I
Irish John
Guest
Those of you who ride in the countryside at night will know how expensive good Halogen or HID lights are and also how hard it is to get replacement components when the makers discontinue the models every couple of years. There is even a British HID front light that costs Aus $3000 last time I looked. I’m sure it’s a great light but at that price I can’t justify it.
Well I have good news for you - despite my having said some years ago on this Forum that LED technology just didn't cut it for decent front lighting on a motorised bicycle I can now tell you that I have found an Australian company making LED bike lights that are indeed good enough for high speed riding on the darkest of nights. I bought a pair of front LEDs with ultra high-powered battery that gives 6 hours of continuous use at full blast and double that if you switch onto half power in areas where it isn't so dark. I have one narrow beam and one intermediate beam and on a moonless night I find I can travel safely at speed on totally unlit roads and the lights shine ahead for a long way yet light up the foreground enough for me to see and avoid potholes at 30 mph.
The ultra-high-powered battery is very small and fits nicely on the handlebar stem. The twin lights are smaller than Halogens and fit on the handlebars over the stem which is actually a perfect location for a light. They have a full beam, half beam and flashing mode. The whole thing comes in a nice zipped case with smart charger. The lights are independently adjustable on swivels. I paid Aus $231.00 for the kit including the extra powered battery and light set and they delivered for free as a special offer current at the time. These lights can only be bought direct from the suppliers on line. I don't think they can be bought in bike shops.
http://www.ayup-lights.com/
I personally haven't ever seen lights as good as these and although my halogens and HIDs are also very good, they soon start to need replacement parts and I then find that the brand has been discontinued and I cannot get replacements for any parts despite the light being priced at $440.00 only a year before (which I probably paid about $260.00 for on sale). Just because the lights have the brand name Planet Bike or Tioga or Topeak (I’ve tried them all) doesn't mean that spare parts are going to be available in a year’s time.
I usually buy lights when they are on sale because the full price is astronomical and I suppose they are on sale because they are old stock.
Ay-Up are here for the long term and they have full back-up on parts and accessories. I also notice that the lights and fittings are exceedingly well made and totally waterproof.
I now know that LEDs can cut it if the technology is really good.
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