Try one. I'd be surprised if you'd be disappointed with it - especially for £16.
Hi Dave, it seemed fairer to post the following in your thread rather than this one started by LP.
http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/threads/look-what-the-postman-brought.25329/page-5#post-326953
When it comes to riding bikes there are three things that I really enjoy.. Riding in the rain, riding in mud, and riding at night time with a decent light.
I grabbed the opportunity tonight to do all three of those things, when I tried the light that you recommended.
I'll start by saying that because of cost, I never had any intention of comparing the Fenix BT20 that costs £60.00 plus, to the single Cree that cost me less than £10.00, and my expectations were not overly high.
If anyone is going to be critical, it is me, and I can truthfully say that the almost cheap as chips 1 Cree light is utterly brilliant.
I intentionally chose to test it on several local route sections that are fairly technical. As it was also raining and muddy, a further element was also suddenly thrown into the equation as well.
First observation after mounting it, was how pleasing to the eye that the light was size wise. The Fenix is by no means a large light, but the 1 Cree was proportionally alot smaller. I loathe cluttered handlebars, so instantly a big plus point. For reference I made the measurements for the light, to be 53mm long x 30mm wide x 40mm high, which is taking the measurement from the underside of the handle bar mount, to the top of the light. The power lead at approx 530mm long, is also a near on perfect length for my use.
Riding at sub 10mph speeds along the exceptionally very narrow 150mm - 300mm tracks on the forest rides, I could comfortably pick out any risk and see my way using the second from highest setting on the lamp.
Picking the pace up to an unknown speed that demanded full concentration to stay on line and on the bike, the highest power setting copped very easily, and gave a beam that wasn't as spot focussed as photos make out. The light also picked out the eyes of deer from a good several metres away.
Continuing the high speed test, I took in two road stone tracks which saw the speed increase to 32mph. Never did I feel that the light was preventing me from going faster, and I never felt that the beam wasn't wide enough.
Diving into very wooded and technical conditions, once again the light performed brilliantly, defining everything safely ahead and well into my peripheral vision. I couldn't have asked for more.
The only observation was the cool white brightness. I'm used to the dull yellowish light of the Fenix, and it took a bit of adjustment on my part to settle into the brighter light. I suspect that I am going to be using this new light rather a lot, although it won't replace the Fenix, as some of my riding takes place in some very sensitive areas, and the 1 Cree with it's brighter white light, could attract unwelcome attention.
If I were to rate this light, I don't really see how I could ever give it anything less than a 10 out of 10. I don't see how anything so cheap, could perform so well. Long may it continue.
Here are two photos which don't do any justice to the light or it's beam. They were taken with just a point and shoot, and it wasn't quite dark enough at this stage of the ride. The green illuminated ring on the rear of the light, isn't actually that bright, so I can only assume that the cameras light sensor picked it up.
I can't wait to get the poxy camera and second light off the bars!
For it's price, the light does a very good job of defining the narrow track and edge.
The roots from the beech tree are easily visible, with no apparent nasty shadow.
Being used to the more yellow beam of the Fenix, I did feel slightly unco
