize if it came across that way.

BTW it started raining again this afternoon, and I just didn't feel like
fixing anything around the house, so I took a little drive down to
Lowe's (about a half hour each way, sadly - that's a bit of a peeve
there, I have two Orange-Colored Stores within easy biking distance, and
they both suck, but that's not really relevant to this group) and picked
up one of those 3W LED flashlights that someone mentioned. Holy crap is
that thing awesome. Even brighter than my old 3-D LED Mag-Lite, with a
more natural color to boot. Only quibble is the optics; it's got a
cheesy molded plastic lens that focuses most of the beam into a spot,
however, if you remove that the beam pattern is remarkably even and
wide. makes me wonder if I found a piece of Fresnel lens or something
if I could make it work even better. Still not sure if I want to use it
as an actual headlight or not but I appreciate the heads up on it
anyway, it's definitely a cool piece of kit esp. for only $30.

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

[frkrygow@gmail.com]

On Apr 27, 5:59 pm, DougC <dcim...@norcom2000.com> wrote:
>
>
> Now then: on the general subject of bike lights.
>
> I don't understand the reasoning for most "light freaks"; I have heard
> of people who like to ride off-road at night, or who have bad eyesight
> and for them perhaps a 10 or 15W HID makes sense--but for most people
> (especially riding on the street) it's really not necessary. And
> spending $500 for a bike and then spending $500 for a light kit is
> rather silly, IMO.

I agree. Or to put it in terms of light output instead of dollars:
It's rather silly to spend a ton of money so a 15 mph bicycle's
headlight is as bright as a 150 mph motorcycle's headlight.

I think the source of the problem is twofold. One is: we have the
usual contingent of people who think that cycling is dangerous, and
that nothing trumps the need for safety. Those folks seem to think
you can be noticed only if your headlight is the brightest light on
the entire street, and that you MUST spend enough to get that output.

A second is that when lights for night mountain biking were first put
on the market, they were crude, unfocused, and advertised based on
"WATTS!!!!" rather than any sort of efficiency. Their design worked
OK for off-roading; and many people, never having seen a really good
bike headlight, decided they were a must for road work as well.

So ever since, we've got cyclists that aren't happy unless they're
blasting mega-lumens all over the front half of the universe. And
doing that costs money.

Meanwhile, the parts of the world where people have always ridden
bikes keep doing just fine with their relatively low power (but
optically good) headlamps.

- Frank Krygowski

[me@privacy.net]

DougC <dcimper@norcom2000.com> wrote:

> I also run dual tail-lights, on blink, all the time--because if I'm
>riding alone and only have one on and it fails, I would not know until I
>got off the bike for some reason.

I REALLY like your logic on the above!! Redundancy
helps keep you safe!!

I'm glad your brought this point up as its something I
will know do as well..!!!

[Nate Nagel]

(PeteCresswell) wrote:
> Per Nate Nagel:
>
>>I might as well embrace my fredness and investigate the LED flashlight
>>options. I've seen several presented that look appealing. Apparently
>>this is a new concept only to me as I've already found three purpose
>>made mounts since I started this thread.
>
>
> You've gotta get at least one just for use as a in-car
> flashlight.

See my last post. I already bought the Lowe's flashlight, and also I've
been searching online for NiMHs (as I already have a NiMH charger for my
digicam, that accepts all sizes of cells.) Seems that "CTA" rates their
C cells at 5500mAH and their AAAs at 1200 mAH... not sure how much my
blinky draws, but a 3W LED at roughly 3V should be 1A so 10AH should be
waaaay more than enough for any ride I'd care to go on. I'll probably
order those and a twofish mount online unless someone tells me not to
for whatever reason.

The flashlight is way cool. Kicks my old 3-D LED Mag-Lite's butt in
both brightness and beam pattern. I think I may have found a new
favorite lighting toy (although the relay-fed Cibie E-codes on my old
car are pretty cool, too) The fit and finish of the Mag-Lite is still
superior, but hey, it's gonna get smacked around... I'll put some
Sil-Glyde on all the O-rings and strap it on soon as I get all the
pieces together. Even if I do decide to go with something sexier it's a
neat piece.

Of course I've already taken it apart; one thing I might want to do is
glue a piece of old rubber glove inside the end cap where the switch is
housed. It looks to be pretty well sealed up other than that. I think
I'll also try to put some kind of sleeve (TP roll slit longitudinally?)
inside the battery tube as it's a little larger than it needs to be and
the batteries rattle around a bit.

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

[SMS]

Nate Nagel wrote:

> Of course I've already taken it apart; one thing I might want to do is
> glue a piece of old rubber glove inside the end cap where the switch is
> housed. It looks to be pretty well sealed up other than that. I think
> I'll also try to put some kind of sleeve (TP roll slit longitudinally?)
> inside the battery tube as it's a little larger than it needs to be and
> the batteries rattle around a bit.

Just a sheet of paper rolled up around the batteries stops the rattling.
Unfortunately (or fortunately) they made the barrel large enough
diameter to accept the outer limit of diameter of C cells, so you get
the rattling with most cells.

[SMS]

Nate Nagel wrote:

> See my last post. I already bought the Lowe's flashlight, and also I've
> been searching online for NiMHs (as I already have a NiMH charger for my
> digicam, that accepts all sizes of cells.) Seems that "CTA" rates their
> C cells at 5500mAH and their AAAs at 1200 mAH... not sure how much my
> blinky draws, but a 3W LED at roughly 3V should be 1A so 10AH should be
> waaaay more than enough for any ride I'd care to go on. I'll probably
> order those and a twofish mount online unless someone tells me not to
> for whatever reason.

<snip>

At lunch I was volunteering and another guy noticed that I had ridden my
bicycle and he saw my lights we got into a good discussion of cycling,
lighting, frames, etc. By the time we were done, he was headed off to
Lowe's to buy "the flashlight" and some conduit clamps to mount it to
his bicycle in time for a night ride tonight.

Maybe it's the great weather, maybe it's the $4 gasoline, but all of a
sudden I see a big increase in cycling around my area (Silicon Valley).
There also seems to be a sudden increase in the availability of more
utilitarian bicycles, i.e. the Schwinn Coffee, that Performance can't
keep in stock
"http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=25077&estore_ID=1366".
I even saw a Biria today, something I've never seen outside a bicycle
show.

I think the U.S. bicycle companies may be scared to offer something like
the Schwinn Coffee (a $200 utility bicycle) worrying that it'll
cannibalize high end sales, when in reality it would probably drive high
end sales, and drive high-margin accessory sales. Pacific Cycle may be
on to something with a retro-bike with fenders and chainguard for $200.

[(PeteCresswell)]

Per frkrygow@gmail.com:
>I think the source of the problem is twofold. One is: we have the
>usual contingent of people who think that cycling is dangerous, and
>that nothing trumps the need for saf