Princeton Tec Halogen Bulb for Solo Headlamp

Advantages: Bright, Clear, Battery LIfe
Disadvantages: Cost, Scratches easily

.... What they came up with is their patented "Opticube" technology. Essentially, it's a polycarbonate lens system that manages to focus the light from the LEDs so that they actually can light up the road far enough ahead to cycle by. And what's more, it cleverly manages to retain the excellent long-distance high-visibility that LEDs are so good for. So finally, cyclists can have their own equivalent of Xenon headlamps, casting an icy, blue-white light into the eyes of oncoming motorists. But more importantly, LEDs tend to be more energy efficient. Compared to Halogen bulbs, with a typical run-time of 6 - 8 hours on a single set of batteries, and LED torch will last at least 30 hours, and usually much longer, some claiming to last up to 300hours if used in "flashing" mode. Not only that, but the LEDs themselves last longer than regular bulbs... Read review

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Advantages: Very versatile torch, Good Spot, Cheap
Disadvantages: Needs good care

...is very bright and keeps good form, and the aura and outer ring as the light spreads out is constant and also of a good brightness. Burn time is about 70 mins after a four hour charge with the rechargable battery, better with the disposable ones. The torch itself can only be used below the water, as the HALOGEN bulb burns too hot above the surface. An included fuse, however, makes sure no meltig or damage occurs, and it is easily replacable. There is also a well designed safety catch to stop the torch coming on while in its case/dive bag, positioned over the easily maliable switch. My only real gripe, at it is a minor thing, is the need to disassemble the unit to get to the rechargable battery plug, breaking the o-ring seals. However, it does get you into the good habit of greasing all the seals every now and again... Read review

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Advantages: Very bright, good battery life
Disadvantages: Brighter lights available, build quality questionable, battery heavy and gets in the way

...Normal AA battery powered lights. Nothing wrong with them really, for city centre riding, where you could really get away with no lighting whatsoever. Head out on a country road, or go off-road at night (try it - it's quite fun!), and you need something with a bit more oomph. I've always trusted CatEye as a brand, so off I went to my local bike shop and investigated their range of lighting, and stumbled across these. The HL-500 II consists of two of the Micro Halogen lights that previous CatEye users may be familiar with, but with the normal 2.5W bulbs uprated to 6W each. You also get various bits of cable and a sealed lead acid battery, with a supplied charger. Fitting the lights is a simple operation, with simple thumbscrew brackets which attach to your handlebars and the battery hanging from the frame. Here you may hit... Read review

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