Submitted by
Riderstrider
a Weekend Warrior
from Rockville, MD Date Reviewed: October 13, 2005
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
L&M direct
Strengths:
Very bright, reliable, light weight, easy to use, easy to mount/dismount.
Weaknesses:
I wish the run time were 3 hours on single battery. My commute is about 2 hours, but sometimes 2.25-2.5 hours, so I need to run two lights, cabeza and bar mounted, which together work great on trail stretch of route.
Bike Setup:
Doesn't matter.
Bottom Line:
Overall, a very high quality product, works as advertized, with good customer support (they responded quickly to questions). Together with the L&M solo bar mount light, the brightness is more than enough, even at 30 mph on the road. Bulbs are replaceable (unlike HID lamps, which cost $$$ to replace). Sometimes tempted to go the HID route, but these two lights work great, so no need to switch.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bill bollinger
a Cross Country Rider
from redding, ca Date Reviewed: January 1, 2004
Favorite Trail:
lermurian
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$190.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
works better than any light I have had, lightweight, adjustable, reliable, long burn time, bright light
Weaknesses:
people don't know about it
Similar Products Used:
nightrider cyclops & digital head trip
Bike Setup:
kona hei-hei, xtr
Bottom Line:
This light is the way lights should be. Outclasses nightrider by a long shot. The lightweight lamp can hardly be noticed on your head. Perfect as a first light. Works very well by itself, but to get good depth perception on rough trails you neeed to use a handlebar light with it. It is fast to charge and burns long.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO Date Reviewed: September 24, 2003
Favorite Trail:
White Ranch
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$235.00
Purchased At:
Supergo.com
Strengths:
Very light and much smaller than I expected. I have an old Niterider unit that is MUCH heavier and cumbersome.
Weaknesses:
Button on lamp gets stuck. Minor glitch which was remedied by talking to Patrick at Light&Motion. Other postings are correct--Patrick is a good guy and very helpful.
Similar Products Used:
Niterider Trailrat, Niterider Pro6
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Homegrown
Bottom Line:
Unit shipped without the screw that holds the lamp to the helmet mount. Unit also shipped with a button on the lamp that got stuck. After talking to Patrick at L&M both situations were quickly remedied. L&M gets brownie points for good customer service. ---FYI to others with LM Cabeza Logic units purchased summer/fall of 2003----you may need to pop the black rubber button off the lamp and trim the flap off the post in the underside of the button. If the button isn't smooth on the bottom, it won't engage the electrical switch underneath. Very simple to fix. Takes 15 seconds with nail clippers to trim the flap off the bottom. DON'T TRIM TOO MUCH
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
skiman
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, NSW, Aus. Date Reviewed: May 8, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Anything up/down hill
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
speedgoat
Strengths:
Good battery life, nice light battery.
Light doesn't weigh much at all, hardly notice it on your head.
Weaknesses:
Reserve Mode doesn't last long enough (not enough of a warning that it's going flat)
Could use a cable tie at the back of the helmet to prevent strain on the cable from the light unit.
Similar Products Used:
NiteRider Classic ('97)
Bike Setup:
Trek 7000
Bottom Line:
Overall, a beauty! Used NiteRiders in the past until the battery exipred, bought these after I read tons of BAD reviews of NiteRiders, haven't looked back since.
If you are choosing between a helmet and bar mounted light for cost/weight reasons, go the helmet light first. Being able to look EXACTLY where you are going is a BIG advantage on the trail.
Out of the box, the light doesn't look 'clean' on the road (lots of black spots around the outside) until the bezel is rotated to give a sharper sport which gives cleaner light around the edge.
Reserve Mode (when the battery is almost flat) lasted all of about a minute! Thought there was something wrong with it until I pulled my helmet off and noticed the LED's flashing. Would be better if Reserve Mode kicked in earlier.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Carlsbad, CA Date Reviewed: November 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Daley Ranch
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$375.00
Purchased At:
Can't remember
Strengths:
Burn time with adjustable settings, Weight, durability and construction, compact battery, perfect in conjuction with a bar mount.
Weaknesses:
With a wide beam I don't get enough light, with a spot beam it is too focused out in front. I tried using this light by itself but feel a lot more comfortable using it as a supplement to my bar mount, turbo charger cost mucho extra so I have the basic 15 hour trickle charger.
Similar Products Used:
Marwi Pro Elite
Bike Setup:
SC SL
Bottom Line:
I really like this light. I know bar vs helmet mount is an endless debate, and when it comes right down to it I wasn't satisfied with just a bar mount so I got this for a helmet mount for trail riding.
I decided on this specific model for one reason, the longer burn time at 4.4 hours at the lowest setting. While I usually ride at the 10w setting (13w is too much of a wash out for me), I like knowing that on fire roads I can dump it down to 7w, or if I get a flat and I need light, the 7w is just enough with less risk of running out my battery. I ride between 2-3 hours so I do run that risk.
The battery is a perfect size and fits nicely in the mesh pocket on my camelback. Slight complaint about the wiring as its a little long and it sometimes gets hung up on the underside on my camelback, so when I move my head I sort get a little tugging. Just a matter of running it thru the pack properly.
I rarely night ride on two consecutive nights, and probably couldn't anyway because I couldn't affor the turbo charger. It would be a nice to have but if it costs more and you won't be doing a 24 hour race, not a big deal.
Very well constructed as L+M got started making lights for SCUBA divers. I'm giving it a 4 on value rating because of hefty price tag. Sometimes I wonder if it was completely worth it, but by no means do I worry about it a year later.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason Guhse
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA, USA Date Reviewed: November 13, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$199.00
Purchased At:
bikelights.com
Strengths:
Great light output from a small package. Lightweight. Sweet battery charger. Adjustable vertical mount angle.
Weaknesses:
Coiled cord would be easier to manage.
Similar Products Used:
L&M ARC. Niterider classic dual beam & digital pro 12. Petzyl headlamp.
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Jekyll 1000
Bottom Line:
I bought this light along with a handlebar mounted ARC light for nighttime rides with my buddies & an adventure race that was held at night. The Cabeza Logic by itself works very well, but does get washed out by the insanely white light of the ARC. It does help when carving around tight corners to put the light where you want it, or if you need to work on your bike due to a flat or somthing like that, but in a straight line, the ARC puts out so much light by itself that the addition of the helmet light is not real noticeable. One odd thing ... the different colors of the lights do play tricks on your eyes. If you're thinking about a bar mount/helmet mount combo setup, I'd get the Cabeza Logic in a heartbeat, but combine it with the Dual or Solo Logic lights so that they're the same color and complement one another better. That would make for a sweet setup.
I ended up using the Cabeza Logic for the run portion of the adventure race after comparing it against a Petzyl headlamp & the difference was ridiculous. My teammate & I ran a training loop together, both with $50 headlamps from REI & did fine, but had to be careful of our footing over the trail. I switched to the L&M light for the second lap & we were both amazed. We were able to run full stride with confidence & my buddy just turned his light off altogether ... it was useless. During the race, this was a huge advantage over the rough terrain & the teams that we passed consistently commented about the light since it would completely drown out theirs as we approached. It was awesome!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Goicovich
a Cross Country Rider
from Gilroy, Ca. USA Date Reviewed: October 28, 2002
If you're looking for a high quality light from a reputable manufacturer who know what they're doing and stand behind their product...look no further. If you can't afford the ARC, this is your next best bet. I'm amazed by the brightness of this light and how well it sits on the helmet and stays out of my way. I also have a Jet Lite mounted on the bar and I like the L&M better, although the Jet Lite is a good product too. I think the ability to adjust the beam width is key. I was thinking about going with just a helmet mount to save costs, but opted to go with the L&M helmet and JetLite bar. I can say now that I wouldn't want to go with just one light, but if I had to, I'd opt with a helmet mount.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Hoboken Date Reviewed: September 17, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$129.00
Purchased At:
performancebike.com
Strengths:
Bright, light and infinitely adjustable. Battery genuinely lasts 1 hr 45 min on high setting, and longer if you use low settings while you climb or perform repairs.
Weaknesses:
None, zero, zilch
Similar Products Used:
Cate eye - bar mount, nite rider
Bike Setup:
Yeti ASR
Bottom Line:
The light is awesome, after one year of use it has never let me down. It can be found for under 140 if you look and has better features than the night rider (ie swivel and adjustable beam).
The battery is small, and easy to carry. If you ride at night you can come home, throw it on the normal charger, go to bed, unplug it when you wake, and bada-bing, it is good to go.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ben baker
a Cross Country Rider
from portland or Date Reviewed: May 10, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
www
Strengths:
super bright
Weaknesses:
would not work with me on no second charger
Similar Products Used:
none
Bottom Line:
I HOPE THEY CAN CHANGE THE WAY LIGHTS AND CHARGERS ARE SOLD. HOW HARD CAN IT BE TO SELL THEM SEPARATELY.I NEEDED TWO LIHGTS AND ONE CHARGER AND NO WAY THEY COULD DO IT. "HE SAID THATS THE WAY THEY COME" WELL MAKE COME A NEW WAY AND ALL WILL BE COOL WITH ME.ALMOST A GOOD THING. :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Racer
from Bay Village, OH Date Reviewed: April 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
new ones
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
VERY light and brilliant bright light output. Turbo charger rules! Adjustable output and beam pattern.
Weaknesses:
Huh?
Similar Products Used:
Niterider Headtrip, Marwi Elite
Bike Setup:
And this has what to do with the light?
Bottom Line:
I haven't raced it yet but this light rocks! Its unbelievably lightweight and the output is crazy bright. The ability to adjust the beam is key. Most spot patterns are "dead" in the center, when dialed to a more spot setting, this light has equal coverage across the entire spectrum. The turbocharger can actaully charge this light in under three hours! Give Chris Wilcox a call and he'll hook you up. As good as this light is, the customer service is even better. Thanks Chris. Now quit reading and go order one of these, you'll be groovin on life after you do.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle
a Cross Country Rider
from Roanoke, VA, USA Date Reviewed: January 31, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$190.00
Strengths:
Lightweight,Ulitmate adjustment (even swivels), cord connects to the battery rather than the light, sideview LEDs for enhanced defensive visibility, compact-logically designed batterys, turbo charger is the bomb.
Weaknesses:
The fact that they don't outsell Niterider with a far superior product.
Similar Products Used:
Nightsun, Marwi, NiteRider.
Bike Setup:
Klein Adept Pro
Bottom Line:
These hardcore lights were designed from the ground up from guys that know what they are doing. Light and Motion got into this from the diving lights industry (when you're in a cave 100 feet under the ocean, your light is pretty important). These guys make beautiful battery cases, elegant and finished, so it doesn't look like somebody just soldered it together on his tool bench. The bar mount lights use a neat cannister--kind of like a propane bottle--with a big rubber band that holds it perfectly, pitch free, in the water bottle cage (Q: Why does a water bottle battery HAVE to BE a water bottle? A: It doesn't!).
The coolest thing about these lights--all of them--is that they attach at the battery. This is fabulous for two reasons: 1)If you're goint to have trouble with a light, it likely will be at the joint. The light gets a lot of motion, and twisting and jolting forces that can and do damage the connector and putting you out of business. With my Marwi light, I even had the connector pull out when hooked on a branch. Not convenient on radical descents. With the joint on the battery, a stable position, these negatives are alleviated. 2)When you're done with your ride, and it's time to recharge, you just pop the battery loose, leaving the gangly cord behind, and pop the battery on the charger (Turbo Charger upgrade HIGHLY recommended). This is particularly convenient with the bar mount light because the spare cord stays coiled on the bike. You're ready-to-go the next night by simply placing the bottle in the cage and snapping in the connector. This is a very clean, very cool design that as far as I know, is exclusive to Light and Motion.
The three way switch really works, and works great. The swivelling head is not available on Niterider, but is truly functional.
Without question, right now there is no other light worth buying when compared with the Light and Motion line. Beating them will be hard to do. And since there priced right alongside Niterider, they're actually much less expenseive because their value is so much higher.
They're nice guys, too!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd Wagner
a Racer
from SF Bay Area Date Reviewed: November 30, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$280.00
Purchased At:
bikelights.com
Strengths:
It is a light-weight, well-built light. Easy to adjust on the fly.
Weaknesses:
Same ones that other people have mentioned-- light can't be easily removed and the cord is permanently attached.
Similar Products Used:
Homebrew SLA 20W halogen.
Bike Setup:
Cannondale road, ergo 8sp
Bottom Line:
I use the light for commuting. In the 20 miles between home and work, I have 42 stop lights and 24 stop signs. My biggest problem is drivers turning in front of me. With the light, I can quickly shine it in their eyes and know that they see me. I also use the Solo logic on my handlebars. My only other complaint is that after buying the Cabezza Logic Turbo, the folks at Light and Motion would not sell me another light without a charger.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BigO
a Weekend Warrior
from Monterey, CA Date Reviewed: October 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Galbraith
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
Local Company
Strengths:
Bright Light, dependable, small battery, lightitself is not noticeable on your helmet, adjustability is great
Weaknesses:
None I have ever found
Similar Products Used:
Older NightRider
Bike Setup:
Titus QM, Z1 QR20, XT, Hayes, Etc.
Bottom Line:
Have raced in 24hr events for the past two years borrowing these lights from friends or the guys at L&M directly. Always worked in every race and training ride, and never gave me a bit of hassle. Finally broke down and bought a set.
They are great lights and do all you could ask for. As an added plus--the guys at L&M are very cool and the shop is just blocks away from my house!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daisuke Yamaguchi
a Weekend Warrior
from berkeley, CA Date Reviewed: October 6, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
direct over the phone
Strengths:
1)Adjustable beam 2)Bright white beam with three settings 3)Lightweight 4)Quality construction 5)Excellent customer service 6)Quickcharger works well 7)Small battery
Weaknesses:
1)Standard velcro strap mounting a bit of a pain to set up 2)Cord management could be neater
Similar Products Used:
15W vistalight systems, Turbocat 32W system, Nightrider Digital 12
The low power setting makes for an ideal commuter light, (drivers are VERY aware of you) while the full power setting is ideal for deserted roads and trails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Downhiller
from Wake Forest, NC Date Reviewed: March 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
The one I am riding
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Chris @ Light and Motion
Strengths:
Bright, Long Burn Time, Lightweight and Durable
Weaknesses:
You can not remove the cord from the lamp housing and the lamp is semi-permanantly attached to the helmet mount. I would like to take the lamp off and leave the mount on for day rides.
Similar Products Used:
Niterider, Jet Designs
Bike Setup:
Which one?
Bottom Line:
The strengths of this light far outweigh its weaknesses. The light output and adjustable beam pattern make for and excellent light to ride by. On the not too technical trails, I can run it on the middle power setting with my bar light (old night rider classic) off and still see fine. It has been whacked by several tree limbs and jarred from who knows what and seems to work like new. Chris at Light and Motion was great about providing me with the information I needed prior to purchase. I am going to give it five stars since there is not a 4.5 for not being able to remove the light from the mounting bracket (useful if you ride alot in both the day and night so you don't have to mount and dismount the light between every ride).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex Bump
a Racer
from Tucson, AZ Date Reviewed: February 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Accupuncture, Tucson Mts
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Purchased At:
demo
Strengths:
Feather weight Brilliant lights No dark spots when used in combination with the companion bar mount
Weaknesses:
NONE!
Bottom Line:
I demo-ed both the helmet- and bar-mounted lights at the Tucson 24 hour race. From tight, twisty single-track through cactus forests to 30mph downhills, these lights were fantastic. Not only are they lightweight enough that I didn't even notice them (literally), but their output was sufficiently bright and wide that A) I was able to avoid every cactus spine in trail for 12 straight hours of darkness; B) Had no trouble picking a line at 30+mph in the dead of night. If you're even thinking about night riding, check these out. You will not go wrong!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon Davies
a Cross Country Rider
from Pasadena, Calif. Date Reviewed: January 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
They're all good
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$170.00
Purchased At:
www.bikelights.com
Strengths:
Well made Long burn times Variety of output levels Light weight (both helmet unit and battery)
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Niterider Digital Headtrip
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Heckler, Bontrager Ti-Lite
Bottom Line:
This unit is an excellent supplement to L & M's DLI handlebar unit. The DLI's beams throw out plenty of light to see directly in front while the Cabeza lets you aim more light where your eyes are focusing, round the next bend or on particularly tough section ahead. Like the DLI, the Cabeza is 100 percent reliable and the long run times let you keep riding without fear of getting stranded in the middle of nowhere in the dark. On top of all that, they've put it together in an extremely light package at a price that's on par or below the competition. Highly recommended as a supplement to a bar light for cross-country and sufficient as a stand-alone light for road riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Moorhouse
a Racer
from Orlando Florida Date Reviewed: December 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
1996 Olympic Mtn Bike Course at Conyers Georgia (24hrs solo)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
www.bikelights.com
Strengths:
-Can you say WEIGHTLESS??? -Brilliant white light!!!! -Beam covers a large area and projects FAR ahead -Excellent burn time -Adjustability -Reliability
Weaknesses:
Absolutely none at all
Similar Products Used:
Digital Headtrips
Bike Setup:
-Green 2001 Ellsworth Truth ICT with the lightest/most reliable stuff available -Road bike used for commuting
Bottom Line:
I race 12 and 24hours solo. Have done 6 events this year. Part of my success in racing depends on my equipment. Only the most lightweight, best performing, most reliable products will do. The Apex helmet light definitely fits this description, without a doubt. When you're on your bike for 10-11 hours in the dark straight, only the best lights will get you through that. I have torture-tested this light (and it's Apex bar-mounted dual beam companion) and have had ZERO problems whatsoever. That's a lot more than I can say for some of the other lights I have used in the past. Perfomance of the Apex is second to none. Check em out at www.bikelights.com
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
paul casimir
a Cross Country Rider
from canberra, australia Date Reviewed: December 13, 2000
Very few - the switch can be a bit fiddly to turn off. Expensive when finally landed in Australia - with the charger, postage etc etc it came to about $US370.
Similar Products Used:
Cygolite
Bike Setup:
Giant xtc ds1 with various mods
Bottom Line:
This is a terrific light. Its 13w output doesn't seem to be much less bright than the 45w output of my bar mount lights, the battery charge seems to last and last, the mounting and adjsutability of the light itself is very useful.
The construction looks a little lightweight, but I keep banging the light on overhanging brush and branches and it comes through unscathed.
The fast charger is well worth the investment - an absolute must for 24 hour racers I would think.
The only reason the switch is a bit of a pain is that you must depress it for a couple of secionds to extinguish the light. This is long enough to blind your companions if you forget to turn the light away from them.
I love night riding, and this is far and away the best product I've seen, let alone used. When my bar mounts conk out I will definitely be replacing them with another L&M unit, even if I have to sell my house.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Racer
from Tampa Date Reviewed: December 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Razorback
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
-Bright white beam -Great beam characteristics -Solid construction -Customer Service -3 hr charger available (for more $)
Similar Products Used:
Digital Headtrip
Bottom Line:
This light is the best helmet mount light I've seen. You CANNOT compare this light to the Headtrip. The first time I used this light in a group ride, comments arose like "is there a car behind me?" and "I want to ride behind you". Bottom line is the light is brighter and has a better beam characteristic (others look like a flashlight beam while this has a broader, yet focused bright white beam). The light runs for 1.5 hours before I shut it off, still shining bright. A fast charger is also available that will fully charge the NiMH battery in 3 hours.
Plus these guys care about their customers. I have called several times and spoken with Chris Wilcox. He is always happy to help me with what I need. These guys KNOW lights. I am so sold on this system that I have already placed my order for the DLI so I can run both in the next 12hr race. Don't get suckered into buying another light because your shop has it in stock. Call Light in Motion and order a system from them- you won't regret it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott Roberts
a Cross Country Rider
from Seaside, CA USA Date Reviewed: November 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:
tsali NC
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$170.00
Purchased At:
through a friend
Strengths:
The lighthead is lighter than Ricky Martin in Loafers. Extremely bright, white lighthead. Excellent run times
Weaknesses:
No discernable weaknesses!!
Similar Products Used:
Niterider digital headtrip
Bike Setup:
KHS
Bottom Line:
Excellent lighting system!!! I only wish my bike was made as well as the Cabeza logic. Great customer service!! I haven't regretted my purchase once.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shane Eyanson
a Cross Country Rider
from Fletcher NC. USA. Date Reviewed: November 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Bent Creek.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$170.00
Purchased At:
www.bikelights.com
Strengths:
Nice bright WHITE light!! The head unit is very light and you can't tell it's on your head,it also has a adjustable bezel so you can set the beam pattern to you liking.The NIMH battery pack is very small and light and fits great into your camelbak.
Weaknesses:
The only thing i can think of would be it comes with no strap for the cord to run down the back of you helmet.It was no big deal just make one yourself..Light&Motion say's to run the cord through one of your vent holes in the back of you helmet.(if they are large enough)Mine wasn't...
Similar Products Used:
NightRider Headtrip..
Bike Setup:
Sugar 1
Bottom Line:
This is a great little light from a small company who still seems to care about people.The price is right in line with other good lights and this is the perfect choice to go along with a bar mounted system.It is all the light you will need..If your looking for a great light from a small company who still gives a s--t about people look no futher than.......www.bikelights.com ...... My Thank's goes out to Chris Wilcox for all the time he took to anwser my questions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: September 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Cross country and dirt road decents
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$170.00
Purchased At:
From the company's website
Strengths:
-Emits a real bright white light to the human eye. The beam comparison picture shows a yellowish tint because of how films read light temperature so it doesn't do it justice. Don't know if the other makes also suffered the same light color distortion problem. -Part of the beam is center weighted and throws out quite a distance; the rest of the beam covers the wide angle very well. -Variable beam focus helps dial in the right personal viewing angle. -Batteries are very light in weight yet still matches or exceed run times on my other lights.
Weaknesses:
So far so good!
Similar Products Used:
NighSun Team (bar mount) BLT Spectrum Dual Light (barmount)
Bike Setup:
Specialized FSR XC Comp with Hayes Disk set-up, and a 91 Rocky Mountain Blizzard (no suspension - ouch).
Bottom Line:
I'm a first time user of a head unit, and it has certainly increased visual flexibility. But I also have a Solo Logic 8/12/15 watt single light unit mounted on the bars (from the same company). So together, it has given me a little to much confidence (read speed) and a stupid grin which might be the only draw back.
Great for riders that need a lot of light and area coverage. I believe it should work well with racers because of its duration, weight, and charge times.
Suggestion: If your willing to part with your dollars for these units, be willing to throw a few more for their fast smart chargers. 2 hours charge time for the Apex Cabeza (head unit) 3 hours " " " " Solo Logic (bar unit)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO Date Reviewed: March 15, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Lightweight, adjustable, good light quality.
Weaknesses:
User manual stinks.
Bike Setup:
Moots YBBeat
Bottom Line:
After looking at every light in the universe, I finally decided to go with the Cabeza Logic. The guys at LiM and other small outfits were very helpful, were as the bigger outfits (particularly NightRider) were unresponsive and didn't seem to give a damn whether I bought their product or not. So I wanted to support one of the little guys if possible. I narrowed it down to LiM and TurboCat, and chose LiM because of (a) lighter weight, and (b) the option of multiple brightness settings.
POSITIVE ASPECTS:
I've been using this light for commuting and trail riding for a few months now, and I'm very pleased. The burn times are as advertised, the light quality is excellent, and the product looks like it's going to be difficult to destroy. And the price was competitive with other systems. You can focus the bezel on this light, and I've found that to be truly useful. The battery is very light, very compact, and I don't notice that I'm carrying it. The light also adds no noticeable weight to my helmet. The 3 brightness levels are a great feature, something I now consider essential.
NEGATIVE ASPECTS:
The light ships with a couple of sheets of paper that are supposed to be a "user guide". Lame lame lame, refers to photos that aren't there, etc. God help you if you actually need to read this. And it doesn't even mention some critical things, such as holding the switch down for 2 seconds turns off the light.
The cable is permanently connected to the light housing, and plugs into the battery. My battery is usually buried deep in my backpack, so it's sort of a juggling act to get the pack off, disconnect the battery, etc. It would be nice if the cable also disconnected from the battery.
It would be nice if there was an additional velcro strap to hold the cable against the back of your helmet. TurbotCat has one. I made one myself. Yes, you'll find it's essential. LiM's suggestion is to run the cable through one of your vent holes.
OTHER OBSERVATIONS
... which have less to do with the actual product but might be of interest:
I'm glad I started with a head mount (versus a bar mount) light. The ability to look where I'm going, see around corners, etc. has me totally spoiled -- I now consider it essential. A bar mount light would be nice to have, to add a little more depth/shodows in very dark situations. I will probably buy the LiM bar mount (single beam) at some point.
I'm glad I got the Logic model. The ability to change the brightness setting is something I also now consider essential. Believe it or not, a light can be too bright in some situations, and you get sort of "night blind". I find that I usually run the light in it's middle brightness setting, and that gives me excellent burn times and plenty of light.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Karl Ehlert
a Cross-Country Rider
from Redwood City, CA Date Reviewed: December 7, 1999
Favorite Trail:
narrow,rolling, winding single track
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
LIGHTWEIGHT! Secure mounting that is adjustable and stays precisely where you put it. Small and light battery. Adjustable beam
Similar Products Used:
first time with a helmet mount light
Bike Setup:
Litespeed Obed with Marzocchi Atom Bomb.
Bottom Line:
As my first( and last) helmet mount light, this thing is a must for any trail that turns. I can not sense it on my helmet while riding, at all! The small lightweight batter pack is also not noticeable in my jersy pocket. What is noticeable is how nice it is to always have light exactly where you are looking! Switchbacks need this light. I have the DLI retro bar mount lights as well, and together almost started the forest on fire, they are so bright! This combo has got to be the very best you can possibly have. Lightweight, no nonsense adjustable intensity, direction and even focus. It has opened up a whole new realm of night riding for me. You may find other uses for this clean WHITE bright light in addition to scaring deer at night! You get what pay for and this stuff works.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil Wakelin
a Cross-Country Rider
from San Jose, CA Date Reviewed: December 1, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Clarendon Way, Hampshire, UK
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
- Variable light beam means it can last a very long time, it lasted an 80 minute ride and was still going strong - Very easy to adjust angle - Nice and light - Ni MH
Weaknesses:
Fiddly button I didn't get to keep it
Similar Products Used:
Trek DIY products
Bike Setup:
Cro Mo Hard Tail die-hard. (Kona Kileaue/Manitou SX)
Bottom Line:
Great little light, shame I can't afford it
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ted Falkowski
a Racer
from Tempe, AZ Date Reviewed: November 22, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Mormon Loop/National
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Lightweight, easy to mount on helmet, easy to use, variable beam (focus or wide angle) easy to follow technical trails far ahead
Weaknesses:
no visual indicators to measure battery strength during charge/discharge cycle
Similar Products Used:
Nightrider for 3 years (various models)
Bike Setup:
Airborne Titanium/Z2BAM
Bottom Line:
great light for early morning road training rides by itself, or coupled with DLI handle bar duals for night mountain rides, these lights outlast and outshine ALL others in performance. The price and weight stats speak for themselves.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michelle Haynes
a Weekend Warrior
from Pacific Grove, CA Date Reviewed: November 18, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Wilder Ranch
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Moves with your head, weightless on your head, good distance on beam
Weaknesses:
Not enough light without additional light for dark nights and tough trails
Bike Setup:
Specialized M2
Bottom Line:
This light proves to be good with dawn rides and road, but on tough trails I would add a light to your bar.
Overall Rating:
script language="javascript">
random = Math.random(Math.random() * 10000000);
if(!pageNum) var pageNum = Math.round(Math.random() * 10000000);
document.write('');
document.write('');
What's New
»
BEST OF MTBR - Check out the highest rated bikes, parts, & gear!
»
LED BIKE LIGHT SHOOTOUT 3 - We test all the newest products and latest light and battery technology in this comprehensive guide»
$ 199.00
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
