Showing posts with label headlights. Show all posts
Showing posts with label headlights. Show all posts

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Cateye HL-EL530 LED Bicycle Headlight Review

Cateye HL-EL530 LED Bicycle Headlight
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I bike to and from work most days and bought this light for those dark nights when I work late. While it is brighter than a lot of other choices out there it definitely doesn't turn a dark road into a well-lit one.
The biggest flaw with this light is that it puts out a very, very bright center spot and a fairly weak corona around this small spot. When biking along the corona simply doesn't give you enough visibility to see an object in the road with a lot of time to avoid it.
Thankfully I bike somewhere that has enough ambient light from street lights that I don't have a lot of dark spots to worry about, but if that isn't you, spend more money to get a more powerful light.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cateye HL-EL530 LED Bicycle Headlight

Fifty percent brighter than Cateye's HL-EL500 model, this extra-bright one-LED white headlight generates 1,500 candlepower thanks to Cateye's OptiCube technology that optimizes lens and reflector brightness. It runs on four AA batteries and produces 90 hours of run time. Other features include side visibility and a tool-free mounting bracket.
About Cateye Founded in 1946 in Osaka, Japan, CatEye is the leading manufacturer of cycle computers, lights, and reflectors to cyclists in the world. In 1964, CatEye was the first in the industry to create a flashing lamp for bicycles, followed by their first battery headlamp in 1982, and the very first bicycle head lamp using white LEDs in 2001. The company's Opticube lens and reflectors make the brightest and most efficient LED headlights. while their LD500 remains the only rear safety light that can meet the rigorous CPSC standards for reflectivity.


Buy NowGet 34% OFF

Click here for more information about Cateye HL-EL530 LED Bicycle Headlight

Read More...

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Vetta Triangular Lux and TTL-1 Bicycle Headlight and Tail Light Combo Review

Vetta Triangular Lux and TTL-1 Bicycle Headlight and Tail Light Combo
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
For the money, it's not too bad. It would be better if the headlight had a flashing setting. As a commuter light set, the headlight and taillight will let others see you, but you won't be able to see much of the road in front of you. But in its category, it seems to be a bit brighter than its competition. It's as good or better than anything under $40 here. I'd put it on par with other 1-watt LED lights (Nite Rider Ultrafazer Max, Planet Bike 1 watt Blaze, Cateye EL 530, etc) and it looks to be a bit cheaper. Again, this is NOT going to be comparable to a $100+ LED headlight. Don't fool yourself into thinking this will be all you need to start commuting at night. It will not get you home safely on a dark night on a busy road. But who says you only need one light? I'm thinking of strapping it on my helmet and using it with one or two other more powerful headlights. Or have a whole handlebar full of light.
Last, the taillight is frickin' huge. I haven't compared how bright it is to some others, but it's a big light.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Vetta Triangular Lux and TTL-1 Bicycle Headlight and Tail Light Combo

The essential system for any cyclist who rides after dark, the Vetta Triangular LUX and TTL-1 Bicycle Headlight and Taillight Combo offers optimum visibility and lighting power on the road. Vetta's high intensity Triangular LUX Headlight uses a 1-watt solid-state emitter to offer 55,000 LUX in white light quality to illuminate the road ahead. The TTL-1 Taillight has 3 Super Bright LEDs offering 220 degrees of visibility in steady, flashing, or running modes.
Designed for optimum versatility, the headlight bike mount fits handlebars up to 31.8 millimeters. The quick release mount allows you to detach the headlight easily and use it by hand as a flashlight, and carry the headlight with you for security. The mount has a side-to-side swivel function for excellent peripheral vision, and added coverage. A helmet mount is available as an added accessory, but is not included in this package. The taillight attaches to seat posts with diameters of 26.8 to 30.8 millimeters.
Running with two AA batteries, the Triangular LUX Headlight has a running life of 5-hours on high. The TTL-1 Taillight runs with two AAA batteries and operates in three different modes with running times of: 150 hours in constant mode and 220 hours in flashing and running modes.
Specifications:
Triangular LUX Headlight has 1-watt solid-state emitter
Engineered to give 5 hours consistent light
55,000 LUX in white light quality
Multi-usage: headlight, flashlight
Mounts to handle bar up to 31.8 millimeters
Side-to-side swivel for excellent peripheral vision
Quick release mount
Shock proof, water resistant
Two AA batteries are included
Optional features (not included): rechargeable batteries and charger, helmet mount
TTL-1 Taillight has 3 Super Bright LEDs
Wide range with 220 degrees of visibility
With steady, flashing, or running modes
Requires two AAA batteries
Run time: 150 hours (constant), 220 hours (flashing), and 220 hours (running)
Attaches to seat post 26.8 to 30.8 millimeters diameter

What's in the Box? One Triangular LUX headlight, one TTL-1 taillight, bike mount, mounting materials, and two AA batteries
Manufacturer's Warranty Three-year limited warranty


Buy NowGet 30% OFF

Click here for more information about Vetta Triangular Lux and TTL-1 Bicycle Headlight and Tail Light Combo

Read More...

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Blackburn System X8 Rechargeable Luxeon Bike Light System Review

Blackburn System X8 Rechargeable Luxeon Bike Light System
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
After a week of using the Blackburn X8 for commuting 11.5 miles each way to/from work, I can honestly say that it is the brightest light system that I have used. Previously I was using a Light and Motion single lamp system which was great, but on darkened paths and roads, it was too focused and wouldn't project far enough ahead for the speed I wanted to ride. The Blackburn X8 dual system's spot lamp throws a nice bright light quite a bit farther up the road, and the flood lamp is great for illuminating the sides of the path/lane. I also like having the flashing feature on each lamp, because once I get into traffic I switch the flood to blinking to alert drivers. The system charges quickly and I can keep it plugged in without fear of overcharging. The switches are easy to use, and have a nice tactile click when pressed.
The design of the system leaves much to be desired, however. My first gripe is that I initially was intending to mount one lamp on my bars and one on my helmet, but that is not possible because of the cord design. And because only one helmet mount is supplied, the only way to use the two lamps at the same time is to mount them both close together on the bars. Not bad, but information available from retailers made me expect more flexibility when deciding where to mount the lamps. My second gripe is that if you mount the battery to the bike frame, you need to remove it in order to charge it. The charging receptacle inaccessible when it is frame mounted, and removing it and remounting it quickly became a pain in the butt. I finally resorted to putting the battery in a cut down water bottle and keeping it in the cage, but it would have been simple to make the charging receptacle accessible while still mounted to the frame. Thirdly, the design of the bar mounts cause inteference with the cable housing. I needed to remove the bar tape and reposition the housing so I could get the mounts positioned right. Finally, the overall cosmetics seems to be aimed at the younger, "armored gear" crowd with its fins, hoods and facets. I much prefer the simple elegant design of the L&M system.
Now that I have worked through the issues and am used to the quirks of the X8 system, I like it, and I am glad I made the switch. Performance is top shelf. However, I hope Blackburn considers a minor re-design of the battery pack and handlebar mounts to cure the issues that I described. Then perhaps the design would match the performance.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Blackburn System X8 Rechargeable Luxeon Bike Light System

Lighter, smaller, and just as powerful¿our System X lights have evolved. They still pack state-of-the-art Luxeon emitters for incredible light output and long runtimes, which when combined with our Constant Current Technology and unique-to-Blackburn heat management, allows for more light output and less dimming than the competition. The evolution lies in new Li-lon battery designs that are 45% smaller and 30% lighter than the previous design. Even the lamp heads have been tweaked for a 30% savings.

Buy Now

Click here for more information about Blackburn System X8 Rechargeable Luxeon Bike Light System

Read More...

Saturday, October 8, 2011

CygoLite TridenX 600 LED Li-Ion: Triple LED Bike Light with Stem-Mount Li-Ion Battery Review

CygoLite TridenX 600 LED Li-Ion: Triple LED Bike Light with Stem-Mount Li-Ion Battery
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I bought this light after researching many other lights. I first saw it at Performance bikes and its light weight is what first caught my attention. Added to that, it gives off so much light my boyfriend thought I was a car pulling into the driveway when I got home from work on my bike. The battery is small and fits on the limited space my stem offers and it charges in only three and a half hours. I ride a cyclocross bike as a commuter and this light works excellent for what I need. My boyfriend is thinking of competing in a 24 hour race and this light would be perfect for that. It has four settings, the brightest is very bright and the weakest is still bright. You can clearly see potholes and junk in the road ahead of you at a good distance. Fast riding is safer with this light at night. Plus, if you want to be obnoxious, this little light has flash and strobe settings. Cars will definitely see you coming. Maybe even mistake you for a motorcycle. Overall, this light is worth the money and I'd buy it over any of NiteRiders lights, of which I also looked at the bike shop.

Click Here to see more reviews about: CygoLite TridenX 600 LED Li-Ion: Triple LED Bike Light with Stem-Mount Li-Ion Battery

Designed specifically for long races and competitive night riding, the CygoLite TridenX Li-Ion bike light will illuminate the path ahead for hours at a stretch. The TridenX Li-Ion boasts an ultra-thin, stem-mounted lithium-ion battery pack that lasts between 2.5 and 12 hours on a single charge (2.5 hours on the high setting and 12 hours on the low setting). As a result, you can ride all night long without the hassle of changing the battery or swapping lamps. In addition, the light's three high-brightness LEDs offer an output of 600 lumens, ensuring HID-level brilliance as you ride down city streets or country roads. No more illuminating just a few narrow feet in front of you, or squinting to make out objects in the darkness.And riders will love the light's Cross-Fire technology, which offers highly focused optical lenses to expand your field of vision. Other details include four brightness settings (high, medium high, medium low, and low); four special flashing modes (fast, slow, walking, and SOS); a three-stage battery level indicator; a helmet mount; and a heavy-duty flip-lock handlebar bracket that fits both oversized and standard-sized handlebars.
Specifications:
LED output: 600 lumens
Light type: 3rd-generation high-brightness LED
Battery type: High-capacity lithium-ion frame mount
Battery level indicator: Yes, 3 stage
Battery charging time: 3.7 hours
Lighting modes: 4 bicycle, 4 special
High-brightness run time: 2.5 hours
Low-brightness run time: 12 hours
Walking mode run time: 60 hours
Head weight: 0.25 pounds
Battery weight: 0.3 pounds



Buy NowGet 14% OFF

Click here for more information about CygoLite TridenX 600 LED Li-Ion: Triple LED Bike Light with Stem-Mount Li-Ion Battery

Read More...

Thursday, September 29, 2011

CygoLite MityCross 350 LED Dual LED Bike Light with Stem-Mount Li-Ion Battery Review

CygoLite MityCross 350 LED Dual LED Bike Light with Stem-Mount Li-Ion Battery
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
After researching various lights suitable for nighttime road use, I purchased the MityCross because of its light weight, bright beam, and lithium-ion battery (for cold weather and fast charging). I have had this light mounted on my handlebars for about 3 months now, and this is a huge step up from my previous 1W LED light.
The light is well constructed, using a thick handlebar mount, and a durable metal housing around the light, and the battery has a thick Velcro strap to attach it to the front stem. The size is astounding; the light is slightly larger than a golf ball, while the battery is about the size of an iPhone folded lengthwise. The light also comes with a helmet mount, which costs extra on many other light systems. The charger can be used in 110V or 220V outlets, which is a plus if you go overseas, and is very fast compared to NiMH chargers.
There are 6 modes, which are separately grouped into (high, medium, low) and (flashing, walking, SOS). Simply pressing the power button will start the light in high mode, with repeated presses cycling through medium, low, then high again and so on. The light can be started in flashing mode by holding down the power button for a few seconds and releasing, when the light is off, and can be cycled to walking and SOS, then back to flashing by pressing the button. There is also a three-LED battery gauge which "blinks" more slowly as the battery is drained.
Rated battery life for each mode: High=3.5hrs, Medium=5hrs, Low=17hrs, Flashing=50hrs, Walking=100hrs, SOS=100hrs.
The beam pattern is rather wide (compared to cheap LED lights), which is optimal for mountain biking. I would have preferred a more narrow and brighter beam for road use, but it does light up the pavement 100-200 feet in front as well as signs from thousands of feet away!
I prefer to use the "medium" setting at night, as it is rated for 5 hours, which means I only have to charge it once a week, and it still puts out a ton of light. In the daytime, I usually go with one of the two strobe options that are available for visibility.
I have not had any issues with this light while riding in rain or snow (not waterproof see UPDATE1), or when it was -10F outside. The light and battery are well sealed.
The only weirdness with this light is that it will automatically turn on in high mode when you plug in the battery, so you have to remember to turn it off. Otherwise, the light will stay on until the battery is drained. Also, when the battery is almost dead, the light will begin to flash on and off uncontrollably, which was not documented in the instructions.
Overall, this light is a terrific value in its class, if you are doing nighttime on or off road riding often, consider this light as it is a high-quality product that should last for many years.
UPDATE1: After three months of use, I have found that water can seep into the light through the button on top, which was causing the light to function sporadically. The light is completely sealed by rubber gaskets except for along the button and at the battery plug. I pulled out the button for a day, let the headlight dry, and now it works fine again, so I have put a large piece of clear packaging tape across the button so that water cannot get in through there.
UPDATE2: After nine months, the battery would no longer charge (the LED light on the charger was orange, a mix of red and green alternating rapidly). Fortunately, Cygolite allowed me to return the light system for repair and replaced the battery free under the one-year warranty (sent it in on a Friday and got it back the next Tuesday). The new battery looks the same except for having a different logo, so maybe it's better. I was very pleased with their excellent customer support, and will buy more of their products in the future.
UPDATE3: Announced August 1st 2010, Cygolite will be offering the Mitycross 400 and 320 for the 2011 year (price TBD), which I suspect will replace the respective Mitycross 350 and 300 models very soon. They will offer the same 3.5/17 hours high/low battery life, and have the same 240g system weight.

Click Here to see more reviews about: CygoLite MityCross 350 LED Dual LED Bike Light with Stem-Mount Li-Ion Battery

Incredibly small and impressively bright, the MityCross 350 LED bike light is an ideal choice for avid road and mountain bikers. The MityCross 350 boasts two third-generation, high-brightness LED lights, which combine to illuminate any road or trail without weighing you down. No more illuminating just a few narrow feet in front of you, or squinting to make out objects to your side. The light is also extremely versatile, with three brightness modes--high, medium, and low--and three flashing modes, including regular, walking, and SOS.And riders will love the light's Cross-Fire technology, which crosses the highly focused beams to double the viewing area. Other details include a quick-release handlebar mount, a helmet mount, a lightweight aluminum alloy casing, a compact lithium-ion stem-mount battery, a three-stage battery level indicator, and a four-hour Rapid Smart charger.
Specifications:
LED output: 350 lumens
Bicycle/special lighting modes: 3/3
Light type: 3rd-generation high-brightness LED
Battery type: Rechargeable lithium-ion
Battery level indicator: Yes, 3 stage
Battery charging time: 4 hours
Handlebar size: 25.4 to 31.8 mm
Run time: 3.5 hours (high setting); 17 hours (low setting)
Weight: 0.53 pounds



Buy NowGet 25% OFF

Click here for more information about CygoLite MityCross 350 LED Dual LED Bike Light with Stem-Mount Li-Ion Battery

Read More...

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Monkey Light Bike Light Review

Monkey Light Bike Light
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I got one for my front wheel and one for the back. The devices themselves are light as a feather; it's the batteries that add the weight. Hold three double-A batteries in your hand and you will get a feel for the weight you'll have on each wheel. You may feel the unbalance at times. It seems to cause a slight forward-backward shimmy when coasting at high speeds, but then it's probably only when the two sets of lights are lined up with each other. It is not enough of a shimmy to make me feel out of control of the bike, and I like the lights enough that I do not mind the shimmy. I am sure that the issue of balance will vary with each bike and rider.
One set of lights per wheel does not create the complete disk of light effect I had expected after looking at pictures on the website. At the speed I usually go in the city, I get a sweeping pattern that fills about only about one quarter of the wheel. The eye easily follows the lights as they rotate around & around.
The device has several buttons which allow you to customize the display - color, speed and pattern. However, it's impossible to see the effects when you are riding the bike yourself. If you can rig up a bike stand, or put the bike on the ground upside-down in the dark, that might work if you really want to test and see the different pattern choices. I only use my spoke lights when it's dark, of course, and when one is at the bike rack all bundled up in winter gear, it's hard to get down on the ground and see all those tiny buttons. So, I usually just push the "ON" button and let it go with the default.
I recommend installing the spoke lights so that the control buttons face the side of the bike you normally use to mount and dismount.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Monkey Light Bike Light

A revolutionary bike light that keeps you visible! It features 32 of the brightest full color LEDs available, and cutting edge visual effects custom designed by our electronic artists.The Monkey Light sets a new standard for bike lighting with outstanding visibility and a rugged, practical design made for daily use in all weather conditions. It's easy to mount on the spokes of nearly any bike - Road, City, Cruiser, Mountain and BMX bikes.The Monkey Light provides great front, rear and side visibility at any speed. It creates full color patterns on your spinning bike wheel at 10 to 30 mph (15 to 50 km/h). The digital effects are instantly customizable - with on-board buttons you can choose the colors, patterns and mood to fit any situation. The light is perfect for daily commuters, urban cyclists, casual evening riders - anytime you want to be visible after dark or in the rain.What's included:* 1 MonkeyLectric Light* 1 waterproof battery cover* 4 rubber mounting pads* 1 steel anti-theft wire* 6 plastic mounting straps* 1 instruction sheet* 2 bike stickers* 1 year warrantySpecifications* Power: 3 x AA batteries (any type), NIMH rechargeable provide best performance* Battery life: up to 30 hours* Fit: most common bicycle wheels 20" or larger (BMX, Mountain, Road, etc. Must have 16 to 40 spokes).* Riding speed: up to 30 mph (50 km/h). Patterns visible above 8-10mph (12-15km/h).* Visibility: front and side visibility when mounted on front wheel. rear and side visibility when mounted on rear wheel.* Mounting: straps to spokes of wheel with vibration-proof 3-point mount (included).* Rugged IP55 fiber composite construction designed for daily use in all weather conditions* 32 ultra bright full color LEDs (16 on each side)

Buy NowGet 8% OFF

Click here for more information about Monkey Light Bike Light

Read More...

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Planet Bike Alias HID Bicycle Light Set with Integrated Battery Review

Planet Bike Alias HID Bicycle Light Set with Integrated Battery
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This headlight fit my requirements perfectly. Since everything is contained in one relatively small sleek package, removing and installing is quick and easy. I at first worried that the mount would not be robust enough to keep the light from moving when going over bumps. No more worries - it has held its position going 30+ MPH over fairly rough asphalt. I ride a road bike so cannot comment on how well it would do off road.
Light output is excellent. It is probably about 30% brighter than my 15W halogen and has a wide coverage. I have to ride down an unlit road in pitch darkness on my morninig commute dodging potholes and the edge of the road. I reach speeds of just over 30 MPH and this light provides the luminence necessary to avoid those obstacles.
The 2.5 to 3 hours of burn time for this light is somewhat limited compared to others, but for me is perfect. I would rather have this capacity and the resulting compact size than to have a large capacity with the probable external battery. The unit uses a Li-Ion battery which is much better than either NiCad or NiMh in terms of capacity per unit size and weight, charge time, and any memory effects.
Workmanship is impeccable. This thing could be put in a museum. It looks and feels like a high quality instrument. The soft case that it comes in is very handy too.
My only complaint about this light would probably be with the mount. Although it is pretty easy to use and holds the light very well, once you get it adjusted to your handlebar it is easy to lose the adjustment once you take it off. Also, the adjustment resolution is a little coarse with one turn of the adjustment screw the minimum you can adjust. Not a big problem but I had to find something to complain about. You could avoid this by leaving the mount on the bike and just unclipping the light from the mount.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Planet Bike Alias HID Bicycle Light Set with Integrated Battery

See clearly at night and alert drivers and other cyclists to your presence with this Alias HID light set from Planet Bike. Designed to fit 25.5 mm to 31.8 mm handlebars, the light includes a 10-watt, high-intensity discharge (HID) bulb that employs Solarc technology to light an efficient path. Solarc bulbs offer several characteristics that distinguish them from other metal halide lamps, including small size, low wattage, a short arc gap, and a high color temperature. From a user perspective, the bulbs produce sunlight-caliber illumination that maintains outstanding brightness through its lifetime while requiring just one third the amount of energy required to power comparable halogen lamps. Cyclists will also dig the light's integrated battery and light head, which eliminate wires for a cleaner look and a quick attachment. Other details include a 14.4-volt lithium-ion battery that charges in just under three hours, a custom soft case for convenient transport and storage, and a 2.5-hour runtime on the high setting and a 3.25-hour runtime on the low settings. The Alias HID light, which weighs only 0.84 pounds, carries a limited lifetime warranty.
About Planet Bike In November of 1996, Planet Bike was founded in Madison, Wisconsin. In many ways, Planet Bike began as a social experiment that dedicated itself to doing business in a different way. Instead of being just another company that develops and sells products with profit as its end goal, Planet Bike wanted to help bring about positive change for people, their communities, and the environment.
Despite being a simple machine, the people at Planet Bike have always believed that the bicycle has great potential to help improve the world and the lives of the people in it. From the start, they have embraced an alternative corporate purpose which seeks to help get more people on bicycles by making communities friendlier places for the self-propelled. By donating 25% of company profits to causes that promote and facilitate bicycle usage, Planet Bike hopes to make an impact.
Social experiments aside, Planet Bike was born from the heart of a cyclist with a goal of making innovative, high quality, and practical bicycle accessories. Simply put, they strive to design and develop the best bicycle products in the world. In the company's short ten year history, they have made important product innovations within the bicycle industry. Advancements include the 4-line computer which is now a standard in the industry and the world's first self-contained HID light. Not bad for a company that ten years ago started as a one man operation. Today, while still a small company, Planet Bike continues to evolve and improve their product line with the goal of always striving to build accessories that make it easier for people to ride their bikes. Since 1996, Planet Bike's financial support of the grassroots bicycle movement has totaled $500,000. By 2010, they have made a goal to donate $1 million to organizations that are dedicated to making America a friendlier place for cyclists.


Buy NowGet 15% OFF

Click here for more information about Planet Bike Alias HID Bicycle Light Set with Integrated Battery

Read More...

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Planet Bike Beamer 3 LED Bicycle Light with Quick Cam Bracket Mount Review

Planet Bike Beamer 3 LED Bicycle Light with Quick Cam Bracket Mount
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I've had mine for almost two years of heavy use. The light is very bright, providing a great deal of visibility and some illumination of the road in front, which is enough for the city, and batteries last a very long time. Most pleasingly, the mounting system is very durable and it seems likely that it will withstand several years of regular use. The unit appears to be impervious to rain. As with all of the gear I've purchased from Planet Bike, a superior level of design is evident. A good, basic LED headlight.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Planet Bike Beamer 3 LED Bicycle Light with Quick Cam Bracket Mount

Whether you're a 24-hour racer or a super commuter, the Planet Bike Beamer 3 bicycle light will keep your path well lit. The Beamer 3 is equipped with three white Nichia eXtreme v2.0 LEDs, which not only illuminate your way after the sun has gone down, but also make you visible to passing cars or pedestrians. In addition, the light attaches securely to your bike thanks to the Quick Cam bracket mounts, which adjust or remove in seconds without tools. The Beamer 3--which offers up to 100 hours of runtime on two AA batteries (included)--boasts both flashing and steady modes and carries a limited lifetime warranty.
About Planet Bike In November of 1996, Planet Bike was founded in Madison, Wisconsin. In many ways, Planet Bike began as a social experiment that dedicated itself to doing business in a different way. Instead of being just another company that develops and sells products with profit as its end goal, Planet Bike wanted to help bring about positive change for people, their communities, and the environment.
Despite being a simple machine, the people at Planet Bike have always believed that the bicycle has great potential to help improve the world and the lives of the people in it. From the start, they have embraced an alternative corporate purpose which seeks to help get more people on bicycles by making communities friendlier places for the self-propelled. By donating 25% of company profits to causes that promote and facilitate bicycle usage, Planet Bike hopes to make an impact.
Social experiments aside, Planet Bike was born from the heart of a cyclist with a goal of making innovative, high quality, and practical bicycle accessories. Simply put, they strive to design and develop the best bicycle products in the world. In the company's short ten year history, they have made important product innovations within the bicycle industry. Advancements include the 4-line computer which is now a standard in the industry and the world's first self-contained HID light. Not bad for a company that ten years ago started as a one man operation. Today, while still a small company, Planet Bike continues to evolve and improve their product line with the goal of always striving to build accessories that make it easier for people to ride their bikes. Since 1996, Planet Bike's financial support of the grassroots bicycle movement has totaled $500,000. By 2010, they have made a goal to donate $1 million to organizations that are dedicated to making America a friendlier place for cyclists.


Buy NowGet 18% OFF

Click here for more information about Planet Bike Beamer 3 LED Bicycle Light with Quick Cam Bracket Mount

Read More...

Friday, June 10, 2011

Cygolite MityCross 400 Li-Ion Dual High-Brightness LED system Review

Cygolite MityCross 400 Li-Ion Dual High-Brightness LED system
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I have owned a Cygolite MityCross 350 headlight for 18 months now, and was initially not too excited about the MityCross 400, with nearly identical specs other than a 50 lumen increase.
However, I saw a difference...the new OSP (On-Site Programmable) feature, supposedly allowing settings to be modified. I found a great price on this light, and decided to try out this feature, and see what else was new.
Here are my initial observations on the changes from the 350 to the 400, in detail:
++ Beam pattern is slightly wider to the sides, with less blue color, and is brighter (slightly different optics/LEDs as well)
++ OSP setting allows programming of Medium, Low, Daylight Flash, and Walking modes (more detail below)
+ Entering flash mode is signalled by a dimming of the light while the power button is held (on the 350, there is no indication of how long to hold down the button to enter flash mode)
+ Exiting High/Medium/Low brightness is accompanied by a gradual transition to off
+ Demo mode (accessed by holding down the power button while plugging in the battery) can now be used to change the OSP settings
- The charger has changed to a wall adapter, rather than an in-line adapter (power brick)
= Aside from these changes, the battery, housing, connectors, and mounting hardware are kept the same
OSP Breakdown
Four of the six modes can be changed. The Medium, Low, and Walking modes can have the brightness set to virtually anything the LEDs are capable of (from ~20 to ~350 lumens by my estimate). This will obviously affect battery life greatly. (A quirk is that the Low setting can be made brighter than the Medium setting)
The Daylight Flash settings are different than the previous three; the rate between each set of flashes can be changed from the default 0.6s to between 0.3s-2.2s. By comparison, the MityCross 350 has a pause of 1.0s between each set of three flashes.
In my opinion, the ability to decrease this delay to 0.3s is the most important upgrade to the MityCross, as the 350 flash felt too slow at 1s (nevertheless, it is very useful and powerful).
As per the instructions, an extremely helpful video on how to use OSP is available at cygolite.com / tutorial.
Conclusion: The MityCross 400 not a major upgrade from the 350, as even the improved flash mode and OSP probably cannot compete with the Cygolite MiLion and Expilion flash modes.
However, this is the true multipurpose light, having enough power to light roads and trails during high speed riding, or putting out a very powerful strobe in the same package. My recommendation is to go with the MityCross 320 (or possibly the Pace 310) if you are interested in the OSP feature (it is priced 40-50 lower than the MityCross 400, and there are great deals if you look around).

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cygolite MityCross 400 Li-Ion Dual High-Brightness LED system

Ultra-Compact Rechargeable LED Bicycle lighting System for avid road and mountain bikers.New for 2011, the MityCross 400 is the top of the line in the the MityCross series that features dual beam brightness in a ultra compact light. With 6 lighting modes to choose from, battery level and light mode indicators plus featherweight Li-Ion battery, this lighting system will illuminate any road or trail by using the included handlebar or helmet mounts.

Buy NowGet 14% OFF

Click here for more information about Cygolite MityCross 400 Li-Ion Dual High-Brightness LED system

Read More...

Vetta Sky Rider Bicycle Headlights Review

Vetta Sky Rider Bicycle Headlights
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
First of all this is not meant to light your way through the forest, but it has plenty of brightness for others to see you. They are cosmetically nice looking, the mounting hardware is exellent for almost any situation, but you may want to change the ties they come with which is no big deal. You can pick up the ties anywhere. For the Price you can't beat these lights they were everything I expected.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Vetta Sky Rider Bicycle Headlights

For the ultimate in versatility and absolute power to light the way no matter how far you go, the Vetta Sky Rider Bicycle Headlights will allow you to travel the road or trail at all times of night. The NiteVision 3L headlights can be mounted on the handle bar, your helmet, or carried by hand, to suit your needs wherever you are. The dual lighting system provides optimum coverage of the road, and with a side-to-side swivel bike mounts, the system affords excellent peripheral vision. Waterproofed up to 30 meters and shock proof, the headlight system can be used in any weather conditions and will stand up to wear and tear. With super-long battery run times, sturdy construction, and versatile usage options this is an ideal headlight system for expeditions and daily use.
The NiteVision 3L Headlights boast three Super Bright LEDs for constant bright light. Each headlight is powered by three AAA batteries and runs for up to 22 hours with the headlight on high, up to 150 hours with the low safety-light mode on, and up to 220 hours in the safety flashing-light mode.
Designed for versatility and utility, the Vetta Sky Rider Bicycle headlights come with two NiteVision 3L headlights, two swiveling oversized handlebar mounts, a helmet mount for two headlights, and two wrist lanyards. The bike mounts are suitable for handlebars of up to 31.8 millimeters. The Helmet mount holds on headlight on each side of the helmet for a wide angle of coverage. The wrist lanyards allow you to carry the headlights securely by hand and are also a great way to hang the headlights from the roof of a tent. Whether you are commuting, on an overnight expedition, or just need a great headlight set to get you home from a long tour or trail ride after dark, the Sky Rider headlights will not let you down.
Specifications:
Two NiteVision 3L
High, low or flashing modes
Burn time 22-220 Hours
Helmet mount for two headlights
Two swiveling oversized handlebar mounts
Suitable for handlebar up to 31.8 millimeters
Dual headlight release
Two wrist lanyards
Water Resistant to 30 Meters
Three Super Bright LED lights
Takes three AAA batteries
Run time: 22 hours (high), 150 hours (low), 220 hours (flashing)
Dark chromed color

What's in the Box? Two NiteVision 3L headlights, two swiveling oversized handlebar mounts, a helmet mount for two headlights, mounting materials, and two wrist lanyards
Manufacturer's Warranty Three-year limited warranty


Buy Now

Click here for more information about Vetta Sky Rider Bicycle Headlights

Read More...

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Vetta NiteVision LED and TSL-1 Bicycle Headlight and Tail Light Combo Review

Vetta NiteVision LED and TSL-1 Bicycle Headlight and Tail Light Combo
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This light promises a lot and falls far short of delivering performance. The rear light functions well, but uses non-mainstream batteries similar to those that are used in car door openers.
The head light is very dim, and you can barely see the light on the pavement when there is any ambient light present. My mistake was to buy this product based on the manufacturer description, since there were no posted reviews. That is the beauty of reviews posted by others.
I have returned the light set and ordered one with positive reviews.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Vetta NiteVision LED and TSL-1 Bicycle Headlight and Tail Light Combo

The ultimate lighting combo for versatility and power to light the way and keep you safe, no matter how far you go, the Vetta NiteVision LED and TSL-1 Bicycle Headlight and Taillight Combo will allow you to travel the road or trail at all times of night. The headlight boasts three Super Bright LEDs that will flood the road with steady white light and the taillight has 5 Super Bright LEDs for optimum visibility.
The NiteVision LED Headlight boasts three Super Bright LEDs powered by three AAA batteries. The headlight runs for up to 22 hours with the headlight on high, up to 150 hours with the low safety-light mode on, and up to 220 hours in the safety flashing-light mode.
The TSL-1 Taillight has 3 Super Bright LEDs facing out, and LEDs facing each side for a total of 5 LEDs offering 220 degrees of visibility in steady, flashing, or running modes. Running with two XLR-1 batteries the taillight has running times of: 150 hours in constant mode and 220 hours in flashing and running modes.
The NiteVision LED Headlight can be mounted on the handle bar with the quick release swivel mount, clipped to your helmet using the multi-use mount, or carried by hand, to suit your needs wherever you are. The bike mount fits handlebars up to 31.8 millimeters wide. The quick release bike mount allows you to stow the headlight or take it with you for security. The TSL-1 Taillight attaches to seat posts with diameters of 26.8 to 30.8 millimeters.
Designed for versatility and utility, the NiteVision LED 3L Headlight comes with a quick release bike mount, and a multi-use headlight, flashlight helmet mount. The bike mount is suitable for handlebars of up to 31.8 millimeters. The Helmet mount clips onto your helmet and can also be clipped to other surfaces for a variety of lighting needs. The taillight attaches to seat posts with diameters of 26.8 to 30.8 millimeters.
With water resistance up to 30 meters and shock proof, the headlight and taillight can be used in any weather conditions and will stand up to wear and tear. With super-long battery run times, sturdy construction, and versatile usage options this is an ideal headlight taillight combo for expeditions and daily use.
Headlight Specifications:
Three Super Bright LEDs
High, low, or flashing modes
Quick release bike mount
Suitable for handlebar up to 31.8 millimeters
Multi-usage headlight, flashlight helmet mount
Water resistant to 30 meters
Shock proof
Takes three AAA batteries (included)
Running time: 22 hours (high), 150 hours (low), 220 hours (flashing)

Taillight Specifications:
Five Super Bright LEDs
220¡ of visibility
Steady, flashing or running modes
Water resistant and shock proof
Takes two XLR-1 batteries
Running time: 150 hours (constant), 220 hours (flashing), 220 hours (running)
Bracket fits seat stem: 26.8 to 30.8 millimeters in diameter

What's in the Box? Vetta NiteVision LED Headlight, TSL-1 Taillight, headlight bike mount, headlight multi-usage mount, all mounting materials, three AAA batteries
Manufacturer's Warranty Three-year limited warranty


Buy NowGet 48% OFF

Click here for more information about Vetta NiteVision LED and TSL-1 Bicycle Headlight and Tail Light Combo

Read More...