With the Dunwich Dynamo coming up in July I have been looking to improve my lighting from last year. I like the look of these lamps. The only downside is the relatively short battery life, 3 hours or so, maybe even less. I can't recall how many hours it remains dark in July but a bit longer than the advertised battery capacity. As I very rarely ride at night I don't really want to spend a fortune for kit that I may never use again. (I have decided that this year's Dun Run will be my final long ride). The torch type lights powered by AAA or AA batteries may be a better option for me. Can anyone recommend some, preferably from user experience, or is it a non starter for a long ride on unlit country roads. I was thinking a pair, one focused close and one down the road a bit.
Lights. CREE XML XM-L T6 / U2 etc Thread
- Thread starter Nigelnaturist
- Start date
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With the Dunwich Dynamo coming up in July I have been looking to improve my lighting from last year. I like the look of these lamps. The only downside is the relatively short battery life, 3 hours or so, maybe even less. I can't recall how many hours it remains dark in July but a bit longer than the advertised battery capacity. As I very rarely ride at night I don't really want to spend a fortune for kit that I may never use again. (I have decided that this year's Dun Run will be my final long ride). The torch type lights powered by AAA or AA batteries may be a better option for me. Can anyone recommend some, preferably from user experience, or is it a non starter for a long ride on unlit country roads. I was thinking a pair, one focused close and one down the road a bit.
D
Deleted member 20519
Guest
You don't need to have the light on high mode all of the time, I find medium or even low adequate for the riding I do. I also purchased two of them and I carry a spare battery in my jersey pocket.
I will take the advice. The lamps certainly seem impressive. I have just ordered one from the people you linked to. As you say, I wont need to run it on the high setting, so with my other lights I already have I should be OK. I have a long time to decide wether to get a spare battery. I suppose it could be handy when I go on an all nighter fishing!
My lamp has just arrived and it is a good looking piece of kit, externally anyway. I had to plug it into the battery and have a look and it is impressively bright even in daylight. I made the mistake of looking at the lense when it was on, not directly but not far off it. It was a good ten minutes before the black spot in my eyes disappeared. Lesson learnt!! I was surprised how small it is, but then that isn't a bad thing, especially as it will be mostly used as a fishing headlight after the Dunwich Dynamo ride. Anyway, the battery is now on charge. I will just have to have a trial run out tonight after dark. Kid and new toy comes to mind 
.My lamp has just arrived and it is a good looking piece of kit, externally anyway. Anyway, the battery is now on charge. I will just have to have a trial run out tonight after dark. Kid and new toy comes to mind
Just been out for a little jaunt and I am impressed. Even on street lamp lit streets the lamp illuminated the road well on both high and low modes and on an unlit road it was brilliant.
You could probably land a plane with those lights now
I hope not. I live on the final approach to Stansted airport, the aircraft come over so low I am getting to recognise the pilots.
I have ordered a little pannier that sits on the top tube so should make a secure "home" for the battery pack. After reading tales of doom regarding the supplied bags I have given the straps a good test pull and yank, and checked the velcro stitching and it seems very secure but better safe than sorry.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/230646394237?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649
Following the discussions re: the charger, mine is a one piece three pin job, similar to a mobile phone charger, and it is CE marked. as a point of interest as well there is a lot of discussion about batteries and people talk about 7.2v. Mine is specified, and measures, 8.4 volts. It doesn't seem that critical though as there is a wide range of voltage inputs.
Although I read the instructions the 3 or 5 mode setting instructions didn't really register until I read someone's comment on this thread. I just tried it and hey, it works, 5 modes.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/230646394237?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649
Following the discussions re: the charger, mine is a one piece three pin job, similar to a mobile phone charger, and it is CE marked. as a point of interest as well there is a lot of discussion about batteries and people talk about 7.2v. Mine is specified, and measures, 8.4 volts. It doesn't seem that critical though as there is a wide range of voltage inputs.
Although I read the instructions the 3 or 5 mode setting instructions didn't really register until I read someone's comment on this thread. I just tried it and hey, it works, 5 modes.
Tried it didn't work
Getting 5 modes. Have you tried pressing in the on-off button and holding it in until the light comes on. Takes a bit longer than 3 seconds but it worked on mine.
OP
OP
Nigelnaturist
Guru
- Location
- Pontefract
If I recall I did, but will try again.
mattobrien
Guru
- Location
- Sunny Suffolk
Just had my Cree XML T6 arrived and after a test ride last night I am very impressed with it.
I was thinking that a second battery might be useful, but a quick scan of ebay suggests that they are around £10-12. Does this sound right or has anyone managed to source one cheaper than this?
I only ended up paying £17 for the light, battery and charger, so would half be inclined to buy another light, if it is only going to cost a fiver more.
I was thinking that a second battery might be useful, but a quick scan of ebay suggests that they are around £10-12. Does this sound right or has anyone managed to source one cheaper than this?
I only ended up paying £17 for the light, battery and charger, so would half be inclined to buy another light, if it is only going to cost a fiver more.
You are right. I bought a second battery a couple of weeks ago for £9:99 from http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/360610021380?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649 It seems to be sealed better than the original as well.
david k
Hi
- Location
- North West
i use the same bar bag, very good
Lien Sdrawde
Über Member
- Location
- Mancunia (Ashton under Lyne)
Errm. Sorry to resurrect this but my cree has never had more than the three modes but just been out now and its developed more flashing modes than you can shake a stick at, though has totally lost the permanent 'on' features of super bright and 60% bright.
Any suggestions?
Any suggestions?
fossyant
Ride It Like You Stole It!
- Location
- South Manchester
Unplug it and see if that resets it
