Jan. 14, 09
Hello Clint + List,
I wasn't under the impression that we were head-butting, but perhaps we'll have to agree to disagree.
Getting back to the first point, I stand behind what I wrote. A Maglite isn't different from other objects mounted on a bike in a physical sense. Again; it has no physical characteristics that significantly differentiate it from other objects, i.e. its mass doesn't really deviate (a neutron star's mass does), to use one example. That is not my opinion, but a fact of physics.
I wasn't making a blanket statement about all available fasteners. That would be risky, there's a lot of stuff on the market which isn't
exactly optimal. Again; if mounted correctly, an object of standard mass will not pose a threat in the event of a collision. By standard mass I mean normal lights etc., not something like surf boards, which
some people I know of mount on their bikes (no joke).
In the event of an extreme collision, say a head-on collision, look at
accident statistics. You don't need to worry nearly as much about the
mass of smaller objects, i.e. lights, as about the mass of large objects, i.e. the other bike rider, the other car, etc. That is not my
opinion, but a fact of physics.
Second point; we were talking about the costs of batteries and rechargeable batteries, not about warranties. I've used rechargeable batteries in my Maglites for years with nary a problem. Voiding the warranty doesn't matter to me in the least, YMMV. You are correct that
voiding the warranty could be a deal-breaker to someone to whom this aspect is important.
Last point; you're still not signing off per CR rules, Dale did post a
notice.
Greets
Kai Hilbertz Munich, Germany
On 14.01.2009, at 07:50, Clint Bradford wrote:
> Good day. Sorry that it seems we've butted heads ...
>
>> First point; a Maglite is no different in a physical sense from any
>> other object mounted on a bike.
>
> I totally disagree with you. An aluminum-body MagLite fastened with
> some of the available metal clamp/brackets to a handlebar is a
> hazard. A plastic-shell bicycle lamp mounted with a nylon bracket is
> going to break away under extreme impact.
>
>
>> 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.
>
>
> The use of rechargeable batteries in a MagLite VOIDS YOUR WARRANTY.
> The use of anything other than alkaline batteries VOIDS YOUR
> WARRANTY. (Source: MagLite Web site.)
>
> Clint Bradford
>> 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