Bicycle light for traveling - good all-around torch

Ah you use the film canister as a diffuser! Now I get it. Thanks for the tip on fog/rain I’d need to experience that, no way I could imagine it.

Yes 100-120m should be is enough throw. That’s why I was curious about the s2, from what I have read and seen it’s more of a thrower; not dedicated, but a thrower nevertheless. For example, I have a Varta/Rayovac Indestructible that is completely useless for the application, the beam is too focused

The S2+ with narrow TIR has a bigger beam than the reflector versions. This is because the TIR collects more of the light that would be just spill and puts it in the beam. So the beam itself is wider, but the spill directly from the LED is more narrow than a reflector light. There are also wider beam TIRs and elliptical beam TIRs made for biking.

It’s hard to talk about the narrowness of beams without comparing to lights known by both parties, but I measured the beam size of mine to be ~1.2m at 4m distance. The beam is perfect, IMO, for riding quickly on not-so-well maintained asphalt roads. Mine has a FET driver and does 20Kcd on full. I find that about 30-40% of that intensity is bright enough to comfortably ride quickly.

Here is a pic comparing the narrow TIR with XPL HI (left) with the S2 SMO reflector with XPL HI (right).

Ok the TIR one is clearly better but still both look too focused compared to a cheap zooming xml clone I have around

I’ll try to get comparison shots tomorrow, the only place I can do that is the bedroom and the wife will kill me if I wake her up for that :face_with_monocle:
That clone though, fully zoomed out, would give a ~2m diameter from 1.5m distance…

Not sure about S2, but Convoy S2+ is definitely a flood, not a thrower.

As far as lights that take 3xAAA as well as 18650, there is Anker LC40; however, you’ll only get about 250 lumens out of it when using AAA batteries (400 lm when using 18650). It’s got a fairly pronounced center spot, but decent amount of spill as well.

Uhh, no. Not sure about the S2 specifically, but the S2+ is definitely NOT a thrower. It’s a nice smooth floody beam which is great for close-in work, lighting up the walking-path in front of you, etc., but not for looking way down a trail to see what’s 100m out or even 50m out.

The lights I mentioned, and any decent P90 or P90ish light will have a nice hotspot for seeing far out, as well as enough spill to see what’s up close.

My own idea for a custom-built bike light would be to have at least 2 emitters, with TIR lenses, one “highbeam” and one “lowbeam”. A nice floody lowbeam for seeing up-close, and a nice throwy highbeam for distance. I’d rather go for 4 emitters, 2+2, for redundancy and switchable for “city” vs “dark”.

Well, EasyB above has a shot with an S2 creating a 1.2m diameter from 4m. Compared with my cheap zoomer that creates a 2m diameter from 1.5m I’d say it’s more of a thrower than flooder. I’m not sure I’d feel comfortable with that amount of flood. Is s2+ that much different?

The varta/rayovac indestructible on the other hand from 1.5m creates a hotspot of ~22cm and a (barely) visible circle of 1.2m. I definitely would want to use that

It’s a MOP reflector, so there’s no real distinct hotspot to speak of. But it’s definitely floody. Short of an aspheric, it’s the nicest flood-beam I’ve seen in a while.

Well, of course it will be less floody than a zoomie in mule-mode. :wink:

Only you can decide if a beam is wide or bright enough for your riding. But you can’t have a beam be both wide and intense unless you increase your total lumen output. For instance, your zoomie in flood mode will probably not be intense enough for fast riding.

I see. I also come across a polish forum with photos from almost the rider’s position. Indeed it looks alright, even too bright at 500lm. I have the S2+ 4c version it in the basket along with the 18350 conversion tube. But I’m still undecided, what if I run out of batteries? It won’t be possible to just buy, I’ll have to find a way to charge :person_facepalming:

Anyway, in the meanwhile what type of mount would you suggest? That should be easier to get out of the way. Velcro, fixed or elastic

The velcro one. I use this kind and it works great for S2 sized lights.

If you really want 3xAAA compatibility there is probably a suitable host available, but it would be a gamble whether it was a quality host, you would almost definitely need to mod it to make it suitable as far as modes and brightness, and the stock reflector would probably be a bit bigger in diameter which really might make the beam too narrow for biking.

Here are a few possibilities that are at least close to the right size.
https://www.fasttech.com/products/1601/10005701/4129505-singfire-sf-345-led-flashlight
https://www.fasttech.com/products/1601/10014338/6014600-1-led-3-mode-1300lm-diving-led-flashlight
https://www.fasttech.com/products/1601/10019443/4078502-samsun-bk31-led-flashlight-gift-set

There are small USB Li ion chargers around that are pretty convenient for travel. Like the Liitokala li-100.

Thanks. I have the liitokala li-202. I like that it also doubles as a power bank.

I saw that SingFire, there’s also an ultrafire that uses this host, it comes without the 3xAAA holster and a Q5. C13 I think is the actual model name but couldn’t find much info about it other than it’s modable

The link is here -> https://www.fasttech.com/product/1282903
I’ll try asking for some info on it there

I think I’ll go for the s2+ AMC7135*4 T6-4C. I need something dependable and cheap and that seems to fill that role but fall short on battery options. For that I’ll also get a UINFIRE B68 that runs on a single AA for those times. Sometime in the future I’ll probably get that nice boruit headlamp but not right now. The total cost is about $6 less than TK737 which isn’t that much of a difference, but I’ll save some weight and bulk in daily transportation and end up with two torches that are more easily modable, at least for a beginner.

Any objections?

I’d like to also order a TIR to try but I know nothing about lenses. What type should I get and what diameter? I’ll order the rest from FT, the prices are very good so ideally I’ll get the lens from there too

I haven’t looked at TIRs from fasttech, but ones around 20mm should fit. Go with the narrow beam variety. I have gotten mine from leddna.com.

These probably should work. You’ll have to remove the white plastic housing it comes with, and sometimes you have to get creative with the centering ring/spacer.
https://m.fasttech.com/products/1606/10007055/1574902-21-2-12-6mm-pmma-optical-lens-for-cree-xm-l-t5-t6

S2+ is a great all-around light. Note that if you get one with a domed LED, rather than an XPL HI, it will have less throw and a wider beam. I personally would go with more current than the 4x7135, but 1.4A is probably enough for most uses.

You can order every angle TIR from leddna for sub $4. Once the weather breaks I’ll see which I prefer for night riding on the local trail with my 8x7135 S2+.
It’s a very subjective topic, people praise floody headlamps and others praise far throwers. It’s really about what you want and prefer.

Why pick narrow beam lens? If anything I’d like it a bit more flooder than the comparison photo you provided above …or at least I think so, I’ll know for sure when I actually use it. I was thinking more like 45 degrees or perhaps something like that http://www.leddna.com/20mm-elliptical-spot-lens-optic-30-x60-for-cree-xhp50-xml2-xm-l-led/ (thanks for suggesting ledna)

Where do you get an s2+ with XP-L I see only XM-L2 even on the official shop. I mainly picked 1400mA for longer runtimes. Oh btw these are regulated right?

You could try this Fenix
I fellow I ride with uses it and claims it is great. Although it won’t work on your helmet.

Well you can try different TIR beam sizes; they are cheap and interchangeable. Personally I felt like I needed more throw to ride fast with my S2. The narrow TIR was a good improvement over the stock S2 orange peal reflector. Similar beam size but quite a bit more throw.

Not sure where to get a XPL S2+. You can always switch the emitter later if you want.

Yes it would be current regulated.

Almost every led bike light is blinding for oncoming trafic because there is no “cut of” of the beam, that is why they are prohibited in Germany (and most other country’s).
That is why i use a Busch & Muller Lumotec IQ-X as “low beam” on my bicycle (powered by the hub dynamo). http://en.bumm.de/products/dynamo-headlights/lumotec-iq-x.html
It is not super bright, but lights up the road more than enough.
For the dark roads with no oncoming trafic is use a Convoy C8 with XPL HI led (together with the Lumotec IQ-X). https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Convoy-C8-with-XPL-HI-LED/32651190452.html?spm=2114.13010608.0.0.Up879t

I also have one of these at the front of the bike (white version) https://www.aliexpress.com/item/USB-Rechargeable-Rear-Mountain-Bike-Tail-Light-Taillight-Rain-Water-Proof-COB-Bright-Cycling-Bicycle-Lamp/32656254503.html?spm=2114.13010608.0.0.LjetqA and this one at the back https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Cycling-Usb-Rechargeable-Led-Rear-Bicycle-Front-Light-Outdoor-MTB-Warning-Lamp-at-Night-Shockproof-Waterproof/32635357128.html?spm=2114.13010608.0.0.LjetqA .

I want to be seen on the road, i don’t like being run over by a car or truck on the way to work… (i also use a reflective vest)

Sorry, cant help very much
If you go 25-30km/h what are ~7-8.3 m/s then how far you want to see? I read from somewhere some calculations, but cant remember anymore. Must say, that I ride ~20+ km/h and it are so-so throw with my Cree XM-L T6-4C 523-Lumen 1400mA (4×7135) S2+ type flashlight (actualy Roche F12). It are ~1h runtime. Read that maybe Convoy M1 may be better choice for riding than S2.
My first “ride” flashlight was UltraFire WF-501B from dx (bought it ~2011 so how much it same). It was better throw and ~1h runtime too. I put some folium between reflector and host inside for better cooling. If you ride, cooling will be bretty good anyway.

Fellow biker here (generally mountain biking now, but I’ve done some backpacking trips). Maybe some of what I’ve sorted through can help. I also own a Convoy 2.1A S2 and some Convoy M1’s (built for helmet use). I’ve posted some beamshots comparing some of the typical optics beams. I’ve also tested some diffusion techniques (though don’t trust the lux comparisons so much - that’s before I built my sphere).

From my limited experience I’d say in this order choose a headlight, then a headlight, then a headlight :slight_smile: . Seriously, the headlight will be worth it’s weight in gold when you need both hands. Go neutral white (4000 to 4200k my personal preference) whenever possible; while biking you’ll get less glare and be able to see details such as rocks, roots, etc. . . much better. I’d also recommend quality lights. The Convoy’s are a value that is extremely hard to beat. Problem with Convoy’s has been the usual stock “2 group” driver which has that annoying flash in low mode and is too easily accidentally changed into the group with flashy modes.

I do like your idea of using a flood-to-throw light. You’re never going to beat the wide flood of a zoom light with a reflector based or TIR based light. It’s versatile too. I would look at the cheap Warsun X65 (I have one which hasn’t been used much) which takes 3*AA’s * not 3AAA’s like listed at Banggood. AA’s will give a huge runtime increase over AAA’s, though at the expense of weight and size (that Warsun is very large).

On my trip (not that long of a trip) I fretted too much about being able to get batteries on the go. In reality the numerous 18650’s I carried (in cases) were way more than enough for me. I’d say carry more cells and buy some good high capacity ones to get the most runtime.

I agree with the post above, you need more throw for riding with speed. The S2 would be sufficient at slow speeds, but I’d step up to an M1 for faster rides. I’d say the M1 has enough spill for rides on road or path, a bit too dim of spill for me on singletrack in the woods though. See this thread on my 2 Convoy M1’s (XP-G2 @ 2.1A vs. XM-L2 @ 3.04A). I’ve since reflashed the drivers to boost low mode up to 30% (or was it 35?), but it’s still 2 mode, always starts in low. Surprisingly 30 (or 35, whichever it is now) isn’t that much different in actual use from 100, but has much much more runtime.

-Garry