Cheap lights for nightriding

I've been wanting to try night riding for while but the high cost of lights has delayed me giving it a go.

I stumbled across a thread on another forum (now I can't find the link, will try and post it later) about cheap led lights. Various ppl were raving about Fenix L2D Q5 torches. They are small light and take cheap AA rechargeables. I've just bought a couple of those and bar mounts for £89 delivered.

I haven't been out yet but the back garden test says they look good.

I'm up for a bit of night riding now! (slowly at first

Si

your a brave boy.

I shoped around and got one of these http://www.bikelights.com/Products/Solo.htm from wiggle for £91, couldn't stretch to the higher spec models but still a very bright light!!!

I can do Tuesday nights if your up for it Si, I finish work at 5pm so can go straight from work

I thought I'd give this thread a bump!

This is what I use -

http://www.thephotonshop.co.uk/page23.htm

~Si

Being a cheepskate (just look at my bike ) I've been looking at attempting to sling something together myself.

There's a seller on Ebay who makes housings for MR16 12V lamps, that are waterproof, and have a quick release clip for your handlebar. (from approx £20)

The good thing about MR16's, is that they come in various wattages, and angles, and even LED versions (all very cheap), so you can choose the lamp which suits your demand, and battery the best.

I'm currently toying with the idea of buying 2, and using one as a spot, and one as a flood, and hooking them upto a 14V Makita power tool battery. Can overdrive the bulb by a little that way for a bit more level, at the expense of a little bit of lamp life.

I probably sound a little mental now...

Steve

steve your not mental m8 im thiking of doing the same

hep peeps im still selling my light and motion solo logic li-ion front light , 390 lumens , £85 if anyone interested give me bell on 07784011690

chambo wrote:hep peeps im still selling my light and motion solo logic li-ion front light , 390 lumens , £85 if anyone interested give me bell on 07784011690

You got Private Mail!

Steve

Check out this thread.

http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/read.php?f=2&i=3719946&t=3719879#reply_3719946

They are called 'HOMEBREW' kits....everyone is making them !

False economy if you ask me.

I'd be inclined to agree with Nath.

The expensive bits of lights are the batteries and the housing. Lithium Ion is well expensive. I don't think I'd be able to make a realiable lighting system for the money I spent on two AA torches. I don't have leads and stuff to worry about...


If you are determined you can have a look at http://www.stirlingbikeclub.org.uk/club/members/allyg/index.shtml

This chap spent £116 on bits. I spent £90 and I've got no trailing wires...

Si

Bump!

Hi,

Pete and I (and hopefully some others...) are doing an adventure race in April which includes a mtb time trial at night. As we have never rode offroad at night before and may not do so again, we don't have any lights and can't possibly spend the amount of money on them that seems necessary to get some decent lights. Guy in Phil Corleys pulled a very strange face when I asked if a £50 one would do! We're only racing for fun, not planning to win or anything and you know how slowly I go! So, if we were to get one of those lights you've given the link to from the Photon shop each and use a Petzl Tikka/Tikka Plus head torch as well, do you think we'd survive the race? Or do you have any other suggestions as to how we can survive on a very low light budget? If we get them, do we need to obtain some form of handle bar mount as well or will gaffa tape do the trick?

Thanks,
Alice

One fenix torch is enough for a casual ride 2-3hr ride but more light = more confidence and speed... , if you need longer duration, you need more batteries.

These guys used to rent lights out by the day, may be worth a call ... Lumicycle

If I remember right, for about £40 for the weekend.

Pete