Don’t care to dim your lights and expand your burn times? Then go with the Solo. Quick release mounting means you can snap the light head off to investigate technical problems or fix a flat plus. Adjustable beam pattern allows you to dial in your light, making Solo lights a perfect match for today’s high performance road bikes and commuting. Mtbr Bike Lights Shootout - over 50 bike lights reviewed, photographed and measured here.
Strengths: Nice and even beam pattern Comes with a helmet and handlebar mount Button on light head makes solid click when pressed Puts out a great amount of light
Weaknesses: Charging takes too long Light can be easily overcharged without a smart charger
Bottom Line:
Personally, I have found the Solo to be bright enough to take just about anywhere. Although it cannot compete with the HIDs in absolute brightness, the Solo's beam is very broad and shines a long ways ahead. The only slight drawback to the system is its charger. The Solo uses a trickle charger which takes a good 8hrs of charging for a fully drained battery. It gives no indication of how much charging time is left. My suggestions are either to invest in a Light and Motion multi-chem charger (works with any Light and Motion light) or to simply buy an inexpensive plug in the wall timer. Overall, its a great light for anyone wanting to make the path ahead a whole lot brighter.
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Davis, CA
Date Reviewed: November 30, 2007
Strengths: Good Price, Sufficient Light for Most Night Riding, Good introductory light
Weaknesses: Handlebar mount is useless for bumpy trails as the light will swivel out of position. Plan on only using the helmet mount (included). The 14 hour trickle charger is a bit of a pain. You know the batteries are fully charged when they are warm. Primitive but it works.
Bottom Line:
Buy this light if it's your first and you're on a budget. It will get you out on the trail, which is better than having nothing. If you find you are riding a lot, buy a second more capable light for your handlebars, and use the L & M Solo as your second light mounted on your helmet, or use it as a loaner for your friend you are dragging out to ride at night.
Submitted by
Alan
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2007
Strengths: Cheap and gives you some light in the dark
Weaknesses: Weak, not bright enough for mtb, poor mounting design (handlebar & helmet), no smart charger
Bottom Line:
This light is crap overall. If you are planning to do double track slowing, it might work out ok. In tight single track, you are better off with another light. I tried this as well with a 12W Jetlites on my handlebar and with the Solo on helmet (13W rated). the solo was totally useless. Again, this might work on road or double track but not single track mtb. For the price I got it at, there is no complain in terms of value rating. My Jetlites cost 3x as much each and the Axis is like 5x
Strengths: Great inexpensive start up light that works well on the trail. Small lamp that can be used on a helmet or bar mount. Doesn't interfear with Heart Rate Monitors. Great customer support. Adjustable beam is a nice touch, too. Battery (size, mounting options, & burn time). Light can be easily adjusted on swivel mount (without tools) yet stays put while on the trail.
Weaknesses: 14 hour Trickle charger that comes standard with it is inconvenient when using the lights on a regular basis. The burn time on the bulb is low, I had to replace mine after about 20-25 hours of use.
Bottom Line:
I used this light as my sole light on the trail for about a year without any problems. It is easy to use, reliable, and relatively inexpensive. I added a helmet mounted light to use with this light and have no need to buy a more expensive lighting system. The standard equiped 14 hour trikle charger is the only drawback.
Similar Products Used: NightRider Digital Head Trip.
Bike Setup: Santa Cruz Blur XC, Redline Singlespeed, & Haro Werks 3.0 along with road bikes.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Peter
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco, CA
Date Reviewed: November 3, 2006
Weaknesses: Light disappears (as any halogen does) if someone around you has an HID system.
Bottom Line:
Good light. I use this one on my helmet, where I wouldn't be able to access anything beyond turn on/turn off (I use a Solo Logic on the bars, where I can access these options). This combination works great for trail riding.
Definitely get the quick charger with it, if you buy one of these. The charger is pretty much plug it in and forget it. The one that comes with the light doesn't do this.
Similar Products Used: Night Rider Trail Rat, various VistaLight systems, L&M Solo Logic
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Eric Hyduke
a Cross Country Rider
from McAdoo, PA
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2006
Strengths: Adjustable beam pattern, bright light, good burn time. Light adjustabe horizontally and vertically, and a helmet mount is included. Battery is a reasonable size and weight.
Weaknesses: This version of the solo has a 'dumb' charger. You must calculate how long to charge it and take it off when done. Also, side lights to illuminate computer a good idea, but they shine up too high.
Bottom Line:
Good light at a reasonable price (compared to other lights), just remember to unplug it when the charge cycle it done.
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