A little light advice!

[Renmurew]

Hi

I am planning to do the through the night "ride to the sun" event in June next year.

I'd like to have some good rechargeable lights to take me through the event, but I'm a bit overwhelmed by information at the moment so would appreciate some advice.

I will likely be cycling from about 7pm to about 5am. Will a single charge of lights take me through the night or should I have two sets of lights?

Would rechargeable lights be better than batter powered?

What level of lumens should I be looking at?

Does anyone have any recommendations I can look at?

thanks in advance!

 

[Supersuperleeds]

How about dynamo powered?

If you want traditional lights then have a look at https://www.candb-seen.co.uk/category-cycling.html

 

[DCLane]

Why rechargeable?

For long audaxes I run 2 x 50 watt Smart front lights plus a Hope Vision 1 on really dark bits. All AA powered, with a set of lithium AA batteries seeing me through a night.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

How long will it ge dark for?

 

[PeteXXX]

On my Chase the Rising Sun, and Dunwich Dynamo, I've used one change of battery on my Fluxient U2 mini. Search for Torchy the Battery Boy for some good comparisons.

 

[NorthernDave]

If the weather is decent, in June it won't be dark enough to need lights to see by until after 9pm, possibly later. Are there streetlights on the route?

If it's likely to be a one off ride, a decent battery powered light and a pocket full of AA's probably makes most sense financially.

 

[Renmurew]

Thanks for all the really quick and helpful advice. As noted its likely to be a one off ride so happy to go with batter powered lights with some spare batteries in my pocket.

 

[Renmurew]

On my Chase the Rising Sun, and Dunwich Dynamo, I've used one change of battery on my Fluxient U2 mini.
Search for Torchy the Battery Boy for some good comparisons.

Thanks for this info - that sounds great. Is that light still available anywhere? I had a quick look but couldn't immediately see one?

 

[PeteXXX]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fluxient-U2-Mini-bike-light/dp/B00D13VO0S

Out of stock at the moment, but for a cheapish light, it's brilliant (in all ways)
I'll see if I can find another link later.

 

[PeteXXX]

Thanks for this info - that sounds great. Is that light still available anywhere? I had a quick look but couldn't immediately see one?

Shame. It looks like it's not around anymore..

 

[Spiderweb]

I have one of these lezyne lights from Pro Bike Kit, reduced from £160 to £50 and if you use code XMAS10 there is an additional 10% off.
https://www.probikekit.co.uk/cyclin...7_1545050414_b142f51e652e442ba3beea2737d40acc

The light comes with a built in battery and an additional plug in power pack. Both light and Power pack are rechargeable with the USB lead provided. As you can see you can run the light for 9 hours at 450 lumens which is bright enough to light your way on unlit roads.

 

[Pale Rider]

Worth also having something you can use off the bike for mechanicals, to look at a map/signposts, or to stop you falling into a ditch when going for a pee.

A torch, at a pinch, can also act as a spare cycling light.

I use a £20 Petzl head torch which also comes in handy at my static caravan and occasionally in the house.

https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/p/petzl-tikkina-150l-headtorch-E4114284.html?colour=124

 

[biggs682]

I use one of these https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12000LM-...-Lamp-Reflector/153104627928?var=452947622592 and on the lowest setting it easily does 3+ hours along with a smart lux lamp and it should be fine

 

[andrew_s]

For long audaxes I run 2 x 50 watt Smart front lights plus a Hope Vision 1 on really dark bits. All AA powered, with a set of lithium AA batteries seeing me through a night.

How does that work out then?

An AA has about 3 watt-hours in it, a set of 4 is 12 Wh, so that means your 50 watt Smart will last about 15 minutes.

 

[hondated]

I use one of these https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12000LM-...-Lamp-Reflector/153104627928?var=452947622592 and on the lowest setting it easily does 3+ hours along with a smart lux lamp and it should be fine

Had one of these for three years now, really good. Similar thread on CTC forum and the majority are recommending Exposure lights. Brought bikes cheaper.