CYGOLITE is breaking into the competitive arena with the introduction of the new Z Force HID lighting system. The Z Force utilizes a new 12-watt Metal Halide HID lamp that produces the equivalent of 40 halogen watts. The HID light resembles sunlight, resulting in a clearer, brighter, bluish white beam. For extended use, CygoLite has integrated a high-capacity Nickel Metal Hydride battery pack.
Submitted by
jmowatt
a Cross Country Rider
from lantzville bc Date Reviewed: December 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
O-fig-no
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
arrowsmith bikes
Strengths:
3 yrs no problems super bright can burn for two nights on one charge
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
BLTs
Bike Setup:
giant reign
Bottom Line:
3 seasons and still strong!! this light has been so good to me i just bought another one for my bars (fog light) yes i would recommend but retail price still high buy off season..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rolfe
a Weekend Warrior
from Oakland CA USA Date Reviewed: May 3, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$235.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
bright light, cheap price
Weaknesses:
cheap price, poor quality parts
Similar Products Used:
NIght rider lights for years
Bike Setup:
FXR, FLY, Jericho
Bottom Line:
I bought two of these, one for me and the other for a friend. After about 4 months of use (16 times), the cord failed. I borrowed my friends light (since he never made it out for a night ride), and after about 5 months that cord was giving me trouble. I was able to rig that cord so it worked, but then the switch broke and I was out of luck. I ended up replacing my Niterider battery.
Never got around to waranty it, but will be sending it back soon... It needs better parts.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rolfe
a Weekend Warrior
from Oakland CA USA Date Reviewed: May 3, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$235.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
bright light, cheap price
Weaknesses:
cheap price, poor quality parts
Similar Products Used:
NIght rider lights for years
Bike Setup:
FXR, FLY, Jericho
Bottom Line:
I bought two of these, one for me and the other for a friend. After about 4 months of use (16 times), the cord failed. I borrowed my friends light (since he never made it out for a night ride), and after about 5 months that cord was giving me trouble. I was able to rig that cord so it worked, but then the switch broke and I was out of luck. I ended up replacing my Niterider battery.
Never got around to waranty it, but will be sending it back soon... It needs better parts.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Helen Tang
a Cross Country Rider
from La Puente Date Reviewed: April 19, 2006
Favorite Trail:
All
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$399.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Lights up the entire trail. Very reliable. Battery life is more than expected. Great Technology.
Weaknesses:
None, There are No Weaknesses to this light! I have never had a problem with my light except when I broke my bulb. Customer service was a perfect 10 on helping me repair my light.
Similar Products Used:
Night Explorer, Perfect for Slow Night Cruzes.
Bike Setup:
Best on the Market 3,500.00 USD Worth
Bottom Line:
This light is the best light I have ever bought. I love the light more than my husband. I had one problem with the light and that was when I broke the bulb by accident. I have been ridding for over ten years and have never came across a light so perfect for every sitution. I have never been more impressed by a light with such capability. The company is even more impressive by fixing my broken bulb with out any problems. They have a real person on the other end and no long forms to fill out in order to send in your light. They give you quick RA number and your off to the post office. Wham Bam and your light is back on your bike and your headed for greener pasture. This company is a perfect 10 in my book and any one else I know that owns a CygoLite. I want to tell every one who reads this that this light is the best out there yet. I recommend CygoLite to every one out there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott Buley
a Cross Country Rider
from Saugerties, NY Date Reviewed: March 30, 2006
Favorite Trail:
any and all
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
Overlook Mtn Bikes
Strengths:
This light was my savior when my vistalights finally quit...thought some new technology would be good ... the light is intense and battery life is excellent, but read on and check my other review 2 places down ...
Weaknesses:
This company sucks to deal with ...no urgency in accomadating this cyclist/bike shop employee ...my light has failed me again ...The first problem was in oct 05 ...battery charger failed and would not charge...called them and I got a run around ..light was 2 weeks old ...5 weeks later I got sent a new rapid charger ...Now 6 months later and the light still looks great in the box...wont stay on without going to low battery status regardless of how its charged ...called them today after making sure it wasnt something I screwed up and got the same run around and some further bs about how that system is not manufactured anymore ...that they could not replace the whole thing that it would have to be repaired...nice after only 4 rides and my dollars laid out there I get boned ... So I finally get the ra# to send it back...I expect the result will be that they fix the light, but to deal with this hassle is a pain in the ass ...Any other manufacturer would have sent me a light system and call tagged the old ...These guys have no clue about customer service and my conversation with them in regards to my problems exhumed no empathy ...I would say that they are just in it for the money and not to improve our sport as well as satisfy and support their customers....I would not reccomend this purchase again ...
Similar Products Used:
Marwi elite, titan...Vistalight halogens ....
Bike Setup:
plenty to choose from ....
Bottom Line:
This company might have the technology, but not the support...its a shame cause I like the light except for the mount ...For the cost I would feel more confident with a flashlight taped to my handlebar and a camelbak full of batteries..... Cygolite is not your best choice .......
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
PETER MARTINEZ
a Cross Country Rider
from KENT,WA, USA Date Reviewed: March 14, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Interurban, Greenriver
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Excellent visibility on the Interurban and Greenriver Trail. I am a yearround commuter. Kent to Seattle 5 days/wk. I go to and come home in the dark during the winter months. Using the NiCad model I just had a battery failure after 18 months. I returned and exchanged the NightRider roadrat for the Z-force. I needed the light output and the longer battery charge.
Weaknesses:
I do not like the placement of light switch. It's hard to push the light button when wearing gloves in the winter. Designing a Battery with a longer lasting charge would make this system even better.
Similar Products Used:
I tried the nightrider roadrat
Bike Setup:
I have a mountain bike set-up for commuting. In addition a pull a bob trailer carrying all my clothes and laptop. I average 150 to 200 miles/wk.
Bottom Line:
Definitely a good buy. I want to see where I am going and Z-force doew the job. I Got to dodge those pesky wabbits, skunks, and river rats running around on the trail in the early morining hours. You definitely can see far enough ahead to avoid a nasty spill. This is an excellent lighting system for soumeone who uses their bicycle as a primary mode of commutting.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Werner
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA Date Reviewed: December 22, 2005
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Local
Strengths:
Bright. Ideal for a commuter. I ride 60 miles/week year round to get to and from work. It feels safer in the winter and dark with this light - cars don't know what you are and so yeild- than in the summer during the daytime when I am just another bike.
Weaknesses:
Battery was poorly sealed from rain. After a soggy Seattle Fall, it failed. I sent it back to the company and they replaced it. No further problems.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Commuter
Bottom Line:
Bright light. My life depends upon it, and it really works! This was the brightest light I could find 3 years ago, and I still think that there is nothing brighter.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott Buley
a Cross Country Rider
from Saugerties, NY 12477 Date Reviewed: November 16, 2005
Favorite Trail:
any local
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
Overlook Mtn Bikes
Strengths:
Yes, its bright and it did go forever...Makes you wanna ride faster and the light adds plenty of contrast to the trail...the battery seems tough..the cable is heavy duty and beam pattern is near perfect...
Weaknesses:
Ive had nothing but trouble after the first two rides.. The fast charger died after the 3rd charge and Cygolite was in no hurry to get one out ..took 3 weeks and now after fumbling with this thing for another 2 days of charging, now the battery wont charge ...Am I being punished? So we will see how long this takes for me to actually be able to use it again...Otherwise I was almost happy aside from the cheap plastic handlebar mount that has little adjustment ..
Similar Products Used:
5 Vistalight halogen 15 watters with lots of different batteries....old tried and true ..Damm you Bell Sports ..
Bike Setup:
Stable of bikes...Whatever I feel like riding that night ...
Bottom Line:
Coulda been my new dream light the first two rides, but now its like the girl you met who after the second date presents you with lots of drama ....Well lets leave it at that untill Cygolite redeems itself; or it snows and I throw this thing out in front of the plow; or I smash this thing to bits with a hammer ...
Cygolite are you listening now?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Col. Crank
a Cross Country Rider
from Newark, De Date Reviewed: September 12, 2005
Favorite Trail:
The Back Nine
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$234.00
Purchased At:
Ancient Chinese Secret
Strengths:
I really think the light is one of the brightest. Burn Time, its rated at 4hrs and thats just about what I get out of it.
Weaknesses:
Battery weight hands-down is its weakness. Next would be the placement of the on/off switch.
Similar Products Used:
Mag-lite. Candles. Jar-o-Fireflies. GlowStiks
Bike Setup:
A frame, a chain, two peadls, some gears, oh and a handle bar.
Bottom Line:
This light is worth the dough. Buy it. It's bright enough to shut up your friends who brag about their light systems. You can solve the on/off switch problem when you buy the helmet mount (its a must!) The helmet mount kit comes with a switch that straps to the helmet. I got mine from AEBIKE.COM $15.00. ***Just a note, dont place your cell phone next to the battery in your pack. It will make the battery life light flash. Just enough to scare you in the middle of nowhere in the pitch dark***
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Low-key
a Cross Country Rider
from Victoria BC Canada Date Reviewed: September 9, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Birth control, Hot cherry
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$325.00
Purchased At:
performance bikes
Strengths:
Brighter that bright.
Weaknesses:
Weight,cost
Similar Products Used:
BLT,Cat eye,
Bottom Line:
This is by far the best, brightest, light I've used. All my buddys ride close to me so they get a good look at what's ahead. They thought they had good lights. Nothing else compares! If you need to see everything at night this is the light for you. Its expensive but well worth the piece of mind it give you smokin through the single track at midnight.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pat Connelly
a Racer
from Navarre, FL Date Reviewed: March 2, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Bar H Ranch, St Jo, TX
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$275.00
Purchased At:
MTBR Classifieds
Strengths:
BRIGHT! 4-Hour burn time
Weaknesses:
Battery weight, no helmet angle setting
Similar Products Used:
NiteRider Digital Evolution (no comparison), Light & Motion Arc Li-ion
Bike Setup:
DeKerf Team ST, Race Face drivetrain, Thomson post & stem, SRAM XO, White Industries Hubs/Mavic 517 rims
Bottom Line:
Endurance racer (12/24 Hour events). Excellent value (price vs. performance). Used Cygolight Z Force for 3 hours, then switched to backup (Arc Li-ion) for remainder of the race. Cygolight has slightly wider light dispersion and is marginally brighter. Arc Li-ion has tiny 'spot' beam in the middile of it's wide beam that was nice for identifying roots/rocks in th shadows. I only use helmet light, no bar light. HID is the only way to go for riding fast at night. Halogen light just does not illuminate enough of the trail to hammer in the dark. For $$$ paid, Z Force is an excellent buy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pepperman
a Cross Country Rider
from Bay Area Date Reviewed: February 17, 2005
Favorite Trail:
poacher's secret
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
V-Tech
Strengths:
Great light. I rode with a few buddies who have Niteriders, and this was the same brightness with a bit wider spread/dispersity of light. The on/off switch is on the battery (I think the ballast is too?) which makes the head unit on the handlebar very light! I also have a dual halogen beam Niterider (32w max) - this is brighter. The big bonus is that the HID shows the definition in the trail much better than halogen. It's a huge advantage and lets me ride faster and with more confidence at night. With the NiMH battery, I get a FULL FOUR HOURS of light! That's a LONG burn life. Wow! I didn't believe it until I bought it. It also charges pretty quickly and has a smart (plug n forget) charger.
Weaknesses:
The switch on the light isn't that burly/ergonomic for gloved hands. I also question the water resistance of the unit. I also would question it's long term durability
Similar Products Used:
Two friends have Niterider blowtorches and boith have sent theirs in for service (one guy sent it in twice and it still doesn't turn on all the time). Three frinds have the Z-Force light and no one has had a problem (yet). This is much brighter than my dual beam halogen NiMH Niterider and lasts much longer. HID is much better than Halogen for trail vision.
Bike Setup:
custom 25 lb full suspension XC rig with Talas RLC, X.O, carbon, Magura SL disc and more.
Bottom Line:
This light rocks. I just hope it holds up in the long run. 20 rides and counting...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Surlydave
a Cross Country Rider
from Indian Trail,North Carolina Date Reviewed: February 14, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$280.00
Purchased At:
Airbomb.com
Strengths:
Dang bright! More light then most HID's I've seen. Affordable for HID with smart charging.
Weaknesses:
On-off button is too small, it's hard to press with a winter type glove on.
Similar Products Used:
Only halogens which are NO comparison
Bike Setup:
Singlespeed
Bottom Line:
I choose this light as a low cost HID and opted for the NIMHD upgrade to get the smart charging system. I had not expected the light to be brighter then most of the other guys HIDS. This light has proven reliable so far in about 20 rides and the smart charger makes things easy to get ready to night ride.I'm very pleased with this light!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pedaler845
a Cross Country Rider
from Hyde Park NY Date Reviewed: January 8, 2005
Favorite Trail:
stealth
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Overlook Mountain Bikes
Strengths:
Bright, seemingly well built. Price.
Weaknesses:
Nitpick?~ The package says the NMH battery has no memory, yet the manual states a few times how it's critical to completely discharge before recharging, etc. WTF! I called them up and they contradicted the no memory claim. I'm wary of false claims; otherwise ok.
Similar Products Used:
Nightrider halogen (bs) Planet bike insight
Bike Setup:
The HID on my helmet, planet bike on bar (just as back up). Personally, this light on the helmet is all you need.
Bottom Line:
A great light! Once I did get a burn time of 3.25 hrs, but usually it is as claimed @ 4 hrs. This is a worthwhile light as I'm safer (or faster). Safer, as in seeing more obstacles in the trail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Mountain View CA Date Reviewed: January 4, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$275.00
Purchased At:
Alfred E. Bike
Strengths:
Mechanical Design
Weaknesses:
A bit hard to start at times. HID isn't all it's cracked up to be. HID is not compatible with wireless cyclometers.
Similar Products Used:
Halogen lights from Performance, Marwi, Niterider.
Bike Setup:
Road and Dirt
Bottom Line:
The mechanical layout of the Cygo is first rate, and the price is reasonable for HID. Having the switch on the battery is very nice, although you have to hit it just right to get the light to fire up reliably. The mounting bracket is very minimalist, and very solid over bumps and jumps. But I did not find HID to be 3x more efficient than a halogen. HIDs put out about 500 lumens – about the same as a 20-watt halogen. And while the light is a different color, the effective light looks the same to me as a 20-watt halogen - no more, no less. The HID color seems particularly less effective on asphalt. My Light and Motion Solo Logic helmet light just blows right through the HID on the road. But the HID does seem to show obstacles in the road quite well. And the very bright, white light seems much more visible to cars. I had read that HR monitors would not work with an HID, but that does not seem to be the case. However, my wireless cyclometer does not work with the HID.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phill
a Cross Country Rider
from The Netherlands Date Reviewed: December 31, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere round provence
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
www.aebike.com
Strengths:
-HID bulb: high intensity blue/white light -Reasonably quick charge -4 hours burn time -good fastening collars -affordable HID lighting system
Weaknesses:
-simple beam patern -connections can be tricky to asssemble -sometimes too bright -no battery charge indicator, only 15 - 20 mins warning before the light dies.
Similar Products Used:
-home made system -cheap sigma system -all-in-one handlebar units
Bike Setup:
used on on a Klein Palomino (XC) and Mantra (FR) MTB and an Optima Stinger recumbent.
Bottom Line:
I use this to commute and to play.
I commute on my Optima Stinger recumbent, in the dark.Distances from 100 to 300km per week. -this light lets me see everything on wet, leaf covered roads, even when its only 50cm from the ground - impressive! -fellow road users flash their high beam at you and turn on the rear fog light in protest of the lights intensity (I'd rather them that way tham me dead to be honest) -other road users can see you coming round blind corners due to the intensity of the light thrown on the ground before you -Many other road users stop when they have right of way to let you through... the light must be hypnotic or something. Pedestrians fix their gaze on the light as you pass by, so i guess it is! Unfortunatley rabbits freeze and do the same. I almost hit one at baout 45kph last week. -the beam pattern shows its weakness again (1st time being in annyoing fellow road users) when it gets foggy - the fog lights up and nearly blinds you.
Playing with this light rocks. -With the exception of tight singletracks, i ride as fast after dark as in daylight hours. Seriously impressive. - Tight singletracks are where it shows it weakness: the light is so intense that i see nothing when going round corners tighter than the beam pattern can illuminate cause my pupils are so tight.
i plan on getting a planet bike alias helmet mounmt light to complement this one on the singletracks.
I would definatley reccomend this light, especially for its price-quality ratio. 5 chillis for value. 4 chillis for overall rating.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don Wilson
a Weekend Warrior
from Napa, CA Date Reviewed: November 5, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$220.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Bright Light, great mounting system and long run time. Also this was the best deal I could find on an HID system. 10 watt bulb puts out 40 watt halogen equivilent. I have the NiCAD battery and after a few cycles of charging, I am able to get almost 3 hours of burn time. Also this light feels and looks to be very high quality.
Weaknesses:
None so far, maybe I'll regret not getting the NiMHD battery which they say can get 4 hours burn. White/Blue light took a ride or two to get used to.
Similar Products Used:
Nightsun Team Issue
Bike Setup:
Cannondale CAAD4, Campagnolo Record
Bottom Line:
I looked at a number of HID systems before buying this and had my mind made up on a Light & Motion HID for over $400. I found this light on REI.com and after reading nothing but positive reviews about the cygolite on this site, I decided that I could really save a few dollars. This light rocks, it turns the night into day. I usually ride early in the morning and cars that would normally pull out in front of you don't. You will be seen with this light. I also ride some very remote backroads and this light really lights the way. Great light at a great price!!!! You don't need to spend $400+ to get a great HID system.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Allan
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento, CA, USA Date Reviewed: October 31, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Salmon Falls
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bicycle Mail Order
Strengths:
Extremely bright light with a good battery (Nickel Metal Hydrid) and smart charging system. Blueish light is similar to HID lights on expensive sport sedans and gets you noticed especially if you ride on the road alot.
Weaknesses:
Poor handlebar mounting system. On two occasions I've had the light pop off the mount and fall into the spokes when going over rough roads on my road bike. To my surprise the light still works, just a little nicked. Would not consider using the supplied mount on my mountain bike for off-road after what happened on my road bike. I rigged an old Cateye mount to the Cygolite HID and it works great as my old mount requires retracting a lever to remove the light. One other comment I have is that the light only has one brightness setting: nuclear flash. This is great for dark nights with no fog but when there is even a little mist in the air, it reflects back at you. You should probably aim the light low on foggy evenings to avoid blinding yourself.
Similar Products Used:
Niterider Digital Pro
Bottom Line:
Excellent light for serious riders who want one of the brightest lights money can buy. Should be great for off-road use with the optional helmet mount. Be careful with the handlebar mount, though, as the spring loaded tab or nib on the light is extremely short and can easily disengage from the mount on rough surfaces.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
michael
a Racer
from Breckenridge,co Date Reviewed: October 21, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Colorado Trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$225.00
Strengths:
Great light-seems to be durable and when I had a problem with the charging system Cygolite was very quick to replace parts needed to repair the lights.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
NiteRider
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS Air
Bottom Line:
Best light for the money. I have about seven friends that researched lights for the 24 hours in Moab and thay all purchased this light. I also use this light to hike the local ski area at night and ski down great thrills!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Garry Blair
a Cross Country Rider
from Enon, Ohio Date Reviewed: October 18, 2004
Favorite Trail:
The one I'm on
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$330.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
BRIGHT!!! Long battery life (4 hours), Compact battery. I have the Z-Force NiMh. Nice quick release bar mount. Very heavy duty. Intelligent quick charger. Every bit as good as any other HID but less money. I highly recommend this light if you are in the market for a HID light.
Weaknesses:
No helmet mount included with the NiMh.
Similar Products Used:
Lots of Halogen lights
Bike Setup:
04 Haro XLS R7
Bottom Line:
This is a great buy. Super bright!! The light is made very well. If you are a hardcore trail rider who likes long rides at night this light is for you. It turns the night time forest into day!! You will not need any other lights.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob Termuende
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria, BC Date Reviewed: July 7, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Fantastic Support from the customer service folks. Had a theft and they were fantastic with their customer support. Would highly recommend the company. The light gives of great light and is wonderful in it's simplicity. Easy to charge, easy to use, and it really does last as long as advertised. The helmet mount is fantastic for bike commuters. If you want to be see and be seen, the HID light makes you stand out.
Weaknesses:
Helmet mount may not work with all helmets.
Similar Products Used:
LED lights, Vista 10W/15W halogen NiCd
Bottom Line:
The light and the company that backs it is great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cris
a Cross Country Rider
from Garrido Date Reviewed: April 16, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$255.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Great beam pattern! Nice design lightweight HID at an excellent price! Handlebar mount std (helmet mount is optional) 3+ hrs of light
Weaknesses:
Can't find any so far! Maybe no "smart" battery charger (optional), but at this price point you can't be too picky either! Bottom line for most riders is how it performs on the trail!
Similar Products Used:
Niterider HID
Bike Setup:
Specialized Epic Disk
Bottom Line:
I read the reviews on the Cygolite HID light and decided to give it a try. I had tried a Niterider HID light lent to me by my LBS on their weekly night ride. I liked the Niterider HID but the price point turned me off. So, I got my Z Force HID light early this week and went on a couple of night rides. What a great light! The beam pattern is fabulous... the light is very sharp on the center then it dissipates nice and widely! The shadows formed by the light makes objects and rocks quite visible. No kidding about how it transforms everything into almost daylight! In one of my rides, I was even able to spot a snake from the distance and stop on time to let it pass. If this doesn't convince this is a great and powerful light, then I don't know what will!
I was very pleased by its design, its weight (although I have the little heavier Nicad battery instead of the NIMH battery.) If Cygolite ever decides to add the helmet mount as a freebee, there will be no reason to buy any other light! Great job!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed
a Cross Country Rider
from Ventura County, CA Date Reviewed: December 10, 2003
Favorite Trail:
All of em
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$225.00
Purchased At:
Dealers cost
Strengths:
Great construction, easy and fast charge
Weaknesses:
Could use wider swivel adjustment range
Similar Products Used:
Light & Motion, Nite rider, Turbo Cat
Bike Setup:
Diamondback SL Super
Bottom Line:
Great light for the $$. 1st night ride was a blast, great coverage and beam pattern. NIMH charge time outlasted my partners Light & Motion, with the same brightness. Excellent light for early morning training as well, you will be seen! Great light for all levels.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wesley
a Cross Country Rider
from Roanoke, VA USA Date Reviewed: November 20, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
East Coasters Bike Shop
Strengths:
Great light, nice spectrum, good mounting system (easy to use, and the mount should break before the light does!), good price for an HID
Weaknesses:
Ni-cad battery on my model=Slow charging. You can upgrade to a 3 1/2 hr charger for $70. Replacing bulbs (as on any HID is expensive)
Similar Products Used:
Turbocat S32, NIteRider HID
Bike Setup:
Fisher Mt Tam 29"er
Bottom Line:
I love this light. It makes night riding a whole new experience
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Olympia, WA USA Date Reviewed: November 10, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Mt. Molly, Capitol Forest
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$237.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Durable feel. Super bright. Does not seem cheesy. Outer casing of light head looks rugged and cord and connectors seem durable also.
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
various halogen lights
Bike Setup:
Kona Kikapu Deluxe
Bottom Line:
Fantastic value for the money. I ride with others using Niterider HIDs and this light is as bright or brighter for lots less $$$. Combined with the excellent service and support from Cygolite, I am very pleased so far.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bikerdom
a Cross Country Rider
from Milton, NH, USA Date Reviewed: September 27, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Good Question!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Tri-City Mountain Bike, Roch, NH
Strengths:
Rugged, Bright, simple to use and quick to charge, Light pattern is superior, light weight, NiMH 4hr battery, Mount on light swivels perfectly at great angles for mounting on a riser bar.
Weaknesses:
Price, Freezes animals in their tracks!
Similar Products Used:
Niterider Storm and Blowtorch, Niterider Digitals, Cygolites Deluxe 30
Bike Setup:
2003 Rocky ETSX-70
Bottom Line:
Combined with my Storm helmet light you can bring on the night! I've had great luck with Cygolites in the past so I thought I'd try their new lastest and greatest. The thing is as good as my $400 Niterider but a little more rugged and is lighter. Niterider has met its match with these. Cygolite is a great company and isn't new. They've been around for years and are going strong. Parts are easy to attain and they're fine folks to deal with. About the prices of these HID wonders. Hopefully the competition will bring the price down to a reasonable range. Right now I'm using $600 to $700 worth of lights. Kinda' crazy but for safety and fun it worth it. No one can afford a mishap in the middle of the night. Ride safe and have fun!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay Gardner
a Cross Country Rider
from The OC,CA Date Reviewed: August 17, 2003
Favorite Trail:
all of em
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Bikeland of Cypress
Strengths:
Price,lightweight compact head,simple mounting bracket,bright.The super bright light has fantastic safety benefits when used for night commuting!
Weaknesses:
hmm,not much to complain about considering price..no button on lamp head,no fancy "bells and whistles"
Similar Products Used:
niterider digital pro
Bike Setup:
Intense Uzzi
Bottom Line:
Very reasonable price for an HID system that is just as bright as the others. Opted for the longer run time NIMH battery(I got almost 4hrs total in two separate rides)which also comes with a 4-5 hr rapid charger that comes in handy for when I need to charge it at work.The NIMH battery is also a little smaller than the halogen and has a low charge indicator, but no charge status display (havent found that I needed it really). I used to use a two light setup, but switching to the brighter light I found myself not hassling with the headlamp because of the brightness and whiteness of the lamp. Thats not to say I dont miss having a smaller headlamp to see around turns, its just that the light quality is so good that it often outweighs carrying extra weight,keeping track of another battery/lamphead/cables etc.COMMUTER ALERT: I also discovered that using it for commuting on the road made my commute MUCH SAFER!! Why? Because cars REALLY notice me now coming up on the side or approaching intersections or driveways- no one has accidentally cut me off when I run this bad boy!Bright is good where safety is concerned. Great price,been reliable so far-Highly recommended.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chuck Hammond
a Cross Country Rider
from Laguna Niguel, CA, U.S.A. Date Reviewed: July 16, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Crystal Cove & Whiteing
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$299.00
Purchased At:
Peformance Bicycle
Strengths:
I fell in love HID lights and with this great price of $299 I can ride all the time and not worry about breaking something and having to pay an arm and leg like some other companies who make HID lights. I called Cygolite and they said the cost of the replacement battery for my NiCad was about $100. Great Product at an unbelivable price. Plus it looks great.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Night Rider, Light and Motion
Bike Setup:
Giant XTC2, Santa Cruz Blur, Cannondale R2000
Bottom Line:
Great light for the price. Gives me 3 hours of burn time at about 40W of Halogen light for $299. Can't beat the bang for the buck. After using Cygolite's HID I'm extremely happy because it didn't burn a huge hole in wallet when I bought it and with the cost of replacement parts priced so resonable I can myself using the product for years to come. Cygolite has the HID for everyone, not just the high end people.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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