Non-USB Lighting Systems

[Bob Loblaw]

Are there any bike lighting systems that don't use the USB-rechargeable scheme that is so prevalent nowadays? Integrating a dynamo hub would be a real pain on my bike. I was hoping to find lights that used replaceable batteries of some sort.

I'm hoping to make a run at the CTR this year. I don't anticipate that my pace will require big hours of night riding, but I would need a couple hours of light per day.

[MattL]

http://www.bikepacking.net/reviews/lighting/fenix-ld22/ has been used widely.  It's "enough" light for many, but some people seem to need a floodlamp.  I had one die due to vibration during TD 2013 and switched to the Planet Bike Blaze 2w.  I think it's a great AA light.

My favorite backup light is only adequate for camp duties, but it is super tiny.

[Bob Loblaw]

Thanks for the info. I'll check this stuff out.

[mtnbound]

Depending on your needs, check out Black Diamond's Storm.  It has 160 lumens, which is sufficient for CTR speeds where you aren't likely blasting down the trails at night.  It only weighs 3.9 oz with batteries (regular AAA batteries found at any gas station/convenience store along the route) with decent battery life.  Plus, it has a red strobe light when you need it to attach to your backpack if going down a road at night.  You may try getting two - one to attach to your helmet and one to your handlebars.

[bmike-vt]

Fenix stuff has worked really well for me. I've had the one mentioned above, and have one now that works with the supplied rechargeable batteries or wth disposables (the UC40UE). Recharge it at home, carry the disposables (not AA or easy to find in a gas station).

Also, depending on how fast you will cover the ground - there are lights with pretty long run times when setup properly at low lumens. I've been using an Exposure Diablo on my helmet - you can program which power levels you want available and they offer piggy back batteries to extend the range.

A big power bank might also be something to consider - it will be able to top up a phone as well as lights.

[Bob Loblaw]

Depending on your needs, check out Black Diamond's Storm.  It has 160 lumens, which is sufficient for CTR speeds where you aren't likely blasting down the trails at night.  It only weighs 3.9 oz with batteries (regular AAA batteries found at any gas station/convenience store along the route) with decent battery life.  Plus, it has a red strobe light when you need it to attach to your backpack if going down a road at night.  You may try getting two - one to attach to your helmet and one to your handlebars.

I actually have a Storm that I've used for a few seasons. I guess I wasn't thinking outside the box enough when it came to lighting systems. I have the Storm and a Surefire E2L Outdoorsman that I take everywhere. Getting them to mount on my bars/helmet might be a little janky, but it could be done.

Everyone's advice is really opening my eyes to what I should be shooting for in a lighting setup. Thanks again!

[windowace]

I just ordered a Fenix pd35.  Should have it tomorrow.  I know it runs on (2) cr123 battery but i think those are not that hard to come by, I'm pretty sure i can find them in Tucson, Payson, Flag, and Tusayan (Chain drugstores, walmarts, targets etc).  Otherwise I can carry 3 nights worth without too much of a weight penalty besides they are fairly light and compact.  The specs say 460 lumens for a 3:15 burn on high, 10 hrs on medium (180 lumens) so I figure i should be able to get 5 ish hrs on 2 batteries. about 4.5-5oz with batteries. I think it may be a good compromise for the AZT750. I'll let you know in a week or so how it's working. Most likely mounted on my helmet so vibration issues should be minimized. http://www.fenixlighting.com/products/fenix-pd35-led-flashlight.aspx 

[Marshal]

For the CTR/singletrack you might want a rechargeable handlebar light “and” AAA or AA helmet light.

A common approach is to use rechargeable handlebar light set on mid or low-range to extend runtime.  Carry 1 extra battery or a cord to recharge at a restaurant etc.  Or possibly an USB-style charger/battery pack? Which can also recharge a smartphone.  Note: Cycle the handlebar light off on the climbs and on for the descents.

Use the AAA or AA helmet light for your cockpit, cornering and climbing light.  Also becomes your camp light.  Carry 1 set of spare batteries.  Also if you use other battery powered devices, SPOT, UV Steri-Pen etc try to select all of them to use the same size battery.  Then one set of spare batteries can cover all devices and any device can backup another in dire need.

[trebor]

I've used the PD32 from Fenix for the last couple of years. It has a tight spot, but works well on the helmet. If you cycle through the settings and use fresh batteries, they perform well. Light weight too. For this type of light, a TwoFish AA flashlight mount works well on most helmets: http://www.twofish.biz/bike.html

[mtnbound]

It is easy to mount a headlamp to a helmet. Remove the strap, buy a roll of velcro, cutoff enough velcro to loop thru your helmet vent and then just thread velcro thru headlamp and then thru the vent in your helmet. Mounting it to your bar is a bit more difficult and will depend on your bars and cockpit setup.

I also have a fenix pd35 and really like it. I bought a mount from two fish (i think that was the name) and it works good enough so far.

[Bob Loblaw]

The tricky part for me is that I have a Smith Forefront helmet, so I don't have the normal vent holes. I do have an integrated light mount, but it's intended for horizontal bar-mounted lights

http://www.smithoptics.com/Root/Men%27s/Accessories/Helmet/Forefront-Mount-Kit/p/HB14-BHCLMK/sizeVariants

[bmike-vt]

how do you stay cool with that helmet? whats the green layer? you can't slide a velcro strap around the frame?

[Bob Loblaw]

It's probably hard to tell in that picture, but the green layer is essentially a honeycomb. I haven't noticed more heat in this helmet, but I have only had it a few months. I haven't tried attaching anything to it yet aside from the light mount. I'm sure there's a way

[bmike-vt]

This holder from Exposure is pretty slick, it should hold a Fenix LD22 (its holding my UC40UE).

http://www.ultimatesportsengineering.com/exposure-lights/brackets-and-mounts/helmet-mount

I have 2 of them. Adjustable, simple to mount, solid.

[dgjessee]

FYI, the BD Icon bumped up to 320 lumens this year! Full power for 75 hrs, and with lithiums you probably won't notice it weighing anymore than USB lights. I usually attach it to my handlebars with Velcro and zip ties but thinking of putting it on my helmet for a winter ride soon (using Velcro, not the factory strap)

[trebor]

FYI, the BD Icon bumped up to 320 lumens this year! Full power for 75 hrs, and with lithiums you probably won't notice it weighing anymore than USB lights. I usually attach it to my handlebars with Velcro and zip ties but thinking of putting it on my helmet for a winter ride soon (using Velcro, not the factory strap)

What is the beam spread like on the Icon? How useful is the low setting if it were bar mounted (i.e. is it enough for a slow fire road climb)? Thanks!