Bike lights

[STEPHAN DAVIS]

Anyone got any advice on bike lights? I'm looking for the best front bike light for my rural commute home. Looking to spend £50-£100.

 

[musa]

I've been looking at the hope 1 visions 60-80 quid at the monrnt

 

[Zenroad]

I love the idea of a clamp that holds a standard flashlite. Good ones, I mean. Clamp and flashlite. A flashlite that takes regular batteries that are easy to find in any store. Not specialty batteries that require a specialty store. There are some really strong and bright small flashlites out there these days. The LED ones are great.

 

[STEPHAN DAVIS]

I had been looking at at the Hope 1 Vision. Guessing that 114 reviews and a high score means they can't be all that bad? Would have preferred something with a USB charger but beggars...

 

[mrmacmusic]

I had been looking at at the Hope 1 Vision. Guessing that 114 reviews and a high score means they can't be all that bad? Would have preferred something with a USB charger but beggars...

I bought a Moon XP500 last year – it's small, well made, is bright enough for progress at >20mph on unlit backroads and cycle-paths and is USB rechargeable. I point mine down a bit (aiming a few metres in front of my front wheel), as – along with the vast majority of other front lights – there's no beam cut-off to prevent dazzling oncoming traffic.

As mentioned in another post, I'm actually considering replacing it with a Trelock LS950, not because I don't like the Moon, but because the Trelock does have beam cutoff – a bit like a car headlight – which means it puts light where you actually need it, on the road, and won't blind other road users (assuming of course you fit it to your handlebars correctly ) The Trelock is also USB rechargeable, and from what I've read, has significantly better battery life compared to the Moon.

Both the Moon and the Trelock are available within your budget, and whilst I'd wholeheartedly recommend the Moon, if your rural commute is mostly road based, the Trelock might just be the more socially acceptable solution. Hope that helps.

 

[fossyant]

The Vision 1 is very popular for serious commuters, and also double up as a good off road light (although 2 are better). I've got 2 and can't fault them. Very tough, very well made, backed up by Hope's excellent customer service. They take AA batteries too, so no long term expensive battery packs to replace. Use hybrid rechargeable AA's and you'll have a good system.

There is a new version coming out shortly that's a little brighter.

It's all about what suits you best though - so decide what you'd like - e.g. built in battery, seperate external pack (opens up the world of cheap LED lights from magicshine and others), use of readily available batteries, adapted torches etc.

 

[PpPete]

I had been looking at at the Hope 1 Vision. Guessing that 114 reviews and a high score means they can't be all that bad? Would have preferred something with a USB charger but beggars...

You can get a USB charger for the AAs if you decide on a Hope Vision 1
here for example.
You can even power that one off a hub dynamo if you have a suitable rectifier like the eWerk, the Dahon Biologic Reecharge or the Pedalpower SIC cable. Takes the best part of a day's ride to charge 4 x AAs though.

 

[STEPHAN DAVIS]

Sounds like the Hope Vision with a USB charger is the one to go for then! Thanks guys for all your help - really appreciate it!!!

 

[fossyant]

I can recommend 7dayshop's charger - they do a 808 model that comes with mains, usb and car adapters. It's less than £10, but it is a smart charger - i.e. each cell at a time. I have 2 - 1 at work, 1 at home.

Also don't forget a couple of backup flashers !!

The new Hope 1 has a battery indicator. I find level 2 enough for commuting, 3 or 4 for pitch black lanes or off road.

 

[Psyclist]

Anybody have a suggestion for a decent front light in the £40 mark?

 

[DrLex]

If you don't mind shopping at one of the German websites (rosebike, bike-discount etc), the Philips ride safe is an excellent light with shaped beam, USB charge and AA battery facility. There are some excellent reviews of it and you should find it around £80 with shipping.

 

[STEPHAN DAVIS]

All sorted and ordered 'Hope Vision 1' £65! Thank you again for the great advice!

 

[Grizzly]

I know I'm a bit late but here is a good starting point in the big light hunt, torchy.

I went for a Magicshine 808 and 818 for the front and rear, best thing I've done.