Which would make a better bicycle light?

Question

Out of these 2 that are on ebay:
also don't suggest anything else unless it is 10 dollar or under.

Should I get the 56 LED light or the other one? Which one is better and why? I'm new to cycling so please tell me what would be good for my BMX I ride to school.

56 LED ebay link:http://cgi.ebay.com/56-LED-Bicycle-Torch-HEAD-Tail-LIGHT-BIKE-LAMP-LA44_W0QQitemZ200172237344QQihZ010QQcategoryZ22689QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

or:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Bike-Bicycle-Torch-Head-Light-Rear-Flash-LED-LAMP-LA52_W0QQitemZ200171597750QQihZ010QQcategoryZ22689QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I stay at school pretty late(past 10:00p.m) for extracurricular activity and need a good light to ride home safe. I also go to the library, so I will need a good light to ride from the library to home at night. So which one out of the 2 is better?

Answer 1

Between the two designs, the 5 LED Power Beam is better. It uses 4xAAA batteries vs. the 56 LED design which uses 3xAA batteries. The 4xAAA higher voltage makes the light brighter. The current draw from the 5 LED design is less, meaning that it should last about 20 hours vs. about 2 hours for the 56 LED light if ALL LEDs are constantly on (number of LEDs on is selectable). The 56 LED mount design is forward heavy and a little fragile. So it will have a tendency to tip forward over time and light just the ground immediately in front of you. You will need to constantly readjust it. The 5 LED Power Beam is much better balanced and never needs adjustment. So, all in all, the 5 LED Power Beam is a better light choice.

Other thoughts -
* If you want more sub-$10 bike light choices, see this http://www.dealextreme.com/products.dx/category.905 . Like your Ebay choices, this seller is overseas. From my experience, you need to wait 2weeks to 2 months for merchandise.

* If you ride far at night or in busy areas, you may want to use multiple lights for better visibility. My blinking front light is the 5 LED Power Beam. For my 15 mile night time commute, I augment that with 2 bigger lights in the front, 2 in the rear, and a head lamp. The head lamp is especially useful such that when looking at cars, they see a small light pointed at them and notice that I am a moving bike.

Be careful of potholes when riding in the dark!

Answer 2

Here is the obvious that hasn't been answered. Of the 2 the second is better. Why? The 56 LED light shown has no focused reflector or magnified lens. Yes the total light output is greater, but the smaller unit has a focused beam. You have to see out in front, not straight down. I ride with a 3 LED light and it throws out a good beam on dark country roads -- enough that I feel safe riding at 15mph.

Answer 3

Of the two go for the 56 LED but honestly neither front light is going to enable you to see much on the road/path the dark. The rear lights are fine on either but really if you are going down some really dark areas these lights are for oncoming vehicles/persons to see you rather than you been able to see what is in front. They just will not give off enough light, hence why they are so cheap.

Answer 4

I would guess the 56 LED would be brighter. When riding at night, you have to make sure cars see you. But you also need to be able to see anyone who might be walking along the shoulder.

In addition to the headlight, you should also get a taillight. Most, if not all states require them when riding at night. Bell makes a good, inexpensive one. It's sold at Wal-Mart and K-Mart and runs on AAA batteries. It has a steady light setting and 5 different flashing modes. It costs about $8.00.

In addition to the lights, it might not be a bad idea to get a reflective vest and leg bands. Your local bike shop should carry these.

Answer 5

56 LED has 56 bulbs and the other one has 3 LED bulbs.
the more bulbs the brighter and more easily cars can see you

2 more dollars for 53 more bulbs? of course the 56 LED one

Answer 6

Cateye makes some reliable lights fixtures, in spite of the undeniable fact that are lots of alternative completely adequate/criminal lights fixtures on the industry - which includes planetbike and so on. i hit upon that it relatively is great to have varied lights fixtures set up on the motorbike. With a minimum of two rear lights fixtures & perhaps 2 on the front. The rear lights fixtures artwork nicely set up on the seat placed up, rear rack or rear of the helmet.

Answer 7

I prefer a generator for my bike.
If any body says the generator wears out the tires I do not agree. I use it for years. Does not hurt the tires.

Answer 8

9 LED has 9 bulbs. i bought headlight and back light.