Comes with Intellicharger Pug and Forget Recharging System.
Quick-Cam light bracket for easy installation, removal and adjustment.
Cord-mounted on/off switch.
Planet Bike donates 25% of company profits to causes that promote the use of bicycles for the good of the planet.
Alias comes with Spectra blue halogen bulb for cleaner, brighter light, also has low and full charge indicator on battery.
Run Time: 2-4:00
Bulb: 9/12/15w power levels
Battery: NiMH bottle
Weight: 585g
Submitted by
Mik
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia Date Reviewed: April 8, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$125.00
Purchased At:
treadlies
Strengths:
clear white light
Weaknesses:
run time, build quality
Bike Setup:
Yeti ARC, with lots of XT and RS Duke race
Bottom Line:
Well I've had this light for about 6 years I think, and only posting this review as I'm looking for something new...and found reviews...
I like it a bit, and don't like it a fair bit. I only bought it as I needed lights and all my riding mates had vista lights, but all the store were sold out. I like the nice bright white light and the easy of switching between power settings. Don't really like the bootle cage mount, but not terrible either.
After having it not very long, the handle bar switch stopped working, I manage to fix it, even with my feeble electrical/soldering skills and that hasn't been a problem until last week, where I could turn it on and off, but not between power settings (but it would do it by itself, just at the worst times).
The big problem... the ever reducing run time. Down to 10 minutes at one point. sure I could turn it of and fool it for a few minutes, just plain annoying rinding home from work at 1am, but a bit tradjic when off road... fixed this by replacing all the batterys at local battery place (just ripped it apart, threw old ones away, replaced with new AA style [or whatever they are in rechargable batteries], bit of plastic welding) and I was back to regular run times... most of the time, that was 3 years ago and only now is the runtime going down, so maybe some more battteries...
Oh and I find all the straps and things annoying, you have to put in battery, strap the cord, strap the switch, plug into light, then take it all off again... but the charger is a good idea.
I guess i'll buy similar sytle to all my mates, so if in trouble we can share batteries, but i think the idea of this system is good, just that it doesn't last very long.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed
a
from NW Chicago suburbs, IL Date Reviewed: January 11, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
performance bike
Strengths:
Relatively lightweight and easy to install and use. Nice clean white light for road use.
Weaknesses:
The battery, especially in the cold.
Similar Products Used:
None; I had a cheapo light before, until I pinch-flatted and almost crashed after hitting a rock going too fast for the light.
Bottom Line:
I'm primarily a roadie but the light reviews are here, so here I am. My major gripes are similar to the others addressed here, and my experience reflects the pattern in the reviews. Most of the favorable reviews are from owners who have had this light for a year or less. I too was very impressed with it at first: lightweight with lots of nice bright light and very easy to use. After time, like the trend of the reviews, my disappointment began to appear and grow, solely because of the battery. I would start getting the drop down to the power save mode earlier and earlier in my morning ride. Now in my second winter, the battery is shutting down completely after only 10 min or so, and I'm limping along trying to nurse it for the remainder of the ride. Very frustrating. I just ordered the Jet Lites Blast HID, hoping that more is better. With luck, I'll report back a much happier rider. If you are comtemplating buying the Planet Bike Insight, be prepared for a rapidly fading battery giving less and less burn time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
andrewt
a Cross Country Rider
from toronto Date Reviewed: November 2, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Don
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
MEC, upgraded at PB.com
Strengths:
This light has a Limited Lifetime Warranty! I have no idea where my reciept for this light is. Purchased fall of 2001!
I had a problem with the unit, and eventually (3 years later!!!) upgraded it to the well reviewed (and in fact works great) Alias system. Just email them: they are very accomodating. If they are shipping you an Alias upgrade to Canada, make sure it says:"warranty replacement product" to avoid a duty charge.
Really hard to beat this customer service level.
Bottom Line:
Anyone who is having problems with one of these should consider the upgrade to the Alias system. I was charged $37 USD.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pat Hale
a Cross Country Rider
from Michigan Date Reviewed: August 22, 2005
Favorite Trail:
all the roads of Metamora
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$140.00
Purchased At:
Main Street Bikes
Strengths:
Easy to install- trickle charge lets you forget about it between rides.
Weaknesses:
Not as bright of a beam as I had expected. BAttery does not hold the charge for nearly as long as manufacturer claims. Cost of new battery is almost as much as a totally new light.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bottom Line:
An OK light to allow a cyclist to make it home safely at dusk but it is certainly not powerful enough to maneuver backroads in the dark.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Glenn
a Weekend Warrior
from Gilbert ,AZ, USA Date Reviewed: October 23, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Hawes
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$105.00
Purchased At:
Alfred e bike
Strengths:
Bright, light, plug and forget charger, easy quick-release clamp for light.
Weaknesses:
It would be nice if the light switch had a rubber backing. It slips around on the handlebar if you don't put one between it and the handlebar. You need to shut off the battery or it will run down even if you don't have the light on. This hasn't bitten me yet but I've read reviews from people it has.
Similar Products Used:
Vistalite 10W
Bike Setup:
Specialized FSRXC.
Bottom Line:
I've had great luck with this light. It's bright, lightweight, and easy to install. Mine is over a year old and I haven't had the low run times others have mentioned but I live in Phoenix and it usually doesn't get that cold. I love the quick release clamp for the light. The water bottle battery works great if you have a water bottle holder. It also has a velcro strap and an indent if you want to strap it to your top tube(that's what I do). I've gotten over 2 hours runtime switching between the medium and high settings (12Watt and 15 Watt).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Downhiller
from Prince George , B.C. Date Reviewed: September 18, 2003
Favorite Trail:
A-Line
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
MB Racing
Strengths:
Light weight,brightness,price,burn time.
Weaknesses:
If your frame does not have water bottle mounts it is slighly more difficult to mount the battery in a secure fashion.
Similar Products Used:
PB alias
Bike Setup:
Tank DS1 dirtjump bike (check it out at ragebike.com )
Bottom Line:
I bought this light despite some complaints by others about the battery and I am very pleased so far. I don't have water bottle bosses so I carved a foam holder and the battery then straps to the top tube.I have been riding techinical trails with stunts and drops and the light has shown no signs of breaking and has provided adequete light.Thus far I am happy with it and i would recommend it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Agoura Hills, Ca, USA Date Reviewed: July 23, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Cheeseborough Canyon
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
gift
Strengths:
battery gage
Weaknesses:
Something is always going wrong with their product: bad battery circuit(3 times), bad on-button, plastic loop holding velcro broke off, pin on hadlebar mount came out.
Similar Products Used:
Nightrider
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS2
Bottom Line:
I won't buy from Planet Bike again. Although they have replaced defective parts, and I have upgraded to better systems with them(for a price), I've had it with the hassle. I'm buying another light this week from someone else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim K
a Cross Country Rider
from Dutchess NY Date Reviewed: June 28, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Taconic -Hereford
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$111.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Price & quality. Bright. User friendly : charger, connections, mounts.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Nite rider digital head trip, pro-6.
Bike Setup:
Crack-n-fails Raven, Jekyll, f3000
Bottom Line:
A so far great light! Seemingly well designed. They say they give 25% of profits to bike advocacy groups. How's this for the bottom line: compared to Nite Rider, I got A LOT more for my money!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from Issaquah Date Reviewed: March 4, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
MEC
Strengths:
Customer service, light weight, bright lights, ease of use, easy to set-up, and no worry battery charger.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Cheap household battery lights
Bike Setup:
Specialized Sirrus Comp
Bottom Line:
This is an update to the review I wrote back in September. I experienced some problems with the battery after two months of communting to work. The battery would switch to the power save mode after 30 - 40 minutes and then eventually go off. I barely made it to work. I called Planet Bike and explained the problem and they sent me a replacement light within the week. They indicated that there was some problems with some of the batteries not being to hold power.
So far I haven't had any problems. Planet Bike has great customer service. You can get their phone number at Planetbike.com
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lothar of the Hill People
a Racer
from Ocomukowonawaukesha, WI Date Reviewed: January 28, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Plug and forget charger, CUSTOMER SERVICE
Similar Products Used:
Vistalite, Niterider
Bike Setup:
SC Superlight
Bottom Line:
Planet Bike customer service rocks! I did have some issues with my first battery (see review below); however, those seem to be resolved with a new replacement battery sent to me by Jon at Planet Bike. I would give them 10 chilis for customer service if I could.
If you're looking for a light, consider one from a company willing to back it up, like Planet Bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
fastslick
a
from SF, CA Date Reviewed: November 19, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
This product shines bright white light like the HID.
Weaknesses:
Coil Cord is not flexible enough stretch to reach helmet, The cable keep pulling the connection off. Had to return battery unit due earlier defect. They were prompt to replace it with Newer battery version solved the premature switch to power-saving mode. Now it works great.
Bottom Line:
This is a great light that shine bright and lightweight. Battery last 2hours. Was dissapointed at first due to battery defect but they promptly sent me an improved battery that solved the premature power-saving mode. I like the charger unit where you could just plug it in and forget. Overall, I highly recommend this light.
What a piece of garbage. I never got a run time over 1hr. Now it runs for ~5min before going into power conserve mode, then shuts down shortly thereafter. I'm through wasting my time trying to contact the company. I'll be buying a Light and Motion or Lupine system very soon.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
lee
a Cross Country Rider
from winnipeg, canada Date Reviewed: October 11, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
MEC
Strengths:
-Colour temperature of bulb -nice looking housing -easy to field change bulb
Weaknesses:
-curly cord not quite stretchy enough to reach vertical cage -digital control delicate -charger claims -cheezy bracket
Similar Products Used:
BLT, homemade,cheapo bar lights that run on alks
Bottom Line:
I saw this light in a pile of nite hawk lights at mec. The price was good $139 cdn for a 4.5 ahr nimh battery medium high power bulb.
The light output is very good. The focus of the beam doesn't leave any strong halos and puts light to a good distance. The colour temperature is hotter than 3000 K that most mr11s come in. I judge it to be 3300-3500 K. There is very minute tinge of blue in the light but not as much as HID or white leds that I find kinda wash out objects with their blue grayish white light.
Run times are around what PB claims on regular setting. By regular I mean at 15 watts. The other settings I suspect are acheieved by running the bulb at lower voltages. This is a really inefficient way of running a bulb and more light output and longer run times would be acheived with a lower power bulb run at its rated voltage. I've ridden it in 10 to 20 C temps and don't notice any large variance in capacity.
The light housing is quite nice looking and compact. PB chooses to mount an outrigged switch which is handy for flipping the light between settings on the fly, But I don't flip through settings and prefer switches integrated into the head. I have noticed that the bottom back piece of the light head appears to be a seperate part. PB goes to a lot of trouble to make a nice fit for the bulb and O-ring to seal out crap but this two peice at the back leaves a slight gap. It is about the width of a few pages of paper and light can be seen through it. The L bracket that holds the bulb looks cheezy and I used my BLT bracket instead.
The charger is no smart charger at all. PB recommends 12 hours to fully charge the battery (note to guy only charging 8 below). 12-16 hours is the time taken to trickle charge at 1/10 C which is what this system is doing. At this rate you could leave your battery hooked up and still run minimal risk of damaging your battery. The cycle charge at the end would have been nice if they designed a rapid charger. I'd definitely pay more for that. Note you have to cycle your battery before it performs consistently.
For the price it's a nice package and I would like to keep it but....
There is always a freak situation that can cause a short. I went over the bars onto some rocks which in the process I got seperated from the bike. The power cable got squashed and partially severed by a collision with the rocks and part of the bike. The wires contacted created a short. When I went to pick up the bike I could hear the battery humming and noticed the wires. Took the light back to the work bench and went about fixing the connection. The light now will be on contiuously irregarless of toggling of both switches. I think the current fried the controlling circuitry -possible a PIC. I was a little annoyed that the battery didn't have a polyfuse or something to protect the circuit.
At this point I'm not really interested in another of the same product due to this flaw. If I got another one I'd fuse it myself but that't really PB job. If they fix this then they have a good priced fairly good product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a
from Issaquah, WA USA Date Reviewed: September 5, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
MEC
Strengths:
Light weight, bright lights, and easy to set-up.
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
cheap household battery powered lights
Bike Setup:
Flat bar road bike
Bottom Line:
These lights have performed very wll for me. I have not experienced any problems with cold weather shut downs as noted by other riders. I commute to work early in the morning 2-3 times per week and the temperature can be in the low 40's this time of year. My commute is about 35 - 45 minutes. 9 watts is what I typically run but there are some areas that get real dark and then I push the button to get up to 12 watts and that is more than enough.
Charging is a bit slow but with the smart charger I don't have to worry about overcharging.
At $70.00, this was a screaming deal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom B
a Weekend Warrior
from Baltimore, MD Date Reviewed: March 23, 2002
Favorite Trail:
intervals on the wind trainer
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$109.00
Purchased At:
bikeusa.com
Strengths:
Good price (bikeusa.com does me right) 15W setting is plenty bright for commuting Decent burn time Lightweight battery
Weaknesses:
The low battery auto-shutoff circuit shuts down the light on a full charge when it's cold outside. Of course, the time you really need a light is when you are riding (esp. commuting) in the winter. I am on my 3rd battery now (or maybe it is the 4th?) from the warranty guys at Planet Bike and they all have the same problem. It is pretty irritating to get sent a replacement with the same problem again and again. They have been helpful in getting me new batteries to try, but I am starting to think that there is a fatal design flaw in this light, and that all of the batteries out there are going to fail sooner or later in the cold.
I am getting ready to punt on P.B. and see if they will comp me for the cost to buy a new light from another company. I wish I could support these guys because I like their company, but this product is a dog.
Similar Products Used:
None yet
Bike Setup:
Cannondale touring frame commuter mule
Bottom Line:
Stay away until they have a fix for this light. I'm not sure how to know when that is, though!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Slowmo
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada Date Reviewed: March 19, 2002
Favorite Trail:
dark and scary
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
100
Strengths:
Light, compact, very bright, nice helmet mount if you use a pump strap not their strap. Doesn't leave any brackets behind. Low beam so I dont blind people on the bike path.
Weaknesses:
Battery doesn't work below 10 celcius making the light useless 5 months of the year, unless you live in Texas. Water bottle battery- in the summer, I like to put water in my water bottle cages. Too fiddly to attach the switch and everything to the bike when you get kicked out of the bar at 2:30 AM.
I wanted to like this, I really did, but the battery doesn't even get me half way home when it's cold or even when it's cool (it turns off after 15 min). I get full run time when I bring it inside and let it warm up. The bottle battery is too bulky to stick inside my jacket to keep it warm. I suspect the (not- so-) smart auto shutoff circuitry is fooled into thinking it's run down, because NiMH batteries are supposed to work well in the cold. I made a cable to connect it to a lead acid battery for the winter because I do like the way the light head attaches, and I'm tired of looking for a decent simple bright cheap light for commuting.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kurtrace
a Racer
from co Date Reviewed: January 27, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$149.00
Strengths:
New & improved light now with Spectra Blue Bulb shines even brighter than most that pass me by.
Weaknesses:
Non
Bottom Line:
This is simply the brightest and whitest light I've ever tried. Much brither than those costing over $250. Battery last a long 3.5hrs on lowsetting and 2hrs on high
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver, BC Date Reviewed: November 14, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Mountain Equipment Coop, Vancouver.
Strengths:
Light weight, long run-time. Battery can be charged at anypoint. Just plug in an leave alone.
Weaknesses:
Cord doesn't disconnect from battery, so you have to undo the wire velcro-ed to your bike, and the switch - which takes up time if you are just doing errands around the city. Also, battery still uses power even if light is turned off using the thumb switch. This doesn't make sense. You have to turn it off on the battery so it won't use power, even if the light is turned off. I didn't realize this and ended up w/ 20 min of power on a dark highway.
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
Norco charger, urban setup.
Bottom Line:
Other lights for less might have more power, or even have dual lights, but this one has a long run time on 9W, and is super light weight. (settings, 9, 12, 15W).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BVBR
a
from Ocomukowonawaukesha, WI Date Reviewed: November 9, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Won at a race
Strengths:
Free for me!, 3 power settings.
Weaknesses:
Battery doesn't live up to claims--40 minutes tops, even when alternating the power settings.
Similar Products Used:
Vistalite, Nightrider
Bike Setup:
SC Superlight
Bottom Line:
The price was right, but I'm disappointed by the runtime. After about 30-45 minutes of mixed wattage use it kicks into power conserve mode, then dies a short time later. <1hr is a far cry from the 1.4-3hr run times they advertise. I'm working on a warranty replacement, but I kind of doubt it, since I never really purchased it. My 4 year old beat up Vistalite held together with electrical tape and Radio Shack wires still outperforms it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Larry LaFavor
a
from Waukesha, WI USA Date Reviewed: November 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:
glacial Drumlin
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
direcy from factory
Strengths:
price
Weaknesses:
The battery never lived up to its claim. the claim of 1-2-3 hours for each of the settings(5-12-15 watts)is not true. after 8 hours of charge. the 5 watt last 1 hour, and the 12 or 15 watt lasts 10 minutes at best. not reliable.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bottom Line:
dont buy it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: September 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Tuscany Trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
MEC
Strengths:
3 Power Levels, Good Life, light weight, Great Value!!
Weaknesses:
Helmet mount could be better. Rapid Charger would be nice.
Similar Products Used:
Niterider
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Sugar 2
Bottom Line:
The Planet Bike Insight 15W is such a great value ($139CAD) I bought two: One for the handle bar, and one for the helmet. For the price I paid for two, I couldn't even buy one Niterider light. It's not as "bomb-proof" as a Niterider but I won't cry if I break it. The battery life is just as good as Niterider's Digital Head Trip II ($350CAD) and has the same 3 power levels. When using it as a helmet light, the battery isn't as nice as Niterider's flat pack but the 1/2 water bottle battery still fits in my hydro pack. Overall, I give it 4 chilies (Helmet mount could be better and a rapid charger would be nice) and 5 chilis for value!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GS
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary Alberta Canada Date Reviewed: February 27, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$95.00
Purchased At:
MEC
Strengths:
Awsome value !!! Great features for a light this cheap.
Weaknesses:
None .
Similar Products Used:
Nite rider head trip, Digital Head trip
Bike Setup:
Which bike ?
Bottom Line:
I have been using a Head Trip for over a year now with no problems, but at the price you have to pay for a Nite Rider...they better be reliable !
I was looking for a bar system to compliment my Head Trip and purchased the Insight 15. The light comes with a NiMh 6.4 Volt ( half water bottle size )with a "smart regulator" built in the battery and a smart rapid charger !! The light easily mounts to the bar using a quick clamp and the light output ( 9w, 12w, 15w ) and power on/off is selected by the remote switch on the bars. All of these feature for just $100. Crazy value !!
Overall the Insight is not built like a Nite Rider with Military use in mind, but it's water tight and built well enough to do the job at any 24Hr race or night ride with power and money to spare.
Planet Bike are releasing a helmet system with smaller battery in the Fall......I can't wait to see this.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cory Stem
a Cross-Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ Date Reviewed: August 24, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Sub rock in Sedona
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light, bright, and easy to install. Three way lighting 6,10,15 watt. Good battery life.
Weaknesses:
Bulb can be vulnerable to branches.
Similar Products Used:
Nite sun
Bottom Line:
A good light that is cheaper than others but still offers durabilty and value.
Overall Rating:
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