Cygolite 350 Lumen USB Rechargeable Headlight
I purchased this light based on the reviews here. Out of all the other comparable lights, this one seemed to be the best value. The light itself is very well constructed and feels solid in your hands. The light is very bright just as advertised and 350 lumen equates to bright enough to light up the path in front of you on a dark road. If you plan on cycling faster than 20-25 mph, you should consider a much brighter light.
The only problems I found with the light itself was that the charging status indicator wasn't visible or working but I know that the charger and usb cable was functional after testing it with another usb rechargeable bike flashlight. I contacted Cygolite customer service via email about this and they responded within a day. I was told "The charging indicator is located underneath the blue power button on the top power button. Please note that it might be a little hard to see because of the blue button." This turned out to be the case. In a lighted room or in bright light, I couldn't see the status indicator. However when I looked closely or when I turned off the room light, I was able to see the charging light indicator.
Now on the only other problem I initially experienced. My handlebar likes most MTB bars get thicker in the middle where it connects to the stem. The part either side of the stem is too large for the included shims of the mount. When I removed the shims and only installed the rubber grip cushion, my bars where slightly too small at the maximum tightness of the mount. So I found a thin piece of left over rubber shims from my grab bag of reflectors and other mountable bike accessories and voila. I was able to install the mount and it held securely in place. So what I initially thought was a problem with the mount screw being stripped wasn't and all turned out very well. This is a great product and I would recommend this to my cycling friends.
BalasHapusI purchased this light after struggling to see potholes and other road debris at night with my old light and I couldn't be happier. Running over stuff with a road bike tire (or into a pothole) turns my stomach every time, and this light casts a beam far enough I can easily avoid stuff even when cycling over 20mph. I know, most people get a light so cars can see them, and this does that too, but if you're a road cyclist where the roads are crappy (like here in Southern California) this is a must-have. Easy mounting with multiple hardware options, lightweight, easy to slide off if you're running into the store real quick, and USB CHARGING!!!! Happy cyclist!
BalasHapusStop your search for a bike light and just buy this one. It's perfect. Previously, I had been using two headlights at once (a Planet Bike 2 Watt Blaze and a Bell Lumina) which works good but with the Cygolite you only need one light and it's totally worth the $80.. The brightest setting is actually too bright. I can't imagine a situation where you would need a light that bright. When you turn on the light it defaults to the second brightest setting which makes sense because this is the one you'll use when it's totally dark. As the sun comes up I switch to the next lowest setting. The flashing mode is great for dawn and dusk but be warned it's quite bright and you may severely annoy approaching motorists (which isn't necessarily a bad thing). To change levels you just click the big (and only) button conveniently located on the top of the light. To turn the light on or off you just hold this button down. The mount on this light is fantastic. I much prefer the thumb screw that this uses as opposed to the mount other lights use. In fact that was a selling point for me on this light and it's why I chose it over the NiteRider MiNewt 350. You can get the light on the bike nice and tight. Another nice feature is that the light can tilt up or down. This light is rechargeable which is the way to go. As long as you always have have a full charge you know you'll have a bright light. But make sure you charge it regularly because when it runs out of juice it shuts off. The battery is also simple to remove. The light feels solid and it's withstood a light rain. I'm going to buy another mount so that I can use this light on more than one bike.
BalasHapusI got this light to use during daytime rush hours. I use the flashing mode and it's super bright - the drivers can't miss you. The USB charger is really easy. Yeah this is kind of pricey but I think it's totally worth it.
BalasHapusI do most of my bicycle riding before dawn and I've always had a blinking light for the rear of my bike, but recently considered a light for the front. Was concerned about size and weight and decided to give the Cygolite ExpiliOn 350 a try. The light has a very nice mounting system and I chose to mount the light under the handlebar. It's size does not reflect the amount of light this little light can produce. After an initial alignment, I only used the light on the lowest of the intensities and have a very good field of vision provided. Not sure if I like the blinking selection, but again, the 350 lumens provides more than enough to be able to see where you're going. I haven't had to recharge the unit yet, but it does come with a USB connection for charging. Approximately 90 minutes of use on the charge from the factory, and we're still going strong. Great value and superb performance from a small and compact light!!
BalasHapusWhat a great light. It is very bright for road use and commuting. While on a bike path an oncoming cyclist actually pulled over and stopped to let me go by and commented that my light was paralyzing. It wasn't even on the brightest setting or aimed up. I feel very safe on the road with it, especially when using the flash setting in the daytime. I paired it with a PBW Danger Zone for the rear light. I love riding at night now.
BalasHapusIt's amazing how far bike lighting has come. Every few months, they get lighter, brighter, and more compact. IMO, this light is the best deal going for ~$100 bones. Battery life seems accurate to specs, and it's pleny bright for urban stuff. And the mounting system is very convenient.
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BalasHapusI haven't used this light outside yet sinces it COLD out but here is a video to show how bright it is in the hallway. I go through the different modes, high, med, lo, super bright (of which i cant tell a difference from high), and blink. I am happy with the brightness.. I will go riding outside in a couple days and update this.
Mounting: Easy. If you have standard bars you just pop on the included pieces and it will fit snug. There is also a flexible rubber piece with sticky on one side you can add for more cush and stabilization. Place the sticky side on the mount, not your bike. You can swap this to different bikes easily if needed.
Im not a huge fan of the little "button" "clip" thing you press to release it from the mount. It seems strong but i cant help thinking it will break with repeated removal of the light since its plastic but its not a deal breaker.
update: I do think the light is plenty bright enough for riding around. I would probably want something bigger and brighter if i was going high speed in really dark unfamiliar areas- but i dont so im fine.