The HL-500 Halogen has been the standard in bike lights for over ten years. Owned by over 10 million cyclists, the HL-500 provides 1,000 candlepower of light using two "C" batteries. Side light markers provide additional illumination from the right and left for nighttime visibility. The HL-500 is a night commuter's dream.
Submitted by
chopper
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia Date Reviewed: April 19, 2009
Favorite Trail:
round town
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Old Keith Dents Bike
Strengths:
Cheap enough...Good in its day.
Weaknesses:
Switch too hard to find and i do not like the way it operates.Most bike fittings i find too weak,..and its a drag if lights etc..detach half way down a hill etc..So be sure that it is locked on properly;)
Similar Products Used:
Smaller torch-looking light,..similar bracket..Lost in action due to unclicking from bracket.
Bike Setup:
17" Giant Boulder Disc 2008..Hence the renewed interest in lights.
Bottom Line:
If you find one cheap enough,.then its probly good enough;)Of course a stronger beam is desirable if indulging in risky night manouvres (downhill etc.).For general riding/visibility to others etc. this light will do.Should really be solar rechargable,.as its pretty flat on top.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from LA, california, usa Date Reviewed: August 18, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$9.00
Purchased At:
local shop
Strengths:
The light is very focused and bright. can light up a pitch black street. The weight isn't so bad and is easy to dismantle.
Weaknesses:
Absolutely nothing
Bottom Line:
It can double up as a flashlight and is very focused. even when it is pitch black, this headlight can light things up. This headlight is ideal for commuters and weekend mountain biking.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
'ric
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore Date Reviewed: December 17, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$8.00
Strengths:
Cheap, I guess, but then there are cheaper Reliable
Weaknesses:
Not bright enough Eats up batteries like it was in a buffet Fat, takes up valuable bar space
Similar Products Used:
Quite a number, don't remember the models
Bike Setup:
Merlin E-Stay Suspension '93, full XTR
Bottom Line:
I don't see the point of this light...
If you're a commuter, you'll want something that's highly visible, and which won't die on you too quickly. So you'll probably look for LED lights which use AA-batteries (easier to find in rechargeable format).
If you're on the trails, you'll probably want something that casts a substantial amount of light. So you'll want a HID or equivalent.
This light doesn't throw enough light to navigate with, and neither does it have the same visibility range of LEDs. Swallows batteries whole too. Yes it's cheap, and will take a beating, and is fairly waterproof. Beyond that it seems a bit redundant, 'specially since it's so damn big.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shawn
a Cross Country Rider
from Singapore Date Reviewed: November 2, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$8.00
Strengths:
Relatively cheap, cover screw easy to remove with fingernail :P. Reasonable battery life.
Weaknesses:
Not bright enough for trails. uses 2 heavy size c batteries.
Similar Products Used:
No brands
Bottom Line:
This light is hopeless for trails unless ur handlebar has space for about 3... A commuting light.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chongyi
a
from WI Date Reviewed: October 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
around UW Madison
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$12.00
Purchased At:
Budget (Used) Bike Shop
Strengths:
quick release, long battery life, bright under total darkness, beam can be repositioned anytime without any tools.
Weaknesses:
horizontal rectangular beam limits the depth.
Bike Setup:
Raleigh M30 2000, XT derailleurs.
Bottom Line:
very good lights for commuting purposes and able to light up dark paths effectively. i highly recommend it to students who travel between classes at night because batteries last quite long (i travel 4 trips a week night time with at least 15 mins each trip and the lights only dimmed a little after a month). but im giving it a 4 out of 5 because the depth of beam is quite limited (but good enough unless your are riding extremely fast on pavements without any streetlights).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tod Monet
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, TX, Harris Date Reviewed: June 19, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Bike Barn
Strengths:
Long battery life. Sturdy constructions.
Weaknesses:
Light not as bright as others.
Bottom Line:
I've owned this product for over two years. Only now is it beginning to suffer from weather exposure. I didn't fully appreciate what I have until I looked for a comparibly-priced replacement. This light uses two C batteries. I use rechargables. They last a good two weeks between charges. I bought a similar product that uses 4 AA batteries. They lasted about an hour! I put this one back on and am still using it. Don't use the product if you need the light to see. It's only good for BEING seen.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Ward
a Cross Country Rider
from Rotherham,s.yorks,England Date Reviewed: June 12, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Coed-y-Brenin
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
JE James
Strengths:
This light is ezcellent value for what it is, its ok for roads, easy removable so it doesn't get knicked. Also doubles as a flashlight!
Weaknesses:
There a couple of small holes in the side that seem to lose a lot of light.
Similar Products Used:
Cateyes..
Bike Setup:
GT Backwoods, stock, part from SID 100's and XT kit.
Bottom Line:
This light is brilliant value for what it is. If u want a cheap, good light BUY THIS!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jose M Meda
a Cross Country Rider
from Garza Garcia, NL, Mexico Date Reviewed: April 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Bio-Parque Estrella
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$24.00
Purchased At:
Outdoor Life
Strengths:
Clear light, powerfull beam, easy to set-up, only 120 gr. in weight
Weaknesses:
The halogen bulb is very delicated, yoa most be very carefull because it will brake with no effort
Excelent price/performance relation, you will find a light with better illumination only if you are willing to spent $100+.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony VB
a Cross Country Rider
from Antwerp,Belgium Date Reviewed: March 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Ardennes
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$10.00
Purchased At:
decathlon
Strengths:
Good light sight light
Weaknesses:
not to remove at all when it rains so it is stolen after a week
Similar Products Used:
sigma
Bike Setup:
kona cindercone
Bottom Line:
will buy sigma now because it's even brighter and it will remove allways so i will have a headlight longer then a week
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mr Dove
a Weekend Warrior
from Buffalo Date Reviewed: March 29, 2001
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Light, Portable, easily detachable and it doubles as a flashlight in a pinch. Battery life is pretty good too.
Weaknesses:
More expensive products have higher output.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
GT Avalanche 2.0
Bottom Line:
This is a really good product for someone who does not ride much at night. The battery life is pretty good but they are not rechargeable. The light output is not wonderful but it's enough for most people.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Raymond Tiangco
a Racer
from Makati City, Philippines Date Reviewed: March 28, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$5.00
Purchased At:
Glenn's Cycle Shop
Strengths:
Muy barato! Cheap! Got it for 250 Phil. Pesos ($5). Strong casing..detachable....
Weaknesses:
Not bright enough, uses Medium batteries (heavy)
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Chro-mo custom, 105, Cinelli, TTT, Selle Italia, Open Pro, Panaracer
Bottom Line:
Great light for low traffic training sessions at night. Still, some cars coming at me head on either ignore me or just don't see my light. It's too weak to see the potholes and bumps before it's too late. Don't use for off-road, or on paved roads you are not familiar with. Bottomline, GET SOMETHING BRIGHTER.
I give it a 5 for value since I got it at the price of 3 quarted pounders.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Linton
a Weekend Warrior
from Roscoe Date Reviewed: February 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
All at night
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Humpwithme's
Strengths:
Long batery life easy to remove cool
Weaknesses:
none or mabe a little the beam gets very narow one batery gis getting to be dead
Bottom Line:
good cheap light
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott Sipes
a Downhiller
from Ben Lomond Date Reviewed: November 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Black Sage, Gazos Creek
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Bike Trip
Strengths:
Removeable (makes a flashlight) Super Bright! Lasts longer than I can ride! Very lite, instead of the rechargable ones! Small and comapct!
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Cateye TL-LD120 Tail light
Bike Setup:
Mongoose D50
Bottom Line:
Great product, cheap price, excellent! What more can I say?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jonny
a Weekend Warrior
from Oxford, UK Date Reviewed: September 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Aston Hill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Bright beam compared with other cheap lights Battery Life Compact Solid construction - I keep trashing it, it keeps working!
Similar Products Used:
Loads of other cheapo lights
Bike Setup:
Orange EVO II std + CrudCatchers!
Bottom Line:
Great light for when you dont want/need to carry 2kg of rechargeable twin-halogen badger scarers. These price/power lights are for town riding and for emergency get-you-home situations and compared to all the other cheap lights its bright, strong and small enough to pocket (how many lights have YOU had stolen so far this year?) Its also the only UK road-legal light I've seen (visible thru 180 deg)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shredder
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: May 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Doctors Park near CB Colorado
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
price, build quality, mounting bracket, run time
Weaknesses:
low output
Similar Products Used:
none similiar, only much higher-end
Bike Setup:
1999 s-works m4
Bottom Line:
I have had this for years, I use it mostly for around the neighborhood (we have a headlight law) or at the local hike-and-bike trail around townlake at night (mainly so joggers can see me). Make no mistake this is no off-road light for shredding. On the other hand, it still works while I have been through 2 Spec. Pro-View Nicads and am again in the market for a new off-road light. It also works well as a flashlight for camping, etc. I just used it to check on my ribs I was BBQ-ing outside. It does what it was intended to do very well, the best thing is it saves your high-buck lights for when you really need them...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob Smith
a Weekend Warrior
from Wiltshire Date Reviewed: November 4, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Anything dark
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Long battery life Small and light Unbreakable Reliable
Weaknesses:
Weak beam Um... Look it's very good OK Will that do?
Similar Products Used:
Crap
Bottom Line:
Works great as a commuter light and a bit of off roading (if you're totally insane). Lasts for about 8 hrs using 2 C batteries 5 of those flaming things please
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Russ
a Cross-Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA Date Reviewed: October 29, 1999
Favorite Trail:
chicopee
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
bright, light weight, long battery life, the clear shell can be seen 360 degrees.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
vistalite vl530, cygo lite, various other cateyes
Bike Setup:
rigid GT avalanche
Bottom Line:
excellent light for the price. Great for commuting! made mainly so cars can see you, not really for trail use. great mounting system. I own two!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chaz
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, Oregon Date Reviewed: September 16, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Good commuter light. The price is right.
Weaknesses:
Doesn't light up the trail or street.
Bike Setup:
Hardrock Comp
Bottom Line:
Buy this for commuting on streets and roads, but don't expect it to light up the trails at night. Get the 360 degree set. You will get the clear body that can be seen from the sides and the LD-500 tail light.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stinkfoot
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario Date Reviewed: September 15, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Bright, long battery life, easy to mount and use, inexpensive
Weaknesses:
None yet.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized headlight
Bike Setup:
Kona Lava Dome with Marzocchi z5.
Bottom Line:
Great commuting light! Its quick release mechanism and bright, focussed beam make it perfect for commuting (but its definitely not bright enough for riding trails). For use as a commuting light or on predictable or familiar terrain I give it five chilis.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Galilao Tsu
a Cross-Country Rider
from Albuquerque, NM Date Reviewed: September 13, 1999
Duration Product Used:
more than 3 years
Strengths:
Inexpensive, easy to mount on handlebar, has quick release, well made, comes with ni-cad compatible bulb. The application of this light is for drivers and pedestrians to be able to see the biker coming at night. (Most cities usually require by law a front light, while a rear light is optional.) The HL-500 is not specifically designed to light up a black asphalt road or dirt trail. Can be used as a daytime running light in the early morning, say before 8AM and after 4PM if it is aimed high enough. The run time is about 4 hours with alkalines before dimming is rather noticeable, and about 2 with ni-cads.
Weaknesses:
None for its design application and price.
Similar Products Used:
Nite Rider Cyclops and Turbocat S47
Bike Setup:
Mongoose IBOC with Manitou 3 and Hydrapost suspension seatpost. Kona Explosif with Manitou Mach 5 SX and USE suspension seatpost
Bottom Line:
A good light for a bicyclist who occasionally rides at night on a smooth known path with no surprises on it. For people who ride often at night, a more powerful light is recommended to increase the safety cushion.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hursty
a Weekend Warrior
from essex Date Reviewed: August 17, 1999
Favorite Trail:
stort river
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
cheap, small, easy to remove
Weaknesses:
not that bright, easy to remove
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
db topanga 95
Bottom Line:
good for the money, compact, easily removed, ideal for commuters/pub cyclists, not recommended for off road.
Overall Rating:
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