Submitted by
Kevin Timmons
a Cross Country Rider
from Spokane WA USA Date Reviewed: December 22, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Lately, Riverside SP
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Somewhere online
Strengths:
Easy on/off the bike. Lights are easy to aim and stay there. great battery life. Quality build.
Weaknesses:
None really. Bulky charger.
Similar Products Used:
First real light. Various Cat Eye alkaline products.
Bike Setup:
S-Works M5 hardtail. Cross-country set up. Time ATAC, XTR, Duke XC Race misc carbon stuff.
Bottom Line:
Before purchasing I did some research and heard people say that the best way to go was to have one on your helmet. After looking at that set up, I was not impressed with having a battery and cable attached to me. So I went with this Dual light set up. Works great. Have used these lights in all types of weather and conditions. Great all around lights. Use one lamp as a wide beam and the other as a high beam. I did upgrade from the "water bottle" batteris to the "frame strapped" batteries after having a problem with the original batteries taking on water and mud. The frame mounted batteries can be put on upside down to help prevent this. Great customer service. Sent the original batteries in to see why they were not charging properly, it was obviously water and mud... but I thought I might get a free replacement if I played dumb! They were too smart for that. I have 2 sets of these lights, one for me and one for friends or whoever I am riding with. Great burn time on these lights. I use the "high beam" sparingly, usualy off on the climbs, which is very easy with the thumb switch. I can bomb down singletracks and rocky terrain without missing much. Watch out for unknown jumps or shadows! Three different settings per light is very nice too. The lights are very easy to adjust while riding and they stay put, regardless of weather or terrain. I did learn that the way the lights slide off is for a reason, hit a tree and they will slide off instead of breaking. Still have the original bulbs. I really can't see the need for "whiter" light, these are all the lights I will ever need. Open up a whole new world on your favorite trails with these!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Valencia, CA Date Reviewed: December 11, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$199.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Bright, long battery life.
Weaknesses:
Main light button - intermittantly won't cylce through 3 brightness levels or turn off, have to unplug to reset or shut off when occurs.
Similar Products Used:
Performance Dual Pro 20/12
Bike Setup:
Intense Tracer and Weyless 67
Bottom Line:
Great light with good range and batter life, if not for the switch issue mentioned above it would be the best I've used yet. While not the cheapest, I've seen it for as little as $150 through internet retailers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Davis, CA Date Reviewed: November 23, 2003
Favorite Trail:
is a long way from here
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
looks great, works great, light as hell (pun intended)
Weaknesses:
little problem with one of the buttons
Similar Products Used:
10W VistaLite
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F1000 or (better) my '92 Specialized StumpJumper singlespeed
Bottom Line:
I've been hesitant to buy another light system, given that I plunked down a hundred and a half bucks for my last - a 10W VistaLite halogen system that has served me well enough (though it nearly burned my house in New Mexico down, that is another story for another time) for about 5 years. But time takes its toll on wiring, and just as I was gearing up for the 2003 24 Hours of Moab race my light started having troubles and in a fit I called my buddy Mike. Mike recommended the Light and Motion Dual Logic system for its price, weight, and function and so far I can't prove the guy wrong. Light and Motion is a company that got its start providing lighting for divers - photography and kelp forest navigation. So I think they have their weather-resistant credentials taken care of. They have been making lights for cyclists for about 5 years now out of their Monterey, CA offices. My first response when I got the system was that it looked good, sturdy, no-nonsense, and it was light, mainly because of the small 10.8V NiMH battery - at least half the weight of my old VistaLite bottle cage battery. The connection between battery and light cables is rock solid and seals out the grit and moisture (including drooling of Gatorade on long rides and steep climbs). Total weight of the system (without the plastic bar mount) is 662 grams on my psycho research lab scale, and that includes the battery, 11W lamp, 15W lamp, and remote thumb switch. Basically you turn on the 10W lamp for general riding after dark and hit the switch for full brilliance when you need it, shut it off to save battery when you don't. Both lamps can be triggered down to two lower settings for a very flexible set of lighting scenarios (just in case Spielberg is along on a ride and wants to do a scene or two). My first ride was a nice dusk-to-dark ride on the local trails in Rockville, and everything went fine at first, I had no problems seeing my way through the rock gardens, fun little downhills, tricky little uphills, you name it. But then while cruising around on one of the doubletracks I was playing around with the switches and mashed on the 10W switch and felt a .... best I can describe it is a squoosh. I thought, you meathead, you mashed the switch out of existence. And then I thought, hey that should have lasted longer. So I emailed Light and Motion around 10pm that night and waited for a few days of haggling, mailing products back and forth, worrying whether I'd have a good light for Moab, and so on. 9:25 am the next day, Patrick from L&M calls me, apologizes for a problem they had with some buttons having too much flashing on the button post, and explained how to fix it. I cheerfully hung up, hopeful but expecting I might still have to send it off. Nope. He knew his product inside and out and it was a 23.5 second repair, just pulled out the rubber button, trimmed the flashing, and everything is ready to roll again. I tend to use the thumbswitch for the high beams sparingly, trusting my daily dose of vitamin A to keep me going most of the time with the 10W lamp, and I've gotten in a few decently long rides on my first charge (the turbocharger brings it back to full charge in about 3 hours or less, and you can leave it plugged in without damaging the battery; also the lights will shut themselves off before the battery is completely run down, which also damages the battery). Light & Motion list an almost 7 hour burn time at the lowest settings, which will get you up long easy climbs but not tricky singletrack, so my real test for how well this works was using it at 24 Hours of Moab. By the time the race came around, I'd managed to burn out the battery two or three more times and recharge, each time with the efficient turbocharger. This charger was great during the race, 'cause my second and third laps were in the starry dark Behind the Rocks and I got a full charge between the end of one night lap and the beginning of the next. I was able to blaze the full 26 watts for big chunks of each lap (around an hour-forty-five each) with no dimming or warning that I would lose light, and plenty of racers were coming in without light after each lap, especially as the night went on. Being able to adjust the brightness and beam of each light was really nice going into übertechnical sections, fast straightaways, babyhead zones, and long climbs that needed the absolute minimum of light. My one complaint came at the end of my first night lap when the same troublesome switch squished out of functional existence again, not while I was riding but unfortunately - for the great volunteers manning the transition tent - it stopped working when I tried to turn it off so that I would stop blinding them. I unplugged the battery and before the next lap used the same 15-second fix as before: pull out the switch cover and then put it back on straight. My buddy Mike has not experienced this problem and I'm sure I can get a new little piece of rubber from L&M that will end the madness. In our combined experience, Mike and I have yet to be stranded on the trail in the dark. Two hours or more of normal use, no problem. Overall I've been really happy with this light and I felt extremely confident about my ability to have light, and lots of it, for good long night trail rides. The design is simple and sturdy and I plan to become a bike owl this winter, commuting and riding after dark whenever it strikes me (and drinking dark beer between rides).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Minneapolis, MN, USA Date Reviewed: August 13, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Cable, WI
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Supergo.com
Strengths:
BRIGHT dual lights, independently adjustable heads, light weight, small (size) battery with bottle cage strap
Weaknesses:
Long battery to light head cord (hard to route), mounts seem a little weak
Similar Products Used:
Nightrider Blowtorch, VistaLite 5W
Bike Setup:
Specialized S-works FSR
Bottom Line:
This light is awesome. As bright as my buddy's Nightrider Blowtorch. Sure it doesn't have the cool blue glow and it might not last quite as long but it was half the price with the turbo charger! The light heads can be setup for one flood and one spot. Use the flood uphill and add the brighter spot on the way down. The turbo charger is amazing. No problems keeping it charged in the 24 Hours of Adrenalin.
I've heard many stories about Light and Motion's exceptional customer service. I'm here to tell you that it is all true. During the 24 Hours of Adrenalin, I broke the mounting screws after hitting a tree. When I got home I scratched off an email to their support people. Within a day they had a new set of screws on the way. Free of charge! Now that's what I'm talking about when I say customer service.
I'd have no problem recommending this light to anyone I ride with. It is a great functional light backed by a company that knows how to treat its customers right.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: August 1, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Super bright light, long battery charge life, short time to recharge battery, turbo charger needs no monitoring, multiple adjustable beam patterns / directions / wattages (light intensity), price (why spend $400 when you don't have to?)
Weaknesses:
None found
Similar Products Used:
This is my first "real" bike light
Bike Setup:
Not important here
Bottom Line:
If you are looking for a light you can use off-road for riding the trails at night AND on road for commuting, training, or whatever, this is the light for you.
When I ride the trails I use both beams, which provide great coverage allowing me to ride at anywhere between 50% and 80% of my usual intensity, depending on the trail. On the road, I can get away with only using a single beam and the light is rock solid. Motorists often mistake me for a motorcycle and will wait for me to pass rather than pull out in front of me. It's kind of comical, actually.
This light has more awesome features than I could possibly discuss here, including LEDs letting you know how much charge the battery has left, compact battery, intelligent circuity which slowly turns on the lights increasing bulb life, etc. Visit the Lights & Motion web site for the full story. www.bikelights.com
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DrHog
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ Date Reviewed: January 7, 2003
Favorite Trail:
National
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$230.00
Purchased At:
Cambria Bicycle Outfitters
Strengths:
QUALITY OF LIGHT: Dual adjustable beams give great visibility everywhere you need it--even turning switchbacks! WELL DESIGNED: Every part of this light set fits well, is durable, and it doesn't pack any excess weight. REASONABLE BURN TIME: With a full charge and judicious use of the dual beams, these lights will burn for much longer than I care to night ride.
Weaknesses:
NO CHARGE METER: I have the Dual (not the Dual Logic) and twice I've been stranded a couple of miles from the trailhead when the batteries died. I can start to see them fading, and even if you switch to the 10W alone, you have only about 10 minutes tops before the light dies. Both of these occasions happened when I thought I could get in a "second ride" on a single battery charge, as my first ride was only an hour or so. I would like to see a 4-bar LED charge meter (kind of like my cell phone) to help me gauge when I need to head home. TURBO CHARGER SHOULD BE STANDARD: I didn't shell out the big bucks for the fancy charger, so I have to hook my trickle charger up to an appliance timer so that it shuts off after 11 hours. Not a huge deal, but I would like the capability to get the 3.5 hour full charge. CABLE DOESN'T LOCK INTO BATTERY: Although L&M has beefed up the cable/battery plug with a nifty rubber seal that keeps water out and the cable securely in place, I have personally proved that under rough downhill conditions, the cable can pop out of the battery. Going from 25W to 0W while hammering 15 mph down a rocky hill was no fun.
Similar Products Used:
This is my first light set
Bike Setup:
Sugar
Bottom Line:
The desert is a great place for night riding, both in summer and winter. I have been wanting lights for years, and finally got serious last summer and started researching. This was a tough buy, because I didn't want to spend more that $250, and the clearly superior HID systems were pushing $400. Based on positive reviews from mtbr, I chose the relatively bare-bones L&M Dual system. It has decent burn time, good light, and I liked the adjustability of the beams. In general, I run with both lights on 90% of the time, with the 10W bulb focused wide to pick up more of the periphery, and the 15W focused 30-40 ft. down the trail. This is plenty of light, even for fast and technical single track riding. These lights have delivered as I expected them to, and I would buy them again.
That said, I sure wish I had a way of knowing how much charge I had on the battery, both for deciding whether to recharge, and for knowing when to turn around and come home. I am reluctant to "top off" a partially charged battery (old NiCad habit, I think), and that is what has left me stranded twice.
Important safety tip: I initially rigged the cable to the battery with a little tension on it so that it wouldn't flop around while I rode. This contributed to the above mentioned "lights out" episode. Now I "zip-tie" the cable first to the brake or shifter cable near the stem, then to the bottle cage, and finally into the battery. I haven't had any problems since.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Howard
a Cross Country Rider
from Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico Date Reviewed: October 28, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$349.00
Purchased At:
Bicicletas De Manzanillo
Strengths:
Dependable, durable, Bright, Light weight, very well designed.
Weaknesses:
None
Bike Setup:
Turner XCE
Bottom Line:
The Dual Logic is by far the finest bar mount light I've found. 1.5+ Hours (at full power setting) & 7.5+ hours (at lowest setting) of dependable, bright light. Engineering and quality is unsurpased. I find that I can read the trail better with two lights. One light is a flood that lets you see what's directly around you (front & sides). The second light is a spot and provides light way out in front & down the trail. The light it provides allows you to see color. Rocks look like rocks, leaves look like leaves and sand looks like sand. Other lights I've used washout color, making it difficult to see trail detail. A great light for 24 Hour events...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shawb C
a Weekend Warrior
from Rochester, NY Date Reviewed: August 21, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$280.00
Purchased At:
Park Ave Bike
Strengths:
Brilliant white light. Light weight. Long battery life. Aim and beam patterns are easily adjustable on the move. 9 wattage settings.
Weaknesses:
Minor. See below.
Bike Setup:
Stock '01 F2000SL
Bottom Line:
This lighting system is more than I'll ever need. Two of my buddies (without lights) can ride in front of me on a very dark trail with no problems! I purchased the L&M system based on the reviews here at mtbr and I couldn't be happier with my decision. The "logic" features are very nice and do a good job of protecting the system (i.e. soft-on, low battery warning, etc).
There is some room for improvement though... Hopefully someone at L&M is paying attention here and we'll see the following features in future models:
* It is difficult to select the brightness for the lamps without accidentally re-aiming them. Get rid of the buttons on the lamp housings and put a 2-button switch on the bar. The buttons on the bar could cycle through the different wattages for their respective lamps, and holding the button down for a second or two could turn the lamp off.
* It would be nice if the battery wire could be detached from the light mount.
* Although I understand the marketing reasons for not doing this, it would be nice if the trickle charger did not allow you to overcharge the battery. I don't mind waiting 14 hours for a charged battery, but I don't like not having a way to know if I'm frying the battery or not charging it enough. Yes, I have a smart charger on order as of today...
In spite of the above wishlist, I'm still giving the system a 5 out of 5 on the merits of it's performance, reliability, lightweight, and feature set. There is no other lighting system that I'd rather own.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark M
a Cross Country Rider
from Carlisle, PA, United States Date Reviewed: June 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Trail? Where? Around here?
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Mtbr classifieds
Strengths:
*Bright light *Nice sold connection between lights and battery *Easy to put on and take off *Everything else mentioned on their site
Weaknesses:
Note: These are all very small.
*LED indicators all in one window making it hard to see which ones are lit *Thumb switch holder is confusing to mount *Buttons are hard to press when moving quickly, especially over rough terrain *Only one thumb switch. Why do they make you hold the button down on the left light to turn it off instead of just adding another switch?
Similar Products Used:
This is my first real light
Bike Setup:
'99 Trek 830 with light and switch mounted on right half of handlebars.
Bottom Line:
It's a very good light. Any weaknesses I mentioned are small. I got the Turbo charger with it, which is also very nice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Keith
a Racer
from Blacksburg, VA USA Date Reviewed: June 29, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Unrivaled brightness and beam pattern. Nothing even compares. Excellent burn time Easily adjustable Extremely lightweight Compact battery pack that will never come out of your bottle cage Phenomenal customer service
Weaknesses:
I honestly can't think of one.
Similar Products Used:
NiteRider Digital Nite Owl NiteRider Cyclops (These are toys compared to this)
Bike Setup:
Klein Attitude Race. Manitou Mars, Chris King/Bontrager Racelights, Monkey Light lo rise, Thomson post and stem, etc. etc. etc. Sub 23 lb race rocket
Bottom Line:
Before I even saw a Light & Motion (L&M) product, I was very impressed with their company. I was racing in the 24 Hours of Snowshoe this year and saw that they were selling these lights on the GrannyGear website. They were selling last year’s model of the Cabeza at a nice discount. I couldn’t figure out the difference between this year’s and last year’s model, so I went to the Light & Motion website. I emailed their info contact, hoping to get a response sometime the following week. No more than ten minutes after I sent the e-mail, I received a phone call from Chris at Light and Motion! I was not expecting this at all, as I had hoped for a simple e-mail from some customer service. I wondered how they even knew my phone number, but then remembered my office address and phone is in my e-mail signature. Needless to say, I was impressed. 30 minutes after I got off the phone with Chris, I ordered the light.
To make a long story short, the order got messed up on GrannyGear’s site and I never got the light. This was no big deal – I already had a NiteRider system which I was just planning on using. The battery on the bar mounted light was going bad and that was why I was in the market for a new light, but since I was on a five person open team I was probably going to do only one lap and I figured that my ailing battery could probably make it.
Just out of curiosity I stopped by the Light & Motion tent at the race to check out their products, since I still hadn’t seen one in person. My first impression upon picking the light was, “Man, this thing is LIGHT.” It almost felt cheap. In fact, I was skeptical. I have had 2 NiteRider systems that are built bombproof (unfortunately they don’t perform as well as they look). These things seemed too light to be very effective or durable. I was thinking that maybe it was a good idea that my order got screwed up. Something this light had to be cheap and dim.
I started talking to the guy at the booth, and recognized his voice. It turns out it was Chris, the guy who called me on the phone. I told him about the SNAFU when I ordered the light on the web and he offered a Dual Logic for me to use. I wasn’t expecting this, but was very grateful and anxious to test it out. I couldn’t wait for sundown!
The Dual Logic is L&M’s top-of-the-line bar mounted lightning system. It features two independent light heads - the direction and intensity of each light is individually adjustable. The dual light heads mount onto the handlebar via a relatively permanent mounting bracket. That is, the low profile mounting bracket is bolted to the bar (can be removed, but no reason to) and the light head slides onto this mount. The battery fits in a bottle cage, and is about half the size of a traditional battery. It stays put with a large inner tube-like rubber strap that goes around the bottle cage – the battery never budged. It all seemed very simple and durable.
Of course, the proof is in the pudding and this pudding is SWEET. It was about midnight in our campsite and I was preparing for my first night lap. I hooked the lighting system on my bike and turned it on and thoroughly blew away my teammates by its brightness. This thing throws light like none other. It literally floods the entire area in front of you in brilliant white illumination. It’s hard to explain – I guess you have to see it to believe it. Everything from my front tire to 100 feet down the road was lit up. L&M’s unique reflector design illuminates in a near 180º pattern – it’s like a spot and flood in one.
And this was with only one light head on! Turn them both on, point one ahead and one down, and you have a bright white carpet laid before you. I used my 15 W NiteRider on my head, and when I compared its beam with that of the Dual Logic’s I couldn’t believe what I saw. I had always considered my NiteRider a very good system – one of the brighter ones out there. Whatever. The beam was extremely tight compared to that of L&M’s, and it looked yellow. I wondered how I ever rode with my NiteRider after experiencing the Dual Logic. With the Dual Logic turned on, I couldn’t even tell that I had my NiteRider on.
On the trail, I couldn’t believe how well it performed. The first thing I noticed was that this thing actually turned peoples’ heads! I kid you not. We’d be on a fire road (about the only thing rideable at Snowshoe) and I’d ride up on people and they’d actually turn they’re heads and look back as I approached. I think people must have thought I was a car. It was absolutely unbelievable.
The easily adjustable light heads performed flawlessly. They can easily be manipulated to point up or down, side-to-side, on the fly. This was great because on the singletrack I was going much slower than on the fire road so I could adjust the beam accordingly. I was skeptical that the light heads would bounce around since they are so easy to move, but they stayed put.
There are fundamental laws of nature that tend to standardize things. For example, your average aluminum hardtail frame will weigh 3-4 lbs. Similar laws apply to lights. Compare a NiteRider with a Turbocat. Sure, there are differences, but basically the performance (intensity and burn times) of these lights is fundamentally the same. Somehow Light & Motion circumvented these laws. I don’t know how they did it, but they did. Maybe there’s a nuclear reactor in that battery housing they aren’t telling us about.
I cannot not think of a better proving ground than the 2001 24 Hours of Snowshoe. The course was muddy beyond belief, rocky, and very slow. The Dual Logic performed flawlessly. The lights never budged, always stayed where I put them, and provided hours of consistent, BRIGHT light. The lights are bright, the burn times are long, and the entire package is small, compact and light. In all my years of riding, I have never been more impressed with a bicycle component. This light does what it says, better than anything else out there, is competitively priced, and is far lighter than any lightning system I have seen. Seeing is believing.
If you buy anything else, you made a mistake.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jonah
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson Date Reviewed: March 18, 2001
Favorite Trail:
continental divide (N.M.)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
R&R Bicycle
Strengths:
Great battery pack, superior brightness and beam control, lightweight, low battery warning, consistant burn times.
Weaknesses:
None to worry about
Similar Products Used:
Niterider, Nitehawk
Bike Setup:
Trek STP 300
Bottom Line:
The guys at Light and Motion have made the last light you would need to buy. The NiMH technology is far superior to Niterider, who needs to rethink their current design. The dual logic Apex is all the bikelight a rider could ask for. The switch is effective and the bezel helps control spot/flood control, on the fly!! I made the mistake on buying a Niterider for my first high-end light. The NiCad light was fairly light, but the beam was very concentrated in the middle (spot), and the burn times really sucked (See Digital Pro-6 review). The Apex light has simplified the two lights by giving each a switch and watt settings. The 10watt primary is good and adding the 15watt on fast stuff makes the difference. The lights do not bounce or shake on the mount (Niterider) and provide a true white light. I recently used it with a Cabeza Helmet light in 24 hour race. Chris for Apex showed up to give us support and kept swapping out batteries to help my duo team have ZERO light problems. That was nice since many other teams had a lot of problems (Niterider). The light does not have a fuel guage but a 25 minute warning on the bar and 15 on the helmet. This is really all you need since it rarely ends up coming, unless your on a 3+ hour epic. The niterider fuel guage is depressing. It depletes so fast your always conserving. The burn times on the niterider is erratic too. Light and Motion lights are Memory-Free. Burn times are Very consistant.
Apex Lights are brighter, lighter weight, and less expensive than any of its direct competition. Don't waste your money and go out and buy a Light and Motion.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Moorhouse
a Racer
from Orlando, Florida, USA Date Reviewed: February 15, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
www.bikelights.com
Strengths:
reliability, performance, lightweight
Weaknesses:
?????????????
Bike Setup:
2001 Ellsworth Truth ICT
Bottom Line:
Once again, Light and Motion's Apex lights have come through for me at a mtn bike enduro event with flawless performance. Enough said.
You want good customer service?? How about having the company come all the way across the country to support your local event?? That's what they did here.
--Thanks, Chris.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Glenn Farnham
a Cross Country Rider
from Sodertalje, SWEDEN Date Reviewed: January 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Any trail that will allow me to ride it!
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
www.bikelights.com
Strengths:
-Good light power output -Burn time -Versatility -Simplicity -Light weight -Adjustable beam aim -Stay put battery -Good quick release mount for lights (comes with a built in magnet)
Weaknesses:
-Hard to read light output rating on the lamp housing, so you guess it half the time. -The power cords are straight and not detachable from the lights themselves (only from the battery). -No warning as to when power is running low (although that seams to be fixed on the –01 model, 15 minute warning given now). -Cheap battery charger included
Similar Products Used:
JET dual beam helmet system from -98 Assorted other ancient stuff
Bike Setup:
-99 GT XIZANG custom built dream bike, top notch all ‘round, don’t worry ‘bout it
Bottom Line:
When scouting around for a bar mount system about one year ago I tried as good as I could to compare systems via web sites like this one and others, together with Bike mag tests and the different manufacturer spec.’s I could get a hold of, being the cautious consumer that I am... Finally I settled on this system, and have been plenty happy with my choice ever since.
To begin with the three different choices of light output on each light make this light system very versatile and gives you the opportunity of saving battery power when your brightest and highest output is not required (at least if your a real life rider like myself and like when commuting or traveling to or from your track of choice, on lit or semi-lit roads and bike paths). From what I understand APEX/Light & Motion have had this construction advantage for some years, whilst other light manufactures (Nite Rider excluded) have only recently caught on to this excellent idea. The setup is simple; you will find no excessive and tacky amount of blinking LED’s and other such unneeded items. So if you’re a high-tech freak and want whistles and bells, seek elsewhere, you’ll find none on these lights. The pointing and aiming of each light individually is also a good option. The adjustable bezels are OK, allowing you to fine-tune the beam pattern some. But don’t expect to be able to change light patterns extensively with this function, since the changes possible to be made to the beam pattern are only minor. Beam pattern’s good anyway so there is no problem here.
Very light weight system as well. The battery in this system is compact to, look’s to me to be about half the size of most other high class light systems available out there. The brightness of this system is slightly below what my JET dual beam puts out. But on the other hand my JET’s run at full power or no power, and tend to drain their battery in less than 50 minutes if both are on at the same time. This leaving me with the option of carrying around a white stick, so as not to bump into things when that occurs….. So the battery economy of these lights are superior compared with my two-year-old non-output adjustable JET’s. The bomber strap on the Light & Motion battery keeps it where it belongs: in your water bottle cage even when things go a bumpin’ or crashin’. Well thought out and functional details and a good construction as well. Everything with these lights give you a good feeling about their overall quality and reliability and that they will probably be around for years to come (that’s good to, considering what high end lights cost...).
One of my only concerns is that the power cord might be yanked out from the lamp housing in the case of a violent crash. This due to the fact that the cord is straight gauge and directly connects to the lamp housing (but then again I’m fairly confident that Light & Motion in such a case would and could fix things).
Oh yeah not that it matters much (hell who am I kiddin’, esthetics and color combinations on bike parts mean more than I’m usually willing to admit) but I think these lights look way cool too! Light up your night and ride, buddy!
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:
$250.00
Purchased At:
www.bikelights.com
Strengths:
Well made Long burn times Variety of output levels Independently adjustable beams Light weight
Weaknesses:
No smart charger included
Similar Products Used:
Cygolite, Performance, Niterider
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Heckler, Bontrager Ti-Lite, Trek road trainer
Bottom Line:
L & M has a bulletproof reputation in underwater video so I decided to try their bike lights and I'm not sorry. This system puts out plenty of light for riding the trickiest trails on moonless nights. The system is 100 percent reliable and the 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.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Mcgrievy
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz Date Reviewed: January 18, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Sea Otter
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$325.00
Purchased At:
performance
Strengths:
Tons of the brightest, whitest, light you ever did see!!! I bought it with the Turbocharger and ask myself if I could of ever lived w/o it. It takes all the thought out of charging. Essential for people who ride frequently. Lightweight and more durable than they look.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Niterider, Jet lights
Bike Setup:
One with two wheels.
Bottom Line:
Due to the fact I commute and am an avid crosscountry rider these light are excellent in both situations. The adjustability is a huge plus in traffic. Cars won't stop flashing me!!. I had a few questions and their customer support(Chris) was excellent. I would recommend them to anybody
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle Johnson
a Cross Country Rider
from Anchorage, Alaska Date Reviewed: December 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Anchorage Hillside trails
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Light & Motion Web-direct
Strengths:
Unique minimalistic digital design; outstanding performance and reliability; 6-26 watt settings; small, light weight NiMH battery w/ bomber strap; dual independent positioning; tethered micro high beam switch; the brightest and lightest dual beam product currently on the market; Bezal-mechanizm focusing; last but not least, the wonderful customer service...thanks Chris!!
Weaknesses:
What’s with the supposed 20 hr high beam burn time as reported in the user manuel? However, the good news is that I have surpassed this rating and have not yet replaced the bulb...I sure hope that it’s typo. The permanent rental burn, due to the DLI's incredible brightness, upsets the engine needy crowd.
Similar Products Used:
NiteRider digital pro series and Cygo-lite products.
Bike Setup:
1999 Litespeed Ocoee, XTR-XT mountain mix, Rock-shox, Arctic Cat double wide winter rims, Nokian Extreme 296 studded tires, Ride-on Gore-tex cables, Chris King and KORE sundries.
Bottom Line:
Like most of the other reviewers here on this site, I chose this lighting system due to the overwhelming positive comments made by other owners. Let it be known that “there are no bad adventures in Alaska...just bad gear.” I live and ride in Alaska where the darkness and the harsh environment during the fall and winter months prevents even the most hardy and tolerant souls from venturing out into the wilderness without the proper equipment...so when judging MTB products, reliability and performance are 1 and 2 on my list and this light surpasses those hurdles easily on the low beam alone. The high beam is simply a revelation. I’ve been using various lighting systems now for eight years and this one has been the best so far and an utter delight to own and operate. This light has been exposed to temperatures well below zero, heavy rain, snow, and hail, not to mention an icy bath in Anchorage street grime yet it has not once flickered in a moment of weakness. Undoubtedly, the key to Light & Motions success is the no nonsense, back to the basics simplicity they engineer into their products; and if you have done you homework properly, you’ve probably discovered that the folks at Light & Motion have been making reliable sub-aqueous photo electronic equipment for years prior to their launch into the mountain bike scene. This light doesn’t have fancy digital settings like SOS signaling, strobes, battery meters etc., but given the problems I and others have had with more complicated systems (i.e. NiteRider digital pro series) this product is a welcomed relief. I realize that my advise and three dollars will buy you nothing more than a tuna fish sandwich (or it could be this beautiful glass of scotch talking), but please give little credence to those nay sayers on this site that do us real mountain bikers a great disservice by seemingly rating products on appearance rather that substance. Admittedly, the unit looks somewhat less refined than some of the other products out there; however, make no mistake about it, this light is manufactured as bit as good as any if not better than most. So if you’re into the “its gotta look cool on my bike regardless of how it works” factor like John from Birmingham obviously is then this light is not for you. The proof is in the pudding, riders...just look at the product reviews and ask yourselves-- would you rather have a cool looking name brand lighting system or one that blows all the others away? Nothing is perfect, but this light is pretty damn close....five flaming chilies it is then.
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:
-Customer service -Simplicity of product -Very lightweight system -Reliability -Exellent power -Loooooong burn times -ADJUSTABILITY -Ease of use -Performance
Weaknesses:
-Could use a self-coiling cord
Similar Products Used:
-Everything from Niterider -Vista Lites -Homemade contraptions
Bike Setup:
-2001 Green Ellsworth Truth ICT with the lightest/most durable stuff available -Road bike used for commuting
Bottom Line:
If you are looking for a product with a candy-coated look and all kinds of bells and whistles that you'll never use, look elsewhere. But if you demand the utmost in performance from a headlight system, look no further. It is packed with features to enhance the night-riding experience. This is the lightest-weight dual beam on the market---200 grams or more lighter than anyone else. It is also the brightest halogen system out there, with burn times that will meet or exceed anything the competition has to offer. And it has various beam-adjustability features that nobody else has. Output is brilliant, and this system is capable of illuminating an area wider and further with no dark spots than any competitor's lights. Dollar for dollar, you wont find a better product. www.bikelights.com
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Racer
from Tampa, FL Date Reviewed: December 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Razorback
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
-Excellent Construction -Independently adjutable light heads -Bright white beam -Great beam characteristics -Customer Service -3 Hr Charger available (for extra $)
Weaknesses:
Doesn't pedal my bike for me.
Similar Products Used:
Niterider Classic
Bike Setup:
Spec. S-Works FSR
Bottom Line:
I am now thoroughly convinced that these guys make the best lights around. If you read my review for the Cabeza, you'll see that I was impressed with my first purchase of their helmet mount version. That lead me to order their dual beam bar light, and I am equally impressed with this purchase. The same quality of construction was apparant, along with the same excellent beam projection. Using this in tandem with their helmet light, I feel like I have a combination worthy of any night race. These lights out-perform any that I've come accross, and I'm sure you'll feel the same way. And as always their customer service was barnone. Thanks again guys!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Raleigh, NC Date Reviewed: December 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
New Light
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
lmionline.com
Strengths:
Bright white light, individual adjustability of flood and high beam both horizontally and vertically, strong NIMH battery at half the size and weight of competition,long burn time, bombproof
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Night Rider Digital Headtrip (not mine, a riding buddy's)
Bike Setup:
2001 Litespeed Toccoa with full XTR, Chris King headset, 2000 z2 Atom 80, Thompson Elite stem and seatpost, Hayes hydraulic discs, Mavic 317 disc wheelset w/ XT hubs, Selle Royal Shark saddle
Bottom Line:
I purchased these lights based on the previous reviews here and a visit to lmionline.com. While they don't have all the fancy digital readouts on remaining battery strength like the Night Riders what they do is give you 16 different combinations of light intensity, adjust in any direction you want as well as adjust from wide to narrow beam with a turn of the bezels. They have survived numerous crashes as I have learned to night ride, as well as rides in upper 20's with no power output problems and riding in the rain. I can ride my home trail (Atlantic Avenue) almost every night after work now, bombing the downhills just as fast as daytime. Three of my buddies have since purchased these lights after my raves to them. I also purchased the smart rapid charger for an additional $75. The battery seems to be getting stronger now that it has been charged a few times. I will never need to look at another lighting system.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Burlington,VT Date Reviewed: December 6, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
www.bikelights.com
Strengths:
Simple to use, highly adjustable, solid feel, I opted for the optional quick charger and it's great, spend the extra and get it.
Weaknesses:
Very Basic
Similar Products Used:
Niterider pro-12
Bike Setup:
2000 Trek 8500LT w /XTR uprades
Bottom Line:
I purchased the Apex after reading a bunch of reviews here and on some of the other web sites. After receiving the light, I was somewhat disappointed like the previous reviewer about how it looked and felt compared to Niteriders Pro-12 series (similiar $) I also felt it lacked some of the features, i.e. battery charge indicator, single button switching, optional taillight. But after using it for several night rides, I began to appreciate the simplicity of the design and the flexability of the mounting system, The light is extremely white and bright, I almost never have to go to the spot light and it's battery life is awesome. About the only thing I might get over it is Niterider's new predator (new benchmark).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patti Rosenthal
a Racer
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: November 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim - Moab
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Light & Motion
Strengths:
Duration of battery, brightness of light & beam control, small battery pack with bomber strap to hold in cage
Similar Products Used:
NiteRider
Bike Setup:
Road bike for commuting to work. Dual light system on handle bars with battery pack in water bottle cage.
Bottom Line:
The Light & Motion dual bar mounted lighting system is awesome. I commute to and from work in the dark & need maximum light for visibility. Most lighting systems light up what's directly in front of you. This lighting system lights up the entire road which makes it easier to see potholes or other debris in the road -- also makes me more visible to cars behind me & to oncoming traffic. I've also experienced short-lived batteries where I actually run out of light before I get to my destination (most of my commute rides are less than an hour). With this new lighting system it's recommended you fully recharge the battery every two months & I'm confident I'll have at least 7 hours of light with a fully charged battery. It's also water-resistant & fairly lightweight. Extra features also include beam control, lighthead positioning, thumb switch mount, & very easy installation!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Birmingham Date Reviewed: November 17, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Light weight
Weaknesses:
Scary cheap construction
Similar Products Used:
Nightrider, Vista Light, and now TurboCat.
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Heckler, Z1, XTR, Raceface
Bottom Line:
I was amped about getting these lights when I read all the awesome reviews. When I opened the box and looked at what I forked $250 for, I was highly dissapointed. The quality of construction and materials were definately second rate. Nothing near the quality of my Digital Headtrip. I purposely avoided the Big light makers (and wanted to send some of my money to the little guy). I tried the light once. The focusing left a lot of dark spots and did not change from flood to spot as described. I was bummed. I decided to keep my money with the little guy and sent my money to TurboCat....read that review.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Erik Jensen
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco, CA Date Reviewed: November 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
China Camp, Marin
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
www.bikelights.com
Strengths:
Brilliantly designed mounting system, bomber construction. Once, following Ted, I skidded out to avoid running over a raccoon and flew off a cliff. My fork and ACL were toast, but the Apex didn't even flicker.
Weaknesses:
Too bad they don't make one in hot pink.
Bottom Line:
Killer light, brighter than anything else out there. Batteries last a long time and the dual adjustability if brilliant.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chachi
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco Date Reviewed: October 23, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
www.bikelights.com
Strengths:
Lightweight, adjustability, variability of beam pattern/strength. Battery lasts a long time and is light and easy to charge. Great field of vision.
Weaknesses:
None yet.
Bottom Line:
The Light & Motion Apex DLI system exceeded my expectations. It is extremely adjustable and allows rider to control both flood and high-beam lights independently. Seems very durable and weatherproof. Great light coverage with flood light and extreme brightness with high-beam.
Get smart charger for 3hour charging. Battery is really light (no pun intended) and long lasting. I highly recommend this system.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
M C
a Weekend Warrior
from LV NV USA Date Reviewed: October 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Hurl
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$210.00
Purchased At:
Bikelights.com
Strengths:
High power, Battery Life, Durability, Individualy aimable lights.
Weaknesses:
Wire does not disconnect from lights, only from battery.
Bike Setup:
Crackendale superV 800
Bottom Line:
Great light! I ride out in the middle of the desert and it provides enough light for me ang they guy I ride with. I would recommend this light to anyone. It's already taken the brunt of one crash and has no damage to show for it, (It took the rocks a lot better than my elbows and arms did.)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Kramer
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose Date Reviewed: September 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Flume trail in Tahoe
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
www.bikelights.com
Strengths:
super easy mounding and removal, total ajustabily in light output/direction, nice toggle system for each lamp with seperate on/off for each. Durable
Weaknesses:
No warning sticker saying "you now own a badass lights"
Similar Products Used:
Never used anyhting else
Bike Setup:
Single-Speed hardtail custom build for off road
Bottom Line:
I had little idea of what I was getting into when deciding to buy a light system. I just knew I wanted something light-wieght with high output and long battery times. This one had it all. I looked at Nightryder stuff but after reading about the flexability of this DLi set and its wieght, I had to give it shot!
www.bikelights.com had a good deal on their online store. Got the fast charger in addition to the light system and it still only was $350 with California tax:)
I have givin this light a very good workout. sigle track, fireroad and open area. It works great in all conditions and has rubber seals to keep its vital parts dry when things get wet.
I have crashed a few time with it mounted on the handle bars and they still look like new:)
The ajustability may seem like it may easily un-adjust itself in rough conditions but they have continued to stay in the position I have chosen for them.
In a nutshell, these light are a great addition to your biking goodies. they will open you to whole-nother world of mountain biking. It is never too late at night not go bike:)It is so very cool to see where you are going without straining in near black conditions. It is almost like having a motorcycle light strapped on with a brights switch.
If you go with these lights and ride rough off-road, I highly recommend that you get a "Quality water bottle cage". The first one I had, the welding cracked from the weight of the battery bouncing back on forth. What you really need is a casted water bottle cage, but I dought you will find one. Just make sure the cage you get has long solid weldings on the mounting braket.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Racer
from Cambridge, MA Date Reviewed: September 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Sun Valley Trail, CT
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Ace Wheelworks
Strengths:
Fantastic Lighting!!! Configurable lamps, Bomber strap on battery
Similar Products Used:
Nightrider Classic Nightrider Digital Headtrip
Bottom Line:
These lights are simply the brightest/best lights I have ever used. The light is clear and white, not dim or yellow at all. I was recently in a night race. Actually during the race people would want to know who made the lights, because they were so far superior to anything out in the field. Racers would purposely ride parts of the nastier singletrack with me (whether they were faster or slower!), just so they would have the extra light.
These lights are well made, light and bright. The customer service has been great as well; I feel like I bought a product from a company that cares about their product, not one that is just trying to sell as many lights as possible.
Kudos to Lights in Motion.......
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob Flesher
a Cross Country Rider
from Truckee, CA , USA Date Reviewed: September 12, 2000
Favorite Trail:
The Flume Trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
These lights Rule! Very simple design with a clean finish. They have 3 different light settings to conserve battery power. Long lasting batteries. Lightest and simplest lights out there.
Weaknesses:
I don't think there are any weaknesses. They thought this product through and it works. But with any lights you want it to burn all night and nobody can do that yet.
Similar Products Used:
I had one of the first Vista lights out on the market. Light and Motion lights don't even compare. Even the new Vista lights out there are not as clean as these ones.
Bike Setup:
I use the Light & Motion handle bar mounts and the helmet mount. To get the ultimate riding at night, it is nice to have both.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is Light & Motion lights are AWESOME. I've been mountain biking for over ten years. Compared with what is on the market,Light & Motion has made their mark. Other companies have been out there doing the same thing year after year. Then Light & Motion comes along and makes a product that blows the competion away. The night will never be the same.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Michigan Date Reviewed: May 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Poto...of course!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Very lightweight.......absolutely a brilliantly bright white light that covers a vast amount of area. Adjustable beams and brightness. The lenses are the size of quarters, but you would think I have a pair of automobile lights strapped to my bike. The company called me right back at home with answers when I emailed them questions. The unit is small enough that I use it as a hand-held light when I have to look for something outside at night! It's far better than any Mag-Lights I have at home. What a great product. Worth every penny.
Weaknesses:
No glaring ones! (a little pun for ya)
Similar Products Used:
Lighthouse fresnel lens and a police helicopter search light.
Bike Setup:
Kestrel CSX with all the goodies on it this light deserves.
Bottom Line:
This product looks like some individual quality went into it. It doesn't have that "mass-produced" look to it. The quality is high, the customer service so far is top-notch. The product performs to the point where you don't mind spending the extra dollar. Simply put, there is no reason I would look at another product. My needs have been met here. I recommend you take a look too. Go to: bikelights.com and you'll see the light. (heh heh)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steven Alexander
a Cross Country Rider
from Kingston, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: April 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Conyers Georgia
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Great run time, easy of use, focusable lights that allow for either a wide path of light or very bright and narrow. Shut off switch to mount by shifter is a god send. The light is actually white and not yellow like some other lights I own.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Jet Lights, Vista, Night Rider Digital
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Homegrown Elite.
Bottom Line:
The run time and easy of use make this the best light on the market. It is great for anyone who needs lots of light and long run times. People who are night blind need not look at another light. I own all of the other lights listed above, and wouldn't think twice about any of them after getting these lights. These turn night into day!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin Lyons
a Cross-Country Rider
from Reno, NV. Date Reviewed: December 31, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Hole in the Gound
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
ease of use and mounting long burn times the highbeam rocks when cars hit you with theirs and you high beam them back
Weaknesses:
the only thing I see is the battery shakes some in the bottle cage , but it's really no big deal
Similar Products Used:
vista light nite sun
Bike Setup:
used on my wicked fat chance,my salsa la raza, and my surly cross check
Bottom Line:
this is a nice bright light, that I have used commuting, and trail riding. I ve crashed on the ice and the light was unscathed
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Karl Ehlert
a Cross-Country Rider
from Redwood City, CA Date Reviewed: November 28, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Corte Madera Creek Trail
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Independent adjustability of lamps, focus control, LIGHT WEIGHT lamps and battery, LONG burn time, power management, quick install
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
Homemade Frankenstein compilations, Peformance,
Bike Setup:
Litespeed Obed with Atom bomb
Bottom Line:
Can't be beat for run time, lightweight, total adjustabitliy of power, lamp position and focus. Beam pattern of the flood lamp is the best. It lets you really see what the heck is out there in the blacknes of the forest. I saw 12 deer last night (had to use the spot on some of them). Light and motion has covered all the bases with this one. Now I have no excuse to not ride!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rodney B
a Cross-Country Rider
from Seaside Date Reviewed: November 23, 1999
Favorite Trail:
monumental eagle mountain
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Durability and ease of use. It shines when you wnat it to and its bright
Weaknesses:
none noted
Similar Products Used:
nite rider digital
Bike Setup:
canondale m900
Bottom Line:
This a must have night ride piece of equipment tht looks great on the bike and really works I look a lot like a freight train when Im lit up with this and the cabaza in the woods
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bret Lobree
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego Date Reviewed: November 18, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Young Gultch, Ft. Collins, CO
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Great spread of light. Plenty of battery juice. Independent ajustability. Very White light, but does not wash out the trail. Logical power controls.
Similar Products Used:
NightRider, Cateye Stadium light
Bike Setup:
I ride an Ibis Alibi with a Judy SL
Bottom Line:
Duel independent ajustability and beam focus control kicks butt.
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:
No brainers, Long lasting, options on brightness, adjustable beams, and light weight
Similar Products Used:
Nite Rider Cateye
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stump Jumper Comp M2
Bottom Line:
I used the Apex lights during a 24 hour adrenaline race. Many people complained about night rider lights going out before they returned - riding in total darkness. I was happy to say I did my best time during the night ride with these lights.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Pacific Grove, CA Date Reviewed: November 18, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Sea Otter Classic Loop
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Well engineered, powerful white light
Weaknesses:
difficult to find dealers that carry the product line
Similar Products Used:
NightRider Pro, Union Fronburg(OLD!), Marwi, Night Sun
Bike Setup:
road and mtb night riding
Bottom Line:
A very well engineered product! The powerful white light brightens even the darkest trails and roads! Independently adjustable dual beams (can aim each beam left/right and up/down AND independently variable power settings for power management) offer great versatility. Great battery technology means lightweight, longlasting power without having to babysit the recharging process. This technical but durable system reflects the company's high tech underwater foto equipment background.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug B.
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Monica, CA Date Reviewed: November 18, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Back Bone
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Clean White Beam Verable Power Output Adjustable Lens Low Weight, Durable Great Customer Service
Weaknesses:
None Yet
Similar Products Used:
NiteRider
Bike Setup:
DBR V8 modified to 4.5 rear travel. Manitou 4 front. Chris King with ceramic valients
Bottom Line:
The best light out there. Almost half the wieght as niterider with longer burn times. I have the solo/ retro combo which is a single light with a break away handle bar mount for crashes. Digital 3 level power settings with 2.5 to almost 7 hrs. run time. The lens adjust to customize the beam of the most cleanest light beam I ever saw. Puts out as least double the usable light at the same watts of the other big names. I have used their under water video lights for years and no one has ever made a better system than them. When my niterider battery died (lasted a good 5 years)and the replacement was just under the price of a new system, I was happy to learn that L&M came out with bike lights just then. I bought direct @ www.lmionline.com and they are brillant.
Overall Rating:
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