Description:The Micro Halogen uses exclusive micro-bulb technology that conserves battery life while emitting a brighter beam. The Micro's bracket allows it to be mounted above or below the handlebars. It can swivel 10 degrees to point the light beam where it is needed and has a thumb-screw quick mount for easy installation. Four "AA" batteries provide a run time of three hours, and the Micro Halogen can be adapted for extended run times of over 12 hours with the optional Auxiliary Battery Kit using four "D" batteries. With features like these, the Micro Halogen can meet the demands of any night time rider
Submitted by
Aaron Zyms
a
from Florida Date Reviewed: March 22, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$20.00
Strengths:
Friend calls it the uberlight, very bright for price and can be seen for more than 500ft. Very wide beam like car headlights. The screw needs no screws and can be adjucted on the fly. Has about 15 degree rotation L/R.
Weaknesses:
AA batteries last 3 to 4 hours. Spend $10 for Energizer lithium batteries if you want to ride longer. Sometimes gets loose, but the easy screw fixes that. Not as water proof as advertised, but keeps out light stuff.
Bike Setup:
Two of these light, one under and one over mounted. Use cheap batteries and switch out after about 2.5 hrs.
Bottom Line:
Halogen is good if you want to ride like a car, LED is more expensive but drains as much energy as a hibernating bear. If you ride a lot and need to be noticed as opposed to light up the world, go with LEDs. Price may go into triple digits if you want multiple LEDs to get as bright and white as this minihalo.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jared
a Cross Country Rider
from Auburn, NY USA Date Reviewed: September 19, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Bear Swamp, Sempronius, NY
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Mike's Bikes, Boards and Bows
Strengths:
This light throws a pretty good beam for using AA batteries. Lets you see the road, and lets others see you. The mounting kit is pretty easy to set up, seems to hold the light securely.
Weaknesses:
It is made of plastic, and helps to keep the weight down, but doesn't seem like it is built to take much wear. I haven't taken it off road yet.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
2003 Giant Rainier with upgrades.
Bottom Line:
It's an inexpensive light, and having good experience with Cateye in the past, made it a pretty easy buy. I currently use this light for commuting back and forth to work (saves $$$ with these high gas prices lately). I am interested in how the light performs on an unlighted trail. Overall, no major complaints.
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Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Bedford, Nova Scotia, Canada Date Reviewed: August 31, 2005
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Sports Traders
Strengths:
It's bright.....
Weaknesses:
there is a dark hole in the center, also some connection is loose weater it be the switch or something else, it just quits at random.. ohh and the batteries don't last long in it, good thing i have rechargeables!
Similar Products Used:
-
Bike Setup:
KHS, LX all around
Bottom Line:
This is a great cheap bright light. if your not going to be out all night riding this is a great light, its lightweight, easy quick relase clip, as long as yours doesn't randomly loose connection and go out like mine does its a great light. remember though i have owned it for almost 5 years
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Submitted by
Yoshi Zemba
a Weekend Warrior
from Southern California Date Reviewed: December 7, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Local street
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$13.00
Purchased At:
Cambria Bike outlet
Strengths:
Bright, compact one piece unit.
Weaknesses:
1)Battery holder is not strong enough. Front part start bending forward just from the force of battery holding spring. It seems like coming off any moment. 2)Cateye customer service doesn't answer the Email. I bought a couple of spare bulb from Cateye web site. When I thought the shipment taking pretty long, I sent them my Email asking for tracking number, no reply. After about a week I called Cateye, asked what happened to my shippment and Email. The guy said "You'll get it." and didn't give me the tracking number. It was about 20 days after my initial order. Two days after I called again talked to another person and found out that its record shows ot was delivered 4 days after my initial order. They sent me another shipment and this time, I got the package. Mistake happenes either Cateye's or UPS, but if the people at Cateye are willing to communicate, it could have solved much sooner. Or even better, if Cateye send the tracking number as soon as they get order, it may have found the mistake was at UPS and they didn't have to apy for it.
Similar Products Used:
Cateye HL500, PlanetBike Super Spot.
Bike Setup:
Beat up road bike with flat handle bar.
Bottom Line:
While all the attention are on LED, they are not quite as bright as HL500 II, yet. HL500 is a great product over all, but missed its target by a little, and that little bothers some people a lot like me. Who wants a product like this and the battery holder keeps breaking? You expect the bulbs to burn out after some use, but battery holder is not something you expect to break regulary. Another problem but minor one is that the beam is narrow even you can adjust it some degree. If you want to feel safe riding your bike at your normal speed, you want to get another light, and that's what I did. If you are tempted to buy LED(1W) lights on the market, you should try HL500 III(or similar) first, it's much brighter. It runs 2.5 hours on 1400 mah NiMH before starts dimming, and 4 hours on 2300 mah NiMH.
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Submitted by
Christopher
a Cross Country Rider
from Trinidad W.I. Date Reviewed: November 3, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$15.00
Strengths:
This is a very bright light! Have used this in pitch black, in the bush and it has been more than adequate. comparable to some of the more expensive heavy rechargeable battery type lights. It's cheap!!
Weaknesses:
Only 3 hours of run time. No more!!
Bottom Line:
Highly recommended for 2 to 3 hours of riding in the dark. Way better than some of those leds that claim to light the way.
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Submitted by
stanpol
a
from Moscow, Russia Date Reviewed: November 3, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$15.00
Strengths:
lightweight, compact, has engineering focusing
Weaknesses:
spares here in Moscow are pain!
Similar Products Used:
HL1500, HL500, EL300, EL200
Bottom Line:
very good side marks at -100, -45 +45 +100 deg
can be custom focused: you need just to get to the bulb and to push it back or forth. more you can choose round or ellipse spot turning glass by 90deg in the cradle (please note special glass "tooth"-thingy) to make things right
I ride with 3 of them unfocused like Audi brand logo - so you get the idea!. Need extra 4th one to put well down while standing at the top of the hill - three light center, right and left and the one is needed to light the descend.
The whole setup can be easily repositioned on the fly according to your needs
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Submitted by
Diverjun23
a Weekend Warrior
from Makati City, Philippines Date Reviewed: July 13, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Mt. Makiling, Maarat, Commuting
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$12.00
Purchased At:
Paulina's Bike Shop
Strengths:
Compact. Strong Light and nice focused beems.
Weaknesses:
Battery drains fast. No worry though as I use NiMH 1300ma batteries, and just keeps on recharging them.
I've used my lights (I got two) whenever I go trailriding that would end up nightriding, or when I go nightriding with friends, or whenever I bike commuting to and from work. I know already that its weakness is its short battery life, so I bought two lights. I use one after the other (eventually from a single light of just 3hours, I now have another 3hours as backup), to enable me to finish the ride with still a good working light on! I had these lights with me more than 2 years already. Not bad for such a small light.
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Submitted by
Ricardo
a Cross Country Rider
from Portugal Date Reviewed: January 30, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$15.00
Strengths:
Bright beam, mounting, easy to fit the batteries, Auxiliary Battery Kit
Weaknesses:
Very focused beam
Bottom Line:
Very good light!! I payed 15$ with the Auxiliary Battery Kit, which gives me a long running time. I have 12 hours of light now!!! WOW!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Speeder
a
from The Netherlands Date Reviewed: December 26, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$19.00
Purchased At:
Bike Shop
Strengths:
Compact size Easy to change batteries Has a nice mounting bracket (tool-free with quick-release) which enables you to mount the light above or under your handlebar Side cut-outs allow for 180° of visibility (very good for riding in traffic) Highly water-resistant (have used it in pouring rain with no problems) Very bright (initially, of course) Casing can take a beating Decent beam pattern for road riding Optional accessories
Weaknesses:
Sometimes the switch acts a little funny I could say that it eats batteries fast (which it does), but that's really no wonder considering it uses a bright halogen lamp. Other 4 x AA halogen lights have this problem too.
Bottom Line:
This is a really good light. When loaded with fresh batteries, the beam is very white and bright and throws a good beam. You can actually see where you're going. I would strongly suggest using rechargeable batteries to save on costs, as this bright little light eats batteries quickly. I've dropped it a couple of times and it always kept working. It may disassemble into different parts, but you can just put it all together and it will work again. One time, I accidentally didn't shove it in the mounting mechanism (you need to hear a soft "click") and it flew off my bar on high speed. It had some scratches and light dents and the housing came loose a bit, but I just pressed to parts against each other and all worked fine. Sometimes the switch can be a little funny as if it doesn't make contact or it feels like it is broken. I then usually open it up, take the battery cartridge out, put it back in and put the swich back on. This seems to help sometimes, other times it goes away after some use. Also, the beam of light can differ per model. I have one that had a small black hole that would grow when the distance increased. In such a case you should check if the lamp is seated right in the reflector. If it's not, try to re-position it using a very soft object. There are a couple of accessories available for this light such as a more powerful halogen lamp and a battery pack for use with "D" cell batteries. All in all, a very nice light with terrific value. You won't be disappointed if you buy it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Georges Pelpel
a Weekend Warrior
from Lafayette, CA Date Reviewed: October 28, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Company, Henderson, NV (ebay)
Strengths:
Bright, small and light. Good battery life.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Bike Setup:
Specialized Allez Epic Carbon
Bottom Line:
For the price it's difficult to find a better light. Very easy to install or remove. The light beam is very bright and focused very straight in front of the bike, not much light wasted to illuminate the surroundings. Requires 4 AA batteries for 3 hours of illumination. Works well with Lithium AA batteries, I expect at least 6-8 hours of life from them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Clement Takumi
a Cross Country Rider
from Sigapore Date Reviewed: May 24, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$14.00
Strengths:
absloulety bright...
Weaknesses:
Short battery life.. The cover is kindda difficult to open..
Bike Setup:
Kona Blast Millenium Edition
Bottom Line:
Great for a frequent night rider.. not suitable for hardcore cyclists...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Foo Freddy
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore Date Reviewed: January 4, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Mount either above or under the handlebar. Solid hard, drop it once. The casing split into half and the battery pack fell out. Assembled it back and voila back in good working condition.
Weaknesses:
The switch may be a bit loose. A hop might cause the switch to go back to off position.
Similar Products Used:
Nil
Bike Setup:
Scott MX-1
Bottom Line:
Bright, Solid and weather proof.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
George
a Downhiller
from Rochester, NY USA Date Reviewed: September 23, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Cracked Helmet Ridge, Tryon
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$10.00
Purchased At:
Bike Nashbar.com
Strengths:
This light can take a beating! I have had the light on the bike even below freezing and after a few endos works great. I like the way the batteries are placed in a holder then slide into the light; very smart, rugged, easy to change batteries even in the dark. This light will not break. Still on the first bulb.
Weaknesses:
None. I can't believe I got it with a tail light for $10. Uses 4 AA alkalines in about 3 hours (well, it still works after 3hours, it just ain't bright...)
Similar Products Used:
HL MC200 vis 360 which flies apart at mild impact and you have to look for the bulb and reflector....
Bike Setup:
GT i-Drive 5 w/ LX and XT shimano all the way!
Bottom Line:
This light is much better than its newer replacement, the HL MC200 360 degrees, because it is more rugged and does not cause you to lose your night vision (You stare at the bulb when riding with the HL MC200 360 degrees...)Buy it if you can find it. Bright enough to be seen and see with it. If you got two of these and pointed one close, one far, you would have a good, cheap off-road light system that runs on AA batteries and is virtually indestructable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sir Endo
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada Date Reviewed: March 19, 2002
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$10.00
Purchased At:
Curbside
Strengths:
Compact, reasonably versatile mounting bracket, my new one is transparent purple and looks pretty cool. Quite bright for such a li'l thing- drivers actually notice it. Decent beam pattern for road use.
Weaknesses:
Batteries don't last very long.
Similar Products Used:
The original HL-500, various MR-11 lights
Bike Setup:
I have a basement full
Bottom Line:
Pretty good as a backup to a real light or to carry around on day rides just in case you get delayed and have to come home in the dark. Eats batteries at a high rate of speed- no good for long rides (I got stuck lightless at 2AM way out in the burbs and all the battery stores were closed). Dies without much warning. I wouldn't advise it for daily commuting, because with what you'd spend on batteries in a year you could get a nice rechargeable light. Pretty nice for what it is, though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Martin
a Cross Country Rider
from Davis, CA, USA Date Reviewed: December 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Cache Creek State Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike online
Strengths:
Bright enough for most purposes. Cheap enough to buy two for when I need more light. The second is a good back-up too! I can unclip it and take it with me when leaving the bike at the AMTRAK station all day. It takes AA batteries
Weaknesses:
Batteries don't last long enough.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
steel hardtail (Performance made by KHS) Indy XC fork. XT crank everything else is 1995 STX
Bottom Line:
I have had this light for a long time because it works really well. I would prefer a handlebar mounted dual light with a battery pack in the bottle cage, but it would probably be stolen the first day I left it. The bigger light assembly is too big to put in my pocket. The cateye micro works fine (it doubles as a flashlight too).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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