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High Performance Over-Driven Lithium-Ion Technology LED technology evolved so rapidly that it virtually replaced HID technology overnight as the preferred bike lighting system. In this world of high tech LED is halogen still a viable bike lighting system? In fact high tech halogen is a better option for many riders as we will outline below. High Tech Halogen The principal technology employed by Bike Lighting Halogen Systems is overdriven lithium-Ion battery packs which produce a staggering 60% more light than standard 6 or 12 volt systems. Also known as over-volting this technique simply applies a higher voltage than normal to the globe. IE Applying 14.8 volts to a 12 volt globe. When you over-drive a halogen globe it becomes exponentially more efficient. A 25% increase in voltage leads to a 60% increase in light output. The light is also considerably whiter than standard halogen. Warm Colour Temperature HID & LED bike lights burn very high in the colour spectrum. Figures quoted are usually around 6000-8000 Kelvin. This extremely white light is considered too harsh by many experienced off road cyclists. The warm colour temperature of over driven halogen is around 3500 Kelvin. This provides a more natural light that we are familiar with as well as better perception. Whilst this is subjective few would argue that halogen is better in dust, fog & rain. Value for money Bike Lighting's halogen systems are unbeatable value. The single 5.2Ah system puts out 640 lumens at 31 cents per lumen ($199 for complete system) & will burn for 2hr45min. Compare that to any LED system & the cost will typically double. The Ultimate Twin light system delivers 1000 lumens exactly where it is needed. Only a twin light system can do this. If weight is not an issue most riders would be better off with this twin system than a single LED. Most mountain bikers would be much better off with a twin system that produced great light as apposed to light weight. If you are worried about 200 grams or so & money is not a huge issue buy Lumicycles new LED. The LEDSystem3 pumps out 850 lumens & is one of the smartest LED's in the world. Made from Europe's best components & assembled in England this 'Top Shelf' bike light is future upgradeable & built to last. Warmer in colour temperature than most this is also one of the most efficient LED's available full stop. Lithium-Ion Battery Information All Bike Lighting's batteries are 14.8 Volt 4 cell Lithium-Ion packs protected from over discharge & over charge. All packs utilise the latest high capacity Samsung 2600mAh cells & the battery packs are assembled in China. The Lumicycle battery packs are the best quality available. Utilising the latest Sanyo high capacity 2600mAh cells made in Japan, The battery packs are assembled in England under the highest quality standards. Ideally choose a battery that will burn for twice as long as your average ride. The batteries are expensive to replace & will last much longer if they are not continually pushed to their limits. In the event of an unforeseen delay it really is nice to know you have plenty of burn time left. Li-Ion batteries store best at 40-60% charge so after an average ride they will be in a near perfect state for storage. Try & leave charging the batteries until the last minute. If you continually store a Li-Ion battery pack fully charged at room temperature it will deteriorate by 15-20% per year. Keep in a cool dry place. Even in a fridge in a sealed container (do not freeze). Never leave in a hot car or similar environment. Li-Ion battery packs are sensitive high tech equipment & did we mention - very expensive to replace. Riding at night is definitely more dangerous than during the day. Please take extra care & always, always carry some form of back up lighting (ideally a twin system). |
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