Dr. Miczak's X-Training BLOG

Monday, 20 September 2010

New Fall Bicycle Lights
Now Playing: Bright Ideas for Commuters

CatEye's NEW Hybrid gives you clean, renewable solar power with a rechargable battery back-up. Plenty bright enough for dark streets and roads with a flashing feature for riding at dusk or dawn. 400 candlepower. See the CatEye Hybrid Video for more details.

REMEMBER! The x-Training BLOG's Polar Bottle - Eat Clean Diet Cookbook GIVE-AWAY is still on so click this link and enter NOW before October 24th, 2010!

Whether you want to extend your cycling season or simply the times you choose to ride, it is important to see and be seen as the days grow shorter. Many states require lights on bicycles ridden after dark in addition to reflectors. That's why I had to check in to see what was new with CatEye Cycle Electronics!

Founded in 1946 in Osaka Japan, CatEye was my first choice years ago when I needed the BRIGHTEST most powerful, headlight possible. They have since upgraded their flagship light to the current HL-EL530 which is 50% brighter than the previous

model, producing over 2200 candlepower from a single white LED.

This is possible due to CatEye’s exclusive OptiCube™ technology. The HL-EL530 offers up to 90 hours of runtime on 4 AA batteries. It features an innovative magnetic switch, side visibility, a FlexTight™ bracket, and is highly water resistant. Important because you WILL get caught in the rain at some point while cycling.

This is the light I use on my Nishiki Touring Bicycle, otherwise known as my second car! It even has a slide release feature that allows it to become a hand held flashlight off the bike. This thing throws a ton of light plus its swivel bracket allows you to aim the center beam where you need it.

CatEye Uno

This is a sleek, MagLite like light for a handlebar with limited space. Here it is at night perched between my Aero Clip Ons and Bell on my Terry Symmetry. Don't let the small size fool you though. This little light has big time features such as:

400+ candlepower
OptiCube™ lens technology
Flashing and constant modes
60 hours run time in flashing mode
15 hours run time in constant mode
Runs on 1 AA battery (included)
FlexTight™ Mounting bracket
Water resistant

This light is great for a quick commute or if you get caught out after dark. The flashing mode is especially useful for riding at dawn and dusk. You can actually see it more than a mile away.

Now you're looking at tail lights! The slimmer, brighter TL-LD610 offers 5 LEDs and three modes! The FlexTight™ Universal Mounting Bracket can be mounted horizontally, (as shown), or vertically. Highly visible even during the day. A must have for urban riders!

PHOTO below: Reflex-Auto mounted on my touring bike with panniers.

The Reflex Auto tail light has both optic and motion sensors to determine when to automatically activate the light. When darkness and motion are detected the light turns on instantly! This is great because now like my car, I don't have to think about turning my lights on at night. This light even activates in my dark garage allowing me enough light to guide the bike out.

The 5 super-bright modes, over 180 degrees of visibility, and various mount options make this the most versatile tail light ever! Here I have it mounted in place of my rear reflector. This light is really bright and actually looks like flashing police lights. I see how these lights help keep the distance between myself and traffic so they are worth it for the safety perks alone.

Features:

- One high power center LED + four 5mm LEDs

- 5 super-bright modes

- Runs on 2 AAA batteries

- Weight: 44 grams / 82.5 with batteries & bracket

- Rear rack bracket included (Reflex Auto Rear)

Posted by Author at 4:22 PM EDT
Updated: Tuesday, 21 September 2010 6:01 PM EDT
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