Description:The Strada HID is the premier lighting system engineered with the latest in lighting technology. The 10 watt lamp produces a remarkably bright and intense beam with 3.5 hours of burn time. Our proprietary reflector design maximizes the reflector diameter and depth, therefore capturing the most light possible. It creates a smooth and uniform beam ideal for on or off road use.
Our systems are skillfully crafted of high strength 6061 aircraft aluminum and lightweight filament wound composite materials for the utmost in structural protection. Additionally, we supplied equal protection internally for both the headlight and battery housings. The proprietary design of the lighthead incorporates an internal heat sink, which draws heat away from the electronic assembly prolonging the life of the lamp/ballast system. And, our battery cells are supported by high-density, closed-cell foam padding for maximum impact resistance.
Another unique feature that sets us apart from the competition is our innovative mounting systems. The Strada HID and Vado Xenon systems come complete with both the handlebar and helmet mounts. The handlebar mount comes with 2 different sized pads, so that you can select the best combination for proper fit on your handlebars. The thumbscrew can be firmly tightened to secure the light head without fear of loosening up during your ride. The helmet mount features a low profile fit and adjustable beam angle.
- wide beam HID available (option)
- $329 price is with Fast Charger, $279 with slow charger
Submitted by
Tom Jung
a Weekend Warrior
from Palos Verdes, CA Date Reviewed: December 11, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$329.00
Purchased At:
lumestrada.com
Strengths:
good even light pattern, light and simple
Weaknesses:
Poor mounting options (lume...are you listening?), I did try to use a Niterider mount to get it to fit my swept back bars so that the light can point straight. Lack of spare parts in the field. Putting the battery in an old water bottle solved most of my mounting problems.
Similar Products Used:
Niterider flight.
Bottom Line:
Lume, come up with a better mount on the bars and you would definitely sell more. Also going to Li-Ion is not that expensive nowadays, and you get big weight savings. www.batteryspace.com
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fred
a Cross Country Rider
from Minnesota Date Reviewed: November 14, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$329.00
Purchased At:
Lumelighting.com
Strengths:
Well constructed. Sufficient run time.
Weaknesses:
Mounting options
Similar Products Used:
Cygolite Halogen system
Bike Setup:
Bianchi Alloro, Cannondale F600
Bottom Line:
The light looks great, but even though there are two mounting options included, they don't work on every bike.
The battery mount interferes with brake operation if your cables happen to be on the bottomside of the bike's top tube. I tried mounting it on the top side of the top tube but it wiggled its way down easily when I hit a few bumps. I finally ended up mounting it on the seat post with the extra wire extender.
The helmet mount works only if you can mount it across two ribs. It won't work on helmets with on center rib.
The bar mount will not work on oversized bars. The machined aluminum, although beautiful to look at, does not flex. The screw is a little difficult to thread when the screwholes don't match up, and that's rather tough to do when the mount isn't flexible. Lume supplies pads which fit between the mounting bracket and the bar but these tend to be more of a hassle than anything. They're tiny and they're difficult to fit. I just use strips of rubber cut off an old car mat. Just like those supplied with other mounting systems.
So the bottom line is, you may have trouble if you have cables that run along the bottom of your top tube, or if you have an oversized handlebar, or if you have a particular type of helmet with a rib running down the center, this may not be the light for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J Money
a Racer
from Wisconsin Date Reviewed: September 8, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Lumelighting.com/
Strengths:
Quality of components, durability and most of all SIMPLICITY. Absolutely beautiful construction: carbon fiber/6061/super heavy duty cabling.
Weaknesses:
Market Presence...if more riders only knew, this light would smoke the competition!
Similar Products Used:
MARWI Nightpro, Nitetrider, Turbocat, Vistalite.
Bike Setup:
Matters to me, but doesn't matter much to you, now does it?
Bottom Line:
I do most of my training at night, due to my schedule and because I basically prefer the dark. I wouldn't ride or race on anything else. I absolutely love the fact that it has an on/off switch and that's all. No need for a fuel gauge, it gets you 3 1/2 hours of light...period. On top of that, the fast charger is the way to go due to the fact you can leave your very expensive batteries on to condition and keep at the optimal voltage. It's worth the extra $20, so don't get cheap here. Also, contrary to a couple of questionable reviews, I've never experienced a company more dedicated to you...the rider. Give them a shot you'll love these guys!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy Hubbard
a
from Evansville, IN Date Reviewed: August 26, 2005
Favorite Trail:
andrew@esmw.com
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$329.00
Purchased At:
Direct
Strengths:
Great light, good design, quick charging with the fast charger, wide beam gives good coverage for the road
Weaknesses:
Heavy when you hold it, but helmet-mounted I don't notice it
Similar Products Used:
Marwi 12w halogen
Bike Setup:
Catrike Speed recumbent trike
Bottom Line:
I use this light for road use (thus the wide beam) and love it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Burlington, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: June 14, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Albion Hills
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Lume website
Strengths:
Not Plastic, Dual mounting
Weaknesses:
Shape of battery pack
Similar Products Used:
Nite Rider Classic, BLT (Both halogens)
Bike Setup:
2004 Specialized Epic S-works
Bottom Line:
The materials used are the best I've seen. The workmanship and and finish are excellent. Simplicity usually = Reliability. This light is as simple as it can be, hopefully time will prove the equation. The weakness in the battery pack shape is that if you head mount the light and have a crash, landing on your battery will be like landing on a pop can(but much more solid). I preferred the flatter style of the BLT battery pack. (But not the flimsy BLT connectors). The price is another strong point, even with the Canadian exchang rate, and all other fees/taxes the bill was about 400 CAD. I also considered the NR HID but you have to choose head or handlebar mount. I prefer head mount for mountain biking, and bar mount for my road commuting. The Lume does both well. I highly recommend this light.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trailnut
a
from Berkeley, CA, USA Date Reviewed: February 28, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Butchers Creek, Downieville
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$310.00
Purchased At:
Lume site
Strengths:
$310 for a 10w hid light lights looks sleek, well-made
Weaknesses:
$40 charged for a 2nd bar mount, but the light needs a phillips screw driver to remove and mount...same with helmet mount...definately not a quick release. battery mount to top tube (min's sloping) is slow ans awkward. Grrrrrrrr :(
Similar Products Used:
my 1st HID light. have ad several NiteRiders (of limited durability)
Bike Setup:
crmo steel hardtail with 5" Z1 FR ETA fork & 8" Hope Mono M4 disk
Bottom Line:
i would not buy this again. the bright hid light itself is super (for the price) and the mounting on the flarbar is secure, but the battery mount to top tube sucks...slow and wobbles and tends to slide down. broke on velcro strap trying to tighten the strap. the 2nd bar mount $40 is nearly useless cause it's faster to move the mount than to unscrew teh light to the mount and to re-screw on to the helmet mount or on to the 2md bar mount. gurrrrrggg.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
D B
a Cross Country Rider
from Redmond, WA Date Reviewed: February 27, 2005
Favorite Trail:
CCC
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$260.00
Purchased At:
Lume w/MTBR discount
Strengths:
Ultra Bright, Long Burn Time
Weaknesses:
No Quick Release
Similar Products Used:
Nite Rider
Bike Setup:
For the trail
Bottom Line:
I have ridden at night once only so far so this is an initial review. Bought the HID Wide beam with slow charger (next time I would buy the fast charger) from Lume with the MTBR discount. $260.00 Shipped and when you compare to the other $400.00 light systems you would buy Lume too. The burn time was well over two hours and I never turned it off and that was the end of the ride. My previous light (which I had borrowed) only lasted for 1.5 total, that's it. I know I made the right decision in buying this light. My only beef is that there is no quick release to remove the light from it's mount. So each time you choose not to use the light (day ride) you have to remove the whole bracket. I think I will just get a back-up helmet again and leave it hooked up-no worries!! Buy one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Racer
from Gainesville, FL, USA Date Reviewed: February 25, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Razorback
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$315.00
Purchased At:
www.lumelighting.com
Strengths:
solid construction, even white light with a nice bright spot in the middle, good price.
Weaknesses:
The cables are very hard to disconnect but at least I know it will keep water out and they won't accidentally disconnect.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Specialized Enduro Expert
Bottom Line:
I've been very happy with my purchase and in spite of other reviewers having problems with the bulbs burning out (which does concern me) if I had to make the decision over again, I would still go with Lume.
It throws a better light pattern then the HID lights my buddies are using and it is a bit stronger and brighter as well.
If you are going to do much riding at night then do yourself a favor and get yourself a HID. Any HID light is going to be worlds better than anything else on the market. I know they are expensive but if you can scrape together the bucks you won't regret it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tony
a
from Switzerland Date Reviewed: January 25, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$310.00
Purchased At:
Lumelighting
Strengths:
Great looking simple hardware and great lighting capacity. It really holds more than 3hrs which is ample for an evening ride.
Weaknesses:
30 day warranty is really too short, and even more so when you purchase it from Europe considering that the shipping time takes a week one way. So you have 2 weeks to test the product.
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F400
Bottom Line:
As it happened I purchased 2 units at once (1 for a colleague) and one of the lamp turned out to be bluish with a very diminished lighting intensity, compared to the very bright white light of the functional one.(At least you can compare when you have 2 lamps!)
An Ex-Works quality check(for light intensity)at Lumelighting would be welcome before shipment to customers.
Thankfully the after sales agreed to exchange the defective unit without hassles, but the waiting time is a pain as you don't know where the product is during transit since the insured US Postal Services Lumelighting uses does not allow tracking as would be the case with e.g. DHL or FedEx (cost saving maybe?)
Obviously the warranty of 30 days contributes to additional stress. So that's 3 chillis as a result of it but 5 for the value of the product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vickie
a
from Alexandria Date Reviewed: January 19, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Bottom Line:
Follow up to my review: I used the Lume Strada for 6 days (total of about 15 hours of run time) before posting my review. On day 7 the light failed.
Lume’s diagnosis: bulb “prematurely burned out.” A bulb that cost $100 to replace and is warranted for only 30 days has burned out after 15 hours?! I guess I should feel lucky it happened on day 7 and not 31.
I told Lume I’d be willing to accept a replacement unit if they warranty the bulb for 90 days this time. After one disastrous experience with their product I don’t think I was asking for too much. Lume’s response: we can’t do that.
You take your chance with Lume if you want to. Me, I’m gonna use my refund to buy something else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vickie
a
from Alexandria Date Reviewed: December 30, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$316.00
Similar Products Used:
CygoLite Explorer
Bike Setup:
Cannondale R800 Sport
Bottom Line:
GOOD POINTS
Very elegant design. Wouldn’t look out of place on the fanciest Colnago.
One of the least expensive HID lights on the market. Only the CygoLite zForce is less expensive.
Comment from a motorcycle cop, “Wow, that light is bright! Everybody should have one like that!”
BAD POINTS
The on-off switch is pathetically flimsy and hair-trigger sensitive. You can easily turn the light on or off by accident. Worst, in daylight you can accidentally turn the light on and discharge the battery without even noticing.
The power connectors are a royal pain in the neck. They are so difficult to unplug that recharging the battery is an annoying chore. Sure they’re waterproof but anything that requires such strenuous tugging to unplug is silly.
No automatic power off feature to prevent complete discharge of the battery, which doesn’t do the battery any good. Lume would say, “Just turn off the light when it starts to dim.” Simple enough, but human beings are forgetful sometimes while electronics are cheap.
No battery life indicator of any kind, not even a single red LED to indicate low battery status.
A short warranty: 30 days for lamp module; 90 days for battery, charger, and internal electronics.
NEUTRAL
At 10W the Strada is one of the least powerful HID lights on the market. However it does provide plenty of light and increasing power would leads to shorter run time or bigger (heavier, more expensive) battery.
Run time is a bit over 3 hours; good but not spectacular. The advertised run time is 3.5 hours, by the way, so Lume is not inflating the figure but brightness decreases significantly as the battery approaches the end of its run time.
A Li-Ion battery wouldn’t hurt. Li-Ion batteries are lighter but more expensive so including one would presumably raise the price.
Not cheap at $329. But then again, no HID light currently on the market is cheap. Make sure you go to www.lumelighting.com/mtbr.asp to claim your discount which brings the price down to $309.26 + $7.20 for shipping.
A claimed bulb life of 1,000 hours that is not user replaceable. This is common to all HID lights. Lume charges $100 to replace the bulb. (Ouch!)
COMPARISON TO A 25W HALOGEN LIGHT
The Lume Strada I have is the wide beam version. The only other bike light that I’ve used is a CygoLite Explorer. It has a 10W halogen wide beam and a 15W halogen narrow beam. So here’s the comparison:
HID lights have a higher color temperature than halogen lights, meaning the light is bluish. However contrary to hype, blue light doesn’t help you see any better. What helps is more light, and in that department the 10W Strada is about equal to the 25W Explorer. The Strada’s beam is not quite as good as the Explorer’s wide beam but reaches as far out as Explorer’s narrow beam. In short, nothing to complain about but nothing to write home about, either. As for power consumption (if you need a light for an all-night ride), the Lume wins hands down.
On a dark, paved, mostly straight trail, the Strada is good for a comfortable and safe 17 mph or so. I guess a good setup to go faster while still being perfectly safe would be two Stradas, one wide beam, one narrow beam.
CONCLUSION
I guess you get what you pay for. You can get more power, battery life, sophistication, and less weight in some other products (notably the Light & Motion ARC Li-Ion) but you’d have to pay quite a bit more for it. On the other hand, aesthetically the Lume Strada is second to none.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mitch
a
from NorCal Date Reviewed: October 27, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Direct from Lume - obviously
Strengths:
Design, quality of construction, brightness!
Weaknesses:
It would be nice to have a lithium ion battery option to save some weight.
Similar Products Used:
Niterider Digital Headtrip
Bike Setup:
Road and Mountain
Bottom Line:
You will not find a better made cycling product. Very well made, beautiful design, attention to detail. Light is incredibly bright compared to my old digital niterider (halogen) - and battery life is much better. I have been using it commuting and have had it in very heavy rain with no adverse effects. This is important to me as I live in the rainy Pacific Northwest. I put the battery in a water bottle - seems to be the best solution - but the frame mount ties also work fine. Haven't tried it on my helmet - I prefer the bar mount because there is plenty of light. I opted for the wide beam. Good job Lume!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Garth
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA Date Reviewed: October 24, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Plains of Abraham
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$319.00
Purchased At:
Lume direct
Strengths:
Simplicity of design, weight w/ battery, BRIGHTNESS
Weaknesses:
Price, would like a handlebar mount that is truly quick release, dimmer switch for the cars that flash their brights at me!!!
Similar Products Used:
Nightsun XC
Bottom Line:
I do a lot of commuting here in the rainy Northwest and needed to replace my old Nightsun XC that finally gave up the ghost after 9 years. It was always pretty faithful for me, but to replace the battery was going to be expensive anyway so I decided to bight the bullet and spend the money on a whole new light setup.
I'll tell you right now I am extremely happy with my purchase of the Strada HID wide beam light. It is super bright, has good penetration (even with the wide beam pattern), and long battery life (for me about 3hrs 20mins)
My first time out with it, the very first car that passed me going the other way flashed their brights at me!!
Being that it is so rainy here in Seattle, I am happy to say that I haven't had any problem with water intrusion into the system yet. Hopefully this continues to be the case.
I wasn't too sure about having the battery hang on the top tube and not in a water bottle holder, how secure could it be? Well, the rubber grommet-like holders do a great job. The battery doesn't move!! I don't see how the battery could ever come out accidentally, and I now have freed up a water bottle cage for actually carrying water and can get it off my back.
From the quality of the light, to the efficient customer service, to careful packaging and shipping, I can only say that this is the Lexus of bike lights. If you have the money to spend, you won't be disappointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia Date Reviewed: September 30, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$310.00
Purchased At:
Lume
Strengths:
Strength & penetration of beam, run-time, fast-charger, build quality. Can disconnect cable almost at light, so you can leave light on helmet for morning ride, but don't have to put all back together to ride home in the dark at night. Price - it's the cheapest HID.
Weaknesses:
The light colour is perhaps too blue, giving a foggy appearance. Helmet mount doesn't have horizontal adjustment.
Similar Products Used:
L&M Arc, Cateye Stadium.
Bottom Line:
Having used the 21W Cateye Stadium & the L&M Arc as well, I can say that the 21W Stadium has the brightest beam. However, it is heavy, is expensive & doesn't have the mandatory helmet mount for MTB riding.
The L&M doesn't penetrate far enough, which means you can't ride as fast. The colour of it's beam is great, and although it's not really any wider than the Strada, it's very bright all the way to the edge of it's beam. So that's the difference really - the Strada (Wide) goes further but isn't as much of a flood-light. Shame we can't get both in the one light yet.
In the real world, the blue colour of the Strada is the only issue I have. I'd prefer it to be closer to the L&M in colour, as I find it gives a foggy appearance. Still, it I sold my L&M to get this one, and even at the same price, would do it again. The beam is much wider than any halogen, plenty wide enough in fact. But the issue for me was penetration, which the Strada does have.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bunky
a
from Washington, DC Date Reviewed: September 28, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Frederick Watershed
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$263.00
Purchased At:
lume website-deal through mtbr.com hot deals
Strengths:
Genius in simplicity. These guys are the samurai sword makers of the night-light world.
Weaknesses:
Helmet mount is a bit time consuming to mount on the helmet.
Similar Products Used:
VistaLite 530, nicad battery
Bike Setup:
N/a
Bottom Line:
Simple design. Simple to use. There are no fancy guages and LEDs and soforth. Battery. Cord. Lamp. All of which are beefy as heck. Put it on, turn it on, ride. Scary bright. Get home, plug it in, leave it there. I wouldn't recommend it with anything but the fast charger--not that I am in any rush to get on back on the trail at midnight having ridden for a good two or three hours, but because the charger tops off the battery with a switch such that you can leave it plugged in until you ride again. Yellow light=charging. Green light=good to go. No questions asked. I don't know much about the technical features of this light---I don't know how hot the bulb is, I don't know how many amp-hours the battery is, I couldn't tell you how much it weighs, other than to say that it seems like it isn't there. What I do know is that if you admire the basics done right this is the light for you. I mean, this thing is friggin bright? How bright? You'll probably have the brightest light in your crew, unless someone else has a Lume, too. And reliable? Rest assured that when you turn it on, you'll have, at a minimum, 3.5 hours of the brightest light you can find and will feel at ease taking it into the deepest trails you can find. Go ask your buds if they can say the same thing about their N-Company lights. Yeah, that's what I thought. Don't forget to look for special "hot deals" on mtbr.com website--saved me $60.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lee Carroll
a
from Madison, WI Date Reviewed: September 22, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Lume
Strengths:
Incredible brightness, the wide beam lights the whole road for what seems like miles. The simplicity of design is beautiful. Plus it looks really cool. Lume customer service is also excellent.
Weaknesses:
Light clamp could have more flexibility for different sized bars.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Road bike
Bottom Line:
If you like cool things and ride in the dark alot, this is the light to have.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Albert
a Cross Country Rider
from Auckland, New Zealand Date Reviewed: August 10, 2004
Favorite Trail:
anywhere in NZ
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$330.00
Purchased At:
Lume website
Strengths:
-Light output, pattern -Appearance, Aesthetics -Simplicity -Customer service
Weaknesses:
-Pricey? I live in NZ, things sold here are pretty much half of the same product in US. for a 330 USD, thats a fifth of a engineering graduates salary in NZ!
Similar Products Used:
Topeak, Niterider
Bike Setup:
TST Ti frame, Spin wheel, XTR
Bottom Line:
This is the product that really worth the money! I had a niterider HID and topeak before, its just not up to the scratch of Lume Lume light went great length to ensure their product is competitive with NiteRider and Topeak, everything about the light is as good/even better than Niterider or Topeak, you wont regret for what you paid for...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dale Fortin
a Cross Country Rider
from Simsbury, CT Date Reviewed: July 24, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Stunt trail, Case Mt.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$235.00
Purchased At:
Lume via MTBR.com
Strengths:
Extremely durable, cool look, 3.5hr burn time, very very bright... this thing makes Niterider's HID look like a halogen system
Weaknesses:
Get the fast charger... I made the mistake of thinking that I would save a few bucks by not getting it... but it's worth every penny.
Similar Products Used:
Niterider Storm
Bike Setup:
2003 Specialized Enduro Pro
Bottom Line:
Great lighting system for the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Cincinnati, OH. USA Date Reviewed: May 18, 2004
Niterider, Cygolite, and Specialized Fireball (crap)
Bike Setup:
2001 Fuel 98, lots of XTR
Bottom Line:
This light is incredible. It's one of the brightest lights that I've seen/used. The wide beam pattern is also excellent. While other light makers are making their lights with all plastic construction, Lume is using machined aluminum and carbon fiber...at the same or less retail cost. The run time is great, you can easily acheive the 3.5 hr claimed from Lume. Go out an buy this light, don't even mess around with any of the other light makers. They are all more expensive for a similar product, and are nowhere near as badasssssss.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chun Lui
a Weekend Warrior
from Rosemead, CA, USA Date Reviewed: May 13, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Any quiet street will do
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$263.00
Purchased At:
www.lumelighting.com with MTBReview discount link
Strengths:
This is an awesome light. The kelvin temp. is between 5500 - 6000, which is close to the color of sunlight. I'm not going to use it, but the helmet mount that comes with it, is a nice option. The construction feels very sturdy, well-made.
I purchased this light, mainly for night riding in the city streets. There are many long blocks of residental streets that have no street lamps here.
Lume Sales Dept. told me their light is rated as "water resistant", but not "waterproof", which is necessary for underwater usage. Our light will perform well in heavy rain or splashing from puddles. That's nice to know.
My Strada HID Wide beam came with a free thumbscrew. Lume must be responding to the reviews on this site...heheh.
Good Job Lume!
Weaknesses:
I guess it's a minor issue, but my lamp had little pieces of paper or lint inside the reflector / bulb. The only way to remove it, is to send it back to the factory. :(
I would like to see a quick release on it. I have to re-adjust the lamp, everything I take it on and off. Riding to the local Rite-Aid and have to lock the bike, remove the lamp and battery can be a hassle. I guess this light was designed mainly for trails where crimes are low.
I would also like to see an adjustable lense of some sort, for focusing from wide beam to spot beam. I think for the money, that would be a nice feature.
The fast charger gets very hot during useage. I'm not sure if that's normal. Though the battery does not heat up.
Similar Products Used:
None...unless you consider the HID on my car...heh heh.
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F300 small frame with Continental traffic tires.
Bottom Line:
Overall, I believe anyone who can afford it will love it. Lume designed this as a powerful, yet simple to use light.
I hope the prices of HID will come down soon...love to buy one for the wifey.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Racer
from Wisconsin Date Reviewed: March 30, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$325.00
Purchased At:
Lume Direct
Strengths:
Construction quality, ease of setup, electrical connections and switch. Beam pattern makes all the difference-go with the wide beam!
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
TurboCat, Marwi Nightpro, NiteRider.
Bike Setup:
Frame, wheels, etc.
Bottom Line:
These guys deserve your business. I've done my research, Lume just has all the right options for real world riding. Made of machined aluminum and carbon, one excellent beam pattern, both bar/helmet mounts, and my favorite feature a single on/off button! No special "fuel" guages, funky connections or plastic anything...I could not be happier. For solo racers I would recommend an extra battery and the overnight charger, because I just can't see why you would need to quick charge with an extra battery lined up. Also, the price is just about the same this way. All turboCat users should give Lume a try. I feel they are very similar in the way they treat customers and the quality that goes into their products.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
George Yu
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego Date Reviewed: March 17, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$263.00
Purchased At:
mtbr.com discount link
Strengths:
Outstanding design: (1) NEAT BEAM PATTERN. I like the clean oval beam pattern (wide beam version) for on-road riding because it does not go all-over-the-place and does not blind drivers (as do the beam patterns from the Light and Motion and Nightrider HID, reportedly). (2) BETTER MATERIALS AND APPEARANCE. The aluminum and carbon materials and the overall design (e.g., exposed bolts) are way better looking than the all-plastic designs from other makers. (3) BETTER SIMPLICITY. The light switch simply works. I don't think anyone will complain that this switch is confusing or "too smart for its own good" (as people complain about in connection with the Light and Motion HID). (4) BRIGHT LIGHT. I love the HID lights' brightness.
Weaknesses:
As others have mentioned, there is no quick-release mechanism for the light, so if I have to remove the light to lock up my bike, there is the hassle not only of slowly turning the bolt by hand but also re-aiming the light.
Similar Products Used:
I tried a friend's nightrider HID light of some sort.
Bike Setup:
thrasher bike for in-city commuting and shopping.
Bottom Line:
A better functioning light than the competition's (except for lack of quick-release), better material and appearance than the competition's, at a considerably lower price. How do you beat that?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark VanderWoude
a Racer
from Burnsville, MN Date Reviewed: February 27, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Lebanon Hills
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$230.00
Purchased At:
Online
Strengths:
Excellent workmanship, Carbon shell is awesome, machined aluminum is far superior to the rest of the market's plastic design. The light burns a hole in anything it is pointed at. I have the flood version and it still has an increadible hot spot. I blind car drivers in the middle of the day with this light.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Nightsun
Bike Setup:
Who cares
Bottom Line:
Buy them through mtbr before the 20% discount is gone or they jack up the price to the rest of the overpriced market.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from West hartford Date Reviewed: February 15, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Case
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$270.00
Purchased At:
Lume
Strengths:
Powerful, good battery life, strong/bright beam, reasonable price, includes dual mount...handle bar and helmet
Weaknesses:
none identified
Similar Products Used:
cateye
Bike Setup:
AMP Research B4F4...21 lbs 14 oz
Bottom Line:
Great deal, dependable, reasonable, compact, great mounting bracket, long lasting life and powerful beam. New for 2004, can select on purchase focus of beam...pencel for road or broad for the woods! Very compact battery and good mounting.
I bought direct $270
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a Racer
from San Diego Date Reviewed: February 5, 2004
$ 329.00
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating: