May 9, 2004
Hello All...
Lately, I read a posting in regard to making the Cateye
Micro 500II to run at 6W and comparatively, the virtues of
LED lights. I have both..
I have (too) many bicycle lights.. Mostly I have been
generally disappointed based on price-performance issues,
marketing hype.
You name the brand and model.. I probably have it in my
garage.. starting with the 1970's vintage BERAC 2D
headlight.
Cateye Micro 500II is among my favorite lights for the
limited intended use..Cambria Bikes still lists this model
for $12.00 in their web site under HOT DEALS - lights.
Cateye EL-200 is my favorite LED light for now because of
two mode operation -- flashing and constant. EL-300 is a
huge disappointment -- but when used in combation with
another light.. it is acceptable.
For those who have been disappointed in the past.. here is a
suggestion on constructing a handlebar bracket to secure an
ordinary flashlight on the handlebar -- similarily to what
TWOFISH bracket offers but much superior and verstile.
My flashlight of choice Princeton Tec -T40.
WARNING: NOT FOR OFF ROAD USE... plastic bracket might fail
due to excess vibration.
1. Start with a Cateye Micro 500II and handlebar bracket.
2. Remove the removeable locking bracket from the underside
of Cateye Micro 500II..Make sure you don't lose the
internal spring mechanism for quick release locking
mechanism.
3. Find youself a 2.5" by 5" (or comparable size) flat
plastic or metal plate of study construction that will
hold up to road vibration.
4. Affix the locking bracket to the metal plate with a
screw and locking nut. Make sure the nut will not unscew
by road vibration. In my case, I used left over Shoe Goo
to secure the nut. NOTE: I also use shoe goo on cable
ends to prevent from wire fraying.
Since quick release bracket is fastened to the metal plate
with one screw, it is important that it is secure. Before I
installed the screw and nut, I used a small piece of two
sided tape.
5. With the 2.5" x 5" plate in (computer terms - Portrait
configuration, lay a 1 1/2" wide by 11" velco D-Ring
strap across (left to right) the middle / center of the
metal plate
6. Place a two sided industrial strength 2.5" x 5" adhesive
back velcro hook tape (same dimension as your metal
plate also commonly known as hook and loop) on top of
the metal plate covering the D-ring velcro strap -- thus
securing the strap to the metal plate.
7. With the D-Ring velcro strap.. I can safely secure a
flashlight, FRS radio, Motorola T6310 has a FM radio
option), GPS unit, or my Yaesu Vertex VX-150 ham radio
on the handlebar. To further enhance the contact
points.. I place two sided adhesive velcro loop tape on
the back of my electronic devices so it makes contact
with the velcro hook tape.
With the combination of velcro loop and velcro hook tape
plus the D-Ring Velcro strap.. my flashlight / radio is
pretty much vibration free. I suppose if my D-Ring velcro
strape is long enough.. I could probably secure a water
bottle on my handlebar as well. The connection is that good.
NOTE: In case the Cateye quick release bracket fails --
because it is made of plastic and is only anchored
with one screw.. I recommend that your electronic
device have a lanyard, and D-ring clip the string to
a brake cable.. so the device won't fall onto ground
if the bracket ever fails.
As for flashlights.. Princton Tec - Tec-40 has received very
good reviews and the reflector can accomodate higher watt
voltage (4W or better)..
Most stubby 4-AA flashlights will work fine. The nearly 2"
reflector lens in these models are much better than the
Micro 500II, the Cateye HL1500, and any other bicycle
lights out there in the price range.
Choices of Flashlights and their applications can be found
at.. www.flashlightreviews.com
FOOTNOTE: My 2.5" x 5" metal plate as describe above is
actually curved to conform to the natural curb of a standard
round barrel flashlight..By having the plate slightly
curved.. it cradles the electronic device that much better.
Either flat or curved, the application works.
Much obliged. Nick Lee carless since January 2000 member
of the 5 digit club (10,000 bicycle miles per year) every
year since.