GrainOfLight
Newly Enlightened
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2015
- Messages
- 83
Hey Bikers!
Recently, I went out to purchase a new light for my bike. The main features I wanted in this light were: Good performance, durability, functionality and most of all a light that LOOKED GOOD and complimented my bikes style.
There was a problem: once I began searching I realised how lacking the LED bicycle light market is on elegant stylish lights. The majority of all I could find were black plastic/aluminium with no real wow factor.
So I have decided to build my and would like to get some people's ideas with the design:
- What is the standard handlebar width that I should make the mount so that it can accommodate a broad range of handle bars?
- What is your preference on light modes? Do you tend to use medium more than high? Is it worth incorporating a flashing mode in the driver?
- What about battery life? How long do you really need the battery to last for? I will make it USB rechargeable, so will 2 hours be enough? Do people prefer light-weight or do they want a longer life battery and hence a lighter unit.
- I intend to use 1xCR123A battery and an XM-L2 Cree led, I am aiming for approximately 300lumens. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what driver and battery combination I should be using to get my desired specs? Does everyone think 300lumens (on high) will be enough for the general everyday rider? (Cruising the city and backstreets etc.)
I hope my first forum post isn't too much of a ramble. I appreciate any feedback at all, even if it is just answering one of my questions!
Thanks – looking forward to your ideas
Cannot wait to build this light!
Recently, I went out to purchase a new light for my bike. The main features I wanted in this light were: Good performance, durability, functionality and most of all a light that LOOKED GOOD and complimented my bikes style.
There was a problem: once I began searching I realised how lacking the LED bicycle light market is on elegant stylish lights. The majority of all I could find were black plastic/aluminium with no real wow factor.
So I have decided to build my and would like to get some people's ideas with the design:
- What is the standard handlebar width that I should make the mount so that it can accommodate a broad range of handle bars?
- What is your preference on light modes? Do you tend to use medium more than high? Is it worth incorporating a flashing mode in the driver?
- What about battery life? How long do you really need the battery to last for? I will make it USB rechargeable, so will 2 hours be enough? Do people prefer light-weight or do they want a longer life battery and hence a lighter unit.
- I intend to use 1xCR123A battery and an XM-L2 Cree led, I am aiming for approximately 300lumens. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what driver and battery combination I should be using to get my desired specs? Does everyone think 300lumens (on high) will be enough for the general everyday rider? (Cruising the city and backstreets etc.)
I hope my first forum post isn't too much of a ramble. I appreciate any feedback at all, even if it is just answering one of my questions!
Thanks – looking forward to your ideas
Cannot wait to build this light!