Bicycling

Life is like riding a bicycle. You don't fall off unless, you plan to stop pedaling.

-- Claude Pepper

Bike Lights

The following is a list of the bicycle lights that I have purchased and used. The names have definitely gotten longer with each successive model. However, the light output and features have also improved dramatically.

BLT MEC 2 (1990-2005, No Longer Available for Purchase)

Key Features

Dual Headlights That Can Be Independently Adjusted and Focused
One High Intensity Headlight and One Low Intensity Headlight
Rear LED Taillight Also Included
Battery Is Provided Inside a Water Bottle

Pros

High Intensity Headlamp Can Be Independently Turned On/Off
Good for Onroad Nighttime Riding/Commuting
Battery Can Be Easily Mounted and Removed From a Water Bottle Cage
Relatively Quick Battery Charging
Very Reliable Headlamp On/Off Operation

Cons

Limited Light Output and Field of Coverage
Not Bright Enough for Nighttime Offroad/Trail Riding
Only 1-2 Hours of Continuous Operation
No Quick Release Option to Mount/Dismount the Headlamps
RCA Plugs Used for the Power Cables Can Corrode

NiteRider FireStorm (2006-2010, No Longer Available for Purchase)

Key Features

A Single High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lamp
Uses a Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) Battery
Both Frame and Helmet Mounting Kits for the Headlight Is Included
Quick Release Handlebar Mount for the Headlight

Usage Tips

Do not connect the headlamp and the battery until just before you are ready to turn the headlamp on. Leaving the headlamp connected to the battery, even with the headlamp off, appears to cause the battery to continue discharging. This can prevent the headlamp from lighting up later when you really need it.

Similarly, do not turn off the headlamp until you are finished using it since it may not light up again without first recharging the battery.

Pros

Bright Enough for Nighttime Offroad/Trail Riding
Relatively Compact Headlamp
Long Running Time With A Fully Charged Battery
Good Weatherproofing for Year-round Use
Handlebar Mounting Clamp Allows for Easy Adjustment of Headlamp Angle/Direction

Cons

Headlamp Can Get Hot
Illumination Pattern Has a Bright Center with Rapid Falloff to Each Side
Unreliable Lamp On/Off Operation If the Battery Is Not Fully Charged
Battery Charger May Prematurely Indicate That Charging Is Complete
Mounting and Unmounting the Battery Using a Velcro Strap Can Be an Inconvenience
Power Cable Housing Can Become Disconnected from Connection Plugs Due to Repeated Flexing

CygoLite TridenX LED Li-Ion Xtra (2009-Present, No Longer Available for Purchase)

Key Features

Triple LED Headlamps
Uses a Lightweight Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) Battery
Quick Release Handlebar Mount for the Headlight
Both Handlebar and Helmet Mounting Kits Are Included

Pros

Bright Enough for Nighttime Offroad/Trail Riding
Light Output Comparable to a Single HID Bulb
Fairly Even Level of Illumination Across Most of the Field of Coverage
Relatively Compact Headlamp
Very Long Runtime
Multiple Brightness Levels
Good Weatherproofing on Headlamp for Year-round Use

Cons

Full Battery Charging May Take Up to 7 Hours
Headlamp Can Still Get Hot On the Highest Intensity Setting
Plug on the Extension Power Cable Is 5mm Longer Than the Socket
Power Cable Plugs Are Not Weatherproofed
Battery Attaches to the Bike Frame Using a Velcro Strap

CygoLite MityCross 400 (2012-Present, No Longer Available for Purchase)

Key Features

Dual LED Headlamps
Uses a Lightweight Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) Battery
Quick Release Handlebar Mount for the Headlight
Both Handlebar and Helmet Mounting Kits Are Included

Pros

Bright Enough for Nighttime Offroad/Trail Riding
Lightweight Enough to Helmet Mount Both the Light and Battery
Very Long Runtime
Multiple Brightness Levels
Good Weatherproofing on Headlamp for Year-round Use

Cons

May Still Cause Some Slight Helmet Shifting Due to the Weight of the Light and Battery

Last Update: October 28, 2012.