Visibility-what price glory. Light review {long}

[trista]

Thanks for the review! I've been looking at this light b/c I'm trying to set up good system on my bike as the days get a little shorter each day.

I don't understand how the helmet mount works - would I have to have a cord coming off my helmet to the battery pack below or does the battery pack also mount to the helmet? How big is the battery pack?

[Zen]

here's a discussion of the Magicshine

___

[tzvia]

Thanks for the review! I've been looking at this light b/c I'm trying to set up good system on my bike as the days get a little shorter each day.

I don't understand how the helmet mount works - would I have to have a cord coming off my helmet to the battery pack below or does the battery pack also mount to the helmet? How big is the battery pack?

They have two battery packs- the same battery but one is encased in a metal tube about 3.5" long by 2" wide to make it water proof (not optimal for mounting on the helmet). The metal cased one comes with the front light, the one without comes with the rear light. I use that one as it weighs less. I did buy some 'Plasticdip' at Home Depot and dipped the non water proof battery in it to encase it in a rubber jacket so it is now waterproof. It lasts for 6 40minute commutes a week running both lights with the Y cable with no problem. The battery is sized like what 4 or 5 AA batteries would look like in a square holder, not big and not as heavy.

The helmet mount is optional and yes the power cord would then run to the battery which could go in a jersey pocket, or be velcroed to the helmet if you don't mind the weight. If I were going mountain biking with it I would mount the light on the helmet but I think it makes more sense on the handlebar for commuting as it is less hassle. Just run and ziptie your cables and the Y cord, connect up both lights and go.

I still can't get over how cars pulling out of parking lots and side streets see me coming and actually back up and I get a wide birth from behind. These lights are bright.

[Melalvai]

There are a lot of threads about lights. I like the Downlow Glow from http://www.rockthebike.com. For someone who travels at night a lot, a generator hub or sidewall generator produces a very bright light, without having to worry about batteries.

I really like the battery-free options. I hate going through lots of AA batteries, which defeat all the environmental friendliness of a bike. I mean, that's not why I ride a bike, but it is a perk that I like.

[trista]

They have two battery packs- the same battery but one is encased in a metal tube about 3.5" long by 2" wide to make it water proof (not optimal for mounting on the helmet). The metal cased one comes with the front light, the one without comes with the rear light. I use that one as it weighs less. I did buy some 'Plasticdip' at Home Depot and dipped the non water proof battery in it to encase it in a rubber jacket so it is now waterproof. It lasts for 6 40minute commutes a week running both lights with the Y cable with no problem. The battery is sized like what 4 or 5 AA batteries would look like in a square holder, not big and not as heavy.

The helmet mount is optional and yes the power cord would then run to the battery which could go in a jersey pocket, or be velcroed to the helmet if you don't mind the weight. If I were going mountain biking with it I would mount the light on the helmet but I think it makes more sense on the handlebar for commuting as it is less hassle. Just run and ziptie your cables and the Y cord, connect up both lights and go.

I still can't get over how cars pulling out of parking lots and side streets see me coming and actually back up and I get a wide birth from behind. These lights are bright.

Thanks! I ordered a set and got the helmet mount too... I'm not sure if I will put it on my helmet or not but I wanted to have the option.

DH is very concerned about me biking in the dark . So hopefully with this light, another front light (planet bike), a helmet mounted blinky, 2 long and bright red flashies on the frame, countless reflector stickers on the wheels, plus sewn reflectors on my jerseys, he'll feel a little better. At this point I think I'll be visible from the moon.

Anyway, thanks for the review - I've been trying to decide on a rechargeable set but so many were out of my price range. I can't wait to get it!

[trista]

Hey Tzvia, I have been using this light for nearly 2 weeks and I love it! Thanks for the review. I've got it on my helmet and it lights up the road as well as a car's lights IMO. It's BRIGHT!