Commuter Light Deal

[KirstinS]

I've got a Smart Lunar 35 and a Smart R1 light that I use on my commuter (on bar and my backpack). 2w front and 1/2 w rear. Good lights for the money (you can get as a set for £30 nowthough just the front was £30 when I got it)

Just been into maplin and they have a maplin branded set for £9.99. They are the EXACT same lights minues the Smart branding. They claim the front light is 3 watt rather than "w

3W Cycle Light Set : Cycle Lights : Maplin Electronics

I bought a set and tested against my Smarts - theya re without question off the same production line (or the same moulds/machine tools) Everything is 100% identical and power output seems the same to my eyes

So a total steal in my book for a tenner.

 

[morphix]

Nice find, just the ticket for this time of the year. Grab them while stock lasts as they say ;-)

I just checked and I have the exact same set on my Mezzo! I never paid a penny for mine though, came free with the bike ;-)

 

[tillson]

A good price for the Main set when you compare them with the Smart lights.

However, I wouldn't bother with either now that Cree T6 LED lights complete with rechargeable battery packs are available for around £30. They give you so much more presence on the road. Well worth a few extra pounds for the safety aspect. Plus they actually light the way ahead for sufficient distance to enable you to stop safely.

 

[KirstinS]

True enough tillson but they are not nice looking IMHO , plus I've got enough wires already !

These smarts are fine for city commuting I think. They cause every sign and number plate for 200m to flash !

Finally I'm think more lights placed in different places, different angles is safer than one big ol light. I've a main front , main rear, two smalls mounted on forks, one rear in backpack and a further headlight in helmet. Plus EL wire on wheels rims

Overkill? Maybe but better than actually being killed

 

[tillson]

Yes, the T6 lights (Ebay) are a bit ugly, but if you need a powerful light for unlit lanes I think they are excellent. Like you say, these are probably not necessary in well lit urban areas.

Wherever you are cycling, I think this light is worth considering for the rear. It certainly marks you out on the road and catches the attention of motorists approaching from behind.

I have been considering these to make the bike more visible to cars approaching side on. It's a pity that they aren't amber though. I can only seem to be able to find red or other unsuitable colours.

 

[morphix]

l think a hivis coat or vest for the low cost is well worth getting if you ride roads at night. Adds considerably to visibility.l always wear mine. Some people swear lifesaver.

 

[morphix]

actually I think my lights maybe different. Look similar but says Polaris 5 LED takes 2x AA.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

For back light, this one is very bright with two 12w LEDs. I'd be surprised if you need more.
Smart Lunar R2 2x1/2 Watt Rear Light

 

[alfie]

A good price for the Main set when you compare them with the Smart lights.

However, I wouldn't bother with either now that Cree T6 LED lights complete with rechargeable battery packs are available for around £30. They give you so much more presence on the road. Well worth a few extra pounds for the safety aspect. Plus they actually light the way ahead for sufficient distance to enable you to stop safely.

I originally had a cree t6 powered light on my MTB. Was too bright for city use attracting Plods attention too much. Great for out of town though. The Smart Lunar front light I have on my folder. Very nice light I agree. I didn't like the rear light and and swapped it for a Cateye. The RSPCA are now on the case

 

[morphix]

The last thing you need is Mr Plod pulling you over and saying "now what have we here then! Got your approval certificate and registration docs on you, Sir?"

 

[morphix]

I nearly had such an encounter once when I rode on a pavement right in the town centre (something I always do in a quiet back street) but unlucky for me there happened to be a plod just nearby who looked very bored and wanting to get busy nicking someone. So he clocked me on the path and his eyes fixed on me like a radar tracking a missile...his mouth opened but before he could yell "come here m'lad" I was gone for the wind, down another path and underpass.. I saw him get into his car rather sharpish and thought ay up...probably hoping to cut me off as I had to cross a road other side of underpass, but he had a roundabout to contend with and before he could get around that, I was down a back alley and crossing fields with sheep, well out of the reach of cars Maybe we'll meet again though, it's a small town!

 

[amigafan2003]

I'd be surprised if you need more.[/url]

Yeah, but why not go for it anyway?

This is on it's way to me as we speak:-

BikeRay Rear Light Extension Kit - LightsLightsLights.co.uk

 

[tillson]

Yeah, but why not go for it anyway?

This is on it's way to me as we speak:-

BikeRay Rear Light Extension Kit - LightsLightsLights.co.uk

That looks like a nice light. I'd be interested to hear what you think about it when you have it fitted.

 

[KirstinS]

@d8veh, yep I've got one of them on steady as well an exposure flare on blink . They are great lights

 

[103Alex1]

For back light, this one is very bright with two 12w LEDs. I'd be surprised if you need more.
Smart Lunar R2 2x1/2 Watt Rear Light

What are the fitting options for this one ? I struggle with rear lights - the B&M dynamo rear light (not much of shiner to be fair !) and reflector are on the rear mud guard and I have a Topeak one which clips onto my rack bag so doesn't need mounting on the frame, but it's not 'arrestingly bright' :

Topeak RedLite UFO | Buy Online | ChainReactionCycles.com

When I tried to fix a Bikelight rear light to the rear rack with a belt clip it lasted a day before falling apart ... and off the bike when I (er...) became closely acquainted with a pothole weaving through heavy traffic .. Nothing mounted on my seatpost would ever be seen from behind as always stuff in the way.

 

[jerrysimon]

I've got a Smart Lunar 35 and a Smart R1 light that I use on my commuter (on bar and my backpack). 2w front and 1/2 w rear. Good lights for the money (you can get as a set for £30 nowthough just the front was £30 when I got it)

Just been into maplin and they have a maplin branded set for £9.99. They are the EXACT same lights minues the Smart branding. They claim the front light is 3 watt rather than "w

3W Cycle Light Set : Cycle Lights : Maplin Electronics

I bought a set and tested against my Smarts - theya re without question off the same production line (or the same moulds/machine tools) Everything is 100% identical and power output seems the same to my eyes

So a total steal in my book for a tenner.

These are now even cheaper!

Got to be worth that and getting even for spares

Jerry

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Saneagle just got one of these laser lights. The laser beams are a complete waste of effort, but the light itself is pretty good because not only is it quite bright, but it's bright over a large angle (side to side).
Cycling Bicycle Bike Rear Tail Safety Caution 3 LED +2 Laser Flashing lamp light | eBay

 

[muckymits]

If you are a real tight wad like me 5 LED Bicycle Bike Front Lamp + Flash Rear Tail Light N | eBay


I dont care if they get nicked or smashed

 

[Old_Dave]

Thank you muckymits....

I think I'll follow your lead and get 3


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jerrysimon]

The laser beams are a complete waste of effort

I actually think the laser beams work really well. I have both the 3 LED and the 5 LED versions. The 3 LED is smaller and more discreet and has a slip off back for the batteries. The 5 LED is brighter but also larger and has a rear plate that has to be unscrewed to replace batteries,

Also that deal in Maplins includes a 1/2W rear light and 3W front.

Regards

Jerry