Budget Bicycle Light (front)

[tychoseven]

I'm looking for an inexpensive (<$25) light I can mount on my handlebars. I currently use a headlamp for my after-work commute home, but would like to have a second light. Something neutral-white or warm white would be great if possible. I'm set up for 18650s but AA or AAA form factor is preferred in case it's stolen.

 

[tubed]

been looking for the same thing myself.

Not much out there for under $25. There are 2 lights in the Rayovac Indestructable line that are about $15. One takes 2 AA, one takes 3 AAA (i think there are others too). These might work. Very bright for the money, the beams, however, are very narrow -so not great for bike.
Recently, Illumination Supply had a Thrunite TN12 (750 lumens, xml, 18650) on sale for $29. I hesitated and now it's backordered (which I take to mean gone).

Lately, i've been using my nitecore MH25 because its so broken i don't really care what happens to it.

ill probably think of some other options later

 

[MichaelW]

Does it need to have multi-mode capability?
Shiningbeams Romisen RC-G2 is cheap enough, and does an hour on a regular Eneloop.

 

[tychoseven]

I considered one of the Sipik68 clones, because hey, $5. Some are multi-mode with a strobe, which is great for being seen. My concern is that it'll take a month to get here, and the beam will be too narrow even on the widest setting. Also, I hear they aren't sealed well against water.

I had an RC-G2, it was a nice light. Not enough runtime for my commute roundtrip.

 

[tubed]

not sure if this makes a difference but....
how are you mounting light to bike? I use a two fish strap. ($6) and it is easy to remove the light when you arrive at destination (thus I'm comfortable using a more expensive light). There's really not a lot at the $25 range that isn't really small. unless you try the Budget lights forum and inquire about cheap 18650s like the Ultrafires etc.

I just bought a Xeno EO3 - takes one AA (can do like 400 lumens with Li Ion, about 200 with others. Its $29. There's a review by Selfbuilt that should give you all the details. It's not that big, however.

 

[yellow]

when You go cheap, then there is not too "safe" choices ...
(tint, reliability, nice machining, ...)


strap / holder:
MUST be possible to be tilted sideways, the 2-fish is not.
The light will light where it lights when holder is mounted on bars - lucky when thats parallel to street, unlucky when not.
Its just a few degrees, but it is ...


best holder: homemade

PS: THAT setup is used for real MTB riding and works well. At the moment I am even back to Xp-G. More than bright enough and that "tight beam" :rolleyes: ... well ...


2nd best holder: cheapo from Dealextreme
(open dealextreme homepage and type "21314" into the search field)


light:
18650 is the way to go!

I would go for longer runtime over sheer brightness ...
* smaller, "brighter" beam (= XP-G led): type "35075" into search at dealextreme), or
* wider, "less bright" beam (= XM-L led): type "117380" into search.
both should run 2+ hours when the current output data is correct (that data usually is)

Tint is a lottery but over the past few years, all the inserts were quite ok and the price has no match.
These bodies all were also ok (again: considering the price) and can be modded with "better" P60 led inserts, when needed
(I often order lights + batts + charger + stuff for friends, so have handled a lot of these lights. Single mode is most safe from them; multimode later when You get nailbender's inserts)

 

[tychoseven]

yellow, what are those gray plastic holders?

 

[RetroTechie]

Looks like the kind of holders used to attach electrical / water pipe etc to a wall? :thinking:

 

[yellow]

correct.

that are clips for electrical insulation pipes (white plastic, very thin sidewall, very light), to be found at any hardware store.
Happens, that the typical sizes are really working good...
(Diameter 25 (1" ?) is perfect for lights and older bars, the 32 (1 1/4" ?) for newer bars)

If someone claims that does not work, I put a single clip alone (without the 2nd one like on the pics) on their bike and have my fun watching them getting it off, without a good grip
:)

 

[EdFromOhio]

Probably one of the best value lights you'll find is the first result if you search for "T6 XML-T6 3-Mode 900-Lumen White LED Bike Light with Battery Pack Set" (not sure if I'm allowed to post the site's link or not.)

 

[Bicycleflyer]

I am using the "Blaze" which is available from Shiningbeam. I'm using a somewhat similar home made mount to what Yellow has posted above.

 

[PCC]

tychoseven, are you in San Jose or close to it? Illumination Supply is near SJO and you can visit them to see what works for you as far as lights/beam pattern/size.

I think that an 18650 light would be better due to the higher power density of a large Li-Ion battery compared to a small AA cell. Also, you have to consider the beam pattern from the light and how it light your path in front of you. A tight beam isn't that good since it feels like you're riding in a tunnel, but, a floody beam doesn't reach as far. I'm finding that I like the a beam with a medium size hotspot for this purpose. The Fenix PD32 throws a beam that is just about perfect for me.

 

[Scooby214]

Also, you have to consider the beam pattern from the light and how it light your path in front of you. A tight beam isn't that good since it feels like you're riding in a tunnel, but, a floody beam doesn't reach as far. I'm finding that I like the a beam with a medium size hotspot for this purpose. The Fenix PD32 throws a beam that is just about perfect for me.

I've found the same to be true, but there are times when I'm glad to have the narrower, throwy beam when riding. My solution goes beyond the budget category, however. I use the Fenix PD32 on my handlebar, and a throwy Fenix E35 attached to my helmet with a large o-ring. The PD32 lights the path in front of me, while the long, narrow beam of the E35 is good for seeing around corners as I turn. It is also very helpful when looking to the sides of the road for possible hazards, such as wildlife that may cross my path. Having the second light on my helmet is nice in many ways, but it does mean paying for an additional light and battery.