Submitted by
khskenny
a Weekend Warrior
from Memphis, TN Date Reviewed: November 13, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Small
Lightweight
Similar Products Used:
Niterider minewt USB
Bike Setup:
Rocky ETSX
Bottom Line:
My first 350 was DOA. I was pretty upset at first, but once I contacted cygolite, they were very helpful and sent out another unit 2 day rush. I was really crunched for time since I had a 12 hr race that weekend and cygolite came through. A+ on customer service. They were even willing to let me keep the extra battery and mounting hardware.
My replacement has been working great so far and I've been through probably 10 charge cycles. I'm very happy with the performance, size, and weight. The beam is wider than my USB minewt - as it should be. I'm running the 350 on the bars and the minewt on the helmet. I've been considering a 2nd 350 to run helmet duty.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
416to212
a Weekend Warrior
from New York Date Reviewed: November 4, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Glacier Ridge
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$189.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
350 Lumens, compact aluminum casing, Helmet Mount included, Li Ion battery, 3.5 hour high run time, and looks great.
Similar Products Used:
Halogen XC Nightsuns and Black Diamond Spot headlamp.
Bike Setup:
2002 Kona Bear
Bottom Line:
The battery came fully charged and ready to ride. I decided to mount the battery and the light to my helmet though the battery can also be stored in a a camelback or jersey pocket with the extension cord that comes with the Mitycross 350. Even with the battery and the light both on my helmet the weight was not a big nussance. Of course I could feel the helmet shift slightly when ripping through rock gardens but for root and small rock laden single track the weight was not noticable. I've been night riding for over 10 years and I no longer think I need anymore light than the Mitycross 350 offers. I love the smooth beam pattern with no hot spots and I think both the depth and width of the projection is perfect for single track. At the $189 I bought this light for, I think it's a superb value compared to it's competitors (Light & Motion, Dinotte, and NightRider). I highly recommend this light because of it's value, brightness and quality of light, various mounting options, lightweight, easy to use button and battery life indicator, and compact set up. I love this thing.
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Submitted by
jbayers
a Cross Country Rider
from barrie, ontario, canada Date Reviewed: September 14, 2009
Favorite Trail:
horseshoe valley and three stege
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
MEC
Strengths:
solid construction, small, light, long lasting, water resistant, light pattern, you get two mounting options and a longer cord (for pack putting the battery in your pack).
Weaknesses:
i haven't found any yet.
Similar Products Used:
20W halogen
Bike Setup:
hardtail
Bottom Line:
excellent in all ways, it does what it says it does. provides a well spread bright white (slightly blue) beam with no hot spot. the battery quickly charges and is very light. the connection for the battery on the light is very well made and water resistant, the button is well made from silicon rubber and is easy to use. any one who enjoys getting their money's worth and more should buy this light. i have recommended this light to my friends.
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Submitted by
bgfthntr
a Cross Country Rider
from Adirondacks, Upstate NY Date Reviewed: September 14, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Spier Falls
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$199.00
Purchased At:
Jensen USA
Strengths:
Small, Light weight, bright, multiple modes, helmet and handlebar mounts
Weaknesses:
None yet...
Similar Products Used:
Very old Night Suns
Bike Setup:
FSR XC
Bottom Line:
I bought these like most to extend the riding season. I currently have them mounted on my handlebars and the mount is great. It doesn't move when secured and is easy to adjust. The battery and the light are ridiculously small which is awesome. The three brightness modes help to keep the life of the battery going up to 17hours.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
AdamFranco
a Cross Country Rider
from Middlebury, Vermont, USA Date Reviewed: July 31, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Anything on Snake Mountain
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$170.00
Purchased At:
PerformanceBike.com
Strengths:
Tiny, light-weight, good mounting system, sufficient light to road or mountain-bike at night.
Weaknesses:
It would always be nice if things were cheaper, but otherwise none so far.
Does it really matter for a light review? Lets just say that I have enough suspension travel and tread to save my butt if I miss my line.
Bottom Line:
In preparation for the 24 Hours of Great Glen mountain bike race next weekend I purchased a CygoLight MityCross 350-Lumen LED headlight (on sale for $170). It arrived on the FEDEX truck yesterday and I took it out for this evening (9-10:30pm) for my first-ever night mountain-ride. Having only ridden by day, night riding was quite a change, and definitely a blast. We received heavy rains yesterday, so the rolling limestone-ledge single-track of Battel Woods in Middlebury was moderately muddy with very slick rocks and roots. While I had a little (low-powered) flashlight as backup, the MityCross was the only light I used during the ride.
I mostly rode with the light on my helmet and battery in my CamelBack which worked great on all of the trails from super-twisty handle-bar-wide singletrack to wider double-track. I certainly had plenty of light to see and I was pleasently reminded of mogul-skiing advise: Stop looking at your feet, observe strategically. Lifting my head a bit and looking 15-20 feet down the trail (on single-track) rather than at my feet helped my speed pick up measurably. There were a couple of time while I was exploring some new single-track that I came around a large tree in a hairpin-turn to be surprised by a drop or climb that I wasn’t expecting, but I don’t think more light would have helped shine through an obstacle.
I tried one short stretch of double-track with the light on my bars and found that while the the depth-perceptions is much better (as everyone says), it was really distracting to have the light twitching back and forth as I dodged rocks. With the light on the bars I was able to cleanly bunny-hop a series of 3, 6, and 8-inch logs, whereas with the light on my head I miss-judged the big one and clipped it in the air with my tires — praise-be to 6? of suspension travel.
Overall the MityCross 350 is plenty of light to get out into the woods and ride after dark. More light would always be nice, but I had a great hour and a half ride with just this light. My plan is to get a high-powered LED flashlight to complement this light and provide depth-perception on the handlebars, but the MityCross was more than enough to get started.
On my ride home after leaving the woods I tested the “throw” of the light by riding down my dark road as fast as I could. I found that the beam of the MittyCross allowed me to resolve details about 100ft (30yards/meters) ahead which made me comfortable riding up to ~20-25mph. Beyond that, the road seemed kind of dim and fuzzy and I had to really strain to see further. While adequate for a leisurely road ride (or as fast as I can get the mountain bike), I wouldn’t want to bomb down a hill at 50mph with only this light.
One last thought: The MityCross seems to be a 2/3 replica of the TridenX, 2/3 the size, 2/3 the LEDs, 2/3 the output, 2/3 the price. If you don't need (or can't afford) the TridenX, this might be a good option.
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Submitted by
coloradoflyer
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Springs, CO Date Reviewed: July 15, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bicycles
Strengths:
Good construction, small light, compact and efficient battery pack, wide beam with multiple light settings, two mounting options included with purchase of light.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Various AA LEDs, Mi-Newt X2 Dual
Bike Setup:
Trek 2 Series
Bottom Line:
Since there are many times I am unable to ride during the daylight hours I am forced to ride early morning or late at night. I wanted a light that lights up the road and provides good peripheral vision. Previously, I had used various AA LEDs but these typically provide a more spotlight beam than what I desired...and certainly didn't provide a very wide beam. I originally went with the NiteRider Mi-Newt X2 Dual but was disappointed and ended up returning it after the first use. After researching/testing several lights I decided to buy the Mity-Cross. I was amazed at the size of the light, how compact the battery pack is, and the power of the beam. This light is definitely bright enough to use for your mountain bikes on trails. I have used it on my road bike in areas where there are no street lights...pitch black conditions and it does great. While some may consider it pricey I would say...spend the extra bucks and get a quality light that rival many of the more expensive lights I tested. You won't be disappointed...
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Submitted by
fatboyp
a Weekend Warrior
from Oakville, ON Date Reviewed: July 9, 2009
Favorite Trail:
The gnarlier the better!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
Mountain Equipment C
Strengths:
Small, light, well constructed, excellent battery, excellent light output, wide beam dispersion, two mounting options included.
Weaknesses:
still looking
Bike Setup:
2008 Trek Fuel EX8
Bottom Line:
I've been mountain biking for a number of years and have always wanted to try riding at night on the trails but was always put off by the high cost of HID lighting systems and somewhat disappointed with the lackluster output of LED alternatives when they first came out. When I recently saw the MityCross at Mountain Equipment Coop I checked out the reviews on MTBR.com and was very encouraged by the positive comments. Could this be the light that finally got me riding after dark? Only one way to find out. I decided to buy one and give it a whirl.
I've used the light a few times now riding some pretty technical trails and all I can say is WOW! The MityCross is surprisingly small and light, solidly constructed and has great output with a nice wide beam dispersion. It comes with both handlebar and helmet mounts which are super easy to install, the 3.8volt Li-Ion battery charges quickly, is small enough to easily mount on your helmet or stem and gives you 3.5 hours of run time at full power. As I only have the single light I've been using it with the helmet mount but I'll definitely be picking up another MityCross to mount on the handlebars. One light provides more than enough light to ride but from a safety perspective its always wise to run two lights in case one craps out. With two of these fired up I'll really be lighting up the trails plus I'll have some spare mounting hardware as well in case I break something.
If you're looking for a reasonably priced bike light with excellent dispersion and powerful light output, a nice small powerful battery and two well designed mounting options give the MityCross a look. Highly recommended.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richmond commuter
a Weekend Warrior
from Richmond, Virginia Date Reviewed: March 10, 2009
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$190.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Tiny, great battery life, good light pattern.
Weaknesses:
None to speak of. I would like a slightly longer throw as my middle-aged eyes are not as good as they used to be. But the light IS more than adequate to illuminate road hazards at speed. I'd just prefer stadium level illumination which I guess I could have for an additional $500.
Similar Products Used:
AA powered LED's
Bike Setup:
Fuji steel frame commuter from the last century
Bottom Line:
I was leary of putting down big $$ for a light - a $190 light on a $30 yard sale bike seemed excessive. But the AA powered alternatives are a joke if you want to maximize your survival chances while commuting in a decided bike unfriendly environment. This light lets me see road hazards during the early morning commute and cars clearly see me when it is in flashing mode during the afternoon return trip. It does the job for which it was purchased.
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Submitted by
VanIsleDave
a Cross Country Rider
from Victoria, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: March 8, 2009
Favorite Trail:
CBC
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
MEC
Strengths:
Compact size, includes both short and long power cables for different battery mounting options, solid mounting system, intuitive controls, excellent beam pattern and light output, solid and weather tight power connections, everything else about it rocks!!
Similar Products Used:
BLT, NiteSun.
Bike Setup:
All Mountain
Bottom Line:
This is the light we've all been waiting for, I was looking at system that cost up to $500 CDN, and this is as bright, more compact and as good or better build quality. First ride I did with this light was with a large group of riders who were faster than me, we ended up on a trail system I was totally unfamiliar with and of course I was trailing the pack. I had it handlebar mounted which is not optimal for any light system for trail riding, yet I was able to negotiate unfamiliar twisty, root laden trails in complete darkness at speed. Absolutely recommend this system.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john quackenbush
a Weekend Warrior
from salt lake city Date Reviewed: March 7, 2009
Favorite Trail:
anything xc in park city
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
beyond bikes
Strengths:
well designed, excellent construction, light, bright, good price
Weaknesses:
none
Bike Setup:
titus racer x 29 and litespeed road bike
Bottom Line:
this is exactly what I have been looking for for night riding!
I would not hesitate to buy any product from this company.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
trekusps
a Cross Country Rider
from Fremont, CA Date Reviewed: February 5, 2009
Favorite Trail:
MIssion Peak
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$160.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
Very bright light, multiple light and flash levels. Very robust handlebar mount. Lighter than the competition in the same price range.
Weaknesses:
Doesnt' convey the status power like Niterider or Dinotte
The Cygolite MityCross is definitely a better designed bike light than the Niterider Mi-Newt X2 Dual that this replaced. No longer do I have the mounting problems and broken rubber O-rings of the Niterider with the MityCross. It uses a real quick release screw-on handlebar mount that will not move no matter how rough the terrain. Not only did I purchase the MityCross for less, it is almost 80 grams less in weight vs. the Mi-Newt X2 Dual. Also, run time is far longer than the Niterider and is much brighter on high, more than twice as long and over five times on low beam.
On the roughest terrain, the MityCross did not slip nor droop on the supplied handlebar mount. Cygolite also includes a helmet mount which the Niterider cannot provide because of it's design. The MityCross also has a multi-level battery indicator that is easy to see and understand. Light pattern is bright, deep and wide with a shape of a compressed letter W. Much easier to see the road or terrain vs. the two spotlights of the Niterider. According to the Cygolite website, the MityCross is equivalent to a 30W halogen system which feels about right when I have compared it to my 32W halogen Niterider dual beam system. Speaking with Niterider, their Mi-Newt X2 Dual system is equivalent to their 25W halogen Classic Dual beam system currently on the market. Quality of the MityCross is on par, if not better than the Niterider. Overall, comparing the two systems, the MityCross is the better light system. You can get away with using it by itself, at least where I ride since it is not a very technical ride. But the Niterider Mi-Newt X2 Dual, I always felt the need for a helmet light on the same trail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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