Flashlights for bike are needed

[GraceBluce]

Hi, everyone, I love cycling. Now, my old flashlight is broken, and want to get a new one. I check some flahslights sites online, such as sure fire, fenix,streamlight, Tank007 flashlight, etc. but do not know which one to buy now. I found the flashlights are all similar, but the prices are different. So, do you guys know what kind of flashlights are good for cycling?

[John Nelson]

First, you have to decide whether you need a "see" headlight or a "be seen" headlight. Then you need to decide how long you need it to run. Is this for an hour commute or a month tour? Then you need to establish your budget. Do you have $200 to spend or $10 to spend?

[DaveB]

How much light do you need and for how long at a time and for what use?   

For an around-camp or utility light get an LED flashlight with enough output that uses AA batteries.  Those "Tactical" lights like Surefire and Streamlight tend to be overbuilt and very expensive and use expensive CR123 batteries.   Maglite's AA LED lights come in very powerful versions (200+ lumens) using two AA batteries and are reasonably priced and durable. 

For on-bike use as a headlight, a powerful (300 lumens or above) LED rechargable headlight is the way to go and there are many makes like NiteRider, Cygolight, Light and Motion, etc. that work well.  The headlight can double as a camping light but you need to be able to recharge it every day or two.

[staehpj1]

Other than a blinkie for the bike my only light on most trips is a tiny .25 ounce eGear Pico that I wear on a cord around my neck.  I don't use it all that much and when I do it is typically for a few seconds at a time.  So the battery lasts me for a full coast to coast trip and more.

Having a light fail on tour isn't that big of a hardship since you will be able to pick something up in just about any store and doing without for a night is not a big deal.  I recommend something smallish and fairly inexpensive.  I think folks get pretty carried away with high dollar fancy tactical lights.  Sometimes good enough is good enough.

A headlamp with an elastic headband works well if you use a light a lot in camp.

[John Nelson]

Upon closer reading of your original post, and based on the examples you gave, it does seem that you are talking about a flashlight rather than a headlight. I think I went off in the wrong direction because you asked about "what kind of flashlights are good for cycling." I don't think any flashlights are good for cycling, because you don't typically use a flashlight when cycling.

If you are asking about what kind of flashlight is good for camping, then I'd recommend a headlamp. A tiny headlamp is good for reading and sorting things out in your tent, but you may need something more powerful if you camp outside established campgrounds and/or plan to walk a fair ways at night.

I'm still not sure I interpreted your question correctly.

[GraceBluce]

First, you have to decide whether you need a "see" headlight or a "be seen" headlight. Then you need to decide how long you need it to run. Is this for an hour commute or a month tour? Then you need to establish your budget. Do you have $200 to spend or $10 to spend?

Sorry for that I did not provide enough information. I would like to get a "See" flashlight for I like night riding. As for the running hour for the flashlight, I would a a full charge can run more than 2 hours, and the budget is around $150, I will choose one from the Sure Fire or Tank007 flashlight site.

Thanks for the suggestions from all.

[mathieu]

Did you visit Peter White's site?  http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/headlights.asp
The guy has an interest in selling headlight products but he certainly knows what he is talking about. The products he discusses and the pictures will sharpen your awareness of what you need.

[DaveB]

Sorry for that I did not provide enough information. I would like to get a "See" flashlight for I like night riding. As for the running hour for the flashlight, I would a a full charge can run more than 2 hours, and the budget is around $150, I will choose one from the Sure Fire or Tank007 flashlight site

It sounds like you don't need a flashlight at all but a bike headlight.  See my posting above for a few reliable names and there are others. A true flashlight can be used as a bike headlight but the beam isn't ideal and mounting it is a bit of a problem.  A true bike headlight solves both problems.  Surefire, etc. do not make what you say you want.

[John Nelson]

I agree with Dave. You do not want what is called (in the U.S.) a "flashlight." You want a bicycle "headlight" (again, in U.S. terminology). Pick out something from the Peter White site that mathieu provided you a link to.

Note, these headlights are typically impractical for bicycle touring, but are quite useful for night rides from home, or for commuting.

[zerodish]

Rayovac sells a plastic 2 AA light with an LED bulb or you can just buy the bulb. This fits in my teeth and is very useful for fixing flats at night. I also use an Ozark Trail with portable power as a headlight. This light has a USB port that can recharge your phone. http://budgetlightforum.com/node/34720 Stay away from the flashlights that take 6 AA batteries. All of them Ozark Trail Coleman etc are made by the same company. The problem with these is rechargable batteries are to fat and jam in the light. https://www.flickr.com/photos/63373992@N07/14352632803/in/photolist-7AGi1t-6Ubkz-d7xosu-o635b5-nShZGg-6uVXmK-rwqSav-mS9Dq8

[RussSeaton]

Sometimes flashlights can be the right choice for a bicycle.  Use a small LED flashlight that takes 2 or 3 AA or AAA batteries.  It will run for an hour or two and provide enough light to ride good enough.  And can be used to see around camp or fixing a flat at night.  Use a TWOFISH Cycleblocks holder to strap the light to the top of your handlebars.  Link below.  And a small flashlight that is 4-6" long and 1-1.5" diameter.  Small.

http://www.batteryjunction.com/twofish-cycloblocks.html?gclid=CNehpav76cUCFQaLaQodKCMAyw
http://www.treefortbikes.com/product/333222357351/1162/TwoFish-Flashlite-Holder.html?gclid=CMDymJ_96cUCFRCMaQodekwAKg

http://www.twofish.biz/attach-a-light/lockblocks-flashlight-holder

[GraceBluce]

Your replies are very helpful to me. Finally, I get a Tank007 flashlight, thanks all.

[VirginiaElliot]

hahaha, I also had one of this last year. I like it very much, but was stolen when i put it on my bike!

[andy8228011]

you made the correct choice,,Tank007 is good to use
There are 3 models can be put in front of your bike
TC01 TR01 PT10
they not only can put in front of your bike,,but also can be used as a normal torch light..
The material is very good and performance stable for many years.
Thanks

[GraceBluce]

you made the correct choice,,Tank007 is good to use
There are 3 models can be put in front of your bike
TC01 TR01 PT10
they not only can put in front of your bike,,but also can be used as a normal torch light..
The material is very good and performance stable for many years.
Thanks

Yes, the flashlight is good as I expected. Thanks for your sharing your experience.