Submitted by
Chris Andersen
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: January 31, 2007
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.
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).
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!
Bottom Line:
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!
Submitted by
Ted Lewis
a Cross Country Rider
from Northampton, MA
Date Reviewed: November 7, 2005
Strengths: Bright, inexpensive, well constructed, good customer support.
Weaknesses: No trickle charger
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.
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.
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.
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.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Charles Geravsi
a Cross Country Rider
from Madison, WI
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2005
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.
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.
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
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Spokane, WA
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2005
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
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?)
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.
Bike Setup: Specialize Allez Road Bike for commuting
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
DB Coop
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: November 18, 2004
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.
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.
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!!!!
Similar Products Used: only safety flashers front and rear.
Bike Setup: Rans Rex with a zipper fairing.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Tod
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacramento
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2004
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
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.
Submitted by
ray
a Cross Country Rider
from maryland
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2004
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
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.
Strengths: Bright and not too expensive, good value
Weaknesses: NA
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.
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Canberra, Australia
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2003
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.
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.
Bike Setup: Giant Iguana 2001 model I think - disc on the front, my old VP spd pedals on there too. I like it!
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
adam
a Cross Country Rider
from Kokomo, IN
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2003
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.
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.
Bike Setup: EPX Terrashark frame, mostly XT drivetrain, easton bar and stem and marzoochi MX Pro fork, crossmax ust disk
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Joe D
a Cross Country Rider
from Setauket, NY 11733
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2003
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.
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.
