Bike light: How many lumens?

[Fordulike]

I'm after a bike light that is better than the ' be seen ' type, but also doesn't fry people in my path.
It needs to light up fairly well maintained roads and cycle paths, so i don't need to pick out every stone and pebble.
Considering those mega lumen lights cost a fortune, what is a sensible lumen level to aim for?

Would this be suitable?
MEGA BRIGHT CREE 200 LUMENS MOUNTAIN BIKE LIGHT TORCH on eBay (end time 13-Feb-11 14:50:28 GMT)
Don't wanna be paying any more than £40-£50

P.S. Check out the name of the batteries that come with the light. Doesn't inspire much confidence in the product

 

[jerrysimon]

They are pretty bright and if you do a search I think you will find some info on the forum.

I checked them out before and I think it was the run time on one cell that put me off.

I use a Cateye brand on the front with three small AAA cells that has lasted all winter so far on one charge but then I live and cycle across Cambridge so its reasonably well lit and very cycle friendly

Regards

Jerry

 

[aaannndddyyy]

DealExtreme: $36.42 TrustFire MC-M41 MC-E (BIN K-WC) 3-Mode Tactical LED Flashlight (1*18650/1*17670)
22.45 pounds free postage
DealExtreme: $1.90 Universal Adjustable Bicycle Mount for Flashlights (2~3.2cm Diameter)
1.17
plus a lot more choice at Deal Extreme.

 

[jerrysimon]

Yep thats a good deal. Notice the run time of 1.5hrs though.

Regards

Jerry

 

[Streethawk]

Yes, a good budget choice from DealExtreme, a lot go for those. Remember to factor in a two cell 18650 battery charger and at least two batteries. Always have both charged and use one as a backup.

 

[Fordulike]

I spotted this on eBay.
I like the idea of the 2 separate lights for a little more light adjustability.

CREE Bicycle Bike Cycle Head / Front And Rear Light Set on eBay (end time 23-Feb-11 20:55:46 GMT)

Although i can't touchy feely, they do look pretty robust.
Would anyone else buy these?

 

[Streethawk]

You shouldnt really need two bar lights with LED technology, the spread is usually quite even. If you do want to run two light i'd highly recommend helmet mounting one of them, then you get "light where you look" for example around a corner that turns back on itself.

I have two Blackburn Flea flashing "to be seen by" lights on my bars, they have a 40 lumen overdrive which runs for just an hours, both of them on overdrive is just enough for some light off-road in unlit areas, so long as you're happy going steady. I use those on my commute as they're good all-rounders and USB rechargeable in work.

I also have a 900 lumen HID Lupine Edison for my MTB, which lets me ride at full speed in unlit areas, but its way too powerful for the road and dazzles drivers (no dip).

 

[banbury frank]

lights

Now these are LIGHTS you can run them of the bike battery from 15 to 100 volts

If you had a 96 volt bike you would need these


http://www.ebikes.ca/store/photos/Lumen_Dual.jpg


Frank

 

[Streethawk]

Those are really tempting Frank... 2000 lumens, that'd be close to daylight

The rear light looks good too.

 

[Fordulike]

Some juicy looking lights Frank.
I did tinker with the idea of running some lights off the bike battery.
Then i thought that if the battery conks out, then i'll be left riding in the pitch black

 

[banbury frank]

lights

Just use a couple off 7.2 volt model car battery's the lights only use about 20 watts

Frank

 

[Streethawk]

Some juicy looking lights Frank.
I did tinker with the idea of running some lights off the bike battery.
Then i thought that if the battery conks out, then i'll be left riding in the pitch black

Always have a small backup light of some sort with your tools, i consider that essential when riding at night. Petzl Zipka headtorch for me, mounts to the handlebars or just about anywhere you like on a self retracting cable.