I have found my new bicycle lights

Monday, May 4th, 2009 at 10:09pm

A few weeks ago when daylight saving ended I setup the lights on my bike for riding home in the dark. A Cateye HL-EL135 light and a Cateye HL-EL530 light.

Although I used these lights last year, I was never quite satisfied with the EL530, the bright spot in the beam isn’t very wide.

So I started looking around for other options and I came across this impressive setup that didn’t use lights designed specifically for bicycles: Fenix L2D Premium 100 Flashlights as Bicycle Headlights. I was impresssed, but I wasn’t sure so I ordered one of the lights online to test. I reasoned that if it wasn’t suitable for my bike I still needed a new torch.

It arrived today.

It is very impressive.

(I got an L2D Premium Q5 which is slightly higher spec than the L2D Premium 100)

Next to this, even at the lower settings, the EL530 is pathetic. In turbo mode the difference is insane.

Now I have to work out how to mount the light. Do I go the lockblock method which doesn’t allow for much adjustment, or do I do something else? I might be able to rig something up temporarily using the Cateye mount as a base with velcro straps to hold the light on.

Also, do I buy a second one to mount on the handlebars? Two at the lower power level would mean a wider coverage and less battery changes. What about one to mount on my helmet? A helmet mounted one could be very handy.

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2 Responses to “I have found my new bicycle lights”

  1. That looks like a very serious bike light. I’ve been using some old Cateye light that my brother had on the bike. It basically doesn’t make riding at night any easier, it just make me visible from a distance. Something like the Fenix might be a good option. How much did it set you back?

    Wes - May 5th, 2009 at 9:09 am

  2. The one light set me back AU$80 on eBay. At face value it does seem pricey, but consider that a new EL530 is also going for AU$80 on eBay.

    I will be using it on my ride home tonight (ended up using rubber bands to hold it on) and I will try to take some comparison shots before the end of the week.

    Stephen - May 5th, 2009 at 9:27 am