Product Description
The brightest of Cat Eye's Tail lights with 5 LED's. Easily mounts to a seatpost or seat stay with a universal mounting bracket. Four mode options allow the LD-600 to switch between flashing, constant, side to side, and random illumination.
o 5 LED (25,000 MCD)
o universal mounting band (23.5-30.5mm)
o 30 hours run time (flashing) 15 hrs (constant)
o Battery: AAA x2 (LR-03)
Mtbr Bike Lights Shootout - over 50 bike lights
reviewed, photographed and measured here.
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Submitted by
MildT
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, AustraliaDate Reviewed: December 9, 2011
Strengths: It's bright, it flashesWeaknesses: Stupid, mountBottom Line: Had I known this light came with this ridiculous mounting strap I would never have bought it. The strap sticks out and rubs on your leg - you can cut it, but then the edges are sharp and scratchy. I ended up cutting the majority of the excess strap off, then taped it down with electric tape. I dunno, maybe I'm missing something obvious in the setup, but as it stands I see this as a big minus. Other than that, the light is bright and it flashes, just like any other rear light.
Favorite Trail: Stromlo
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$15.00
Similar Products Used: Heaps of rear lights, no light seams to stand out over any other...
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Submitted by
BigWall
a Weekend Warrior
from White Bear Lake, MN, USADate Reviewed: December 20, 2010
Strengths: Very bright for the money.
DurableWeaknesses: Tough to mount unless you use the seatpost.
Not all rechargable batteries will fit.Bottom Line: I own and use 5 or 6 of these lights.
Hard to find a better light for the price.
I've spent many hours riding in the rain and snow and have had no problems, but then again I use fenders.
Many imported rechargable batteries are too long to fit it, but Rayovac NiMh cells have worked fine. I had to make special mounts for under the rear racks.
The quick release is nice for shopping trips - one can just stick it in one's pocket.
Sure, a person can buy a better light, but only if one is willing to spend a lot more money.
Favorite Trail: unknown
Duration Product Used: More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At: Ebay
Similar Products Used: Cheap chinese stuff
Bike Setup: Various bikes with fenders and rear racks
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
braston
a Weekend Warrior
from Gilbert, AZ, USADate Reviewed: August 12, 2008
Strengths: I own several of these. They are absolutely the brightest taillight out there and can be seen for over a mile. I always ride with at least two at night and have even used them during the day in heavy traffic. One gentleman told me he could see it for several blocks when I was using it on a sunny daytime ride. The batteries last for several months. I use the 5-light constant flash - it seems to get the most attention.Weaknesses: The original bracket is horrible, so do yourself a favor and go to http://www.cateye.com/store/parts.php?cid=3_33 and buy the $1.00 belt clip. I bought several (they work with other Cateye taillights as well). With the belt clip, I attach two lights side by side on the back of my saddlebag light loop or can put them on my backpack. This allows you to switch from bike to bike in about 3 seconds.Bottom Line: Buy this light or the new LD610 model and be safe!
Duration Product Used: More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At: Nashbar
Similar Products Used: Several others including other Cateye models. This one's the best... I anxious to try the new Cateye LD610... it's supposed to be even brighter.
Bike Setup: Surly Cross Check, Specialized Epic Expert, Cervelo R3
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Submitted by
Joe Murphy
a Weekend Warrior
from OmaghDate Reviewed: March 14, 2008
Strengths: Really bright light, get the attention so that it does the job. It is visible for hundreds of metres, and up close it is blinding even if your eyes aren't used to the dark.Weaknesses: The waterproofing could be better, my contacts are slightly corroded after 2 years of use, however for the price it's not really bad performance. The switch is prone to accidental triggering in a bag or pocket - a recess would be nice but it's not hard to turn one of the batteries around when in storage.Bottom Line: Good light for the money, bright, easy to operate from the riding position, installs neatly behind seatpost, economical as batteries last for ages. If I lost mine I'd buy another one tomorrow.
Favorite Trail: Gortin Glens - Co Tyrone
Duration Product Used: 2 Years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At: Belfast
Similar Products Used: Blackburns Halfords and dynamo incandescents
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Perth, AustraliaDate Reviewed: June 15, 2007
Strengths: Bright, weighs little, Waterproofness!Bottom Line: Great light and definitely worth its price tag. People complain abouts its waterproofness, but I've had no such problems despite using it for cycle touring (try the West Coast of New Zealand and Tasmania for wet!!), and commuting come rain or shine.
I've only ever used one setting and that is flashing on the brightest, and I mount it vertically. Batteries last about 40 to 50 hours. It the pitch darkness, it gives a big burst of red light which can be seen from a significant distance.
Mounting has not been a problem as I've used it on my seat-post and above the wheel on the seat stays on various bikes. Can't be fitted to clothing, helmet or pannier racks without some sort of alterations to the mounting bracket. Quick release mechanism works well, but the light generally stays on the bike 100% of the time.
I reckon that this is the best AAA battery rear light on the market (the qualification is that I've recently upgraded to the Dinotte LiIon Rear Light which is basically a rear light on "Stage 16 Landis" steroids, but then you're paying the price)!
Duration Product Used: More than 3 years
Similar Products Used: SigmaSport CubeRider
Bike Setup: Trek 5200, Trek 1500 - commuting, Giant ATX890 - touring & MTBing.
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
spiro vagenas
a Weekend Warrior
from denmarkDate Reviewed: February 19, 2007
Strengths: brightness, design/look
weightWeaknesses: Cateye went to a lot of trouble to find the worst mounting bracket possible.Bottom Line: A great tail light at a fair price.
Favorite Trail: equinox
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At: wiggle.com
Similar Products Used: some cheapies & the Cateye TL LD1000
Bike Setup: Koga-Miyata tla-s
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
jo
a Racer
from EnglandDate Reviewed: October 12, 2005
Strengths: BrightnessWeaknesses: fixingBottom Line: I changed the fixing on the 600 for a plastic version from another cateye - it works fine.
Very bright, not quite as bright as the TL-1000 but a lot cheaper!
Duration Product Used: 2 Years
Price Paid:
$16.00
Purchased At: local bike shop
Similar Products Used: I'm currently using the Cateye TL-1000 in conjunction with the 600. Both are very bright and the TL-1000 just about beats it for brightness, but also has a larger "light area" so it appears even brighter at a distance.
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Robert
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney AustraliaDate Reviewed: August 23, 2005
Strengths: BRIGHT, cheap, slimline,Weaknesses: bracket a little looseBottom Line: excellent light for the price, i have used a number of cheap lights and they just fell apart... not sure what people are whingeing about, this light is great value and bright for the size and weight of it... if you are in Australia.. buy it!
Favorite Trail: any close
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At: Phantom Cycles
Similar Products Used: old 3LED cateye, various other cheapie lights
Bike Setup: Giant CRX1
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Froze
a Racer
from Fort Wayne, IN, USADate Reviewed: July 29, 2005
Strengths: Extremily bright and the little AAA batteries last a long time.Weaknesses: none...yet!Bottom Line: I went to several LBS's looking at a whole bunch of different taillights and this one was by far the brightest even when viewed from the side, so bright it will hurt your eyes if you look straight on into it; and the price was right. Since I bought this light an even brighter Cateye (TL-LD1000) came out, but I can't imagine why anyone would want something brighter then this TL-LD600!
I had no problems with the mounting brackets as some reported, but I did cut a thin strip of rubber from a tube to give it more grip because it would slide around.
I found the best way to mount the light for visiblity from all sides was vertical, this angle allowed all 5 LED's to be readily seen from not just the rear but the sides as well; when mounted horizontally the light given off to the sides was very dim. I mounted mine on the seat tube just below the seat post so I could clear the seat bag.
I don't usually ride in the rain but got caught in a unexpected down pour and the light did not leak, hopefully that's a trend! But after reading the reviews about others leaking I may seal it with some Shoe Goo. Also the mode button does not seem cheaply made to me and is still wrking after 2 years. The plastic lens seems cheap, but I dropped it about 3 feet onto concrete striking the lens and nothing happened except some minor scratches. I don't care for all the modes because I want it to do is one mode-flash.
For $18 it's an outstanding value for a taillight that will let others see you long before they could with other taillights.
Favorite Trail: roads in Northern Indiana
Duration Product Used: 2 Years
Price Paid:
$18.00
Purchased At: LBS
Similar Products Used: Vistalite
Bike Setup: Trek 660
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
9W6VX
a Weekend Warrior
from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, MalaysiaDate Reviewed: December 18, 2004
Strengths: Very bright
Battery life
Weaknesses: None that I have personally experienced yet but my mate's had some problems with water entering the unit. It's non-servicable as far as I can make out.Bottom Line: Worthy to use and gives you the safety factor making you easily noticeable to other road users.
If I remember correctly, it's also value for money but I can't exactly recall how much I exactly paid for it. I think it's approximately USD$15 or thereabout.
Would have given 5 chilis for overall rating if it is more water resistant. Refer to my comment above.
Duration Product Used: 6 months
Similar Products Used: None
Bike Setup: Specialized Stumpjumper Pro 2004
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Gregg Pedder
a Racer
from UKDate Reviewed: August 12, 2004
Strengths: Brightness. This light is almost blinding if looked at directly on a dark night. Great for rear visibility, and really convinient to mount vertically on the back of the seatpost. Cheap, I only paid £10 and that is excellent value.Weaknesses: Bracket. I junked it immediately and mounted the light with a proper cateye clamp which actually holds the light extremely securely.Bottom Line: This is a fantastic light, and is fine for the everyday commuter.
I wish people would stop moaning about it not being waterproof. For the price WHO CARES. This problem can be extremely easily rectified with 12 inches of Insulating tape or PVC tape wrapped aroung the join and over the battery compartment. I did this and have been on many a wet ride and the light is still fine, totally dry inside.
Also if the switch is crap, put the light in a box when removed from the bike. But then some people are never happy.
£10. If it only lasts six months throw it and buy another. It isn't exactly going to break the bank.
Favorite Trail: Roadie!!
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At: Midleton Cycles, Ormskirk
Similar Products Used: Cateye LD-120
Bike Setup: Specialized Sirrus Sport (Winter bike)
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Diverjun23
a Weekend Warrior
from Makati City, PhilippinesDate Reviewed: July 13, 2004
Strengths: Compact and bright light!Bottom Line: I'm a bike commuter and its no joke trying to dash away from darting cars and buses here in the Philippines. I like this tail light as it gives a fairly decent light that warns all the a@$*&&*s... i mean the drivers of cars and buses... that I have the right of way too and am on the road! So far, its a big help for me when I bike commute.
Favorite Trail: Mt. Makiling, Sta.Rosa Trails, Maarat Trails, and Bike Commuting
Duration Product Used: 2 Years
Price Paid:
$10.00
Purchased At: Paulina's Bike Shop
Bike Setup: Schwinn Moab 3 with Shimano Alivio group and WTB EnduroRaptor 2.2 tires
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
muckspreader
a Racer
from new forest, dorset, ukDate Reviewed: November 25, 2003
Strengths: Very bright. Slim design means neat mounting behind seatpost.Weaknesses: Not waterproof, rubbish switch.Bottom Line: This light is total crap. Did'nt even last one winter before I gave up with having to dry it out or take the batteries out to switch it off. It is not even nearly waterproof and the switch design is pathetic. I junked the rubbishy Chinese made no tool bracket and fitted it to my seatpost with the proper Cat-Eye clamp. Do not even think about buying this if you might even get damp. Proper high end Cat-Eye products remain good as are still made in Japan but the cheaper Chinese sourced products should be avoided as are badly made.
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Similar Products Used: Cateye, Smart, Eurolight.
Bike Setup: Fast commuter.
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Simon
a Cross Country Rider
from Portsmouth, UKDate Reviewed: November 24, 2003
Strengths: Bright.
Versatile mounting (horizontal or vertical).
Locks into mount (wont fly out).
Various LED modes.Weaknesses: Not very waterproof!
Awkward mounting strap - difficult to get tight.
Weak brittle mounting strap - easily broken.Bottom Line: Good bright light but mounting strap is awkward and made of a very brittle plastic (not like a normal zip-tie) a really slow crash totally snapped the bracket - luckily Wiggle sell Cateye spares.
One trip out in heavy rain and the light stopped working - water had got inside the lens. Had to break it apart and let it dry for a couple of days - started working again but now I am going to have to try and glue it together and attempt to seal it properly.
Good light but loses several chilis due to it's poor bracket and lack of waterproofness - essential for British weather!
Favorite Trail: Kingly Vale/Lake District
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At: www.wiggle.co.uk
Similar Products Used: Halfords own LED light.
Bike Setup: GT Backwoods, Rock Shox XC
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Dublin, IrelandDate Reviewed: September 23, 2003
Strengths: Very bright with fresh batteries,
slim and unobtrusive when mounted vertically behind seatpost
very simple bracket, either horizontal or verticalWeaknesses: ALWAYS switches itself on in my bag
battery life not amazing
seems to lose initial brightness after a short while, then works ok for the rest of the time
Bottom Line: I dont like the rain so this light hasnt seen much of it and hasnt failed when i am caught in rain
The simple bracket that hasnt given me any problems.
It would benefit from a recessed switch for obvious reasons..
However it is very easy to change modes while moving, to adjust to darkness & traffic etc..
Battery life isnt fantastic, but works fairly well.
Bottom line, an ok cheap bright light thats pretty much same as rest of them. Ideally Id have as small a rear light as possible, and tucked up under the saddle,basically fit and forget.. Id like to try the cygolite mitryrad but cant get it here
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At: bike shop
Similar Products Used: "smart" brand rear led
Bike Setup: '03 f800 lefty stock except 545 pedals
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