Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This light is very bright. For comparison, using Osram's web site(manufacturer of Sylvania head lamps) rates their halogen automobile headlights at 700 to 1000 lumens (low beam). Cygolite rates this light at 600 lumens. Subjectively, this bike light seems to shine further and much whiter than automobile headlights when cars pass me. I really like the much more consistant and whiter characteristics of the LED light than a conventional light (halogen car light for example). I use this item for commuting. Although I have not used it for off-road, I think that it would provide excellent illumination for that purpose also. The light has four power output settings. The third setting is more than adequate for my use. I should also note that this is a very much a driving light (versus a lower powered 'see me' light). I use it handle bar mounted. This light can be used as a 'see me' light, but I use a separate helmet mounted 'see me' light in flash mode for that purpose.
Pluses (7):
Very white light
Very bright light
No need for a separate battery pack (one can be added if desired for extra run time)... small over-all size compared to separate component systems
Li-ion battery (less weight and better durability)
Well designed/easy to use switches (visually show power settings and remaining battery charge)
Safety - it is great to see and be seen... it is hard for vehicles to ignore you with this on... you will also do a lot less 'feeling' the road surface because you will be seeing the road surface.
USA made
Minuses (3); To be honest, I rate a $300 light more harshly than I would a $50 light (I think that I should able to expect more from a more expensive light). This is an excellent light, but - excluding the first minus - there are two areas that could be improved to make it even better:
Price: $300 is a lot to pay for a bike light... my original commuter bike that I used for many years cost $150.
Battery capacity (let's face it, all batteries have significantly reduced effectiveness in cold weather): especially if you use this in cold weather (I notice this especially at 10F or less), the run time is significantly shortened. At low temperatures, light may only last 45 to 60 minutes at 2 to 3 power setting. During normal temperatures, I have no complaints about the run times. It would be ideal if the battery capacity was increased slightly.
Small complaint (fixable design flaw): light housing mounting screw would frequently come loose while I was riding (I was retightening it every one to two rides...). I do not readjust the light once it is mounted, so this shouldn't happen (and I obviously didn't want to over-tighten it and strip the threads). I solved this problem by applying a light duty thread lock glue (Locktite; do NOT use the type that has to be heated to remove the screw). Problem solved. Manufacturer should apply a thread compound at the factory to prevent the light from potentially bouncing off the pavement.
In conclusion, this is a great light. I highly recommend it with the two slight disadvantages listed (and the cost of course). If it were possible, I would give it a 4.5 star rating.
Because LEDs consume roughly 1/8 the power (of a conventional bulb), bulbs tend to last for the life of the product, very little energy is wasted as heat and have a much whiter light, I look for LEDs to eventually become the new lighting standard. As they are beginning to be used for vehicle, trailer and bus tail and marker lights and are starting to replace incondescent and CFL (compact fluorescent) for business and residential applications, I look for them to eventually replace vehicle headlights, etc. They are that much better than anything else currently available. It will just take a little more time for some of the applications to be refined and - more importantly - for the American public to get used to the idea that something new is better and cheaper (over the life of the product) than the old even though they will have to outlay significantly more money upfront (I could easily turn this into how use of LED lighting and biking could significantly reduce our dependance on fossil fuels, but I'll leave that for a different time and place). Buy a high output LED bike light... even though your pocket will be lighter, you will not regret it.
Click Here to see more reviews about: CygoLite Trion 600: Triple LED Bike Light with Internal Li-Ion Battery
Brilliant, tough, compact, and wireless--the CygoLite Trion 600 bike light has it all. The Trion 600 is the first palm-sized LED bicycle system that offers HID-level brilliance, letting you light the path ahead with confidence. No more illuminating just a few narrow feet in front of you, or squinting to make out objects to your side. Instead, the powerful Trion 600 offers an ultra-bright LED output of 600 lumens, with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery keeping the light working for up to 12 consecutive hours at a stretch.The light is also extremely versatile, with four brightness modes--high, mid high, mid low, and low--and several flashing modes, including fast, slow, walking, and SOS. And thanks to the quick-release handlebar mount, it's a breeze to attach the Trion 600 to your bike. The perfect choice for avid road and mountain bikers, the Trion 600 is completely weatherproof and is compatible with an external battery for riders who want additional run time.
Specifications:
LED output: 600 lumens
Wireless: Yes
Light type: 3rd-generation high-brightness LED
Bulb life: 50,000 hours
Battery type: Rechargeable lithium-ion
Battery level indicator: Yes, 3 stage
Battery charging time: 3.7 hours
Handlebar size: 25.4 to 31.8 mm
Run time: 2.5 hours (high setting); 12 hours (low setting)
Weight: 0.5 pounds
