Buztronics Tiresparx LED Valve Cap Light Green 133090 Review

When these were actually in use on my bike they worked great; the problem came when you wanted to take them off and disable the light to conserve batteries.The insides are loosely held together and you'll have it come apart on more than one occasion, and once that happens the motion sensor works very spottily and will sometimes turn off mid-ride until you pop it open and reassemble it.There are better quality valve lights to be found in the same price range.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Buztronics Tiresparx LED Valve Cap Light Green 133090

Product Description:
Buztronics Tiresparx LED Valve Cap Light Green. Motion activated, flashing valve cap light. Comes w/ 6-AG10 batteries.

Get 11% OFF

Want to buy Buztronics Tiresparx LED Valve Cap Light Green 133090 at other amazon sites? Click the corresponding icon below:

Buztronics Tiresparx LED Valve Cap Light Red 133092 Review

works great and seems to last along time.they even supply extra batteries. would recommend to anyone

Click Here to see more reviews about: Buztronics Tiresparx LED Valve Cap Light Red 133092

Product Description:
Buztronics Tiresparx LED Valve Cap Light Red. Motion activated, flashing valve cap light. Comes w/ 6-AG10 batteries.

Want to buy Buztronics Tiresparx LED Valve Cap Light Red 133092 at other amazon sites? Click the corresponding icon below:

Blackburn Mars 2.0 Flasher Rear Bicycle Light Review

It is a big and bright light that turns on easily with a rubberized switch.In addition to solid on, there are two flashing patterns.The battery life is amazingly long when you stick with the flashing modes.

However, when you do have to change the battery, you'll be removing some screws to open the cover.If you ride on salty roads, you'll also discover that the hardware isn't stainless.The screws on mine became pretty rusty over one winter.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Blackburn Mars 2.0 Flasher Rear Bicycle Light

Product Description:
An essential measure for any safety-conscious biker, the Blackburn Mars 2.0 Rear Bicycle Light will help make sure you are seen by traffic in plenty of time. The Mars 2.0 is constructed in a tough, water-resistant case and utilizes six super-bright red LEDs. This rear bicycle light features a no-tools mounting bracket that also mounts to a Blackburn rack. Blackburn's Mars 2.0 runs on two AAA batteries (included) for 60 hours in steady mode, or 200 hours in flash mode.
About Blackburn
In 1975, Jim Blackburn set out to design stronger, lighter, more innovative and more reliable cycling products. The first were bags and racks designed for touring. From there, Blackburn grew. Over the next 30 years, Blackburn's spark of innovation would lead to many revolutionary products, like the first high quality aircraft aluminum rack, the first dual stroke minipump, the first oversized mountain minipump and the first dual stage/dual stroke floorpump just to name a few. For 2005, Blackburn's creative spark is burning brighter than ever. And as we head into our 30th year, Blackburn is re-dedicated to designing smart, reliable, no nonsense accessories that are essential to your riding experience.

Want to buy Blackburn Mars 2.0 Flasher Rear Bicycle Light at other amazon sites? Click the corresponding icon below:

Cateye EL-700RC Triple Shot Rechargeable LED Bicycle Headlight Review

Overall technology:

This light uses old LED technology which make it shine only 130 lumen and the NiMH battery make it weigh over 800 grams (1.5 lbs) total.

Attaching to your bike:

The system it uses to attach to the frame is cumbersome and not very reliable. The size of the battery gets in the way of the water bottle.

The light mount quick release doesn't work well.

Vendor of this light and CatEye:

I didn't do enough research before purchasing it because CatEye doesn't use lumen in their advertising for obvious reasons. Their rating of 20000 candlepower is meaningless.

To return it, this vendor charges 20% restocking fee which is ridiculously high especially if you buy a high price item such as this.

How does it compare?

To compare its brightness I took it with me on a tour of specialized bike stores and REI and shined it along the lights in those stores (TriNewt, various cyglites). At REI all lights were brighter including a 90 dollars Cygolite with just one LED!

Trail Performance:

On the trail it performs OK and since your eyes are dark adapted, it shines just enough light to see the path ahead. Battery lasted 4 hours but it dimmed very noticeably after 3 hours.

Basic features missing on this light are flashing modes and low beam modes.

Battery and charging:

The battery charging system and the battery are designed poorly and the first charge is going to be very idiotic with indicator lights not showing anything appropriate. Subsequent charges seem to work OK but you have to watch it charge and unplug it when its done or the battery will be damaged as the charger is not a smart charger.

Final Thoughts:

What I really want is the Cygolite TridenX for only 60 dollars more but can't justify either taking a 30+ dollar loss on this light or buying another 230 dollar light.

UPDATE: I decided to mod this light with newer LEDs (~240 lumen max each - original about 80 at 1 Amp), a new driver (1 Amp with potentiometer so that I can change brightness), new reflector optics and now it's finally bright with a nice throw. It cost me around 65 dollars for the parts and now I have a 700 lumen light which is more than 3 times brighter than before and using about the same amount of power (slightly more if cranked up to 1 Amp).

Now that I know the inner workings of this light I have to say this:
- Engineering of the product is mediocre. Brittle bolts break when turned.
- Poor product support where upgrades should be easy and done at factory every year so that they don't advertise outdated products as new.
- Designing the product with an adjustable driver.
- Using AA NiMH battery cells is really cutting corners that don't need to be cut.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cateye EL-700RC Triple Shot Rechargeable LED Bicycle Headlight

Product Description:
3 high-power LEDS with Opticube lens. Single bright setting with 3.3 hour run time. Intelligent 3-hour charger. Handlebar mount. Tough die-cast aluminum body is virtually indestructible. Locking cable connectors to prevent blackouts. 710 grams (25.0 oz) light, battery and mount.

Want to buy Cateye EL-700RC Triple Shot Rechargeable LED Bicycle Headlight at other amazon sites? Click the corresponding icon below:

Cateye TL-LD1100 LED Bicycle Tail and Safety Light (Red) Review

I purchased the Cateye TL-LD1000 at my LBS. It was an impulse buy when I was taking home a new bike. The light appeared impressive in the packaging---big with LOTS of LEDs, so I thought it would compare favorably with the lights I used on my other bike(that frame was at the manufacturer being repainted after being hit by a truck)---the Planet Bike Superflash.

The Cateye light is a capable taillight. It's well made, and offers side visibility. However, it is not nearly as bright as the Superflash, which is cheaper, to boot. The Cateye light is larger than the Superflash, heavier than the Superflash, and eats batteries at a greater rate than the Superflash. My LD-1000 has been relegated to use on my town bike, which is only ridden in well-lighted neighborhoods at night.

So, if you need a taillight which will give you confidence at night----buy the DiNotte taillight. It's quite expensive($150+) but it puts out 140 lumens---which is brighter than most HEADLIGHTS. If the DiNotte is out of your price range, buy the Superflash. Buy several. If you are set on buying the Cateye, you won't be disappointed. It's a good light. But there are better options.

Also, the blurb in the item description is not accurate. Cateye's HL-EL530 is not anywhere near the brightest LED headlight on the market. It may be the brightest for under a hundred bucks, but it's not close to the Niterider MiNewt or TriNewt, the DiNotte headlights, the Light and Motion headlights, or especially the lights from Lupine. Those are all much more expensive, but is lighting REALLY where you want to pinch pennies? It amazes me when I see guys on 5 thousand dollar Madones riding at night with three dollar blinkies and Cateye headlights. Meanwhile, I ride a Gunnar with a DiNotte 600L.:-)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cateye TL-LD1100 LED Bicycle Tail and Safety Light (Red)

Product Description:
Featuring 10 red LEDs, this tail light is bright enough to be visible even during daylight and has two LEDs on each side to provide bright side visibility for extra safety. The light also incorporates Cateye's OptiCube technology, which was developed for headlights, to optimize brightness. Each row of LEDs is independently controlled by a side-mounted switch and offers four different modes, for a total of 16 combinations. Three of the modes are flashing to attract extra attention from motorists. The light mounts easily on any seat post from 18 to 44 mm in diameter. A clothing clip is also included.
About Cateye
Founded in 1946 in Osaka, Japan, CatEye is the leading manufacturer of cycle computers, lights, and reflectors to cyclists in the world. In 1964, CatEye was the first in the industry to create a flashing lamp for bicycles, followed by their first battery headlamp in 1982, and the very first bicycle head lamp using white LEDs in 2001. The company's Opticube lens and reflectors make the brightest and most efficient LED headlights. while their LD500 remains the only rear safety light that can meet the rigorous CPSC standards for reflectivity.

Get 28% OFF

Want to buy Cateye TL-LD1100 LED Bicycle Tail and Safety Light (Red) at other amazon sites? Click the corresponding icon below:

Blackburn Quadrant and Mars 3.0 Combo Bicycle Light Set Review

At first I was hesitant to get a battery powered headlight and taillight, but after I installed it (with ease), I LOVED IT!! The LED headlight is very bright and the LED taillight is virtually impossible to miss (I think it is as prominent as some motorcycle taillights). The ability to flash each light and the taillight also having orange lights on the side makes it even more visible. Mounting the lights on my bike only took 15 minutes and only the taillight needed for me to use a screwdriver (to tighten and tweak the angle). The LEDs are really great and so far after using it for over 4 hours, I see no fade in the light power. The headlight has four LEDs with 3 modes (4 steady, 2 blink 2 steady, and 4 blinking (which looks like a strobe light)) and the rear also has 3 modes (steady, steady blinking, and random blinking). Be aware that you will need a jewelers screwdriver to open the rear taillight to install the batteries. Each of the lights detaches from the bike mounts and allow you to use them when camping or to clip on the taillight to your bookbag or clothing for visibility when walking along a highway or where cars are present, and the headlight can be used as a nice flashlight. The only thing I have to say is that you still need to look out for cab drivers in the Big Apple, since they can't stand that your lights are brighter than theirs and seem drawn to bikers while driving. Get this light, you won't regret it, I sure didn't. :-)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Blackburn Quadrant and Mars 3.0 Combo Bicycle Light Set

Product Description:
An essential measure for any safety-conscious biker, the Blackburn Quadrant and Mars 3.0 Combo Bicycle Lights will help make sure you see the road and drivers see you. This combination of lights includes one Blackburn Quadrant light and one Blackburn Mars 3.0 light. The Quadrant is constructed in a tough, water-resistant case and utilizes four super-bright white LEDs. This bicycle light features optically-boosted center LEDs that light up what is ahead, and wide angle side LEDs with side-light pipes that provide 180-degrees of visibility. Blackburn's Quadrant light runs on four AA batteries (included) for 110 hours in steady mode, or 300 hours in flash mode.
The Mars 3.0 is constructed in a tough, water-resistant case and utilizes seven super-bright red LEDs. This rear bicycle light features lens optics that increase its visible distance, and side LEDs that provide 180-degree safety-boosting visibility. Blackburn's Mars 3.0 runs on two AAA batteries (included) for up to 50 hours in steady mode, or 150 hours in flash mode.
About Blackburn
In 1975, Jim Blackburn set out to design stronger, lighter, more innovative and more reliable cycling products. The first were bags and racks designed for touring. From there, Blackburn grew. Over the next 30 years, Blackburn's spark of innovation would lead to many revolutionary products, like the first high quality aircraft aluminum rack, the first dual stroke minipump, the first oversized mountain minipump and the first dual stage/dual stroke floorpump just to name a few. For 2005, Blackburn's creative spark is burning brighter than ever. And as we head into our 30th year, Blackburn is re-dedicated to designing smart, reliable, no nonsense accessories that are essential to your riding experience.

Get 21% OFF

Want to buy Blackburn Quadrant and Mars 3.0 Combo Bicycle Light Set at other amazon sites? Click the corresponding icon below:

Planet Bike Blaze Dynamo Headlight - 1watt Review

I have used the Planet Bike Blaze 1-Watt Generator Bicycle Light for about two months now. It is light-weight and very easy to mount and adjust. What I like the best is that they make my commute hassle free. I no longer need to think about if I left my regular battery lights at home or at work and I don't have to worry about battery levels.

Pretty good Headlight, beam seems strong enough for slow riding thru the city. If used with a flasher Headlight it'll work more than adequate for paced commutes. The construction is a sturdy plastic.

The Headlight uses a cheap mounting bracket that isn't great. It doesn't fit very well on the handlebars so you'll end up using a cut up old tube or tape to help keep it snug. You should still be able to tilt it back and forth for use in high/low beam (level it down towards the street in front of you) and flash mode (level it up towards traffic). The "close" pin doesn't snap back to keep it in "closed" for some reason but my Headlight didn't fall off yet.

#1 beam seems to be "low" for some reason instead of high on my Headlight. #2 high beam is brighter. #3 beam is flash mode.

The Headlight is not heavy, very decent size, compact, detaches easily from quick release mounting bracket. The button on the Headlight is rubber so it doesn't respond very well when you need to change modes quickly while riding. If you are in bright city lights, it's impossible to tell what mode it is in because the beam is barely visible on the ground and there is no extended visible light (or clear lens area) to see the light/mode while you are riding. The side of the Headlight has two clear lens/indents that aren't very visible from the side. The Headlight uses 2 AA batteries (use rechargeable batteries) as there is a low run time on alkaline cell batteries (5-18 hours).

If you are in city lights, the beam is barely visible on the ground, it's best to use the flash mode but level it up towards traffic or it won't be visible. The flashing lights in flash mode in darkness are visible on stop signs for at least 8 or more long city blocks, it's very good. The "flashing" mode bright flashes, are not very disturbing since it's impossible to see the flashes because there is no extended visible light (or clear lens area) to see the flashes while you are riding.

The front end lens area of the Headlight is very small (1 inch across - light mainly visible from front) but 60 feet away, it (on high beam) appears as a larger bright dot to far away traffic. It's best to use the Headlight for seeing the street in front of you with Another flasher "to be seen" Headlight, or as a flashing light in flash mode with Another flasher Headlight, double the flashing "to be seen" lights. If using Headlight on high beam, you can even level it up towards traffic, it is very bright.

The spread of the beam (high/low) is very adequate to see in front of you riding in darkness.

When using the high/low beam it's best to level it down towards the street in front of you, the beam is very adequate for (8-15 mph, slow city riding) (5-12 mph slow trail riding in darkness). It's best to use the Headlight with a flasher "to be seen" Headlight (Blackburn Quadrant Light is very good) in traffic.

In all, some technical/practical issues with the Headlight design, but a very, very good high/low beam for slow riding thru the city.

PROS: Headlight is not heavy, very decent size, compact, uses 2 AA batteries (lighter), the beam is strong enough for slow riding thru the dark city or slow trail riding in darkness, Headlight detaches easily from mounting bracket, flashing lights in flash mode very good, spread of the beam (high/low) visible in front in darkness is very adequate, The "flashing" mode bright flashes are not very disturbing/visible to rider, If using Headlight on high beam, you can even level it up towards traffic for a very bright "to be seen" light, lower price.

CONS: cheap mounting bracket that isn't great, light not very visible from the side, button on the Headlight is rubber that doesn't respond very well when you need to change modes quickly while riding in traffic, impossible to tell what mode it is in (in bright city lights) because there is no extended visible light (or clear lens area) to see the light/mode while you are riding, low run time on alkaline cell batteries.

With this Headlight, riding my bike at night, it allows me to see reasonably well. This is a very nice "to be seen" or "to see" light. Highly recommended for those on a budget and commuting or non-commuting bike riders.

This Headlight is barely visible in the rain. If you commute in the rain or ride fast, invest in something more powerful.

The flashing diodes are bright enough to catch the attention of other drivers.

The savings on not having to buy/recharge batteries will hopefully make up for the higher price in the long run.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Planet Bike Blaze Dynamo Headlight - 1watt

Product Description:
You don?t need any stinkin? headlights with batteries?you have your own generator hub. Hook up your 6v, 2.4, or 3-watt generator to the Planet Bike Blaze Dynamo Headlight and revel in the knowledge that your beam is pedal-driven. Set this headlight on steady or SuperFlash mode while you ride. Since stumbling around in the dark until your pupils adjust isn?t ideal when you stop pedaling, the Blaze Dynamo uses a power-reserve function to keep the light working even after you stop. *Generator hub not included.

Product Features

Bulbs: LED
Modes: Flashing, steady, & power-reserve function
Lumens:
Batteries: None, that?s the point
Battery Run Time:
Weight:
Recommended Use: Biking in the dark
Manufacturer Warranty:

Get 14% OFF

Want to buy Planet Bike Blaze Dynamo Headlight - 1watt at other amazon sites? Click the corresponding icon below:

Topeak RedLite UFO Rear Bicycle Light Review

I originally thought that the Topeak RedLite UFO would be a great addition to my extremely well made Topeak MX trunk bag and rear-rack system.Alas, I'm pretty disappointed with the RedLite UFO overall, especially given its relatively high cost.

The idea -- a clippable tail light that would emit 180-degrees of marker illumination -- seemed great, particularly since the light was designed to clip onto the very sort of Topeak trunk bag I owned.

Unfortunately the red LEDs in the RedLite UFO, not very bright to begin with, radiate in a very limited vertical axis.This means that, unless the light happens to be vertically oriented at exactly the right angle, most people driving cars won't see the light at its brightest.Too bad then that maintaining a particular vertical orientation is essentially impossible when the light is clipped onto the fabric of a trunk bag...

Note too that the placement and ludicrously low intensity of the light's yellow LEDs makes them essentially useless as marker lights.The yellow LEDs do virtually nothing beyond providing rather superfluous illumnation of the light's control button.

In the end, my new RedLite UFO compares extremely poorly with the Cateye TL-LD 1000 I also own.Given that both lights are premiumpriced, I'd suggest you do some comparison shopping if you're looking for bright, horizontally and vertically wide-angled marker illumination for your bike.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Topeak RedLite UFO Rear Bicycle Light

Product Description:
Topeak Redlite UFO Taillight x6 Red LEDs plus x4 Yellow LEDs 360 degrees. This futuristic tail light has four yellow LED's plus six red LED's arranged in a near 360° pattern for visibility from any direction.3 Modes - Choose from constant, blinking or a cool cruising pattern.

Get 37% OFF

Want to buy Topeak RedLite UFO Rear Bicycle Light at other amazon sites? Click the corresponding icon below: