Does anyone else use LED torches as front lights?

[Lonestar]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TrustFire...witch-Modes-/141541009345?hash=item20f48067c1

I've used these for probably 5 or more years.Don't like the newer 5 switch modes.(I have the 3 switch modes ones) though but have plenty of spares.Very good and even my back lights now use 18650 batteries.My magicshine has a battery pack that can last 10 or more commutes without changing and also a red module (from a red led torch) fitted into a Steradent tube and run by an 18650 battery.(it's hard to fit the torch thingy on the rear)It's bright with a wider beam.Batteries for front lasts a whole round commute of 18 miles and always have spare recharged at home and in my bag.

 

[Pale Rider]

I don't use LED torches as bike lights, but I do use my Lezyne rechargeable bike lights as torches.

 

[MrGrumpy]

I see those torches are not the xml T6 variant , battery life should be not too bad.

 

[Nibor]

I use a fenix LD20 top quality torch attached with a Lockblock

 

[ColinJ]

The internals are the same design as the original light so the new lights may be as sensitive to shock as the old one, but at least I know the bodge to fix the problem. (See a few posts back.)
...
The light is pretty bright! I tried shaking it while it was switched on and so far I have not been able to get it to auto-switch modes.

Closer examination reveals that the lights I am talking about are actually better designed than my old one. The old light had a battery holder which could rattle about and momentarily disconnect itself from the spring contact at one end, thus leading to random mode changes when the bike hit bumps.

The new light has a lip round the inside of the screw-on end cap. That lip keeps the battery holder in place to stop it moving when the bike is being knocked about by bumps. I have done several evening rides with the front light switched on and have ridden several very bumpy road descents at 30 mph and not got the light to malfunction - excellent!

The light is a very good 'be seen' light. I leaned the bike against a wall and walked 100 metres up the road to see what it looked like. Even on the dimmer setting, it was very eye-catching. The flashing setting even more so, but it is a bit disturbing and potentially fit-inducing so I wouldn't recommend that!

I haven't tried riding on unlit roads so I don't know how I would get on. I reckon using 2 of those lights would be bright enough to ride at a reasonable speed by if one were pointed up the road and one just in front of the bike. I'm not sure about relying on them for fast descents though ...

So, I give them the ColinJ 'seal of approval'. The rear light was pretty good too, though the battery compartment backplate was a little loose on mine. I will use a strip of gaffa tape across the plate to make sure it doesn't fall off in use.

 

[Milkfloat]

@ColinJ Which rear light did you get?

 

[ColinJ]

@ColinJ Which rear light did you get?

I bought ...

2 of THESE front lights at £3.49 each.

1 of THESE rear lights at £3.49.

And an 8 pack (2 x 4 pack) bundle of THESE NiMH rechargeable batteries to power them all, £5.78.

There was a small delivery charge on top, so less than £20 in total. Not bad!

 

[cyberknight]

On the back I have 3 of these,1 on the seat post and each pannier
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/LIPHBPDRL/phaart-bleep-dual-05-watt-led-rear-light

 

[MontyVeda]

Thanks to some of tips you guys have given me (i.e. wrapping something around the battery)... i think my torches are no longer switching themselves on & off or between modes... but i need a longer, bumpier ride to be certain. I was starting to think that i might have to buy some actual 'bike' lights for a while, so thanks chaps.

 

[MrGrumpy]

Edinburgh bikes sale is on some deals on Front lights , eg cateye volt 300 £24.99 .

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/browse/accessories?inSale=yes

 

[theloafer]

I had one which was pretty good until I broke it by dropping it onto a hard surface.

I have just ordered 2 of THESE which look like a real bargain. I'm thinking that they can be backups for each other and to point one directly in front of the bike and one up the road.

hi Colin just ordered 2 of those myself .. very similar to my old ones