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I know it's probably been done loads before but a quick search on here didn't bring up much. Mate has just go an exposure joystick which seems pretty good value for money. Think I remember a thread on here a while ago about some cheap lights from china/taiwan? Whats everyones thoughts on a good entry level light under £100.
Cheers
The Joystick makes a brilliant, bright, self-contained and programmable helmet light off road or a bar light on road and is a bargain if Rutland Cycles are still knocking them out for 75 quid. Mine's being going strong since 2009.
The Smudge Lumenator from MTB Batteries is decent as a bar light and mine's been good, but there are loads of budget-priced lights out there for way under your budget. The mounting systems tend not to be great and some people have reliability issues, which I why I'm happy to pay a premium for Exposure or Lumicycle stuff - I ride a fair bit solo at night and I see it as investing in my own safety and ability to ride, but it's really down to your own priorities.
There will be loads of suggestions for affordable eBay and Deal Extreme specials, I always think you're taking a bit of a punt on reliability and customer service, but that's just my personal opinion and experience with a couple of dodgy cheapies.
Maybe buy a Joystick for your head and a cheapie for the bars then upgrade in the future if you feel you need to. The head/bar combo is arguably the best option off road.
Thanks [u][b]BadlyWireDaog[/b][/u] Would I get by riding off road with just a joystick head mount? Rutland are doing a good deal but the head mount is expensive, any alternative mounts?
I think someone posted that the helmet mount was included - try a forum search for Joystick, there's fair bit of info. Generally it's probably best to combine a spot-type beam on the helmet like the Joystick with a broader, floodier beam on the bars, which is why I suggested maybe going for a Joystick plus a cheap light for the bars - this month's MBR, I noticed in Tesco, has an article where three of their journos aimed to get a set of lights for under £50 btw.
I'd say the Joystick is a bit narrow in the beam for use on its own off road plus using just one light can make depth perception a bit screwy. It's hard to tell the difference sometimes between a proper step and a shadowy line on the ground, if that makes any sense. Depends a little on where you're riding and how fast and technical it is.
Great info thanks mate. Will have a search.