Electric Pocket Bikes: planet bike

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11/04/2010

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

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7/27/2010

Planet Bike Beamer 5 Headlight Review

First off, I'd like to say I own both Planet Bike Beamer 3 and 5.I bought them both from Amazon when they were both priced at about 16 bucks. I've taken both lights out to compare how they would perform.Both lights are very bright and will force cars, joggers, and anyone to notice you.I would say they are the perfect light for urban use and a minimum for suburban use.They light up the road relatively well from 10-20 feet away from you. They both have flashing and constant on modes.Flashing in both models seem to be brighter than constant on.

I do prefer the Planet Bike Beamer 3 over the 5 though.When comparing the two, the 5 seems to scatter the light a little bit.Let me try to explain; when using both lights shining against a wall, they both project a circle, same size and brightness.But with the 5, the outer edge looks fuzzy.With the 3, the circumference of the circle is very solid and sharp.Also the light color on the 3 is more white colored light, while the color on the 5 is slightly blue(er).This gives the 3 more usable light on the streets.From my own perspective, the 5 isn't necessarily brighter than the 3 either.Battery life, I have not tested.I do recommend the 3 over the 5, especially for people looking for a bike light under 20 bucks.Thanks for reading, I hope this helps.

I also wanted to note that both of the products were bought at the same time and the batteries were fresh (from factory).

Edit: After a few weeks of swapping between the 5 and 3, I have noticed the 5 to be slightly brighter than the 3.They both use the same type of mounts so you can swap back and forth like I did.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Planet Bike Beamer 5 Headlight

Product Description:
It?s getting dark and you don?t want to piddle around with tools to attach your headlight to your bike. No worries?the Planet Bike Beamer 5 Headlight uses a Quick Cam bracket mount to attach illumination in mere seconds (no tools needed). Nichia eXtreme LEDs light your path in either flashing or steady modes and run for up to 100 hours on 2 AA batteries.

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7/23/2010

Planet Bike Blaze 1/2w Headlight/Superflash Taillight Review

I bought this combo because I really needed a tail light and the extra headlight would be a bonus. Well, here's the story. The Superflash tail light is simply incredible. Whether in blink or steady mode, this thing is BRIGHT, even in daytime with direct sunlight. I have two of these Superflash tail lights and motorists can't miss me - in flashing mode you look like an emergency vehicle! The Superflash has survived falling off my bike while riding with only minor scuffs (I failed to clip it in completely - you need to be careful about that). The Blaze headlight is, on the other hand, disappointing. It has a very narrow, focused beam of only moderate brightness. In flashing mode, the beam is way too narrow as a "be seen" light, unless the observer is dead center in front of the beam. I use the Blaze as a spot light supplement to a wider angle headlight, but I would not recommend it as a sole headlight.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Planet Bike Blaze 1/2w Headlight/Superflash Taillight

Product Description:
When you bike to your friend?s house or home from work after dark, use Planet Bike?s Blaze ?-watt Headlight and Superflash Taillight to help ensure motorists and other cyclists see you from as much as a mile away. The Blaze Headlight illuminates the road during your low- to moderate-speed commute, and the Superflash?s unique flash pattern warns anyone coming up behind you that you?re there.

Product Features

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7/21/2010

Planet Bike Blaze 1/2-Watt LED Bicycle Light with Helmet and QuickCam Mounts Review

Over the last couple years I've accumulated several bike lights. Unfortunately, most lights under $100 are usually pretty dim and are usually more useful for being seen by car drivers than actually lighting up the road. Fortunately, with newer LED technology, inexpensive bike lights are becoming more capable. The Blaze is a big improvement over the Cateye EL-500 (LED) and the Planet Bike 5000x (halogen) that I have been using. The LED in the Blaze is brighter than both of those lights, its only drawback being that it is more of a spot beam than a flood. Depending on your needs, this can be a good or bad thing. I've found the Blaze very useful as a helmet mounted light to be used in addition to a handlebar mounted light with a brighter, wider beam. The Blaze is enough light to manage with on its own, provided you keep your speed below about 15 mph. It comes with both handlebar and helmet mounts and runs on 2 AA batteries. It appears just as bright with rechargeables as with alkalines.

All in all, the Blaze is an impressive little light, given its low price. For light that rivals a car's headlights, you'll still need to spend well over $100, but the Blaze proves that advanced LED technology is starting to trickle down into the really cheap lights, and that's a good thing. Even a year ago, it would have been impossible to find an LED light this bright for less than $50. Highly recommended for those on a budget or as an addition to a brighter light with a wider flood beam.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Planet Bike Blaze 1/2-Watt LED Bicycle Light with Helmet and QuickCam Mounts

Product Description:
The Blaze 1/2 Watt LED Bike Light from Planet Bike lights up the night at an affordable price with a Nichia 1/2-watt LED bulb that's several times brighter than a standard white LED bulb. Ideal for commuters and regular night riders, the Blaze helps you see clearly at night while alerting drivers and other cyclists to your presence. This lightweight and efficient light uses just two AA batteries, reducing bulk and expense, and has up to 100 hours of battery life.
Noted for its sturdy construction, compact design, strong light beam, and long life battery operation, the Blaze is a favorite of commuters and frequent riders. Equipped with a Quick Cam bracket mount as well as a helmet mount, the light installs, adjusts, or comes off in seconds without tools, making it a breeze to hop on your bike at a moment's notice.
While the Blaze LED Light offers plenty of light to illuminate the road and alert cars and other riders of your presence as a stand alone, its compact design and helmet mount make it an ideal companion to other lighting devices. Designed to fit 25.4 to 31.8 millimeter handlebars, the Blaze offers both flashing and steady modes with a strong beam that is just as bright with rechargeable batteries as with alkalines. The Blaze is a well-constructed, practical light offered at a great price and backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
Specifications:

What's in the Box?
Planet Bike Blaze 1/2-Watt Blaze LED Bicycle Light, helmet mount, QuickCam mount, two AA batteries
Manufacturer Warranty
Limited lifetime
About Planet Bike
In November 1996, Planet Bike was founded in Madison, WI. In many ways, Planet Bike began as a social experiment that dedicated itself to doing business in a different way. Instead of being just another company that develops and sells products with profit as its end goal, Planet Bike wanted to help bring about positive change for people, their communities, and the environment.
Despite being a simple machine, the people at Planet Bike have always believed that the bicycle has great potential to help improve the world and the lives of the people in it. From the start, they have embraced an alternative corporate purpose which seeks to help get more people on bicycles by making communities friendlier places for the self-propelled. By donating 25% of company profits to causes that promote and facilitate bicycle usage, Planet Bike hopes to make an impact.
Social experiments aside, Planet Bike was born from the heart of a cyclist with a goal of making innovative, high-quality, and practical bicycle accessories. Simply put, the company strives to design and develop the best bicycle products in the world. In the company's short 10-year history, it has made important product innovations within the bicycle industry. Advancements include the four-line computer which is now a standard in the industry and the world's first self-contained HID light. Not bad for a company that 10 years ago started as a one-man operation. Today, while still a small company, Planet Bike continues to evolve and improve its product line with the goal of always striving to build accessories that make it easier for people to ride their bikes. Since 1996, Planet Bike's financial support of the grassroots bicycle movement has totaled $500,000. By 2010, they have made a goal to donate $1 million to organizations that are dedicated to making America a friendlier place for cyclists.

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Want to buy Planet Bike Blaze 1/2-Watt LED Bicycle Light with Helmet and QuickCam Mounts at other amazon sites? Click the corresponding icon below:

7/19/2010

Planet Bike 3018-1 Rack Blinky 5- 5 LED Tail Light with Rack Mount and Batteries Review

I installed a bike rack that had a mount and standard reflector, but since my neighborhood jaunts take through traffic at times, I wanted something a little more visible to cars.

This blinky has 5 bright LEDs, two lighting options (blink or steady), and an option to clip it to clothing or bags, mount it to your seatpost or attach it to a reflector mount on your rack. Both mounts are included in the package, along with batteries. At least one of these mounts, the Planet Bike Rear Rack Taillight Mount 3108, sells separately as well.

The bracket mounted to the rack easily, and the light clip snaps into a groove.I did take the precaution of hanging the light so that it must be slid up to remove it after bending back the catch, rather than slid down.

Its obscenely bright, but that's what I wanted, and doesn't hang too low in the rear bracket, but fits perfectly under the rear of my Bontrager trunk rack. When I start commuting, I think I'll get a second to mount on the seat post, and then unclip the light and attach it to the trunk-bag when it's on the rack.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Planet Bike 3018-1 Rack Blinky 5- 5 LED Tail Light with Rack Mount and Batteries

Product Description:
The Planet Bike BRT-5 Taillight features a reflector integrated into the lens and Scotchlite reflective side strips.

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7/14/2010

Planet Bike Blinky Safety 1-Led Bicycle Light Set Review

LEDs generally have very focused beams, so you have to be looking straight at them to see their full brightness. This light cleverly orients seven LEDs in five different directions to cover a pretty wide angle of visibility, horizontally. (Planet Bike claims 220 degrees of visibility.) Three are directed straight back and through lens sections of the transparent red casing for maximum brightness in that direction. The remaining four are directed left, right, and partway between straight back and left/right. Brightness is lower in these side and intermediate directions, but many cheaper blinkers aren't visible at all from the side, so it's a start. (I sometimes put another blinker on my pannier side for better side visibility.)

One important consideration is that, as with most LED blinkers, the vertical angle of visibility is very narrow. I recommend mounting this light rigidly and precisely, e.g., on your seatpost or seatstay and not your helmet back or on a seat wedge bag. Adjust the mount and step back from your bike with the blinker running to make sure the LEDs are as bright as possible from the height of an average car driver.

I really like the mount design for this light. The clip is built into the light and does not have to be removed to slide it onto the quick-release bracket, which comes with hardware for mounting on a seatpost or a seatstay. (It's nice to have the seatstay option, but I don't do this, since I usually have panniers and prefer mounting the light higher.) The included elastic, velcro band makes it easy to pop the light off your bike and clip it on the back of your upper arm for a nighttime jog. I guess I've also seen cyclists with lights strapped to the back of their calves or ankles. Anyway, being able to pop it off the bike mount and clip it to a bag, belt or whatever without messing with a screwdriver or otherwise adding/removing parts is very handy.

The overall package is surprisingly small and light, especially compared to those hefty, five-LED, 2xAA blinkers that seem very popular. The case is easy to open with a coin or key and seems decently sealed with a rubber gasket. Planet Bike claims this light to be "weatherproof", and I've definitely had no trouble riding with it in the rain. The switch design is pretty clever, with a button directly under the bottom section of the transparent plastic case. That section of the case is thin enough to flex when you push on it, letting you operate the button, which stays safely sealed away from the elements. You don't get a satisfying click, but I think this is a great, inexpensive design for a weatherproof switch.

I'm very happy with this purchase, especially since Planet Bike donates 25% of profits to bike advocacy.

p.s.Check out Planet Bike's new Blinky Superflash, which is a more expensive, brighter light that's similar to this one.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Planet Bike Blinky Safety 1-Led Bicycle Light Set

Product Description:
Notify drivers and other cyclists of your presence from up to 1 mile away with the Planet Bike Blinky safety set. Equipped with one super-bright white LED for the front and a red LED for the back, the safety set provides 220 degrees of visibility in both flashing and steady modes, depending on your preference. Even better, the Blinky lights clip to just about anything--from handlebars to panniers--with handlebar brackets, a seat post mount, and a seat stay mount to get you started. As a result, you have no excuse to go unseen while riding. Each Blinky light, which comes with an ultra-compact weatherproof case, runs for up to 100 hours on a single CR2032 watch battery (included). The set is also backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
About Planet Bike
In November of 1996, Planet Bike was founded in Madison, Wisconsin. In many ways, Planet Bike began as a social experiment that dedicated itself to doing business in a different way. Instead of being just another company that develops and sells products with profit as its end goal, Planet Bike wanted to help bring about positive change for people, their communities, and the environment.
Despite being a simple machine, the people at Planet Bike have always believed that the bicycle has great potential to help improve the world and the lives of the people in it. From the start, they have embraced an alternative corporate purpose which seeks to help get more people on bicycles by making communities friendlier places for the self-propelled. By donating 25% of company profits to causes that promote and facilitate bicycle usage, Planet Bike hopes to make an impact.
Social experiments aside, Planet Bike was born from the heart of a cyclist with a goal of making innovative, high quality, and practical bicycle accessories. Simply put, they strive to design and develop the best bicycle products in the world. In the company's short ten year history, they have made important product innovations within the bicycle industry. Advancements include the 4-line computer which is now a standard in the industry and the world's first self-contained HID light. Not bad for a company that ten years ago started as a one man operation. Today, while still a small company, Planet Bike continues to evolve and improve their product line with the goal of always striving to build accessories that make it easier for people to ride their bikes. Since 1996, Planet Bike's financial support of the grassroots bicycle movement has totaled $500,000. By 2010, they have made a goal to donate $1 million to organizations that are dedicated to making America a friendlier place for cyclists.

Get 25% OFF

Want to buy Planet Bike Blinky Safety 1-Led Bicycle Light Set at other amazon sites? Click the corresponding icon below: