Submitted by
Chris Andersen
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: January 31, 2007
Favorite Trail:
McDowell Mtn Loops
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Reliable, dual beams, tough (I OTB'd with it on my handlebar, which dented the metal casing... but didn't harm the performance at all).
Weaknesses:
Heavy battery, slow charge times, limited burn times.
Similar Products Used:
Vistalite.
Bottom Line:
I've used this light for more than 3 years, for training and racing 24-hour MTB events. My first 24-hour race, I used this light alone (no helmet light); it got me around the course without incident, but I wised up and got a helmet-mounted light in addition to this one the next time around. Anyway, this light has been a great value for the money. Sure, I'd love an HID light or something with longer burn times, quick charger, etc... but you've got to pay big bucks for that stuff. If you're looking for a basic, dependable light to give you 60-90 minutes of burn time, this one will easily do the trick. I would note that the difference b/t the 10w wide and 15w narrow beams are not significant, so I've found it best to just use the 10w wide setting (which gives the longest burn time). I never use the two beams at the same time. Finally, I was impressed with the durability, considering I crashed my first night ride with this thing--dented the case and scuffed it up pretty bad, but it still worked perfectly, and still does to this day (more than 3 years later).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott Messenger
a
from SF North Bay Date Reviewed: December 6, 2006
Favorite Trail:
the hilly ones
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Great bright light! Dual beams, and multiple settings.
Weaknesses:
Get's hot. Limited run time in "high" mode - only about 1.5 hours. No smart charger. Battery heavy, and failed after two years. Still, a great product, and a great value!
Similar Products Used:
replaced this item w/ the Cygolite 300 DualCross - it's a better light, but more expensive...
I was able to do 35mph descents (on the street) w/ reasonable safety at night due to the incredible beam this thing made. I did many night rides on the streets without incident because I was actually able to see the road. I also felt it made me MUCH more visible to motorists.
It's definitely on the heavy side. Not an issue for me, I figure since I'm riding at night, I'm getting in bonus training already, and the extra weight wasn't worth the price of a smaller light to me. I figure I can just pedal a little harder - and when the sun comes back out - I'll be that much stronger and lighter!
I give it 5 chilies for value, and 4 because it's not the "Best" - HID is going to kick this things butt - but you'll pay three times as much... It's a terrific value though - you'd be hard pressed to get this much light out of a less expensive product, and I always felt like I could see. Great for roadies, and would probably be great for trail riders as well! Highly recommended!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ted Lewis
a Cross Country Rider
from Northampton, MA Date Reviewed: November 7, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Norwottuck
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$85.00
Purchased At:
fullcycles.com
Strengths:
Bright, inexpensive, well constructed, good customer support.
Weaknesses:
No trickle charger
Similar Products Used:
Marwi Torch - sucked.
Bike Setup:
commuter
Bottom Line:
I did a lot of research before buying, and it seems like the Explorer is the best light out there for the money. I got the NiMH version, not the older NiCad version - both are supposed to last for a similar # of discharge cycles, but the NiMH has no memory effect, and is better for the environment. Others have complained of bad switches - I haven't experienced it, at least not yet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta Date Reviewed: March 19, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Silver Comet Trail
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Very bright light kept me safe and visible during many rides on crowded Atlanta city streets.
Weaknesses:
The battery died after about 1 1/2 years; I called to order a replacement; apparently, they will replace with NIMH battery(as opposed to the NiCAD), for about $75 including shipping. They say I can use the same charger. I'm considering all options now, including the purchase of a new light.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Diamondback Response: mountain/street hybrid with a front wheel suited for street riding; mostly for short commute to and from the train station.
Bottom Line:
It lasted quite some time. It would have been nice if the battery lasted longer. I've been told that care and specific steps must be followed in charging the NiCad battery, running it down on a regular basis, et cetera.
The NiMH should be better, I'm assuming. Again, the brightness is great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charles Geravsi
a Cross Country Rider
from Madison, WI Date Reviewed: February 1, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Capital City Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$108.00
Purchased At:
Budget Bicycle Works
Strengths:
This light is bright for the money. I like the fact that one light is slightly below the other and more narrowly focused. On the 10W bulb you can get 3hrs out of the Ni-Cad batt. I have gotten slightly less in temperatures below 0F, but at least it still works.
Weaknesses:
The switch wore out on me too. The service department was quick to repair it. Now I avoid pressing the switch when the battery is attached, so that the switch doesn't have to switch several amps of current.
The gasket on the power input got partially pushed in. I had to take it apart to fix it. Insert the plug into the jack very carefully.
Don't leave the both beams running when not moving. I have heard air flow is needed to cool the lamp. I wonder if this would be a worse problem in warmer climates.
It says in the manual that over-charging or over-discharging the battery will damage it. That means you have to remember to disconnect the charger on time and turn off the light if it starts to get dim.
Similar Products Used:
Before this I used the little "Blair Witch" ones from K-Mart. They help you see just enough to be afraid of hitting something on the trail but not nearly enough to help you actually avoid hiting something.
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher
Bottom Line:
This is a good light, but it feels like I have to baby it: the gasket, the switch, the battery, the airflow issue. If you don't mind being careful, I think this is a good light.
For my next light, I'm going to look for one that is as rugged and reliable as other parts on my bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Spokane, WA Date Reviewed: January 29, 2005
Favorite Trail:
can't decide
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Good bang for the buck, good selection of wattages, enough brightness for most types of night riding, FIRST CLASS customer service!
Weaknesses:
not as solid or durable as more expensive lights, but you get what you pay for. Slow charger, without auto shut-off
Similar Products Used:
L&M ARC NiMh (my main light) NightRider Digital Dual beam
Bike Setup:
Surly 1x1, Gary Fisher Paragon, Surly Crosscheck....
Bottom Line:
This is a follow-up review to George in Huntington's review. We purchased our lights together through Performance in the summer of 2002. I used them for about a year before buying a head mounted L&M ARC light. I echo all the good things that George said in his review. On the negative side, the durability does not seem to be good. I had a bulb go out within the first few hours of using the light (it was promptly replaced under warrantee). During the year I used the light, the switch would intermittently crap out. Thankfully I was never stranded. Eventually the switch crapped out completely leaving the light unusable. Another complaint I have is that the plug on the side of the lamp is flimsy, and prone to falling out. When I got more serious about night riding, I upgraded to the Light & Motion ARC, which is truly an amazing light, and it better be for the price :D However, recently I decided to get the CygoLite working again so that my GF could use it on her bike.
I called CygoLite/SSB design, and spoke to them. They were very friendly. They told me no problem, send it in. I'm happy to report, that 2 1/2 years after I bought the light, CygoLite replaced the switch under warrantee. And, they had it back to me in less than a week!
For an entry level inexpensive light system, CygoLite is the way to go. For more serious night riders, such as endurance racers, and regular night riders, you'll want a light with more solid electronics, and a better battery. (btw, George, if you read this, shoot me a line. Where ya been?)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric Hill
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, Oregon Date Reviewed: November 19, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Ape Canyon, Mt. St. Helens
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
good light output/dollar
Weaknesses:
cheap, unreliable electrical components
Bike Setup:
Specialize Allez Road Bike for commuting
Bottom Line:
I am using this light twice daily for a 1/2 hour commute and it has nearly stranded me twice. With the first problem, the little rubber grommet on the power-jack pushed through the hole in the aluminum housing. There's only a single, spring-loaded wiper inside the connector, so this completely open up the connection. I had to disassemble the light housing to get the grommet out. The tool required to open the housing is a tiny philips screwdriver- not a common bike multi-tool feature. The more serious problem was that without warning, the 3-way switch completely conked out. -- all is dark. To get home, I had to open the housing and solder the wires together. Do YOU carry a soldering iron in your toolkit? You should if you plan to rely on this light.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DB Coop
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle Date Reviewed: November 18, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Tolt-McDonald
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
NiMH Battery is lighter and smaller than the NiCad. Plenty of light, even on the lower setting, durable, simple.
Weaknesses:
Kind of a pain to cycle through the settings to get to the one you want every time.
Similar Products Used:
Vistalite Nitesticks (SUCKS)
Bike Setup:
2003 Spec. Enduro, Fox Vanilla 125R
Bottom Line:
I read the reviews on this light and decided for the money even with the NiCad battery would be worth it. I didn't want to drop $300-$400 on a glorified flashlight. Went to REI to check it out and to my suprise the new version had an updated NiMH battery. It's half the size, half the weight, and shorter charge time (12-14 hours vs 15-17 hours). So far so good, this light on it's first charge lasted well over two hours. I mostly used the 10W setting which seemed plenty for slower twisty trails but I would switch over to both or just the 15W when the trail got faster. When we stopped I switch off the light to conserve. I'm impressed for the money, you don't need to spend an arm and a leg for lights. The only drawback is the single switch for all settings, when we stop and start up again I had to cycle through all the settings to get to the one I want but , I'll get used to it. It opens up a whole new timeslot for riding besides just on the weekends. I might re-review in a few months ofr durability but it seems well built with alum. casing not plastic.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brad Meek
a Weekend Warrior
from Glendale, AZ Date Reviewed: October 31, 2004
I ride year round in AZ and average 17+ miles every am. 80 % of my riding is in the dark across many suburban streets. This light is a godsend. Bright, tough. For increased visability to other drivers I'll use the 25 watt setting but most of the time the 15 watt narrow is just fine. I did order a smart charger over the internet for $40. With it the nicad will last longer. You would have to spend alot more to get a brighter lighter system. For suburban use I don't think brighter would be needed. For high speed offroad this might be a borderline light. The helmet setup is easy to use and solid. Great idea that your light is pointing at what you are looking at...like right into the eyes of some idiot thinking about blowing a stop sign!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tod
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacramento Date Reviewed: September 17, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Service. Good light for short rides, my experience is that the battery last a bit onger than advertised. The light provides plenty of light in a solid case with a slim look. I have ridden with and enjoyed the light which is a great light at a fair price.
However what REALLY stands out is Cygo's SERVICE. My light devloped a short and was blowing fuses. I checked the web site and got the number directly to the service desk. I sent the light to them for warranty repair and was riding again with the light in four days 3 of which were spent with shipping. Great product and people to deal with.
Weaknesses:
Since I have seen no product of this caliber at this price point I would say no weakness
Similar Products Used:
Night Sun, NiteRider
Bike Setup:
SC Blur with Hayes disc and XT
Bottom Line:
Great light at a fair price. Outstanding old school service after the sale. no flak, they make a really good product and were willing to stand behind it no problems unreasonable questions or hassles.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ray
a Cross Country Rider
from maryland Date Reviewed: May 24, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$85.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
very effective for road or maybe light trail riding at night. never gone dead while riding (2hr). you feel safe with this light on the road. you can see allot and you wont be overlooked by any cars. actually, allot of cars will slow down until they figure out what in the hell you are.
Weaknesses:
slow charging time (got to be carged yesterday to use today)/ could always be brighter but not for the money/ probably not good for fast night riding in dense woods
Bike Setup:
2003 hard rock
Bottom Line:
this is probably as good a light as you will find in the price range. if i were going to get more i would just get a h.i.d.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dmitry
a
from Atalanta, GA USA Date Reviewed: January 13, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Cygolite
Strengths:
Bright and not too expensive, good value
Weaknesses:
NA
Similar Products Used:
NA
Bike Setup:
Road bike
Bottom Line:
That was my first serious light I bougt and may be there are better ones. But I spent quite a bit of time comparing different kinds of lights and decided that was the best value. It is bright enough (10, 15 or combined). I worried about long time to charge (17 hours), but it means full charge. As my commute takes only 30 minutes I usually charge it for 4-6 hours and this is enough even for full strength (25 watts). As I said may be there are better models, but this one was a great upgrade for me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Canberra, Australia Date Reviewed: October 18, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Phantom Cycles (online)
Strengths:
Simple to use, lights up the track really, really well!
Weaknesses:
Charge time of 15-17hrs sucks but if you splurge on a second battery you can get 6 hours from the 10w wide globe.
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
Giant Iguana 2001 model I think - disc on the front, my old VP spd pedals on there too. I like it!
Bottom Line:
In 2002 I rode in a 24hr race (as part of a team) with old cheapo lights - you know the kind you had as a kid with a couple of C cell batteries in them! Damned if I know how I survived. I have just done this years race with my Cygolite and it was a thousand times better. Did the whole thing on the 10w wide beam and it was more than enough light even on the twisty downhill sections. Highly recommended.
Even on the darkest nights in the forest that felt like something out of the Blair Witch Project - the cygolites turn night into day.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
adam
a Cross Country Rider
from Kokomo, IN Date Reviewed: September 3, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
REI.com
Strengths:
wicked bright!! don't even need the 15w very much. never need the total wattage, not even on the trail! aluminum body, sealed bulbs against water and a lightweight "water bottle" battery. priced right
Weaknesses:
it would be perfect if the 15w spot was angle 5 degrees like the rover, but still pretty good.
Bike Setup:
EPX Terrashark frame, mostly XT drivetrain, easton bar and stem and marzoochi MX Pro fork, crossmax ust disk
Bottom Line:
i don't use this light a lot yet, but i will as fall and winter roll in. i got it now (summer) so i could familiarize myself with night riding. the light is so bright that i unknowingly rode towards a guy late at night and he thought i was the police! if you buy this light and add a helmet light for "spot lighting on demand", you will have a winning combination when riding at night.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe D
a Cross Country Rider
from Setauket, NY 11733 Date Reviewed: June 25, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Rocky Point
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Cheap, well constructed, aluminum housing, heavy duty wires, nice battery. Good hardware (switch)
Weaknesses:
Charger, not a "smart" charger nor does it really indicate that the battery is actually charging so if you are not making a connection you dunno.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Old Skool Trek Singletrack frame (handles so well), 98 Manitou SXR fork (Mango!), SRAM 9.0, XTR, Ringle, Mavic 231 rims. Old Skool stylz
Bottom Line:
Great light. Well made, I loved it. I paid so little money for it yet it works so well! I bought it brand new and I think it is a great product. I normally don't post up reviews but this company deserves recognition for such an excellent product. I personally use the 15 W narrow beam, although the 10W is fine. I liked this light so much that I am buying another Cygo lite for the helmet. Testament to a truly great company and a great product. As far as a "smart" charger. This can be remedied by going and buying an outlet charger at Radio shack, set it for 17 hours and walk away. There are also some aftermarket chargers that might work with this. I cannot recall which but it is worthy of investigation. You really want something that is a "peak" indicating charger. One that will detect when the battery is 99% full and keep it there on a trickle charge till you need to use it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bugzee Malone
a
from Kobe, Japan (Kiwi in Japan) Date Reviewed: June 3, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Rokko Mountain hiking trails
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
$65
Strengths:
White light, Small alloy case, 3 hrs plus at 10w 10w is enough for most trails
Weaknesses:
Battery is heavy...can't be helped, I guess. 15 to 17 charge time. No smart charger
Similar Products Used:
Various
Bike Setup:
Giant AC-3
Bottom Line:
This light system is VERY good value for the money. It has survived quite a heavy crash and didn't miss a beat. I get a 3hr plus run on the 10w setting. As I said the 10w is enough for most trails and I only use the full 25w for real fast stuff.
I always run the light at 25w on the way home to try to run the battery fully down before charging it again. (Sometimes I have had to go for a ride the next day as well:)
I am thinking of buying a helmet mounted one as well...thats how pleased I am with this product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Georg
a Cross Country Rider
from Danville Date Reviewed: May 28, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
Performancebike.com
Strengths:
Obviously the strongest point of this product is its excellent VALUE. For under $100 you get bright light, good quality and a reliable product. No problems so far in 9 months of commuting (2 hours in dusk/at night on paved back-roads). The 10W single beam is sufficient most of the time.
Weaknesses:
Yes, a smart charger would be nice. The charging time of 16 hours is too long if you want to use this light with its full capacity every day. However, the system never let me down even if I charged it only for 12 hours.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Specialized M2 with XT, LX, Hugi, Mag21. Yes, fairly retro but it works beautifully.
Bottom Line:
If you are on a tight budget (or think that $350.- is too much to spend on a pair of high-tech bulbs and a battery under any circumstances) and you are looking for a good reliable set of lights, then this may well be the best system for you. Mine has worked very well for me and I can fully recommend this system.
P.S. Is there an electronics-crack out there who came up with a home-made replacement battery or -better still- a smart charger? I'd be very interested; contact GEORG AT MAILBLOCKS DOT COM
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pgo
a Cross Country Rider
from austin Date Reviewed: May 8, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
performance
Strengths:
Good wattage. Simple to attach and use. Relatively inexpensive.
Weaknesses:
Run time too short. Heavy. Charger is not "smart" and therefore requires attention to avoid damaging battery.
Similar Products Used:
Light and Motion ARC
Bike Setup:
Superlight
Bottom Line:
I returned this product after about three months of use. I had high hopes, but on a night ride the switch broke. It pushed into the housing and could not be resurrected. I returned for refund (Performance is good about this). I went ahead and sprung for the ARC HID.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Andersen
a Cross Country Rider
from Glendale, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: March 31, 2003
Favorite Trail:
McDowell Mtn loops
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
CityStop (Ebay)
Strengths:
Price and durability (I've wrecked twice and banged up the aluminum casing pretty good, but the light itself still works perfectly). This light seems to be just as good as some of the more expensive systems I've seen on the trail.
Weaknesses:
Charging. I still don't know how long I should charge for, especially if I've only used half of the burn time. A smart charger would be awesome. On a positive note, I also overcharged my battery on accident (24 hours plus), but it didn't seem to do any damage at all.
Similar Products Used:
None; this is my first system. The guys I ride with use Specialized Fireballs and NiteRider systems, and this system compares favorably. Of course, the HID lights blow these away, but unfortunately I don't have $350 to spend on a lighting system!
Bike Setup:
Specialized.
Bottom Line:
I think this is a great light for the price. I'm using it in the 24 Hours of Adrenalin series, and it works just fine. I'd recommend a helmet-mounted light in addition to the bar-mounted system, but if you can only afford a bar-mounted system (like me), this one should do the trick. I'd definitely recommend this system to a friend.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
george
a Cross Country Rider
from huntington, wv Date Reviewed: February 10, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
performance
Strengths:
I got these lights after reading about these reviews. I have to say they are (one of) the best purchases I made for my bike. They are: Inexpensive, durable (so far :)), reliable. I do not mind having to click through the three different modes. Either single mode has plenty of light and battery life is about what was listed (3 hours for single beam, a little over 1 hour on dual beam). Charging is somewhat inconvenient, but if you put it to charge at night, you will be ready for the ride the next evening. Once I forgot to take it off charge and accidentally charged it for over 24h (a big no-no) but no damage ensued.
Weaknesses:
My friend who got his lights at the same time experienced slightly less brightness, a blown bulb (was replaced under warranty) and now some switch problems. None for me sofar.
Similar Products Used:
Blinker-type lights and old battery-operated Cateye (forgot the type)
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F700 with Magura disc brakes
Bottom Line:
Great light, best bang for the buck as far as lights go. Elevated my biking experience tremendously. Nothing like riding at midnight... The company seems to stand behind their product. Get them if you can! 4 chilis because of my friend's experience. Still worth it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john
a Racer
from bflo Date Reviewed: February 2, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
performancebike
Strengths:
durability, reliability, tolerance to cold, effectiveness, design and economy.
Weaknesses:
not bleeding edge technology, lack of coil cable, non-smart charger and lack of velcro to hold battery in cage.
Similar Products Used:
vistalite and niterider since the original pro-6.
Bike Setup:
sachs shifters, bomber fork, michelin comp s lights, french rims, italian saddle
Bottom Line:
unless you have $400 to get the HID system, you may as well get this. it kills my nightrider digital niteowl II like you wouldn't believe. it will easily last two hours in sub-zero (celcius) weather. i've been using it for nine months now of nightime city riding and it totally meets my needs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Serafin Massol
a Racer
from Caguas, Puerto Rico, USA Date Reviewed: November 26, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
It has an extremely bright light!!!
Weaknesses:
Charging time (but for the price, I don't really mind)
Similar Products Used:
Cateye HL-500
Bike Setup:
2000 Raleigh M600, 2001 Specialized Alez
Bottom Line:
I usually ride at 4:00 AM because I don't have that much time during the day. I was surprised for the amount of bright light that this baby provides. My route has very dark areas that I had to go thru with my previous light system (HL-500 from Cateye), if you can call it system. But at that time I think it was OK. Now, I don't have to be 100% awake (if you you what I mean, 4:00 AM!!! Remember?) because I can see everything in my way even if have my eyes half open. Je, Je, Je.
What I'm try to say: GREAT LIGHT SYSTEM!!! No doubt about it!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter
a Cross Country Rider
from Mill Valley, CA, USA Date Reviewed: October 18, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Railroad - Goin up
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
AtomicBikes.com
Strengths:
Very bright! Easy to set-up and operate. A lot of light for a reasonable price.
Weaknesses:
Battery pack a little heavy, but managable.
Bike Setup:
Trek 8000 LX/DX, Manitou LX
Bottom Line:
Money well spent for those early moring climbs up the mountain!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MTBChik
a Cross Country Rider
from Telluride, CO Date Reviewed: October 9, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Joe's Ridge
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
BRIGHT! Multi Position Inexpensive
Weaknesses:
15-17 Hours to Charge??!!
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Custom Dean
Bottom Line:
I originally bought this for winter commuting - short distance - 7 miles round trip. I have never ridden at night before, have bad night vision to begin with, so when my soontobeexhusband induced insomnia took over, I decided to stop tossing and turning and get up at o'dark thirty and ride. OHMIGAWD! I want to mount this puppy on my CAR! So bright! I was using the single wide on the trail and it was plenty bright (and no, I ain't no girlie girl when it comes to SPEED!). I used the double lights to scare the few deer I saw on the trail and PO the few cars on the road. Light weight, stay put battery, swivel mount for the bars, oh, and did I say BRIGHT?? The only reason why I'm givin' it 4 chilis for the overall is the charge time. Don't spend $389 on the Blowtorch, this thing ROCKS!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Theodore Friedman
a Weekend Warrior
from Hartford, VT Date Reviewed: October 4, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Inexpensive but well built. The light to get if you commute and trail ride on the same machine. Passes the "annoys oncoming cars" test.
Weaknesses:
Very long charge time.
Similar Products Used:
This is my first light with some real wattage.
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Silk Path 400. Light on the handlebar.
Bottom Line:
I picked this one as a commuter light with enough oomph to illuminate the occasional dirt path. No disappointments yet. I alternate between the 10W wide on the trail and the 15W narrow on the road. Save your charge and pick one or the other. Together you are burning battery for little extra light. Could use a smart charger. I took the advice of an earlier reviewer and picked up a cheap Radio Shack outlet timer to prevent overcharging. Much pleased with this purchase.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Racer
from Roswell, Georgia Date Reviewed: June 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Chicopee Woods, Gainesville GA.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
www.PerformanceBike.com
Strengths:
-Bright -Charge lasts as long as CygoLite says it lasts -Battery stays put in bottle cage -Not too heavy -Aluminum headunit (Rare but very good) -Weatherproof (Withstands almost hub-deep high speed creek-crossings)
Weaknesses:
-No remote switch. The switch is a universal switch resembling those on blinky lights (The first click turns on 10 watt wide beam, the second turns on both the 10 watt wide and the 15 watt narrow, the third turns on just the 15 watt narrow, and the fourth click turns it off)
2001 Schwinn 7005 Alu, LX Group, Marzocchi Z.4, Kore bar/stem/seatpost, Selle Italia Flite Gel Saddle, Salsa Grips (gotta have those)
Bottom Line:
The light is 6 volts, 25 watts, and has 2 beams, a 10 watt wide beam and a 15 watt narrow beam. The light is white and intense (you can actually feel heat radiating from the headunit on cold nights). It has a runtime of 3 hours on just the 10 watt wide beam, 1 hour on both beams (all 25 watts), and about 2.3 hours on the 15 watt narrow beam. The 10 watt narrow is sufficient for most trails, the dual is good for when things get technical. I barely ever use the 15 watt narrow by itself.
I am 16 and have been mountain biking for 9 years and XC racing for 2 years. I have just gotten into night riding because I am training for the 24 Hours of Adrenalin and it is a blsat. This light is so bright I do not lose any confidence when I ride in moonless, pitch black dark. I have taken this light down extremely rocky, technical fire roads at speeds of 30 mph or more and the light never flickers, the battery stays in the cage. It is a great light. The additional weight is sometimes noticable but, unless you are a pansy, you should still be ok. It is reasonably light (A lot lighter than a sealed-lead-acid system, but only marginally heavier than a nickel-metal hydride [NiMH] system)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Glen Murphy
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, VIC, AU Date Reviewed: July 25, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Melbourne Bicycles Centre
Strengths:
Insanely bright.
Weaknesses:
Less than ideal controls. Complicated recharging procedure.
Bike Setup:
i-drive 4.0
Bottom Line:
Super bright lights - I'd hate to imagine the number of people I'd blind if I purchased the helmet mount kit.
The controls are nowhere near as funky as I've seen on cheaper system - you basically have one button on the light which toggles between wide - dual - narrow, and with the light mounted close to the stem, it makes switching beam strengths less than easy (a remote button that can be placed away from the light ala the nightstick would be nice.)
Charging the system is a bit annoying - there are no lights to indicate that it's actually charging, and there's no autocutout/trickle charge - you're just supposed to charge the lights for 15-17 hours, and NO MORE than 24 hours (otherwise permanent damage results.) This wrecks havoc with my unscheduled lifestyle.
On the roads, the widebeam is more than adequate, and on the trails, the dual beam makes you look like you're out to hunt some oversized monster. Mount is secure, the waterbottle battery stays where it's supposed to, it just works the way it should.
This was purchased at the only store in melbourne I could find that stocked them, and the price ended up being A$300, which is a bit more than ideal. The value rating below is based on the US RRP, though.
If they had included a better charger, this would be getting 5 chilis, but as it is, I have to spend too much time worrying about overcharging. *grumble*
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA, USA Date Reviewed: February 14, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$109.00
Strengths:
sturdy design, light NiCad battery, aluminum casing makes it water resistant
Bike Setup:
cannondale
Bottom Line:
Great light at a bargain price. This system has a single switch that will toggle between 10 watts, 15 watts or a combined 25 watts of bright light. The quick release mount is easy to use and the headunit is aluminum and weather resistant. I normally run the 10 watt wide beam and get well over 2 hours of burn time. This light is perfect for road or mountian riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Edward
a Weekend Warrior
from Corvallis, OR Date Reviewed: January 26, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$112.00
Strengths:
lightweight, durable aluminum casing, brightness, water bottle battery
Bike Setup:
Mesa
Bottom Line:
A high end light with low end price. I picked up this bad boy a little while ago and recently began using it. 10 Watts is perfect for the road but you can chose from 10w wide, 15 watt spot or combined 25 watts for trail rides. Great light for the price. Good on the handle bars but I prefer the helmet mount kit.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil
a Cross Country Rider
from Auckland, New Zealand Date Reviewed: April 27, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Whakarewarewa, Rotorua, N.Z.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Throws out excellent light, secure h'bar mount, Robust & lightweight aluminium light unit, Lightweight Ni-cad battery, Water bottle mounting, Powerful light, excellent value for money
$ 109.95
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
