Night-Rover is the most popular and economical rechargeable headlight system for the night time commuter. This 12.5-watt dual beam system is compact and lightweight, with a rechargeable frame mount Gel-Cel battery pack that will continue charging for years. Night-Rover comes with a CYGO LITE exclusive, PITCHED DUAL BEAM, giving the rider a 5 degree difference of beam aiming angles allowing full road coverage.
Thumbscrew easily adjust beam direction up and down
Easy-to-mount, compact rechargeable battery pack
Runs up to 3 hours on single beam- 1 1/2 hours on dual
Submitted by
rooftop77
a Weekend Warrior
from grand rapids, MI, USA Date Reviewed: October 20, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Yankee Springs
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
Freewheeler
Strengths:
Easy to Use
Weaknesses:
Battery Life
Bike Setup:
1996 Mongoose Rockadile Rigid converted to road style gearing.
Bottom Line:
For the price it's a nice light. I have always disliked the battery. I only ever got about an hour out of a charge. It lasted about two years. The charger and the light itself are still in great working condition dispite being beat to crap.
As an entry level light for less than $100 it is well worth the investment. I am older and more pickey now and would like a Li-Ion battery that lights up the world.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick
a Weekend Warrior
from Minneaplis Date Reviewed: August 18, 2006
Favorite Trail:
NA
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
Cheap, bright.
Weaknesses:
Bad switches, delicate battery.
Similar Products Used:
This is my first decent (>3W) headlight.
Bike Setup:
Windsor Fens, Specialized Rockhopper.
Bottom Line:
The ability to break the battery by overcharging or overdischarging is a great weakness. Damn switches work fine in the garage, then go bad on the road. I'm looking forward to an upgrade, but it has served me well as a decent entry-level light.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Clint B
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlottesville, VA, USA Date Reviewed: April 17, 2006
Favorite Trail:
O-hill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$75.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Cheap, reasonably bright for price range.
Weaknesses:
Battery very heavy & large. Only getting ~1.2 hr run time. Don't waste your money on helmet adaptor-I did & it lasted less than 10 minutes.
Similar Products Used:
Light & Motion
Bike Setup:
2004 Gary Fisher Sugar 2 Race, Reba Team Fork w/ U-turn.
Bottom Line:
This light does it's job, and is is very cheap for a light that is bright enough to actually mtb with. My biggest complaint is the weight & run time of the battery; but you get what you pay for. If you mtb at night regularly, my advice it to buy something more in the $180+ range.
I purchased this light, and only used it once or twice for the 1st year; then I let it sit in my garage all winter before attempting to use it again; DON'T DO THAT! The cold & long-time without being used killed the battery, and it cost me close to $60 to have the cells replaced--almost what I paid for the entire system. I probably should have just bought a nicer battery with what I now have into this light. Even if you do not use this light (or any other for that matter), do your self a favor, and run it mostly down & then recharge it for the manufacturer-suggested time at least once a month. The charger is a "dumb" charger, so you have remember to not over or under charge the battery, or you can damage it. Still, for the price, I feel that this is a decent light.
One last thing: do not waste your money on the adaptor that allows you to attach the light to your helmet; I did, and it did not even last 10 minutes before it failed completely. That could have been disaterous had I been bombing downhill when it happened.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
johnnyb
a Cross Country Rider
from Fairfax, Cali Date Reviewed: November 3, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Tamarancho
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
I've used this light for FIVE years, three times a week for about 44 weeks a year and I've replaced only one light and the battery charger.
Weaknesses:
Not 100% waterproof, limited bright light time.
Similar Products Used:
LED lights
Bike Setup:
Bianchi Vigorelli (I know its a road bike), and Mountain Cycle Rumble
Bottom Line:
For a $65 dollar light, plus $20 for the charger and $10 for the light bulb--a total of $95 is a great deal for five years. In fact the original charger still works but the red light is burned out.
This cheapie light is still chugging along. I've waterproofed along all the joints by laying a bead of glue gun glue and it has worked great, when I changed the bulb, I had noticed there was water inside the body housing and not sure if that was what burned out the bulb. But everything has been good since. With the original lead-acid battery, the light at full power will last a little over an hour, running one light with occaisional hi-power you can get 2 hours. Enough for my commute and enough for a moonlight mountain ride.
No complaints here. Just dry off the equipment and when the battery is really low, charge for 12 hours.
The service department people may be bored but they got the parts right away to me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver, WA Date Reviewed: July 24, 2005
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$70.00
Strengths:
Best lights per dollar
Weaknesses:
light switches break
Bottom Line:
I have to admit that I have purchased three of these. They keep breaking and I keep buying thinking I will have spare parts - and I do! I will not purchase anything more from this company due to the unreliablity of the switches.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nathaniel Williams
a Cross Country Rider
from Lynnfield,mass,usa Date Reviewed: May 13, 2005
Favorite Trail:
lynn woods
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
REI garage sale
Strengths:
Wicked bright dude!!!!!!!!!!! I went from L.E.Ds to this, I almost blinded myself! Price. You get 2 halogeon lights,not just one.
Weaknesses:
Short burn time when in the woods you can barly see the stuff around you. Velcrow-yes it's spelled wrong,I know-is anoying, battery pack is huge. Falty switches so, somtimes you can turn only one light on.
The folks at cygo lite are nice and understanding, but so unthusiastic, the guy I spoke to was half dead.
Bought used, with one light burned out which got a replacment for free.
RECOMENDED FOR COMMUTING ONLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Robbins
a Weekend Warrior
from Huntington Beach, CA, United States Date Reviewed: February 17, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$48.00
Purchased At:
ebay used
Strengths:
Throws lots of light, weight of battery
Weaknesses:
battery is only good for 1.5 hours with both lights on
Similar Products Used:
Brite Light 6 volt sealed beam, lead acid battery
Bike Setup:
trek 5200 road bike
Bottom Line:
Excellent light and value. I have tried others in this price range and this is the best for the money. I purchased this light in used condition on eBay. It arrived without the handlebar mount. I called Cygolight, explained the situation and FOR FREE they gave me a replacement one that day. Andrew could not have been nicer-they have and deserve this customer's loyalty.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a
from Houston, TX Date Reviewed: June 3, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Service, Price
Bottom Line:
The Night Rover has worked very well, but I am most impressed with their service. I had my bike stolen and was able to get replacement parts promtly before an upcoming race. The service people helped to fit my needs and even recomended replacement bulbs for the type of race I was competing in.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, Australia Date Reviewed: May 25, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Lights are terrific, must be one of the more affodable twin light sysytems available. Using both beams you get a a very good coverage - especially for commuting or on bike tracks where l do most of my night riding.
Weaknesses:
Cost of replacement parts - battery, globes etc. But if you are willing to contact the guys at Cygolite they are fantastic and will go out of their way to assist you and at a fraction of the cost of buying them locally - Australia
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Raceline Comp.
Bottom Line:
Good lights at a terrific price - backed up by a manufacturer who is prepared to fully support their product. Well done guys.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
adam
a Cross Country Rider
from Kokomo, IN Date Reviewed: September 4, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
REI.com
Strengths:
5 degree difference between spot and flood very clever and nice. ok value. ok battery life
Weaknesses:
switches suck if you don't have a third arm (please keep the laughing to a minimum. lol). very dim for XC. bearly acceptable under city lights. might make other night riders laugh at you compared to their 20+ watt systems, but who cares about that?
Bike Setup:
EPX Terrashark frame, mostly XT drivetrain, easton bar and stem and marzoochi MX Pro fork, crossmax ust disk
Bottom Line:
the only real nice feature is the 5 degree rise on the spot. i am not someone who rates things harshly when i use the product in a situation it was not designed for. if someone buys a HID system and rides a lot of XC at night, they made a good decision. if they use that in a city situation, good luck avoiding the police! when i ride at night (and more often when falls rolls in), i ride through a couple miles on well-lit sidewalks and streets. then my destination is almost pitch black. this light honestly performs poorly in both situations. it is simply not bright enough. i would recommend it to anyone who commutes under low-light conditions and have healthy night eyes. this is a tough review because i need something bright for my type of riding. someone else may find it plenty for their needs. oh well. i eventually replaced this product with a 25 watt bar-mounted system and a 12 watt helmut system. i guess that is needed for my riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alpha
a Weekend Warrior
from Miami Date Reviewed: January 7, 2003
Favorite Trail:
any i don't break anything
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Cycletechinc.com
Strengths:
More bang for buck than competitors Bright Enough Choice of Wide/Narrow Beams or combo SENSIBLY Upgradeable Customer Service A+++
Weaknesses:
It would be nice to have a separate handlebar switch
Similar Products Used:
All kinds
Bike Setup:
ever changing
Bottom Line:
UNBELIEVABLE VALUE. Bashes similarly priced units! Bright enough for parks, light trails, and asphalt as I do 90% of riding at night. This is a fantastic entry-level light system. In fact, the term entry-level does not do this product justice! Helpful reps on phone, and you can upgrade easily if desired. For longer, trecherous trails I would opt for a higher output(also from CygoLite)and more batt life, but this system suits my needs and my *wallet* perfectly. An upgradeable charger is also in the works from Cygo making recharging a little more simple. It takes a LOT to impress me and this system really did. BUY IT NOW BEFORE these guys wise up and double the price to match competition. CygoLite can add one more very satisfied customer to their list. CycleTech has BEST prices!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J.
a Cross Country Rider
from VA Date Reviewed: October 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
any single track
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Cheap?
Weaknesses:
Not bright enough for XC riding
Similar Products Used:
I've ridden with others with brighter lights. This one is too dim
Bike Setup:
GF Sugar 2+
Bottom Line:
I returned it after using it once, and am going Franken-light. These things are just way too expensive. 12 watts is not bright enough for single track at night. Maybe okay for riding the local commuter path or rail trail or to be seen by cars. For about the same amount of money and some time in the workshop, you can build a dual beam, 35 watt system with a 1.5 to 2.5 hr run time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J. Brink
a
from Chapel Hill, NC Date Reviewed: September 29, 2002
Favorite Trail:
the road home
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Price. Very nice light output.
Weaknesses:
Battery constraints.
Similar Products Used:
Cheap little 2.5W jobbie.
Bike Setup:
Entry-level 1999 Schwinn hybrid configured for 200 miles/month commuting.
Bottom Line:
This is a *great* light for the price. I was looking for a light that could offer more than the 2.5w lights, but that wasn't gonna cost me an arm and a leg. I simply have no need for a light that is worth more than my bike! :-) This meets all the requirements. I am cycling both city and rural roads early in the morn, or after sunset. With this light, I feel like I can travel 15-20 mph and see far enough ahead that I won't be caught by any surprises in the road.
The downside is the battery. I am used to my cellphone, cd player and laptop all charging as much as they need automatically. The whole concept of noting the amount of light usage and charging accordingly - with the danger of ruining the battery by either under or over-charging - feels a little outdated. But, that's why the price is so low, and I can live with that.
This light is a *tremendous* value and I highly recommend it if your usage is anything like mine.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ROB-O
a Weekend Warrior
from kingwood texas (bikesource) Date Reviewed: May 28, 2002
Favorite Trail:
crooked spoke
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$69.00
Purchased At:
performancebike
Strengths:
awsom for the money, the light is perfect for what i do i got a helmet light and its better than mounting it on the handle bars
Weaknesses:
if u let the battery run all the way down it will not be abnle to be recharged
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
giant nrs
Bottom Line:
the best lights you can buy for the mony great coustomer service..i give them ****************
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric Gilkison
a Cross Country Rider
from Salem, Oregon USA Date Reviewed: February 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Where-ever I wander
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$75.00
Purchased At:
Santiam Outfitters
Strengths:
For the dollar, its an awesome light. There is nothing in this price range that can beat it. More than enough illumination to cover anywhere I ride. The exception would be in north Hawaii back country, its so dark I even have trouble seeing with car headlights.
Weaknesses:
After 2 years and hundreds of night rides... (riding at night is just way to cool, feel like a cat prowling around) I wore out the switch for the high beam. It would be REAL nice if it had a remote switch to mount another on my helmet.
Similar Products Used:
Glo-sticks, Maglights, Bic lighters, cheap AA thingys and a coleman lantern.
Bike Setup:
98' Raleigh m400 stock except the rear wheel> i finally beat it to death. Its coda.
Bottom Line:
Like I said above... U can not beat this light for the price. Nothing as solid or dependable for the price. Good light output and the bulbs LAST! THe powercell lasts too!
Would be nice if it had a remote switch to make it easier to turn it on and off when its on my helmet.
If you are not Bill Gates and you want to try night ride this is your light. I bought the first 2 years ago and the second over a year and a half ago. My exgirlfriend has it now.
One recomendation, These lights are so cheap compared to whats out there.... Buy one for the bar and the other for your helmet mount.. Makes it easier to blind naughty barking dogs.
Over all rating of 4 chilies for not having a remote switch.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
eddie ortiz
a Weekend Warrior
from staten island Date Reviewed: December 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
local park trails
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$59.00
Purchased At:
performance
Strengths:
great price, worked to perfection. took it out in pitch black nite, and it wasn't bad. Didn't lose way or hit anything. Pretty bright beams.
Weaknesses:
handlebar mount doesn't illuminate well on turns because beams point in direction handlebar is pointed, but with a cheap light mounted on helmet, it can't be beat.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
giant boulder, suspension seatpost, mozo front suspension fork.
Bottom Line:
I had absolutely no compliants, for the money this light worked like a charm, even on tricky trails in the dark. It was scary but fun!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug Sloan
a Racer
from Fresno, CA Date Reviewed: December 13, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$89.00
Strengths:
Simple, reliable, sufficiently bright
Weaknesses:
must be careful not to overcharge battery; not self-regulating
Similar Products Used:
Niterider Digital Pro 12 LCD (2); 2.5 watt lights
Bottom Line:
This light is sufficiently bright, and flat out works every time; it is perfectly reliable, which is fantastic compared to $350 Niterider systems that don't work; great value.
I like the battery in the little bag that hangs over the top tube, as is doesn't use up a bottle mount. Could mount it on a long stem, too.
I like this light. For it's price, you could buy 4 or 5 of them for one Niterider. I bought Niteriders expecting more brightness and longer battery life, but he hassle just isn't worth it compared to zero hassle for the Cygolight.
I lost the handlebar mount, and Cygolight politely took my call (no run-around in phone purgatory) and sent me two of them immediately. Good customer service.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frank'n'speed
a Racer
from Southfield,MI Date Reviewed: September 27, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
rei
Strengths:
cheap.
Weaknesses:
Lightpattern barely visible on asphalt. Cateye batterylamp has more lightoutput than this. Cheap
Similar Products Used:
nightsun, cateye, dynamopowered lights
Bike Setup:
Bontrager privateer s w/slicks, M5 shock proof recumbent
Bottom Line:
As a commuterlight it doesn't work. Wouldn't even think of using it for offroad or 24hr races. Maglights are even better...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: July 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Penasquitos Canyon
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Nice looking?
Weaknesses:
It doesn't work, the unit I purchased came with bad bulbs and battery.
Similar Products Used:
NiteRider, CatEye, VistaLite, Nightsun
Bike Setup:
Too many to describe!!
Bottom Line:
Purchased this set from Performance, and proceeded to charge battery when I got home. After a few hours connected the battery to the light unit... no light. Connected to battery to a different manufacturer's light unit... no light. Connected Cygolite's light unit to another battery... no light. Got my meter to check the light bulbs, couldn't believe both light bulbs showed open (checked several times and other light bulbs to confirm).
The battery didn't hold any charge, the meter showed the charger wasn't charging. Connected the charger to another battery, the meter showed good readings.
Obviously I haven't been able to test this product. I can't understand how a brand new unit comes with two bad bulbs, and a bad battery.
For my $45 I got a charger, a battery holder, and a bulb housing, not really a good deal. I did call Cygolite customer service. They were nice, they explained that usually bulbs are not covered, but they would change them for me if I fax a copy of the receipt and mail the bad bulbs back. I didn't, better spend the shipping money buying locally new bulbs.
Sorry Cygolite, never had a problem with the other guys.
Mike in San Diego
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cathy
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco, CA Date Reviewed: February 2, 2001
Great light at a great price. This is my first bicycle light ever and it does well for my commute to school.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean
a Cross Country Rider
from Detroit Date Reviewed: October 12, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Hines Drive & Stoney Creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
rei.com
Strengths:
Price, size, brightness, versatility
Weaknesses:
Battery weight, cold weather life, not a smart charger.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Hybrid Commuter with US Pro Drive Electric assist
Bottom Line:
$45 - 12.5 watts - dual beams - up to 3 hour time (in warmer weather, of course. Sounds good for the money, even if I paid the $60 regular price from REI.
I might splurge in the future for something with a smart charger, as I am afraid I am going to overcharge it it ruin the battery, but right now it does good for my 48 mile round trip to work and back. I am considering putting on my helmet, and using warm water in my camel bak to keep the battery warm, so it does not die.
Hig beam definetly gets peoples attention when mounted correctly.
I think this is best for medium to long range commuters, as long as you can recarge it at work (don't forget to bring the charger, it is small and easy to take with you.) Most streets I ride do NOT have street lights, and dual beams light them up pretty good, but I noticed I had to ride a little slower than during the day.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
johnnyb
a Cross Country Rider
from San Anselmo, CA Date Reviewed: August 31, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Mt. Tamalpais!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$59.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Cheap, effective lighting for Class 1 bike paths and streets.
Weaknesses:
Plastic housing, lightbulbs replacement limited to manufacturer.
For $60 buck this is a good deal for commuter needs. I commute home for an hour and thirty minutes, and there is enough charge to keep both beams bright and path lit up the whole time. Have used it for at least twenty rides now and it works out great. Setup and teardown is quick and simple. Dual beams, one wide, one focused. Connector is adequately insulated, should add shoe-goo or sealer for rain. Plastic housing gets warm and instructions say to turn lights off if not moving, believe it. A little concerned about replacement bulbs. So fara no complaints. I'm sure you can get a higher quality lighting system but the price is the winner here.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Ruttle
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: February 25, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Price Brightness Battery
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Sigma Sport
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher
Bottom Line:
The Night Rover-WB works ,and is worth every penny I spent (which wasn't much). I was using one of those battery operated headlights, but it just wasn't enough light. I really wanted to get a rechargeable system, but I didn't want to spend the money. So I was on the web looking through the Performace catalog, and came across Cygo Lite's Night Rover. For $60!!! it had everything I was looking for rechargeable battery, (that firt into my water bottle), twin beams for brightness, and the price (did I say $60). Finally a decent light, that you don't have to pay for.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pat Enriquez
a Cross Country Rider
from Miami, FL Date Reviewed: February 17, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
PRICE $$ Compact unit
Similar Products Used:
Cateye
Bike Setup:
Litespeed
Bottom Line:
I have used the light for 1 year, and it seems to be holding up. I was prety hesitant at first beacuase of the price, but now I can testify that this light is for real. For $60, you can't find a better buy. I recently bought the helmet kit for the light and it makes the light more versatile. I think cygolite has a pretty good thing going here
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Lising
a Weekend Warrior
from Las Vegas, Nevada Date Reviewed: January 21, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Price, Brightness
Bike Setup:
Mongoose RX
Bottom Line:
I recently purchased the Cygo-Lite Night Rover due to the reviews from this section. For the price you can't beat it. Riding through Vegas to and from work is pretty tough, and the Night Rover set-up gives me the right amount of light for me to be seen through traffic.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill Leong
a Weekend Warrior
from Hercules CA Date Reviewed: December 29, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Tilden Park
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Affordability
Weaknesses:
Brightness
Similar Products Used:
Cateye Hyper Halogen
Bike Setup:
Yokota, Tange shock
Bottom Line:
Bought the Night-Rover based on the reviews here, which are right-on. Not very bright but you get what you pay for. Bought at REI for $60 (10%rebate at the end of the year). One bulb burned out as soon as I turned it on, but REI exchanged the head or me. Not very effective against street lights due to its yellowish beam, but good enough for my commuting purposes. Using both lights is not much improvement over using only one light, so I'll run with only one light on most of the time - and save battery juice. Nice size battery which is fairly light for an SLA. Now that I have some experience and have gotten a taste of what a light system can do, I think I'll save up for a Digital NightOwl for my road bike!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Drew
a Cross-Country Rider
from Mequon, WI Date Reviewed: November 30, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Simple to mount and remove as needed. Affordable price. Simple.
Weaknesses:
Not the brightest light.
Similar Products Used:
Cateye 2.5W
Bike Setup:
Road bike - Trek 5200
Bottom Line:
When the days get shorter and the nights get long - you need a decent rechargeable lighting system. Unless you plan on extended (2+ hours), or off-road use, the Cygolite Night Rover is a good choice thanks to its simple set-up and affordable price.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Victor Kan
a Weekend Warrior
from Morrisville, NC Date Reviewed: November 9, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
price, lightweight total package (for a lead-acid system), solid but adjustable mounting
Weaknesses:
battery to light connection sometimes iffy, dumb charger, needs brighter narrow beam lamp
Similar Products Used:
Dewalt 12v snakelight
Bike Setup:
Linear Mach III recumbent
Bottom Line:
It's a decent, cheap light that's bright enough when pitch dark, but contrast from street lights and oncoming cars make it near useless at times (e.g. when you're entering a dark patch not illuminated by a street light). The wide beam is pointed down, and is plenty bright enough for that. The narrow beam is pointed up, but isn't bright enough if pointed more than maybe 20' in front of you, though it'll light up reflective signs real well :-).I expect it to be a great complement to a head-mounted light (expecting a NiteRider Head Trip soon) with a stronger narrow beam.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, AZ Date Reviewed: November 8, 1999
This light seems to be a great buy so far. It is compact, bright enough for 30 mph road riding in total darkness, and seems to last about an hour on a charge with both bulbs on. Bought it from Performance because I couldn't quickly find a local dealer; it cost $69 incl. 2 day air shipping. I would like to get a helmet mount kit and a spare HB mount, if I can find a local dealer or Cygolite will sell direct. The instructions are full of warnings about ruining the battery by running it dead or undercharging, so that part will be seen. Otherwise, no problems seen so far, and compared to a 2.5 watt, 2 C-cell Cateye that constantly dimmed and blinked out, it's like riding in the daytime! Five piping peppers until next review!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Binky
a Weekend Warrior
from Arkansas Date Reviewed: October 27, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
It works as well as any other light u know of.
Weaknesses:
no stickers to show off how much money I spent
Similar Products Used:
Niterider, Vistalite, Maglight, Coleman.... etc.
Bike Setup:
99 DBR zetec comp, race ready with DH modification
Bottom Line:
Nice package, without the holier than thou price you will see in other lighting. I'm sure that other stuff is nice but who wants to pay more for a light than what they paid for their bike?? Cygolite is ushering in a new low-cost market and people have sense to buy value not name these days. Just as IBM was the comp to buy, then comes e-Machines with their low cost product, and there goes an entire market for IBM. Just buy this thing, it wont break your ass.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
NiteOwl
a racer
from ATlanta, GA, USA Date Reviewed: January 8, 1999
Bottom Line:
Hello Fellow cyclist and consumers. This is a note about the company call CYCO LITE. I made a several phone calls to CYCO requesting technical info about their lights. All ended up with no positive responce and no calls were ever returned.There were three persons that I spoke to William, John and Norman (supposedly the president of the company, he said he was). Was inquiring about the quality of their lights and how did they achieve 5 hours with the same battery pack and higher wattage light.Never once they gave a positive responce nor any information pertaining to my question. They assumed I was a competitor when I told them i was comparing a few other brands.Finally - NORMAN (president) told me to go buy from their competitor. If this is the sort of responce a company shows to potential consumers. DO YOU WANT TO BUY ANYTHING FROM THIS COMPANYI WONDER WHAT TYPE OF WARRAANTY OR CUSTOMER SUPPORT THEY PROVIDE WHEN THERE IS AN ISSUE .Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm................You make the choice, while your money is still in your pocket1 star is way overrated for this company maybe 0.001 star for picking up the phone
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