BIKE ACCESSORIES
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It wasn’t long ago that commuter bicycle headlights were basic low lumen lights with bulky mounts. As technology has improved, bicycle lights have gotten better with the increased features, more compact form factors, and higher output. The Magicshine Allty 2000 headlight illustrates just how far we’ve come in terms of advancement. Not only does the Allty 2000 incorporate two Cree XM-L2 V60 LEDs, but there is an additional low-output LED designed to be used as a day-time-running-light (DRL). With a retail price of $149.99, the Allty 2000 is aimed at cyclists or commuters who want a high-powered all-in-one headlight. The…
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Light & Motion developed the Vya product line (note, these were previously marketed as Vibe) as a revolutionary approach to cycling lights. The “Smart Vya” headlights and tail lights integrate light sensors and motion sensors to automatically adjust the lights to conditions and power them on/off. In this review, we’ll be looking at the newly released Vya Switch which takes many of the innovative features of the Smart lights but re-introduces a user operated button to control the power and output modes. This may seem like a step backwards, considering the goal of the Vya lights was to make cycling…
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“More is Better” is a common saying. When it comes to cycling, many people always search for more speed and more carbon fiber accessories. For a bicycle light, more lumen output is also something that never hurts. However, a brighter light also usually means a larger and heavier light and batteries. While we’ve been spoiled with 1000+ lumen lights with external battery packs, today we’ll be looking at the recently introduced Topeak Headlux 450 USB. The Headlux 450 USB featuring an impressive 450 lumens with an equally impressive small dimension at only 2.6” x 1.9” x 1.1”! Compared to commuter…
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The Fenix BC21R v2.0 bicycle headlight is an interesting alternative that slots between the typical flashlights and bicycle headlights. If you’ve done some research into an affordable bicycle light, chances are someone has recommended using a flashlight as a cheap alternative. By avoiding the ‘cycling’ label (and hence the cycling tax!), flashlights are significantly cheaper to purchase and can easily be used for other activities such as hiking or camping. Higher-end flashlights also have features you don’t typically see with bicycle lights such as replaceable batteries and modifiable optics. However, some of the major drawbacks to using a flashlight are:…
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Let’s face it, cyclists are an opinionated group. Whether it is debating over waxing a chain vs lube, the advantages of Dura-ace over Ultegra or what is the proper method of cleaning a bike after a rainy ride, every cyclist seems to have an opinion. When it comes to bicycle lights, one of the main things people argue over is how many lumens of output you really need. Well, Magicshine has determined that 8000 lumens is what everyone needs with the MJ-908 light. The 8000 lumen is a theoretical number that comes from the fact that the MJ-908 packs 8…
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The engineers at Magicshine have clearly been having too much time on their hands with the MJ 9 series of lights. This series of headlights starts with the affordable MJ-900 designed around a single Cree XM-L2 LED and a claimed 1200 lumen output. With each model above the MJ-900 the lumen output increases as more and more Cree LEDs are packed into the light head. How many LEDs is too many? With two LEDs, Magicshine claims 1600 lumens which should be sufficient for a majority of people. Not for Magicshine, as they also released a MJ-906 (5 LEDs) and the…
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Sometimes you hear about a new product that seems so obvious, you wonder why someone didn’t create it years ago. The Orb bicycle bottle light is one of those ideas, it takes something every cyclist has, a Water Bottle, and combines it with a feature everyone needs – Nighttime Visibility. By integrating 4 downward facing LEDs into the bottle cap the Orb illuminates the entire bottle for a soft orange glow that can be seen from any direction. The illuminated bottle acts as a ‘to be seen’ type bicycle light, ensuring you have better visibility when riding in the dark. The…
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In the past, when you were shopping for a bicycle headlight you had to choose between a high powered light with external battery pack or a more expensive lower output all-in-one. With the Magicshine Monteer 1400, you have the opportunity to buy an all-in-one LED light with 1400 lumens. Designed with an all aluminium body and two Cree XM-L2 LEDs the Monteer 1400 is a compelling package with a premium feel at only $99.99.
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In this review, we’ll be looking at the Magicshine Eagle F3 3000 Lumen bicycle LED headlight. I’ve been using the Eagle F3 for close to a year now for early morning rides and commuting on dark trails. Consistent with the Magicshine brand, the light offers an impressive 3000 lumens (listed as actual output instead of theoretical like some of the other products) for a relatively cheap $179.99 retail price. The Eagle F3 couples 4x Cree LEDs in the head unit with the largest battery pack currently available (MJ-6090, 8x Lithium ion batteries).