Lights

I've got this exact one, after waiting a month for it to arrive I was astounded by how powerful it was, went of for a ride and cars were flashing me with it on full power. The battery screen is a great feature as well, you won't be disappointed

Brilliant cheers.

I went for this particular version of the magiclight jobbies, as it seemed to be the newest version. The battery and lead looked a bit more sturdy then the older version too.

Likewise, I've got no complains other than it took so long to arrive but if you can wait its well worth it.

Have you got a link to those DealExtreme lights?

I have the slightly older version of the battery, the leads look identical and no problems
during rain or snow.

kowarler: http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.44459

Nice one - thanks. Ordered one, only have to wait a month!

I could take a month, it could take 3 days... DX's postage is spasmodic to say the least

I've had a few near misses where cars haven't seen me recently, that light looks pretty awesome for the money. I don't want to bind everyone else on the road though, is this light almost too bright for London roads?

Would be fine in the low setting (it has high, low, flashing), I use the low setting in built up areas i.e. lots of cars and is certainly going to get you noticed but shouldn't blind too many motorists

The cable between the battery pack and front light has been stolen/removed from my bike. Anyone have any ideas of where I may get a replacement? (It had a male connector on both ends)

Which light?

Its about 4 or 5 years old made by Smart

http://www.smart-bike.com/service.htm

ask them. If not try some model shops, you may be able to get the right connectors and wiring to make your own.

thanks andy, model shops is a good idea I will try that first

To answer my own question, after a few weeks of use I am content with these lights. Bright enough for London roads and the USB recharging comes in very handy as can just charge them at work.

Anyone tried the Topeak USB rechargeable lights? http://www.topeak.com/products/Lights/highlite_combo_usb_wtrd

Couldn't find any comments about them on the forum.

I've had a few near misses where cars haven't seen me recently, that light looks pretty awesome for the money. I don't want to bind everyone else on the road though, is this light almost too bright for London roads?

Its not as bright as some twats SUV highbeams they think are appropriate
to use while driving through soho.

Quite tempted buy the bargainousness of these, but decided I don't actually need one. Reckon I'll go for 5w cree torch/light off the ebay.

Electron 16 LED was £119.99 - Now £49.99

http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/LIEL16LEDFR/electron-16-led-light-system

^Shit, the mounts are made from cheese and the connectors fall apart.

I know several unhappy owners.

3 days of London fog is proving to be an interesting test of lighting set-ups and lighting strength.

If I'm reading that right. For those who care about their wallets as much as their lumens, the Trail tech wins it. Interesting that a somewhat old tech halogen system comes out on top. I'm in the process of ditching my halogen gear, as I've long past the maximum I'd like to have paid in maintainance.

My biggest worry going over to powerful LED, is the nature of the light. I read somewhere that the warmer light from halogen sources, as opposed to the blueish LED light, is better for the human eye to use. No big deal on dark roads, but on the trail, and in extreme winter conditions. Making the right decision about the surface ahead is pretty vital.

I have some 'warm glow' LEDs in the house which look the same as the halogens they replaced, though. So maybe this is the usual internet BS.

Anyway a true light test would include:

A) How often you need to readjust the light unit because of slippage
B) How often is your light turned off by pixies (keeps happening to me, bastard pixies)
C) How easy is it to connect battery leads without crushing them
D) Are the leads made out of brittle shite.
E) Do the switch cope with repeated use, so you dont end of with a expensive, fully functional light, that you just cant turn on (have this as well, probs also pixies, feckers!)

They are fecking huge, that chart also came of their website.

that is true and seems to be down to a loose "bulb" assembly instalment. remedied by tightening. the 6mm of alloy rod cut off, that i inserted was supposed to ridden me of the slight noise the light made when used with the AAA battery cage. it is shorter than these 18650 type bats and the springs don't be too tight against it.

maybe not as perfect as a hope vision one.

Definitley not. I sent mine back as it, too didn't work out of the box. It came back worked for about a week and is now back to it's tempramental ways. Until this is fixed I'd swerve it.

I really should invest in some better lights, all I've got are some cheap and cheeful Cats Eye things...do the job but aren't brilliant. Great thread.

Just in the process of ordering one of these magicshine rear lights from dealextreme to complement the front, with a splitter cable to run both off a single battery pack. Only worry is that it might be too bright...(£37 shipped, but can be bought from MagicshineUK for £45 (+£7 p&p) to get it quicker.)

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.42077

Also - last time I ordered from DX i chucked a few of these in my basket as they clip easily onto bags, straps, clothes etc and are a bargain at 2.99USD shipped. Got round to sticking some batteries in them the other day, they are clearly brighter then my existing cateye dl1100, going to get a couple more for my kids

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.16895