Lights

Cheers, ended up taking a punt and getting the same at Cycle Surgery for £49 that I'll be picking up at lunch so glad to hear that it comes recommended. Got a Meteor X Auto Pro for £19.99 too as a better backup to my current one so worst case if they don't charge and run, will just pack both for night rides and make do with that.

You can set the brightness yourself at 3 levels plus it's got it's full boost mode which is basically OTT unless you're full speed descending. I've set mine to regular high, a bit under high (but still fine for most unlit stuff) and low for commuting. The battery life does 2 hours at that boost, under that it lasts ages switching between the other 2 high modes, you can also buy some more 18650s which are easy to swap out if you're planning really long night rides.

Picked up one of them now, the other had a stock issue. A quick check at my desk and it looks like it will happily charge and run at the same time. Thanks for the advice

My Moon Shield-X Auto just died yesterday. The on/off button only works when plugged, I opened and there was water and mud inside on the PCB. :/ Poor weatherproofing I guess. The warranty expired three months ago…

Any recommendation for a proper waterproof bright rear light that will last years?

Cateye X3

The original bontrager flare R has been great for me, can't vouch for the newer models.

Exposure

Exposure traceR

I have the new one, pretty amazing, would recommend

I'd also vote for a bontrager flare r or RT, I have the RT and I really like it, charge it once a week if not less with daily use of about 1.5 hours, typically daytime. I dont use the garmin connectivity aspect of it. I've had it about 6 months no with no issue. I don't think the side visibility on the flares are as good as the exposures though.

I have an exposure tracer as well but I had to get a replacement (which was admittedly, painless and relatively quick, but I was still without a light for a week) when it stopped charging, and I always found pulling away the rubber ring on the body to charge it quite annoying to do and get a grip on. And the battery life wasn't as good.

I'm going to be starting a new commute next month, including some unlit country lanes. What's the least I can spend to get a half decent front light that'll allow me to see where I'm going?

battery? I paid 20 euro's for a chinese cree light + powerpack. You'll blind other cyclists/drivers tho on anything other than the lowest setting.

I'd prefer not to have a battery pack if possible but those lights are really good value! Had one years ago.

I still like the moon meteor storm, can be had for just under £50, I'm sure their slightly cheaper ones will also do the job as that fucker is super bright.

as @snottyotter says, moon meteor storm is very good

Does anybody have any recommendations for a light that can charge and
run at the same time?

Exposure sell a support cell so I presume they would work. Been meaning to test mine with a regular battery pack but have not got around to it.

I used a meter storm (or something like that) 1300lumens for 3 years of commuting - cost £70 odd quid but you can get them a lot cheaper now. The clamp broke so I replaced it with an exposure strada SB, and honestly I prefer the beam from the Moon. The step down in power went 1300lm/850/600/300/100. which is really handy as the 850lm is usually enough and a double click of the button gave you a 1700lm boost for 10 seconds which is handy if you're on anything particularly sketchy. Anyways TLDR: Moon good.

yeah, it's great

i've replaced the mount with a moon out front wahoo (/garmin) mount on both my bikes. you can also charge the moon on the go. it was my main light for all of PBP. if i lost it i'd not even bother looking for alternatives, i'd just buy it again.

moon out front wahoo (/garmin) mount

Hmm, that sounds good. Got a link?

Edit: Actually it was the body of the light that broke, so that wouldn't work.

I like Moon lights so will keep an eye out for a meteor storm. Thanks! Anything else to consider at a similar price?

More expensive but the Ravemen PR series gets great reviews.

Anyone know of a bike light mount that goes into the canti brake mount?

The problem solvers one seems non existent anymore.

This maybe ? https://global.rakuten.com/en/store/ride-on/item/giza-ylp050/

Anyone used the Knog Cobber Big? I know the word on the street is the rear is amazing. but not too sure about the front.

That sounds good for my limited handlebar space, have you got a link?