Showing posts with label bike commuting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bike commuting. Show all posts

12/27/2011

Nite Ize Spokelit Bicycle Light Review

Nite Ize Spokelit Bicycle Light
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Wow, can't believe how many people don't read the simple instructions.
I got these last summer for my new bike, since I'm riding through parts of Los Angeles that have very poor lighting in the middle of the night (Cahuenga Pass, if you're familiar), and I LOVE these SpokeLits! I had to order them from another website and they seemed much more expensive (around $15-$20 apiece), but I'm thrilled that Amazon in selling them now!
I put a green and red light on opposite ends or my wheels, and they look great when I'm riding through the streets. I feel much more visible, and I can see the lights reflecting off of the ground and windows I pass.
I agree the Blue doesn't seem like it'd be as visible, but for $5 and free shipping, I'm going to order one to try it out.
IMPORTANT! The biggest downside to these is the batteries, which don't last all that long and sell for almost $4 most places (and the SpokeLit uses 2 at a time). But I just found a seller on Amazon that sells a pack of 25 for $8, with free shipping. Just search for "CR2016". I haven't gotten mine yet, but there is a lot of positive feedback on the product page, so I'm hoping its as good a deal as it sounds.
Enjoy! And thanks for selling them, Amazon!
~Trav
UPDATE (December 16, 2010):
First, the current link to the batteries I mention is here:
[...]
I ordered the batteries over a year ago, and still haven't used up my supply, and I have 4 SpokeLits on my biks (2 on each wheel), plus two more for my boyfriend's bike (though he doesn't ride as much as I do).
As far as the Spokelits themselves go, I am back to buy more. Unfortunately, my front wheel was stolen with two of my lights on it. But I couldn't love these more. They are bright, and they look SO cool riding down the street. I have one of every color on my bike (2 front-2 back) and I get compliments all the time about how cool they look. And I've never yet had a problem with visibility. I always feel like car drivers can see me, especially coming from the side.

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12/16/2011

LED Adult / Youth Safety Bicycle Light by Nite Ize Review

LED Adult / Youth Safety Bicycle Light by Nite Ize
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Great product, silly me i had thrown away all the packaging which also included the trial mode instructions, thanks everyone for pointing it out, if i had only read the stuff earlier, i just came in from a short bike ride to wholefoods, the light kept turning off after 20 seconds of so, i figured given that the event repeated in exact time intervals i figured it had to do with the trial mode, so with a one button mechanism, the only choice was to hold the button down until magic happened, YAY! it blinked strangely to tell me it was done after holding down the button for a few seconds. And now i am zipping around my neighborhood with cool blue spoke lights.

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10/26/2011

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



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10/23/2011

Blackburn System X4 Rechargeable Luxeon Bike Light System Review

Blackburn System X4 Rechargeable Luxeon Bike Light System
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This is about as good as it gets for a bicyle light. Very easy to install, and more importantly, easy to remove when you park the bike, since a lot of people are into five finger discounts. It's also important to be able to remove the power supply during hot Las Vegas Summers, to protect the battery. Since most of my biking is on lighted streets, I use the bright flashing mode, so on coming traffic can see you. Easy to recharge, and again, well thought out mounting devices.

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10/18/2011

Currie EZip Trailz Men's Electric Bike Review

Currie EZip Trailz Men's Electric Bike
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After three test-rides, and having contemplated retro-fitting one of our existing bikes with a Currie electric drive, we decided to go ahead and purchase this bike. As the adage goes, "you get what you pay for" - which is certainly the case with this bike. I didn't expect top-of-the-line componentry, but I did expect better functionality with certain aspects of the build.
As I've ridden it around town, I found that the shifting is a bit clumsy - even after numerous adjustments to the derallieur. I was also aware of the total weight when I purchased it - nearly 70 lbs when one battery is installed - and have come to the conclusion that it is NOT a bike an average person can easily ride around without frequently using the electric assist; it's really a tank (even compared with my Xtracycle loaded with 50 lbs of groceries). I also was sad to discover that my Sunlite pannier could not be attached to the non-battery side of the rear rack because the hooks (on panier) are not set wide enough apart to span the battery placement gap. Another everyday annoyance is the fact that there is no quick-release lever on the front wheel making it a pain if you need to remove the wheel (flat, transport, etc.).
Maybe I can overlook most of the above, but the real headaches came when I got a flat on the rear tire. There is nothing - in Currie's documentation or on their website - that gives any indication on how to remove the rear wheel when you need to replace a tube. I searched forums and everywhere else I could, and came learn that in order to remove the rear wheel, you have to REMOVE THE ENTIRE MOTOR ASSEMBLY - which is not a simple procedure. And, since the motor/drive housing is hardwired (rather than having a plug-in connection) you have to figure out a way to support the motor while it is hanging disconnected from the wheel. This was the worst flat-repair job I have ever had to deal with - and definitely not something that could be accomplished out on the road, even if you had all of the tools you end up needing. I immediately went and replaced both tires with puncture-proof (resistant) tires - and if you are considering buying one of these bikes, I would definitely recommend you have this change made, preferably before you take delivery.
Bottom line: So far the electric assist modes have worked well during riding. It is a heavy, clumsy bike - and really meant to be ridden with the electric motor engaged most of the time, rather than without. I'm not convinced that the distance ratings are accurate. I suspect a more truthful average is 15-18 mi/per single battery. I am totally not impressed with the support or documentation offered by the manufacturer (Currie), and I see alot of room for small but significant improvements on the basic bicycle (quick releases, please!!!). Worth the $500? ... the verdict is still out for me. I think you can buy a higher quality commuter bike for a similar pricetag - it all depends how much effort you are looking to save riding an ebike.

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10/07/2011

CygoLite Trion 600: Triple LED Bike Light with Internal Li-Ion Battery Review

CygoLite Trion 600: Triple LED Bike Light with Internal Li-Ion Battery
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(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



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9/21/2011

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



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8/18/2011

Delta Airzound Bike Horn Review

Delta Airzound Bike Horn
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This is a fantastic product. Fits in minutes and the trigger (that's really the best word for it!) is in easy reach next to my gearshift lever. It's also dayglo orange, so easy to find in a hurry if you need to look down to locate it (though you should really be concentrating on braking and steering during a crisis :) )
I commute by bicycle daily and got sick and tired of idiots in cars and trucks pulling wild maneuvers in front of me. I've only had this for 2 days and already avoided a couple of near misses (turned them into wide misses) with it. When cranked to full volume it *really* gets drivers' attention - even with their windows wound up and Eminem rattling their mirrors!
Way more effective than my little ding-ding bell!
I've currently got it fitted into my 2nd bottle cage, but I think I may switch to the supplied velcro/zip tie arrangement so that I can strap it to my top-tube and regain my 2nd bottle cage for longer rides or a headlight battery.
4 stars 'cos I can't yet vouch for its longevity - we'll see how it stands up to a Seattle Winter! :)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Delta Airzound Bike Horn

Let cars know you're coming with the Delta Airzound bike horn, which clamps easily to any handlebar. It's super loud, blasting out a warning at 115 dB, and it features a volume control. It requires no batteries or cartridges--simply fill the ultra-light air reservoir with any bike pump.
About Delta Cycle For more than 20 years, Delta Cycle has created useful cycling products with a mission to make an innovative difference. The company works hard to make their products better and deliver superior value. Delta Cycle offers only a small, concentrated product line that represents the best there is in each category.


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8/09/2011

Planet Bike Blaze 1-Watt Headlight and Suplerflash Taillight Combination Bicycle Light Set Review

Planet Bike Blaze 1-Watt Headlight and Suplerflash Taillight Combination Bicycle Light Set
Average Reviews:

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I compared this to last year's brightest Planet Bike LED light, and to my old NiteRider 12w halogen. It was much, much brighter than the other LED and comparable to the halogen, but with a whiter (less yellow) hue. It is so bright I plan to use it for mellow trail night-riding (uphill and flats) and combine it with the halogen for downhill stretches. I also will use it for daily commuting.
The battery life is excellent considering the brightness. A couple sets of rechargeable AA's should be all you need for daily use, even in steady (not blinky) mode. It is light weight and mounts nicely to handlebars w/o cords or battery packs. Regarding the previous comment on the handlebar clamp, I experienced the same thing but figured out I didn't have it adjusted properly. Actually the clamp is excellent, widely adjustable, and requires no rubber shims to fit any bar. The cam problem came about because it was screwed too far into the pivot. For a proper fit, back the screw out and click the strap in another notch or two, then re-adjust the cam screw. Works like a charm. The clamp fits most models of Planet Bike headlights which is nice because with a couple extra clamps (you may purchase them separately) you can instantly swap lights onto different bikes. By the way, the tail light is also the best I have found. I'm impressed with Planet Bike's products and their commitment to bike safety and advocacy. Their fenders, too, are excellent.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Planet Bike Blaze 1-Watt Headlight and Suplerflash Taillight Combination Bicycle Light Set

In our quest to develop the ultimate light set, we have partnered our two best lights into the Blaze 1w & Superflash light set (#3047). Both lights are super bright and have the Superflash blink to help cyclists stay safe whether commuting or out on a training ride.

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