Not quite a budget light but my Fenix BC30 is damn near perfect for me. The beam pattern is very good, floody and has a decent spot. Supposedly it optimized to not point into other drivers eyes. You can easily dismount it off your bike and it even has a remote for a “burst” mode. It’s nice when you want a bit more distance and for a short period of time. Plus the neutral color is nice.
Not quite a budget light but my Fenix BC30 is damn near perfect for me. The beam pattern is very good, floody and has a decent spot. Supposedly it optimized to not point into other drivers eyes. You can easily dismount it off your bike and it even has a remote for a “burst” mode. It’s nice when you want a bit more distance and for a short period of time. Plus the neutral color is nice.
I just bought an Indigo 5 light. It’s a 26650, but specifically designed for cycling with a 3000k 90cri mtg2 emiter for a large hotspot and large spill. Build quality is impecable.
Currently on sale too!
Pavlo that’s an interesting light. Does it come with a mount? 130 bucks not too shabby. I’ll consider it. Thank you! ☺ http://indigo.lighting/shop/lights/indigo5
Yes, comes with a basic mount and I also purchased the mtb mount for a more secure setup. It uses a boost driver to run the higher voltage emiter off only 1 cell. What is quite unique about the light unlike most other lights is that all modes are fully regulated, so high at 1000 lumens will not step down unless the battery can no longer sustain it. Most lights show off powerful lumens but can’t sustain the output for more than a couple of minutes. The warmer and high CRI tint is very similar to car halogen headlights, best for reducing glare and adding superior definition and clarity on the road. The heart pulse feature is great for city commuting.
I haven’t used mine very much yet, but so far very impressed. The 26650 cell strikes a great balance of longer battery life and still keep the light relatively compact.
I have also owned and used the Fenix BC30r flashlight. Also a great option, but not cheaper and lower color rendering, as well as integrated batteries which is a downside.
Once I have some free time, will try and post a review of the Indigo on BLF.
That’s cool. I’ll have to read or watch your review. If you could PM me or post the link to the review in here that would be awesome! I don’t like the sudden step down. It startles me sometimes idk why.
I was reading up about the indigo that it also has something on it to help keep the light out of oncoming traffics eyes which is neat.
I’ve been using a modded C8s with OP reflector which works well but it doesn’t spill enough or light enough.
I have a monsterflashlight (that’s the brand) that is pretty much a knockoff ultrafire 501b flashlight. If you’re curious I ordered the flashlight from monsterflashlight.com and it is under the budget light area.
350 lumen claimed. 5 modes. Was my first light. It’s all twitchy now. Tried cleaning it and it still does twitch. Pretty old too. But yeah…… oh yeah I used to use that light. That’s why I brought it up. Not bright enough.
My hybrid bike is a Giant brand (I can’t quite remember the exact model at this moment) and the handlebars aren’t aren’t circle like on them bikes you’d get at a Walmart or target.
They are more oval and change thickness from the center to the grips. That’s why I got the Twofish mount. The mounts from amazon or even at the bike shop wouldn’t fit the handles.
Other than the Indigo, does anyone know of any good mounts that will fit different shaped handlebars? That one that came with my old Thorfire C8 is crap (it came with a cell, the mount and charger. Charger also crap).
jacktheclipper I have the same mount and sometimes use a stock C8s. About an hour runtime on high mode.
I also do the same when in town. I got the twofish because I was reading on BLF I think about how much better it is than them cheap plastic ones off amazon. Very sturdy mount. Was just curious what others were using.
Do you use protected cells? I use NCR18650B cells protected in my stock C8s lights. Cells often get stuck.
But it works.
If you like the idea of a floody TIR beam, but don’t like the idea of blinding drivers, you can get elliptical TIRs that will give you a wide but short beam and angle it slightly downwards. These aren’t available for the Astrolux S41, but you can find them for lights that use standard Carclo optics or even most reflectors.
If you like the idea of a floody TIR beam, but don’t like the idea of blinding drivers, you can get elliptical TIRs that will give you a wide but short beam and angle it slightly downwards. These aren’t available for the Astrolux S41, but you can find them for lights that use standard Carclo optics or even most reflectors.
Lights like the S41 that have multiple emitters use a TIR, a plastic lens that uses the principle of Total Internal Reflection, instead of a normal reflector to focus the beam. Another common option is the Jaxman E2L, the Emisar D4, a custom built Convoy S2+ Triple, etc.
If you like the idea of a floody TIR beam, but don’t like the idea of blinding drivers, you can get elliptical TIRs that will give you a wide but short beam and angle it slightly downwards. These aren’t available for the Astrolux S41, but you can find them for lights that use standard Carclo optics or even most reflectors.
I find the KDIY 5Ks with a XHP50.2 5000K LED and single 26650 to be quite nice. I get about 1,5 hour at 2000+ lumen with a 6000mah keeppower cell. It’s also available in 6500K and 3000K colour temperature, and it’s cheap.
Two UltraTac s20’s and two Olight bike flashlight holders.
Works great for me.
Probably could go with the Nitenumen they are talking about at the link below too. Many modes probably matter less for bike lights. I probably would have gone with these at this $17 price had I not already had the S20s.
I also use a Zebralight on my helmet, and I use a Fenix BC30 Bike light on one bike (2×18650), and a Klarus G20 (1×26650) on another just because I had a spare. I’m not sure if the G20 fits in a twofish mount or not, I have a couple somewhere, but I remember they did support quite a big light. If you’re off road a Fenix TK35 would probably be wonderful, but maybe just a bit much, and I think I would want to secure it with more than a two fish mount.
What do you use to mount your Klaus G20?
I use a custom bracket and some hose clamps. long story though. It’s not very heavy, so I think a twofish mount would work on the G20 quite nicely. I was saying it might not be quite enough for a TK35 though. I’d have to estimate the battery live of the G20 at maybe 2 hours average and up-to 4 depending on how I’m using it. I never run it full turbo most for more that a minute I would say. It’s been long enough for me, when I’m using that one it is often very dark.
I also use a Zebralight on my helmet, and I use a Fenix BC30 Bike light on one bike (2×18650), and a Klarus G20 (1×26650) on another just because I had a spare. I’m not sure if the G20 fits in a twofish mount or not, I have a couple somewhere, but I remember they did support quite a big light. If you’re off road a Fenix TK35 would probably be wonderful, but maybe just a bit much, and I think I would want to secure it with more than a two fish mount.
What do you use to mount your Klaus G20?
I use a custom bracket and some hose clamps. long story though. It’s not very heavy, so I think a twofish mount would work on the G20 quite nicely. I was saying it might not be quite enough for a TK35 though. I’d have to estimate the battery live of the G20 at maybe 2 hours average and up-to 4 depending on how I’m using it. I never run it full turbo most for more that a minute I would say. It’s been long enough for me, when I’m using that one it is often very dark.
I often ride at around 2am cuz i can never sleep and riding my bike on trails and on the back roads helps relax my mind or body for some reason. No street lights at all so I’d need or want some decent light. Wouldn’t need to use the G20 on turbo at all though.
I really like the Q8 for bike riding. I rarely ride on roads to worry about blinding drivers though. My C8.2 and BLF A6 are also great bike lights. The A6 on mode 4 of 7 is around 230 lumens and enough for anything I do. I pack extra lights always but never had any die on 2 hour+ rides.
The less light in the area you’re riding the less light you need. Pitch black is ideal for me.
The less light in the area you’re riding the less light you need. Pitch black is ideal for me.
I find the worst time of night is about 0.5 hours after sunset or before sunrise. Sky is bright which keeps your pupils small, and the ground is dark so you can’t see a thing. Even 1000 lumens doesn’t help much at that time of night.
When dark, I generally like between 200-600 lumens. 600 is more fun, but you’re right that it probably doesn’t help much more than 200. When going through unknown forest trails, I’ll bump it up to 1000+ lumens, but that’s probably just because I’m a wuss so I want to see well ahead of me and around me to the sides.
I haven’t felt the need to use anything brighter than what a 1×18650 light with a single emitter can provide.
I really like the Q8 for bike riding. I rarely ride on roads to worry about blinding drivers though. My C8.2 and BLF A6 are also great bike lights. The A6 on mode 4 of 7 is around 230 lumens and enough for anything I do. I pack extra lights always but never had any die on 2 hour+ rides.
The less light in the area you’re riding the less light you need. Pitch black is ideal for me.
Agreed about less light needed for darker areas. My Q8 I have no idea how I’d mount that to my bike or helmet. I’m sure I could figure out a way for the trails. I just think I’d blind the drivers maybe with that much light if I happen to end up on the road. How does the A6 compare to the Thorfire VG10s? I have the VG10s.
Two UltraTac s20’s and two Olight bike flashlight holders.
Works great for me.
Probably could go with the Nitenumen they are talking about at the link below too. Many modes probably matter less for bike lights. I probably would have gone with these at this $17 price had I not already had the S20s.
How do those S20s compare to those Nitenumen? I read up on those and I’m not crazy about the UI that they come with.
Also any idea how them Olight mounts compare to the Twofish mounts?
Not quite a budget light but my Fenix BC30 is damn near perfect for me. The beam pattern is very good, floody and has a decent spot. Supposedly it optimized to not point into other drivers eyes. You can easily dismount it off your bike and it even has a remote for a “burst” mode. It’s nice when you want a bit more distance and for a short period of time. Plus the neutral color is nice.
My friend has that light and it is very nice! Like you said though, not very budget friendly. I was gonna get it before I was given a thorfire bike light kit. Works well for my mountain bike but it does move up and down on the rough trails.
How do those S20s compare to those Nitenumen? I read up on those and I’m not crazy about the UI that they come with.
Also any idea how them Olight mounts compare to the Twofish mounts?
I couldn’t resist and got the Nitenumen too. Arrived today. Just in the basement it doesn’t look as bright as the S20s. But one review says it has a longer runtime so it’s probably dialed back some relatively. I got it for the trifecta as seen in the picture below. It has a smooth surface and will be the “throw” torch for the bike to try and catch potholes and roughroad early. Not as precise a spot as I was hoping but it will do. Being that they are all for my bike the UI is pretty moot for me personally. I just turn them on once and ride and then shut them off so it’s not so much a bother. The Nitenumen has 5 mode to go through every time so no way would I use that for an EDC. S20’s I could live with. But I do like the way the Nitenumen feels in hand; good EDC ergonomics.
My third Olight bike mount is coming tomorrow. They are simple, small, and great. Barely any movement. Never had a problem. I have only used them with these compact 18650s lights so I can’t speak for bigger lights. Tried all kinds of different ones and the Olight are the best. Never tried a twofish though.
I really like the Q8 for bike riding. I rarely ride on roads to worry about blinding drivers though. My C8.2 and BLF A6 are also great bike lights. The A6 on mode 4 of 7 is around 230 lumens and enough for anything I do. I pack extra lights always but never had any die on 2 hour+ rides.
The less light in the area you’re riding the less light you need. Pitch black is ideal for me.
Some 3/4 and 2in conduit hanger bolted together with a locknut. 1 1/2in would work better for the Q8’s size. Old bike inner tube used to not mar the bike frame or light. Would recommend a hanging or sideways orientation so you don’t throw off the center of balance. I can’t say that I notice it the way it is. If you’re trying to ride offroad I’d recommend putting something together using Truss Clamps.
Here it is with the MF01 mounted below and C8.2 on top.(only the MF01 is on)
Some 3/4 and 2in conduit hanger bolted together with a locknut. 1 1/2in would work better for the Q8’s size. Old bike inner tube used to not mar the bike frame or light. Would recommend a hanging or sideways orientation so you don’t throw off the center of balance. I can’t say that I notice it the way it is. If you’re trying to ride offroad I’d recommend putting something together using Truss Clamps.
Planning on riding re-purposed rail trail with a MT07, that’s probably going to slip. Thanks for posting though.
Once the ice age ends up here I’m going to try using an aluminum go pro mount bolted to the tube of a bar extender, one of the ones that have an aluminum clamp on both sides of the stem. Then thread a metal camera stud to go pro adapter into the light. The plan is to rest the back half of the light on top of the stem with some padding and snug it down with a velcro strap.
Not quite a budget light but my Fenix BC30 is damn near perfect for me. The beam pattern is very good, floody and has a decent spot. Supposedly it optimized to not point into other drivers eyes. You can easily dismount it off your bike and it even has a remote for a “burst” mode. It’s nice when you want a bit more distance and for a short period of time. Plus the neutral color is nice.
+1
Paul-
That’s a good idea for the phone
Mike
That’s cool. I’ll have to read or watch your review. If you could PM me or post the link to the review in here that would be awesome! I don’t like the sudden step down. It startles me sometimes idk why.
I was reading up about the indigo that it also has something on it to help keep the light out of oncoming traffics eyes which is neat.
I’ve been using a modded C8s with OP reflector which works well but it doesn’t spill enough or light enough.
I have a monsterflashlight (that’s the brand) that is pretty much a knockoff ultrafire 501b flashlight. If you’re curious I ordered the flashlight from monsterflashlight.com and it is under the budget light area.
350 lumen claimed. 5 modes. Was my first light. It’s all twitchy now. Tried cleaning it and it still does twitch. Pretty old too. But yeah…… oh yeah I used to use that light. That’s why I brought it up. Not bright enough.
Mike
My hybrid bike is a Giant brand (I can’t quite remember the exact model at this moment) and the handlebars aren’t aren’t circle like on them bikes you’d get at a Walmart or target.
They are more oval and change thickness from the center to the grips. That’s why I got the Twofish mount. The mounts from amazon or even at the bike shop wouldn’t fit the handles.
Other than the Indigo, does anyone know of any good mounts that will fit different shaped handlebars? That one that came with my old Thorfire C8 is crap (it came with a cell, the mount and charger. Charger also crap).
Thanks
Mike
I use a CycleBlock by TwoFish to secure a single mode C8 with a neutral emitter and a DC-Fixed lens .
It doesn’t shift modes when going over rough terrain .
I aim the light down in town and aim it higher out in the country .
I usually get an hour and twenty minutes of runtime with a Panasonic B .
What I do
jacktheclipper I have the same mount and sometimes use a stock C8s. About an hour runtime on high mode.
I also do the same when in town. I got the twofish because I was reading on BLF I think about how much better it is than them cheap plastic ones off amazon. Very sturdy mount. Was just curious what others were using.
Do you use protected cells? I use NCR18650B cells protected in my stock C8s lights. Cells often get stuck.
But it works.
Mike
If you like the idea of a floody TIR beam, but don’t like the idea of blinding drivers, you can get elliptical TIRs that will give you a wide but short beam and angle it slightly downwards. These aren’t available for the Astrolux S41, but you can find them for lights that use standard Carclo optics or even most reflectors.
Find all my reviews of flashlights and more gear at www.bmengineer.com
What’s a TIR beam? Carclo?
Mike
Lights like the S41 that have multiple emitters use a TIR, a plastic lens that uses the principle of Total Internal Reflection, instead of a normal reflector to focus the beam. Another common option is the Jaxman E2L, the Emisar D4, a custom built Convoy S2+ Triple, etc.
Find all my reviews of flashlights and more gear at www.bmengineer.com
Ok thank you for clearing that up for me. I’ll check them out
Mike
I have tried the plastic elliptical inserts for my C8 , but found the shard-like artifacts distracting .
I like the beam profile DC-Fix gives me because I don’t like a blinding hotspot , particularly when it.s aimed down .
What I do
This sounds like a winner. Intriguing…
Any links?
Interested in which insert you used for C8. Link or model number?
Thanks!
Sure, sorry. I just hate formatting links on BLF. Here is an elliptical triple optic that would work in a triple light such as the Jaxman E2L .
You can also find similar TIRs for single emitter lights that should work in any 1” tube light with a bit of luck.
This Reddit post should give you an idea of the beam patterns that various TIRs, including the elliptical options, can give you.
I’m putting my foot in my mouth a bit now because I can’t seem to find any elliptical optics for quad emitter lights, sorry.
Find all my reviews of flashlights and more gear at www.bmengineer.com
I find the KDIY 5Ks with a XHP50.2 5000K LED and single 26650 to be quite nice. I get about 1,5 hour at 2000+ lumen with a 6000mah keeppower cell. It’s also available in 6500K and 3000K colour temperature, and it’s cheap.
Two UltraTac s20’s and two Olight bike flashlight holders.
Works great for me.
Probably could go with the Nitenumen they are talking about at the link below too. Many modes probably matter less for bike lights. I probably would have gone with these at this $17 price had I not already had the S20s.
http://budgetlightforum.com/node/60086
I use a custom bracket and some hose clamps. long story though. It’s not very heavy, so I think a twofish mount would work on the G20 quite nicely. I was saying it might not be quite enough for a TK35 though. I’d have to estimate the battery live of the G20 at maybe 2 hours average and up-to 4 depending on how I’m using it. I never run it full turbo most for more that a minute I would say. It’s been long enough for me, when I’m using that one it is often very dark.
I often ride at around 2am cuz i can never sleep and riding my bike on trails and on the back roads helps relax my mind or body for some reason. No street lights at all so I’d need or want some decent light. Wouldn’t need to use the G20 on turbo at all though.
Mike
I really like the Q8 for bike riding. I rarely ride on roads to worry about blinding drivers though. My C8.2 and BLF A6 are also great bike lights. The A6 on mode 4 of 7 is around 230 lumens and enough for anything I do. I pack extra lights always but never had any die on 2 hour+ rides.
The less light in the area you’re riding the less light you need. Pitch black is ideal for me.
I find the worst time of night is about 0.5 hours after sunset or before sunrise. Sky is bright which keeps your pupils small, and the ground is dark so you can’t see a thing. Even 1000 lumens doesn’t help much at that time of night.
When dark, I generally like between 200-600 lumens. 600 is more fun, but you’re right that it probably doesn’t help much more than 200. When going through unknown forest trails, I’ll bump it up to 1000+ lumens, but that’s probably just because I’m a wuss so I want to see well ahead of me and around me to the sides.
I haven’t felt the need to use anything brighter than what a 1×18650 light with a single emitter can provide.
A BLF Q8 would be fun, but way overkill IMO.
Agreed
Mike
How do those S20s compare to those Nitenumen? I read up on those and I’m not crazy about the UI that they come with.
Also any idea how them Olight mounts compare to the Twofish mounts?
Mike
My friend has that light and it is very nice! Like you said though, not very budget friendly. I was gonna get it before I was given a thorfire bike light kit. Works well for my mountain bike but it does move up and down on the rough trails.
Mike
Thanks! I have never used any of these. I might have to do some playing.
I couldn’t resist and got the Nitenumen too. Arrived today. Just in the basement it doesn’t look as bright as the S20s. But one review says it has a longer runtime so it’s probably dialed back some relatively. I got it for the trifecta as seen in the picture below. It has a smooth surface and will be the “throw” torch for the bike to try and catch potholes and roughroad early. Not as precise a spot as I was hoping but it will do. Being that they are all for my bike the UI is pretty moot for me personally. I just turn them on once and ride and then shut them off so it’s not so much a bother. The Nitenumen has 5 mode to go through every time so no way would I use that for an EDC. S20’s I could live with. But I do like the way the Nitenumen feels in hand; good EDC ergonomics.
My third Olight bike mount is coming tomorrow. They are simple, small, and great. Barely any movement. Never had a problem. I have only used them with these compact 18650s lights so I can’t speak for bigger lights. Tried all kinds of different ones and the Olight are the best. Never tried a twofish though.
How do you mount the Q8?
Some 3/4 and 2in conduit hanger bolted together with a locknut. 1 1/2in would work better for the Q8’s size. Old bike inner tube used to not mar the bike frame or light. Would recommend a hanging or sideways orientation so you don’t throw off the center of balance. I can’t say that I notice it the way it is. If you’re trying to ride offroad I’d recommend putting something together using Truss Clamps.
Here it is with the MF01 mounted below and C8.2 on top.(only the MF01 is on)
I’ve seen C8.2 quite a bit on here. What is that? Or what does that mean?
Thanks
Mike
Mike
Planning on riding re-purposed rail trail with a MT07, that’s probably going to slip. Thanks for posting though.
Once the ice age ends up here I’m going to try using an aluminum go pro mount bolted to the tube of a bar extender, one of the ones that have an aluminum clamp on both sides of the stem. Then thread a metal camera stud to go pro adapter into the light. The plan is to rest the back half of the light on top of the stem with some padding and snug it down with a velcro strap.
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