Lights

Picked this up off another bike forum. Pretty cool but a bit expensive

http://lifehacker.com/5835803/revolights-smart-bicycle-wheel-lights-that-look-great

Look very similar to the Aura Lighting System.

Also, I went to a product design exhibition in Berlin this summer, and there was a bike which had LEDs set into the handlebars and seat tube. It looked pretty good, though the obvious concerns would be bartape and what happens if the circuitry fucks up. You'll need to dismantle your bike for a couple of lights.

Look very similar to the Aura Lighting System.

Also, I went to a product design exhibition in Berlin this summer, and there was a bike which had LEDs set into the handlebars and seat tube. It looked pretty good, though the obvious concerns would be bartape and what happens if the circuitry fucks up. You'll need to dismantle your bike for a couple of lights.

Again pretty cool, but i think (looking at the video's of the two lighting systems) the difference between the two is the revo system projects the lights forward and backward on onto the grounds wheras the Aura system doesn't seem to be able to be seen from the front or back, only the side.

Currently using a 3 year old ssc mte p7 torch with bike mount.Have heard good things about the new XML based torches.Anyone use one and know how they compare?

Just had my Blackburn Mars 4.0 delivered, and finally I understand BMMF's caution about its use, due to its brightness. Its scaryily bright. I'll be glad to use it in the very dark mornings, and when its snowing, but otherwise, I'd use it angled slightly downwards, as it really projects its beam so far out. Weird that it does have a very definite and rather narrow beam (in comparison to other rear lights), instead of the more normal flood pattern.

I'm not the only person who found that the 4.0 drained batteries whilst switched off. There's a design flaw somewhere. I much prefer the 3.0 (including the fact it's screw release rather than coin release for the battery compartment). The proverbial Smart offering is better in the 1/2 or 1 watt category AFAIC.

^couldn't be bothered exchanging it for another (it was a warranty freebie anyway) so it sits in a draw gathering dust. Hopefully yours won't be a turned-off-battery-killer

Now that I've learned this, I shall test it to see. Though it did come with batteries in it, and they seemed at maximum power. It was boxed, so I don't think the retailer put the batteries in, and that they left the factory like that?

I did have a problem with one light a long time ago, that when it got wet on the inside, it somehow recreated an electrical connection, and drained the battery.....without the light coming on. Possible that this could have been the case with the one you had BMMF? Just in case, I'll consider getting a Smart R1 also, and if this Mars 4.0 is defective, I'll return it.

Mine had the factory batteries fitted when I got it. Switched it on: nothing. Put in some high capacity hybrid rechargeables: very bright light. Left it in drawer. Went to use it 2 weeks later: nothing. Recharged batteries and switched them to Mars 3.0. Left it in drawer. Went to use it 2 weeks later: bright light.

Repeated the experiment with another set of batteries - the 4.0 was definitely a dud, but surplus to requirements.

Obviously I've done the silicone grease thing on the Smart light. Damo showed me the low-power setting on the new 1W version which cuts the big light, but leaves the 2 lesser LEDs working: an excellent solution for group riding. I'll buy one if the Mars 3.0 dies - it's my 'group riding' light, but with a strip of red electrical tape diffusing the LEDs. I use the Smart 1/2W for solo daytime training rides these days. Feel free to accuse me of cycling-based paranoia.

[/making simple solutions sound complicated since 2007]

J.E.James have a deal on a RSP front/rear combo that I couldn't resist. The front light is 3 watt jobbie , and the rear is a good 1/2 watt light. It was only £12.95 so it was a must-buy. And I bought the RSP Astrum along with it. £25.oo for 3 lights can't be bad; especially as one is a 3 watt front light. Thats me sorted for the winter.

A 3 watt front light has been rated from different sources, as between 120 lumens to 200 lumens. Either way, this is a superb deal.

I can vouch for the RSP Astrum being great. Really bloody bright, doesn't drain batteries particularly quickly, takes AAAs, has a nice big rubber switch (you can find it whilst you ride very easily). Brackets good, and fits standard cateye brackets too... total win really.

Mine had the factory batteries fitted when I got it. Switched it on: nothing. Put in some high capacity hybrid rechargeables: very bright light. Left it in drawer. Went to use it 2 weeks later: nothing. Recharged batteries and switched them to Mars 3.0. Left it in drawer. Went to use it 2 weeks later: bright light.

Repeated the experiment with another set of batteries - the 4.0 was definitely a dud, but surplus to requirements.

Hopefully an issue with a limited size batch of them. I have a 3.0 and a 4.0 but neither seem to have this problem. I do have a Cateye LD130 that does this though - drains it's batteries in two days even when it's not switched on at all.

For those that need light to see where they are going and not just be seen....
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/t6-assault-crown-waterproof-xml-t6-3-mode-1200-lumen-white-led-bike-light-with-battery-pack-set-82508

Dealextreme have got these in stock, have a Cree xml T6 emitter and about 4400mAh of Lion battery. Reflector seems to be OK too, though some prefer it to not have a spot in the middle.
Works out about £29-30 delivered from US warehouse right now, but more like £50 from UK warehouse (but you can get it in 1week vs. 5weeks). They are likely NOT 1200lumens, rumour has it more like 850-900lumen in real money, and run for 3hours on max in the cold, and 6-10hours on half power (more than ample really?).

Also recently found the Hope District 3 rear lamp. Mega'bucks for just a rear lamp, but I guess the thinking was you run your front & rear from a shared battery pack on seatpost (like old lumicycles used to).

Yeah £120 for lamp + bracket + battery. But if I was every doing serious bike commuting in the dark, I'd want it. So many small but bright LED rear lamps just go complete un-noticed by drivers as just 1 point of light is difficult to gauge distance on. But a cluster fuck of 3 large bright glowing red dwarfs is not going to go un-noticed. Kudo's to Hope too for making it, loads of rear lamps I've come across are of such cheapy questionable build quality (even upto the £40 mark) that I end up feeling I HAVE to keep checking on them, make sure they are still working and I'm not about to get rear-ended.

Obviously I've done the silicone grease thing on the Smart light. Damo showed me the low-power setting on the new 1W version which cuts the big light, but leaves the 2 lesser LEDs working: an excellent solution for group riding.

I have lost that light. I am now unhappy. I only have the smart with the "fuck off I'm blinding you!" setting now.

Oh well, just aim it downwards or stick a layer or 2 of red/white electrical tape over it when group riding.

or masking tape/ tissue paper/ thick plastic sheeting (clear damp proof is perfik) for making rear lights less blinding and more overall 'glow'

J.E.James have a deal on a RSP front/rear combo that I couldn't resist. The front light is 3 watt jobbie , and the rear is a good 1/2 watt light. It was only £12.95 so it was a must-buy. And I bought the RSP Astrum along with it. £25.oo for 3 lights can't be bad; especially as one is a 3 watt front light. Thats me sorted for the winter.

A 3 watt front light has been rated from different sources, as between 120 lumens to 200 lumens. Either way, this is a superb deal.

I've pretty much established that the £12.95 deal I got from J.E.James for 2 lights, included a 3 watt light that is virtually the same as the RSP Asteri, which is also a 3 watt light, and IS rated at 200 lumens. Only the batteries are different, as the one I got takes AAA batteries, and doesn't come with a charger - as its obviously not needed.

GA2G - you happy with the £12.95 set then? Looking for a set for the commute as that time of year again :(

You reckon the £12.95 set from J.E.James is enough or you glad you got the Astrum along with it?

The front light in the 2 light deal only emits its lights to the front, and sadly doesn't show any side-spill, which is really useful. At the moment I feel I have too many lights now, but thats how I wanted it, because I do actually commute in the dead of winter and at ungodly hours. I mainly use a light I got from Argos a few years ago as my main front light (they don't sell it anymore though). It may be a 1 watt jobbie, but I think its possibly 3 watt unit. Its illumination can be seen from the side. I use rechargeable batteries in all my lights, and refresh them every 3-4 days. I also have a 275 lumens torch that I use when its really dark, or snowing in the day. I think for someone needing less lighting than I do specifically, the £12.95 deal is a winner. For me though, its additional lighting, or back-up in case any if my lights fail.

For my rear light, I use the Blackburn Mars 4.0 on the seatpost, and the Astrum Rear clipped onto my courier bag. I can use either light, and when its really dark, foggy or snowy, I can use both at the same time. But yes, one light is generally enough, especially with their significant light outputs.

OK thanks.. I too commute in at 5ish am and allyear round means i am in need of some decent lighting! Getting the fixed built at mo... will be on road with it next week and thought it was good excuse to buy some new lights as the one on my geared are not v good.

Judging on your comments i will get the £12.95 deal and go from there.
Thanks mate!

Does anyone know of a light that will replace a front reflector?

It's for the Pashley I was selling and due to the humongous basket a bar mount light is not an option.

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I'd love to! Got her number?

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