Front bike light suggestions - small in size but not lumens!

[Alex321]

I don't know why you specify 500 lumens, that's a lack of knowledge on my part. For a light that will give you good illumination on unlit roads and, in flash mode, make you very visible in an urban environment I would recommend Exposure Trace. Only 125 lumens though.

https://www.exposurelights.com/products/trace-mk3-daybright-gun-metal-black

125 kumens is not going to be anywhere near enough for riding unlit lanes at more than about 8-10 mph. Even at that speed, I would be dubious about potholes. Main A roads, with white lines along the edge of the road, you might be OK.

If you are wanting to ride on the minor roads at 15-20mph, then anything less than 450-500 lumens just isn't going to be enough.

 

[Time Waster]

In that case, the dimensions you gave for the bag must be wrong are wrong.

I just measured my PR1600, rather than taking the dimensions from their official spec as I did yesterday, and it is 100x47x265 (10cm x 4.7 x 2.6), which should easily fit in a 13x9.5cm bag, even if it is triangular.


I usually use mine on the dipped setting except on the roads which I know have potholes, or minor roads which I don't know well.

Well I'm sure you have taken into account that the triangle has a point and the light does not. Then take into account the bag is constrained by the frame of which one side is curved inwards and the fact you have to get the light into a small opening from the side. I reckon you will soon find that it does not fit in when you take into account real use situation. You see I tried to fit it in by actually trying it in situ. It was a long way off irl vs theoretical from measurements.

 

[Alex321]

Well I'm sure you have taken into account that the triangle has a point and the light does not. Then take into account the bag is constrained by the frame of which one side is curved inwards and the fact you have to get the light into a small opening from the side. I reckon you will soon find that it does not fit in when you take into account real use situation. You see I tried to fit it in by actually trying it in situ. It was a long way off irl vs theoretical from measurements.

Yes, it looks like that. I did also wonder afterwards if the internal dimensions might be smaller because of over-large seams.

I wasn't doubting that it didn't fit (you had obviously tried it), just doubting the actual dimensions of the bag.

 

[Time Waster]

Dimensions are about right. Rockbros one not the one by the other company london something works which seems to have a longer point. It can not be much bigger as the brompton triangle is kind of fixed by a jig during manufacture I guess.

I never go off dimensions for fit of contents ever since my tent purchasing days. OK the internal is 220cm length so why is it too small for my 196cm frame?? Why slope of the foot end means you lose at least 20cm and quite possible 40cm. I am used to trying to fit long things into short spaces, even my kingsize bed is not 6'6" in actual use, who jams their head against the headboard to achieve this length??? Trust me I am used to fitting longer things into spaces not suited for them!!

 

[Gwylan]

I am wondering if there is a small in size but high enough in lumens front light, say about 500 lumens. It is for commuting on a brompton but when not used I want to fit it inside a tiny frame bag that goes into the triangle. This is about 9.5cm x about 13cm and 5 cm deep triangular bag.

I will probably leave the rear laserlight on the bike but if possible might try to fit both lights in there. Or might look for a 100 ish lumens rear light that is smaller to fit in as well.

Basically I want to carry them as an emergency light but might just end up using them all the time and store the lights in there when folded and locked up at work. So am looking for ideas. I am not up on lights. Assume cateye are alright still??

PS don't go to the "carry it with you" place as that is not possible for all cases and it is not in mine. I have to lock it in a secure place outside for some very obvious reasons if you worked where I do.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/39446824...dTVsK_rRQC&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

Try this. Lasts about 3 hours, charges overnight - never checked it. You can carry a second battery
Don't look at it when it's switched on!
Has 3 modes, 50%, 100% and flashing. Can alter the size of the illuminated area.
Doesn't break your heart when it gets list or nicked

 

[fossyant]

If you have a size issue, many of the lights that run off a 18650 battery or the bigger version may be too long. Lezyne do a number of fairly bright compact lights (i.e. not long).

 

[gcogger]

Another option for compact but bright lights is the Moon Rigel range. My Rigel Max, for example, is 90x47x31, and that goes up to 1500 lumens - I imagine the lower power versions are smaller.
They do some beam shaping (to try to avoid dazzling people), but not as well as the Ravemen or (especially) the RockBros lights mentioned above.