|   NiteRider Light Questions. | rich
Sep 27, 2001 7:57 AM | | Well, Fall and Winter are approaching fast. I'm considering getting a full NiteRider light set-up as a birthday present to myself.
First, what's the difference between their digital and non-digital stuff? I'm leaning towards their NON-digital models. Is their any reason to go digital?
Second, here's the setup I'm considering running. Head Trip with the 10 watt spot replaced with a 15 watt spot. Pro-6 with the 15 watt spot replaced with a 15 watt narrow flood. FYI, this set up was recommended to me by my lbs. Will this work?
Third, what accessories will I need? Charger? Extra Battery? Any specific suggestions?
Thanks for all your help.
rich |
| Extra flashlight... | OldSchool
Sep 27, 2001 8:13 AM | | That was one suggestion I got from this board. The little flashlight is for repairs and other such emergancies. As for answers to your other questions, search the archives. There are many great answers.
Good luck,
Tim
(who also just purchased a light set for himself for his birthday) |
| Agree! | TechniKal
Sep 28, 2001 8:20 AM | | After having to walk back 6 miles on a moonless night in the middle of the woods after having the cord yanked from the battery pack by a branch - I completely agree with having a "backup" light source. A little Brinkman is now a permenant part of my ride kit. |
| re: NiteRider Light Questions. | Doug
Sep 27, 2001 8:16 AM | | "I'm considering getting a full NiteRider light set-up as a birthday present to myself."
Consider other brands too. Niteride is a bit shaky as a company now. High turnover in CS, serious growing pains, and problems with the digital lights.
"First, what's the difference between their digital and non-digital stuff?"
Digital lets you adjust the power level and shows you how much battery life is left. It also gives you the opportunity to call them every few months and send the light back to have it fixed. I'm in for return #3 with the same problem. Go non-digital if you go NR.
>Head Trip with the 10 watt spot replaced with a 15 watt spot.
With a second light 10 is probably fine. I ride with 15watt spot only on tight trails. If I had another light onthe bar I'd ride in 10watt mode.
>Pro-6 with the 15 watt spot replaced with a 15 watt narrow flood.
Again, 15watts may be overkill with two lights.
>FYI, this set up was recommended to me by my lbs. Will this work?
Yes, it would be a great setup, but you likely don't need the extra power. Ask to come by some night when you can actually see the lights in different configuration. (10watt, 15watt, mix). Most shops have night rides, ask if you can tag along (rent/borrow a light of course). Just remember to try anything on the trail. How it looks standing still if much different than taking a tight singletrack trail at 15mph!
Third, what accessories will I need? Charger? Extra Battery? Any specific suggestions?
Thanks for all your help. |
| re: NiteRider Light Questions. | KT
Sep 27, 2001 9:02 AM | | Niterider is still a good company and a put out a great durable product. True, they had/have some problems with there dig systems (mine is currently with them-and I have no doubt they'll get it right), but I beleive they fixed the problem on new systems. I noticed when using my friends new dig headtrip, the battery life indicator, was different and it worked reliably with my battery. Plus Niterider has givin tremendous support at 24 races. Digital and the microbrute are great for managing the battery/life.
I disagree on the 10/10. For trails you are super familiar with, that is plainly fine. But there are times when you will want/wished you had 15/15, like at a race or while road tripping. Conclusion-Niterider dig is a good investment |
| disagree... | Doug
Sep 27, 2001 9:39 AM | | The digital line is still not right. I know people with the NEW digital lights that have the same problems as me. Rumour has it that the Digital Head Trip will not be in the lineup any more. Sure your chances of getting a reliable light are much higher now, but you still take the chance of getting a dud. Something you don't have to worry about with the non digital lights. |
| disagree... | KT
Sep 27, 2001 9:54 AM | | the new line is already out. And no the head trip is not there, they have reduced their line a little. The Revolution (which has a detachable remote switch) now covers the headtrip, nightowl, and pro-6. all batteries are now nimh, except they kept the trail rat. i got to seeing them after i sent a question to their customer service. if you can't get in on their site, performance has the whole line-up. My main point about the digital is that you get the brute charger which definitely helps you regulate charging. |
| new models link | KT
Sep 27, 2001 1:05 PM | | http://www.niterider.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=NR&Category_Code=CompLightSys |
| Just to make sure... | Doug
Sep 28, 2001 7:10 AM | | You realize the digitals are NOT plug and forget? Even with the Brute chargers they can fry the batteries. That was the straw that broke the camels back in my book. I can understand some bugs in the lights, but to advertise them as 'plug and forget', and tell you its OK to leave them on the charger when in fact they are not shows they are either a)incompetant at doing testing or b)liars. I bought mine specifically for that feature. Neither is acceptable from any company that I will give money to. |
| You may be thinking of... | KT
Sep 28, 2001 1:09 PM | | the first 'plug and forget' they came out with. the brute charger is totally different. i know lot's of people who leave their brute attached to the battery in between rides and don't have a problem. run time is the same and all, it trickle charges it when it needs it, other just pull it off after the 5 hours or little more it takes. ask around,you'll find the difference between the two. |
| Spin spin spin... | Doug
Sep 29, 2001 6:54 AM | | The micro brute is different in that is charges faster. The little in line adapter (initially designed to 'fix' the old chargers) is what regulates the charging. It is NOT a smart charger. Smart charges know how much is left and how much to charge. This one just changes modes after 5 hours. If you leave it on the charge too long too many times you can fry your battery. I was told to not leave it on too long by several at Niterider (Jen Slygh in customer service and John Haywood one of the owners). While the micor brute is an improvement, its hardly a true 'plug and forget' charger. |
| Try another brand... | Bonee
Sep 27, 2001 10:09 AM | | I believe so many people use the niterider brand simply because that is what shops mainly carry. Why I don't know, as reviews are sketchy and the price is outrageous.
I did a lot of research and found the brands for the best bang for buck were Lights and Motion (bikelights.com) and Marwi (marwiusa.com).
Read some of the reviews which also list places to buy. Light and Motion is a little pricier, but lights have more options. Check out the Cabeza Logic for a helmet mount.
From Marwi, try the Elite bar light. It is 12w (maybe 15). I bought the Pro Elite but find the dual light is overkill. I notice little difference with both lights on. |
| I'd go along with that | KT
Sep 27, 2001 10:14 AM | | But the quality of the non-dig Niterider stuff is pretty damn good for the price. It used to be that Niterider had better burn times than others, now I don't know what the comparison is. Light & Motion always looked so cheaply constructed to me, and their prices are similar or more expensive than Niterider. |
| That's exactly my setup ... | Philber
Sep 27, 2001 12:23 PM | | And it works great for me. The whole thing costs about $250 US, weighs about 3lbs and burns for 1:40 on the headtrip to 2:10 for pro-6. Bulletproof. I got awesome CS from Niterider. I think it's a great setup and an affordable way to get a top quality helmet and bar light that will last. And if you go to 24hr races, NR is always there. Plus, since you have to special order the narrow flood for the pro-6, that gives you an extra 10w spot (from the headtrip) for a take-along spare. Changing bulbs takes about a minute.
Value for the money it's a good setup. And it's adequate for going pretty fast off road. |
| THANKS FOR THE HELP!! | rich
Sep 27, 2001 1:14 PM | | NM |
| re: NiteRider Light Questions. | Ed
Sep 28, 2001 6:33 AM | | Just my two cents, but I just pulled out my digital headtrip for the fourth season. I charged/discharged just to check the battery and on the high setting I got a burn time of 1 hour 50 min. - that included the automatic drop to the reserve low setting at about 1:30.
I ride with the headtrip only (no bar mount) and it has worked without fail (the same is true for a number of my friends who ride with NiteRiders). The flexibility to vary light intensity is great for longer rides when I'm concerned about having enough battery power to finish.
Two things to remember: 1) as suggested try out anything you are considering prior to purchase, and 2) with regards to NiteRider - it is far and away the most prevalent light available, and, those with bad experiences tend to voice their opinions much quicker than those with good experiences. |
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