Lights

Quoted message said:

My little lights are definitly not strong enough for the cycle track
home at night and I have decided to spend out. I am looking at the
Eurolight Super Bright 16 LED Front Headlight Set from Argos which
costs £39 ish.

Has anybody got this headlight set? Any opinions?

IMHO a light with a single high power (1W +) LED will give you more of
a beam to see with. See Hella (on offer at Halfords
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_219842_langId_-1_CarSelectorCatalogId__CarSelectorGroupId__varient__categoryId_31362_crumb_33980_parentcategoryrn_31362),
Trelock LS700 series (try e-bay), Cateye etc..

Quoted message said:

My little lights are definitly not strong enough for the cycle track
home at night and I have decided to spend out. I am looking at the
Eurolight Super Bright 16 LED Front Headlight Set from Argos which
costs £39 ish.

Has anybody got this headlight set? Any opinions?

I don't have one, but I suspect it will give a floodlight effect - a
big bright pool of light in front of the bike, but not stretching very
far ahead, which might be what you need, but I suspect you'll find
something with a bit of beam more useful. LED lights tend to have this
problem, it's difficult (but not impossible) to get a beam from them.

I got one of these

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/src/00021/product-Cateye-Cateye-HL-EL500-1-LED-Power-Opticube-Front-Light--inc-QR-handlebar-bracket-BS-Approved-10724.htm

earlier in the year and have been very pleased with it. It's been
replaced by newer models making the SJS price very good value.

Rob

Quoted message said:

I don't have one, but I suspect it will give a floodlight effect - a
big bright pool of light in front of the bike, but not stretching very
far ahead, which might be what you need, but I suspect you'll find
something with a bit of beam more useful. LED lights tend to have this
problem, it's difficult (but not impossible) to get a beam from them.

Interesting. Yea, I'm not sure if a large pool of light or seeing far
is important. I've found with my current lights it is not the distance
that is the problem but my inibility to see exactly what is going
under my tyres! Part of my cycle track has also got this wonderfuly
designed bit where the white line dissapears leaving no clue as to
where the curb and a short fall into the busy A40 is. Might be
thinking the spot light effect is what I need. Hummm....not sure.
Shame you can't road test these things before you buy them!

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I don't have one, but I suspect it will give a floodlight effect - a
big bright pool of light in front of the bike, but not stretching very
far ahead, which might be what you need, but I suspect you'll find
something with a bit of beam more useful. LED lights tend to have this
problem, it's difficult (but not impossible) to get a beam from them.

Interesting. Yea, I'm not sure if a large pool of light or seeing far
is important. I've found with my current lights it is not the distance
that is the problem but my inibility to see exactly what is going
under my tyres!

Unless you cycle extremely slowly, I suspect you'll find the beam more
useful. I guess you are worried about what's going under your tyres
because you haven't been able to see very ahead. Try in daylight to
work out how far ahead you look - if it's more than a bikelength, I
think you'd be better with a beam. You can always aim the beam down if
that's what's most useful.

Quoted message said:

Shame you can't road test these things before you buy them!

Argos are very good about taking things back

"If I change my mind...
Within 30 days
Most things we sell are covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee.
Just return them to any store, unused, in their original undamaged
packaging, in a saleable condition, along with the receipt* and we'll
give you a refund."

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/StaticDisplay/includeName/ReturnsAndRefunds.htm

Assuming it comes in packaging you can get into without damaging it, I
doubt if they could tell you'd tried it out, or IME would care.

But personally I'd forget the Argos one and go straight for the Cateye
as a better light at half the price.

Rob

Quoted message said:

Assuming it comes in packaging you can get into without damaging it, I
doubt if they could tell you'd tried it out, or IME would care.

But personally I'd forget the Argos one and go straight for the Cateye
as a better light at half the price.

Rob

Good stuff Rob. I think I will take your advice and try the Cateye.
I've got a Halford's voucher left over from my birthday so it might be
a good use for it! I am doing the London to Paris later this month too
so need a good strong beam for that as there is some night cycling
involved.
I shall head off to Halfords at lunchtime, unpack it carefuly and go
for a ride tonight!

Quoted message said:

My little lights are definitly not strong enough for the cycle track
home at night and I have decided to spend out. I am looking at the
Eurolight Super Bright 16 LED Front Headlight Set from Argos which
costs £39 ish.

Has anybody got this headlight set? Any opinions?

Lateral thinking... a road alternative may be either better lit and/or
less in need of serious lighting anyway (better surface, wider lane) and
remove the need for more light.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Assuming it comes in packaging you can get into without damaging it, I
doubt if they could tell you'd tried it out, or IME would care.

Quoted message said:

But personally I'd forget the Argos one and go straight for the Cateye
as a better light at half the price.

Quoted message said:

Rob

Good stuff Rob. I think I will take your advice and try the Cateye.
I've got a Halford's voucher left over from my birthday so it might be
a good use for it! I am doing the London to Paris later this month too
so need a good strong beam for that as there is some night cycling
involved.
I shall head off to Halfords at lunchtime, unpack it carefuly and go
for a ride tonight!

Er, don't think Halford's sell that particular Cateye, that was
somebody else's recommendation for a Bikehut own brand. I'd say that
will still be better than the Argos flood light, but the Halford's one
is 650 candlepower for £32 v. over 1000 candlepower for £22.50 (inc.
p&P) for the Cateye. The Halford one would probably do if you can't
find anything else to use your voucher on, the Cateye from SJS (see
link in previous post) is just much better value.

Still, it's much easier to take stuff back to Halfords, so try it to
see if you like the beam, then take it back and get the Cateye from
SJS!

Good luck with London to Paris - if you do that sort of riding I'm
sure you need a beam. I got my Cateye for an overnight ride (Exmouth
Exodus) and it was great. It also transformed my commute - I'd had a
flood type LED light (nothing like as good as the Argos one) which was
OK, but meant I had to concentrate a lot and restrict my speed on
hills. The Cateye changed all that, I ride pretty much as I would in
daylight, much more relaxing. If it's aimed a bit high, I get
complaints from motorisits that I haven't dipped it!

Rob

Quoted message said:

Lateral thinking... a road alternative may be either better lit and/or
less in need of serious lighting anyway (better surface, wider lane) and
remove the need for more light.

Pete.

Tried that. Same trouble in reverse...I couldn't see the curb! As my
rides are 100% dark country lanes, I feel less light is certainly
never an option.

Nice idea though. Thanks anway.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Assuming it comes in packaging you can get into without damaging it, I
doubt if they could tell you'd tried it out, or IME would care.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

But personally I'd forget the Argos one and go straight for the Cateye
as a better light at half the price.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Rob

Quoted message said:

Good stuff Rob. I think I will take your advice and try the Cateye.
I've got a Halford's voucher left over from my birthday so it might be
a good use for it! I am doing the London to Paris later this month too
so need a good strong beam for that as there is some night cycling
involved.
I shall head off to Halfords at lunchtime, unpack it carefuly and go
for a ride tonight!

Er, don't think Halford's sell that particular Cateye, that was
somebody else's recommendation for a Bikehut own brand. I'd say that
will still be better than the Argos flood light, but the Halford's one
is 650 candlepower for £32 v. over 1000 candlepower for £22.50 (inc.
p&P) for the Cateye. The Halford one would probably do if you can't
find anything else to use your voucher on, the Cateye from SJS (see
link in previous post) is just much better value.

Still, it's much easier to take stuff back to Halfords, so try it to
see if you like the beam, then take it back and get the Cateye from
SJS!

Good luck with London to Paris - if you do that sort of riding I'm
sure you need a beam. I got my Cateye for an overnight ride (Exmouth
Exodus) and it was great. It also transformed my commute - I'd had a
flood type LED light (nothing like as good as the Argos one) which was
OK, but meant I had to concentrate a lot and restrict my speed on
hills. The Cateye changed all that, I ride pretty much as I would in
daylight, much more relaxing. If it's aimed a bit high, I get
complaints from motorisits that I haven't dipped it!

Rob

Yea, I think you have sold it to me Rob! I've been admiring it online
and 1000 candelpower for the money is fantastic! I was doing that
thing where I would by the wrong light again just because I am in a
rush to get it for tomorrow so I can cycle to an event in town!
Instead I will be sensible, order online and wait. It really does look
like a good buy!
Am hoping to be arriving at base before dark most nights of the London
to Paris....but you never know when a flat or the dreaded Bonk will
get ya!
Nx

Quoted message said:

Tried that. Same trouble in reverse...I couldn't see the curb! As my
rides are 100% dark country lanes, I feel less light is certainly
never an option.

fair enough, on unlit back roads I'd agree more light is better than
what you have.

I find a hub dynamo powered B&M [D-]Oval [Senso] Plus quite adequate on
unlit back roads for all but the fastest descents, and the batteries
never run out what with there not being any. I just slow off for the
big downs, but you could supplement with battery lamps where needed.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

Peter Clinch said:

Quoted message said:

Tried that. Same trouble in reverse...I couldn't see the curb! As my
rides are 100% dark country lanes, I feel less light is certainly
never an option.

fair enough, on unlit back roads I'd agree more light is better than
what you have.

I find a hub dynamo powered B&M [D-]Oval [Senso] Plus quite adequate on
unlit back roads for all but the fastest descents, and the batteries
never run out what with there not being any. I just slow off for the
big downs, but you could supplement with battery lamps where needed.

Ooo, dynamo was another option I was considering! My commute if 15
miles each way on unlit roads so I have to carry spare batteries and
sometimes spare lights too. A dynamo might be better in the long run
maybe. Think I will stick with the Cateye option for now but look at
getting dynamos at some point in the future. I am assuming they are
better for the enviroment too as you generate your own power.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Lateral thinking... a road alternative may be either better lit and/or
less in need of serious lighting anyway (better surface, wider lane) and
remove the need for more light.

Quoted message said:

Pete.

Tried that. Same trouble in reverse...I couldn't see the curb! As my
rides are 100% dark country lanes, I feel less light is certainly
never an option.

It can be surprising what works best. Before I got my Cateye, I found
night riding a bit tense - the pool of light from my little LED light
didn't stretch very far ahead, so I always had to be ready to brake
and couldn't relax. I then discovered if I switched my front light
_off_ altogether, my eyes adapted and I could see much better. I could
see car headlights at least 30 seconds before they got to me, so had
plenty of time to turn it back on, though the headlights ruined my
adaptation and I had to slow down until I got it back.

This is on country lanes with little tree cover so not too dark, and
one car every 10 minutes. Also on top of hills, noticeably brighter
than in the valley. Even with the Cateye, I still ride this way
sometimes, but now I feel I have more of a choice.

I've never had any scares cycling this way, but I did have one with
just the floodlight - cycling towards a cluster of houses I heard a
shout, there were two people walking in the road who I'd have had to
swerve round fairly late relying on my own lighting.

Rob

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Lateral thinking... a road alternative may be either better lit and/or
less in need of serious lighting anyway (better surface, wider lane) and
remove the need for more light.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Pete.

Quoted message said:

Tried that. Same trouble in reverse...I couldn't see the curb! As my
rides are 100% dark country lanes, I feel less light is certainly
never an option.

It can be surprising what works best. Before I got my Cateye, I found
night riding a bit tense - the pool of light from my little LED light
didn't stretch very far ahead, so I always had to be ready to brake
and couldn't relax. I then discovered if I switched my front light
_off_ altogether, my eyes adapted and I could see much better. I could
see car headlights at least 30 seconds before they got to me, so had
plenty of time to turn it back on, though the headlights ruined my
adaptation and I had to slow down until I got it back.

This is on country lanes with little tree cover so not too dark, and
one car every 10 minutes. Also on top of hills, noticeably brighter
than in the valley. Even with the Cateye, I still ride this way
sometimes, but now I feel I have more of a choice.

I've never had any scares cycling this way, but I did have one with
just the floodlight - cycling towards a cluster of houses I heard a
shout, there were two people walking in the road who I'd have had to
swerve round fairly late relying on my own lighting.

Rob

Ahhh, the joys of night cycling! I do struggle with the dazzle from
oncoming headlights. I tend to lose my place in the road until they
are close enough to light my way instead of blind me! I also ride a
road bike so I am always worred about hitting a pothole and busting my
wheel.

I think I found it extra hard last night becuase it is my first dark
ride since the clocks changed. It always takes a few rides to get your
confidence up and your night-vision working!

Quoted message said:

Yea, I think you have sold it to me Rob! I've been admiring it online
and 1000 candelpower for the money is fantastic! I was doing that
thing where I would by the wrong light again just because I am in a
rush to get it for tomorrow so I can cycle to an event in town!

And there was me thinking you were fantastically organised worrying
about commuting lights in September when it doesn't get dark till
8.30.

Quoted message said:

Instead I will be sensible, order online and wait. It really does look
like a good buy!

I think mine came in 24 hours, you might get it tomorrow.

Rob

[email hidden] wrote in news:1188986299.340779.249880@
50g2000hsm.googlegroups.com:

Quoted message said:

On 5 Sep, 10:52, [email hidden] wrote:

Yea, I think you have sold it to me Rob! I've been admiring it online
and 1000 candelpower for the money is fantastic!

Don't be misled - candlepower is a next to useless measurement for bike
lights except for marketing bragging to the uninformed. It tells you only
how much total light the bulb or LED produces but nothing about how well it
is harnessed and directed to light what you want to see. Its very easy for
a 1000 candlepower light to be much worse than a 100 candlepower one as far
as illuminating a road is concerned.

--
Tony

" I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong."
Bertrand Russell

Quoted message said:

Ooo, dynamo was another option I was considering! My commute if 15
miles each way on unlit roads so I have to carry spare batteries and
sometimes spare lights too. A dynamo might be better in the long run
maybe.

If it's 15 miles each way I'd certainly look to a hub dynamo for at
least the basis of your lighting power.

Quoted message said:

Think I will stick with the Cateye option for now but look at
getting dynamos at some point in the future. I am assuming they are
better for the enviroment too as you generate your own power.

I'd never really thought about it from that point of view, but I think
you're right. The practical benefits alone have been enough for me.

A few years ago I'd vowed I'd never use a dynamo, but then I found out
modern ones aren't the ghastly things available when I was a sprog. The
SON hub that came on my tourer convinced me they were very much the way
I wanted to power my lighting. The SON is generally held to be the best
but the Shimanos at half the price are a lot better than half as good
(about £55 for the 371, plus cost of a wheel build).

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

Quoted message said:

A few years ago I'd vowed I'd never use a dynamo, but then I found out
modern ones aren't the ghastly things available when I was a sprog. The
SON hub that came on my tourer convinced me they were very much the way
I wanted to power my lighting. The SON is generally held to be the best
but the Shimanos at half the price are a lot better than half as good
(about £55 for the 371, plus cost of a wheel build).

Yes yes, me too! I remember a dynamo as a dim light wich slowed you
down and turned off when you stopped! How things have changed! It is
something I feel I may look into next winter when money and time is
less of an issue.

Tony Raven said:

[email hidden] wrote in news:1188986299.340779.249880@
50g2000hsm.googlegroups.com:

Quoted message said:

On 5 Sep, 10:52, [email hidden] wrote:

Quoted message said:

Yea, I think you have sold it to me Rob! I've been admiring it online
and 1000 candelpower for the money is fantastic!

Don't be misled - candlepower is a next to useless measurement for bike
lights except for marketing bragging to the uninformed. It tells you only
how much total light the bulb or LED produces but nothing about how well it
is harnessed and directed to light what you want to see. Its very easy for
a 1000 candlepower light to be much worse than a 100 candlepower one as far
as illuminating a road is concerned.

Well, it's better than watts, which MTB lights seem to like quoting,
that just tells you how much electricity is used, not how much of it
is converted to light, useful or otherwise.

I agree it's a flawed measure, but as all manufacturers use it and
probably in the same way, it does give some basis for comparison. And
I do recommend the Cateye from personal experience, but the available
data doesn't prove its better than the Halfords light.

Rob

[email hidden] wrote in
news:[email hidden]:

Quoted message said:

I agree it's a flawed measure, but as all manufacturers use it and
probably in the same way, it does give some basis for comparison. And
I do recommend the Cateye from personal experience, but the available
data doesn't prove its better than the Halfords light.

If they did use it in the same way it might be useful but they don't and it
isn't. A good example is some of the LED cluster front lights that spray
light everywhere and while they might have a high candlepower rating will
not light the road in any useful sense compared to a comparatively feeble
traditional bike light. They are however useful for being seen as they
spray light everywhere.

--
Tony

" I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong."
Bertrand Russell