Recommend a new front light please….

[sevenfourate]

I’m pretty sure my Cateye 900 Amp front light is coming to the end of its useful life.

Looks like a 1300 Amp would be a suitable slightly better replacement in the Cateye range. And it’s currently reduced.

But: what alternative would be cheaper / provide better lighting / be lighter (1300 Amp Cateye model is a whopping 224g) ?

 

[fossyant]

I have a Magicshine Hori 1300 - added advantage it gives a dipped beam and a spot, and includes a remote. Very handy light for use on shared paths, then the full beam on unlit sections. Well made with a good 'garmin' style mount. I have the light under the mount and the Garmin on top. On another bike, I have a standard mount under the bars (optional extra). 3 levels of dipped brightness, one main beam, and a day flash mode.

 

[N0bodyOfTheGoat]

I bought a Magicshine RN1200 for under £30 last winter from Amazon, solid build and rock solid mount.

Similar specs to the Hori range I think except no remote, can also act as a power bank providing you remember to take a suitable usb cable for your mobile, GPS etc.

 

[nogoodnamesleft]

Is OP looking for a front light "to see" or "to be seen"? or both?

 

[sevenfourate]

Is OP looking for a front light "to see" or "to be seen"? or both?

To see. This is all about me 😁

**I’m sure with 900+ Amps / Lumens I can be seen…….

 

[Sharky]

I like cateye lights.
When I was commuting, I went up the range and each time was a dramatic improvement on the previous.

I stopped at the Volt 300, which for it's day was impressive. This is still in use as my day time flasher.

The 1300 one you are looking at has a longer battery life at the lower settings, so may be worth it, depending on the length of your rides.

 

[sevenfourate]

I like cateye lights.
When I was commuting, I went up the range and each time was a dramatic improvement on the previous.

I stopped at the Volt 300, which for it's day was impressive. This is still in use as my day time flasher.

The 1300 one you are looking at has a longer battery life at the lower settings, so may be worth it, depending on the length of you rides.

The 900Amp Cateye I’ve primarily been using for the last 2+ years: only just did the overnight Dunwich Dynamo ride this year - lasting the distance by the skin of its teeth on the lowest (Constant beam) setting.

The Cateye 1300Amp (Advertised at 7.5 hours on its lowest setting) should manage it with room to spare.

The MagicShine options mentioned above last even longer in their less powerful outputs. Looks like the RN1200 would more than cover my needs. (As awesome as the Hori1300 looks on paper 👍).

 

[fossyant]

The 900Amp Cateye I’ve primarily been using for the last 2+ years: only just did the overnight Dunwich Dynamo ride this year - lasting the distance by the skin of its teeth on the lowest (Constant beam) setting.

The Cateye 1300Amp (Advertised at 7.5 hours on its lowest setting) should manage it with room to spare.

The MagicShine options mentioned above last even longer in their less powerful outputs. Looks like the RN1200 would more than cover my needs. (As awesome as the Hori1300 looks on paper 👍).

If you need really long run times, the Hori lights are pretty small, so the RN would be better with the bigger battery.

 

[sevenfourate]

If you need really long run times, the Hori lights are pretty small, so the RN would be better with the bigger battery.

That’s really helpful info thanks 🙏

And although the cheapest MS RN1200 is currently £40 versus the Cateye 1300Aamp at £60 - it also seems at the lowest similar and constant power output of each; the Cateye has a 1 hour advantage @7.5 hours - on paper……

That might be the decider.

 

[OldShep]

I’m a lover of IGPSPORT goods. Currently using the 800s which suits my needs.
This is their top of the range https://uk.igpsport.com/products/vs1800s?Title=Default+Title

 

[sevenfourate]

I’m a lover of IGPSPORT goods. Currently using the 800s which suits my needs.
This is their top of the range https://uk.igpsport.com/products/vs1800s?Title=Default+Title

I’d come across that in my searches too. Specs / write ups are very good ! As they are for this RavemenK1800 too……🙄🤦‍♂️

https://www.merlincycles.com/ravemen-k1800-ai-nighttime-usb-rechargeable-front-light-337513.html

 

[Sharky]

Cateye brackets have been consistent over the range, so is a consideration, so makes swapping lights from bike to bike easy.

For your longer night time rides, a backup is needed, so having your old 900 in your back pocket/bag would be good backup. Or permanently mounted on the bars.

 

[Phil4000]

I'm also a Cateye user, and though only 5 months in am happy.
I have a couple of 500's, the idea to mount both in foggy or rainy weather. Or on a long night ride.

So far, the one has sufficed.

Can't comment on the longevity, and there seem to be mixed opinions about the modern range.

But performance and looks are good so far.

 

[Phil4000]

Have a couple of Cateye tailights also, one on the bike and one for my backpack (haven't used yet). The detachable bracket gets bad reviews; I actually like the option of taking it off completely, and find it easy.

Always carry a charger with me, so can top them up when out on a job. Wont go back to separate batteries again.

 

[sevenfourate]

Cateye brackets have been consistent over the range, so is a consideration, so makes swapping lights from bike to bike easy.

For your longer night time rides, a backup is needed, so having your old 900 in your back pocket/bag would be good backup. Or permanently mounted on the bars.

👍👍

The bracket conundrum did cross my mind too. And it appears one to underhang on my outfront bracket to enable the MagicShine is not much 💰💰 Although I would need one for each bike - potentially.

https://ebay.io/m/Kb50J3

Of course - even easier if I went with another Cateye - which I have mounts for all bikes already 😉