Lights

Someone coming the other way with a really dazzling front light - it wasn't a narrow beam, had a large 'face', seemed to be throwing light in all directions (well, hemispherical, not backwards), and as if the light was all near the light itself, it didn't seem to light up the ground at all. I don't understand the science of light and found it strange. Strange and annoying.

^ that was no front light my friend

seems like an appropriate place to put this

Evans are doing a 20% off sale on battery lights for the next week:

20% off Battery Lights
Code: NYDBATT
Expires 20/02/2011

Front battery lights - http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=1302&awinaffid=101164&clickref=&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.evanscycles.com%2Fcategories%2Fbicycle-accessories%2Flights%2Ffront-battery-lights

Rear battery lights - http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=1302&awinaffid=101164&clickref=&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.evanscycles.com%2Fcategories%2Fbicycle-accessories%2Flights%2Ffront-battery-lights

Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, or when paying via finance or Price Promise. Valid on battery lights only (including sale items) NOT rechargeable lights. Valid from 14/02/2011 to 20/02/2011.

^spam

Just had a second Knog Gekko die due to water damage; not buying any of their products again. I've been using various Knog lights for about 3 years and every single one has had some kind of problem with it, whether that be the water damage issue, turning on in bags or falling off when riding. I also had a pair of their gloves which were actually really good except for the ink coming out and staining my hands for days after riding in the rain then inexplicably quite literally falling apart after about a year. Totally form over function – they may have innovated with the bracketless rubber mount system but everything since then has shown consistently flawed design in favour of bright colours and sexy packaging.

So...can anyone give any recommendations for reasonably small (Gekko sized or thereabouts LED) lights that are either bracketless or have simple mount systems that are waterproof and don't turn on in your bag?

Just had a second Knog Gekko die due to water damage; not buying any of their products again. I've been using various Knog lights for about 3 years and every single one has had some kind of problem with it, whether that be the water damage issue, turning on in bags or falling off when riding. I also had a pair of their gloves which were actually really good except for the ink coming out and staining my hands for days after riding in the rain then inexplicably quite literally falling apart after about a year. Totally form over function – they may have innovated with the bracketless rubber mount system but everything since then has shown consistently flawed design in favour of bright colours and sexy packaging.

So...can anyone give any recommendations for reasonably small (Gekko sized or thereabouts LED) lights that are either bracketless or have simple mount systems that are waterproof and don't turn on in your bag?

http://www.cyclestore.co.uk/productDetails.asp?productID=24996

buy this, its super bright.

So...can anyone give any recommendations for reasonably small (Gekko sized or thereabouts LED) lights that are either bracketless or have simple mount systems that are waterproof and don't turn on in your bag?

blackburn flea. they seem pretty damn waterproof but have a lifetime guarantee so not to worry if they fail down the line.

^ Fleas are good. Downsides are they don't hold their charge for all that long and I've had a few problems with the USB chargers. Would be perfect if they could make the contacts between light and USB charger more reliable.

^ Fleas are good. Downsides are they don't hold their charge for all that long and I've had a few problems with the USB chargers. Would be perfect if they could make the contacts between light and USB charger more reliable.

Word.
They need charging every other day, and when you have them on charge you need to keep an eye on them to make sure the charge light is still flashing.
Alright if you sit at a desk all day, but of a pain in the arse if you leave them plugged in while you go mincing about, only to come back to a dead flea.
No-one like a dead flea in the usb.

Aye aye!
I charge mine at the back of my Mac screen, so I've got to keep "prarie dogging" (oo-err!) over the top of my monitor to check the light. Coworkers think I'm trying to gaze down brasiers. If only I were that imaginative.

I finally got the £1.50 ebay lights and tried them last night with cheapo aaa batteries from m&s.
Can't recommend them enough, they are super bright.

here's the link again: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/5w-LED-CREE-Flashlight-Torch-Bike-Bicycle-Rear-Light-G_W0QQitemZ150440340100QQcategoryZ22689QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp4340.m263QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DDLSL%252BSIC%26its%3DI%26itu%3DUCI%252BIA%252BUA%252BFICS%252BUFI%252BDDSIC%26otn%3D8%26pmod%3D150440339821%252B150440339821%26po%3D%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D6777684716532288749

Also took delivery of my cheapo ebay lights recently. Rear light - made of cheese, do not want. But the front light, seriously I cannot believe they are this cheap - super bright, pretty good handlebar mount, well made unit. Will see how long the batteries last but first impressions are very good.

Originally Posted by jv
I finally got the £5.60 ebay lights and tried ...........blah,blah......... super bright.

Anyone seen any nifty solutions for illuminating cycle computers? Checking power during a 24hr without too much extra weight/bulk is the goal.

http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/electric-bicycles/6859-my-diy-electric-brompton-project-3.html

Pyramid Bike Computer Nite Light -- Similar in design to the light sold by Sigma Sport at a fraction of the price! The Pyramid Computer Light mounts on your handlebars and lights the display of all bike computers. Zip ties hold it in place for super quick mounting. Takes a lithium battery 3 Volts for 15 hours of constant light model # CR2032.
http://www.icyclesusa.com/catalog/pyramid-bike-computer-nite-light.htm

http://store.icyclesusa.com/sigma-bike-computer-nitelite-p1161.aspx

^looks simple. Or you could probably improvise with an Electron Backupz type thing, permanently on, or just dangling from the bars ready to switch on and hold above the computer. Or mount it on the front of your helmet and glance down (I sometimes do this with the 1xAA torch I've got on my helmet during night rides, which isn't always on, but easy to switch on for a quick look). Ramble.

Would you not be better off with built in illumination?

Or just switch off and use the force.

It doesn't have built in illumination and the force is weak with this one.

small cheap head torch with a nice switch?

Ive got a cheap 'Alpkit' headtorch which is used for detail spotting and computer checking.......works well for a tenner and doubles up as a useful addition in my gloomy mancave when fettling....

http://www.9voltlight.com/
from here.
http://www.wilderness121.co.uk/eshop/xcart/product.php?productid=16184

They do different colours including red to help with night vision, You should be able to fashion a bracket in a blue peter stylee.

Could be a go'er. I'd prefer the smaller button battery light and I wouldn't use a headtorch.

It's a very simple design and as such doesn't require waterproofing. I've used them on, in and around my kayak and have yet to destroy it.

FFS!
My Blackburn flea won't charge.

I've tried factory reset and cleaning the contact points but the little fucker just won't started blinking.

At this rate I'm going to be peddling home ninja style.