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Been following the lights threads with interest, but am really after a light that will double as a torch as well, but will mount to the bike's bars when needed. Anyone got experience of either specific lights or the sorts of LEDs to look for. Deal extreme prices are ideal, though obviously happy to go elsewhere is needed. Know what I'd go for if just wanting bike lights but ideally want the flexibility if possible.....
I went down the torch route rather than the specific bike lights as it's easy and cheap to have multiple torches so you don't have one point of failure, you can choose decent batteries & chargers and properly control their charging plus you've got an awesome bright torch come bonfire night 😀
Dealextreme take ages to deliver so my recommendations are...
Torch: OP Reflector Ultrafire 501B Cree XML U2 1300 Lumen 5-Mode LED Flashlight (1*18650)
http://www.lightmalls.com/ultrafire-501b-cree-xml-u2-1300-lumen-5-mode-led-flashlight-1-18650
Batteries: TrustFire Protected 18650 3.7V True 2400mAh (Flame) Rechargeable Lithium Batteries (1 pair)
http://www.lightmalls.com/trustfire-protected-18650-3-7v-true-2400mah-rechargeable-lithium-batteries-1-pair
Charger: XTAR WP2II
http://www.lightmalls.com/xtar-wp2-charger-for-14500-14650-17670-18500-18650-18700-battery-279
Mount: The below looks pretty decent although I don't have it so can't confirm it'll be ok.
http://www.lightmalls.com/2-75-practical-metal-flashlight-mount-holder-clamp-with-a-installation-tool-for-bicycl-black
I got this mount from DX which is OKish . http://www.dealextreme.com/p/universal-bicycle-mount-22mm-32-8mm-15342
An alternative and better battery is the XTAR 18700 2600mAh 3.7v SANYO Protected but you can't get it from Lightmalls so either get it at the below link or find them on eBay from a UK supplier.
http://www.qualitychinagoods.com/xtar-18700-2600mah-sanyo-protected-battery-batteries-p-1943.html?osCsid=d2e0fa1407554b824c02d5dc6197dc74
Thanks. They fine for uk delivery?
Yep, fine for uk delivery and quicker than DX but still coming from China so not the same as ordering from uk supplier. Pay with PayPal and use a unique password for your account on any Chinese retail websites.
It looks exactly the same website as DX?
It looks exactly the same website as DX?
They look totally different to me and they are definitely different companies. Another alternative to DX which also ships quicker is Manafont.com
Nealy's suggestions all look good to me, but DX delivery time are always down to stock, order anything "pre the night drawing in", or 'unpopular' items & they'll be with you very promptly in my experience.
Alternatively you could just buy from eBay, [url= http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/ebay-cree-xml-20-torch-out-of-the-box-pics-review ]this[/url] thread (slightly lower spec T6 LED rather than the newer U2 of Nealy's link) is a Hong Kong supplier but you'll find UK suppliers (eg: [url= http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/big_f_d_d/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686 ]Torchy[/url]) selling them for a similar price & quicker delivery:
M8 got one (as per Stoners link) and is dead impressed, though I don't believe the batteries are 'quality' items (and two batteries are essential to ensure a safe return home)
An alternative handlebar mount would be [url= http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bicycle-Torch-Light-Holder-Grip-handle-bars-mount-/170691220050?#ht_1912wt_1185 ]this[/url], which work very well but don't have any horizontal adjustment, so need to be carefully positioned to get the best beam.
I ran a couple of the older P7 torches (pre-magicshine), one on the bars and one on my helmet using the twofish lock block type mounts, and found them to be pretty good for the helmet but not stable enough for the bars.
^ What he said 🙂
I bought my Xtar 2600mAh batteries from Torchy's (big f d d) ebay shop when he had them in stock and would buy from him again.
Also I bought my Xtar charger from an ebay seller in China and that arrived in a couple of weeks when a 501b torch ordered from DX at the same time took 7 weeks to arrive but that was just after the nights were drawing in so it may be better now...or worse 😉