Jan. 13, 09
Hello Clint, cc List,
you didn't say, but if you were referring to my post, then I have to disagree on a few of your assumptions.
First point; a Maglite is no different in a physical sense from any other object mounted on a bike. If the object in question is mounted correctly, it will not be a danger for anyone in the event of a collision. The DKG-mount I mentioned is one such possibility to safely
mount a Maglite. So I really don't see a problem.
Second point; I referred to the AA size Maglite, not the one with D- cells. AA cells are readily available as rechargeable batteries. That
makes your second assumption about costs moot.
Third point; as I mentioned, I don't hold a handlebar-mounted Maglite
to be the optimal solution either. But Jerry was asking about flashlights, not bike lights.
Fourth point: although you did include a link to your website, you didn't sign off per Dale's rules.
Greets
Kai Hilbertz Munich, Germany
On 13.01.2009, at 20:01, Clint Bradford wrote:
> The problem with affixing a MagLite to your handlebars is that it is
> either going to penetrate you in a collision, or become a projectile
> in a collision. Neither is attractive option, IMHO.
>
> And then there's the batteries for traditional flashlights - use 'em
> up, and how to properly dispose of them?
>
> I just elsewhere compared the new $100 NiteRider USB model versus a
> "D" Cell MagLite. For the same anticipated 750 3-hour cycles of the
> NiteRider's battery pack, it would cost over $500 for a MagLite with
> LED Upgrade - and the scores of batteries needed.
>
> A very personal decision: an expenditure of $100 ... or over $500?
>
> Seriously, though - you need to examine how often you need
> illumination. And whether or not you need the road illuminated, or
> if you know the route, and don;t quite need all the power to see the
> road - just adequately announce yourself to the world.
>
> Clint Bradford
> http://www.clintbradford.com
> _______________________________________________
> Jan. 13, 09
>
> Hello List,
>
> I'd suggest a modern LED flashlight with a classic shape, such as
> the AA size LED Maglite in silver:
> http://www.maglite.com/
>
> The best Maglite mount I know of is here:
> http://dkg-cnc.com/
>
> For alternatives to mounting on the stem, Paul makes a doodad here:
> http://store.paulcomp.com/
>
> Bruce Gorden makes a nice CNC "Tailight", more at:
> http://www.bgcycles.com/
>
> For further mounts, suggestions etc., check out:
> http://www.nordicgroup.us/
> http://www.instructables.com/
>
> Of course, no Maglite or other flashlight will give you the optimal
> beam of a modern bike-specific LED battery head light. I personally
> like the Busch & Müller Ixon IQ :
> http://www.bumm.de/
>
> It's available in the US from Peter White:
> http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/
>
> The top of the page shows the older Ixon (without "IQ") in silver,
> the Ixon IQ comes in black. To quote Peter:
>
> "New in 2007, the Ixon IQ looks about the same as the Ixon, but has
> a brighter beam. It uses the same AA NiMH batteries and charger, the
> same mounts, and is compatible with the Ride & Charge. See below for
> the Ride & Charge. As with the Ixon, you can leave the batteries in
> the Ixon IQ, and with its charger, charge the batteries just by
> plugging the charger into the bottom of the light, even while
> mounted on the bike. Or, with the Ride & Charge, keep the batteries
> charged inside the Ixon IQ with a dynamo while you ride during the
> day.
>
> 5 hour run time at high power, 40 Lux
> 20 hour run time at low power, 10 Lux
> Ixon IQ without batteries or charger: $ 115.00
> Ixon IQ with 4 AA NiMH batteries and charger: $ 147.00"
>
> Even better would be a nice dynamo hub, such as the SON 20R. I've
> got two of these, plus two SON 28's. But that topic's a whole
> 'nother can o' worms.
>
> Greets
>
> Kai Hilbertz
> Munich, Germany
>
>
>
>
> On 13.01.2009, at 16:00, Jerome & Elizabeth Moos wrote:
>
>> To raise a non-contraversial, if there is such a thing here, issue
>> in connection with touring/randonneur bikes. Anyone know of
>> currently available flashlights appropriate for use on such bikes?
>>
>> I asked Chris at Velo Orange when he would again have the
>> flashlights he was selling a while back. His answer was that he
>> does not currently expect to have them again. Evidently, the ones
>> he was selling were made by small Japanese firms, and he tells me
>> the deamnd is so strong in Japan, the the manufacturers have no
>> interest in exporting to the US, as they can sell everything they
>> make at home.
>>
>> Of course, in terms of producing light, most any flashlight will
>> work, but one prefers something the will look elegant. I suppose
>> many of us would define elegant in this instance as reminescent of
>> the lights on French constructeur bikes before or shortly after
>> WWII, although I must note that in the book (in French) Jan Heine
>> is selling documenting the history of PBP, the photos from recent
>> years show some competitors using flashlights that would strike
>> most of us as distinctly un-classic.
>>
>> Surely there must be flashlights currently made in America, Europe
>> or UK or in larger quanitity in Asia that would look suitable on a
>> touring bike? Anyone have any suggestions?
>>
>> On a related issue, most flashlights, at least those available in
>> USA, use C or D size batteries. I've come to prefer rechargeable
>> batteries as a way to minimize the need to dispose of potentially
>> hazardous materials, although even rechargeable batteries will
>> eventually be discarded. Anyone know where to get the best prices
>> on rechargeable C and D batteries and on chargers that will handle
>> these sizes? I know such do exit, but they are not nearly as
>> common as the AA and AAA size rechargeables that can now be
>> purchased at most any drugstore or discount store.
>>
>> Regards,
>>
>> Jerry Moos
>> Big Spring, Texas, USA