Newsgroups: rec.bicycles.marketplace
Subject: Re: Need info on lighting systems
From: royce@mdcbbs.com (Royce D. Myers EDS/Unigraphics)
Date: 13 Oct 92 12:32:01 GMT
Organization: Electronic Data Systems, Unigraphics Division, Cypress CA
Nntp-Posting-User: royce

I just bought the Performance Radius.

I attempted to assemble a homebrew system, but I just don't have the 
patience to assemble it all (mounting the lights was a pain; I did't 
enjoy trying to find parts that weren't meant to be found), and it 
would have run me around $60 - 70.  So for an extra $40, I got an easy
to install light that was _meant_ to be on a bike.

Price: 109.95 (10W) -- I bought this
        99.95 (6W)
       Both include a .5W tail light.

Installation:

(LL Bean Acadia ATB bike, with bar-ends, rear rack)

The installation of the Radius is almost trivial -- if you:

1. have room on the narrow part of the handlebars (my handlebar radius 
   varies)

There was room on my handlebars in the narrow section to mount the light.  
The mounting brackets would not fit on the fat section (near the middle).

2. do not have a rear rack

I have a Blackburn mtn rack.  The wire _barely_ reaches the rear tail 
light; if you plan to mount the battery under the saddle, as designed, you
will need an extension cord.  The mounting bracket is designed to mount on
the frame; I was able to mount it under the rack using a narrow, long bolt.

3. do not use a seat bag

I mounted it to the frame just behind the saddle.  No additonal connectors
required.

A nice touch was that they included the allen wrench you need to mount the
lights.
-------------------------

Performance: excellent

The light is bright enough to outshine an amber street light 20' away;
that's all I need for my commute.  The tail light has two modes: flash and
solid.  I use the solid mode, and I supplement it with the Vista Cue light
if there's fog.

Another big plus was weight.  Now you'd think that someone pushing a 50lb
bike wouldn't worry too much about weight (lead-allow frame, oversize lock,
clothes, food, bar-ends, CE solar II, rack...), but I was gratefull for the
design that made no noticeable difference to my ride (as opposed to my
aborted attempt at homebrew).  Now if you're commuting on a Merlin Ti...:)

Charging is easy, and it doesn't take too long; I plug it in when I get
home and it's ready to go the next day.

Drawbacks:

Estimated running time at 32F with solid tail light is 1.6 hours.  As my
commute takes 1.5 hours max round trip, invariably warmer, and most of the
evening ride is during daylight, this is enough for me.  But it's on the
low side, I admit.  I'll get an extra charger for work if there's a
problem; it will recharge in 7 hours from 1.5 hours of use. The 6W version
is supposed to last 2.5 hours, and is bright enough for all but the
seriously paraniod (e.g., me).

There is no quick release for the lights; the battery attaches with straps, 
hook and loop (generic for Velcro(tm)), etc.  The lights seem vulnerable to
theft.  This is OK for me, since we can park inside until we get enclosed
lockers.

--------------------
I'm happy with it.  It does everything I need, and it's simple to use.

-- Royce
Newsgroups: rec.bicycles.marketplace