Centrally mounted front light

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19 Jan 2011
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My co-workers immediately responded with 'first world problem' when I told them about this, but I'm struggling to find a proper bike light that is centrally (possible stem) mounted. The only light I've found is the Hope R1 which isn't centrally mounted by can be mounted to overhang the stem. It's £100 which is far too rich for me.

I was looking at cree lights on the well-known auction site which are about a 10th of the price for a very similar product, but not luck on the central position.
 
Why does it need to be centrally mounted?

According to the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations

Front Lamp
One is required, showing a white light, positioned centrally or offside, up to 1500mm from the ground, aligned towards and visible from the front.

however it also says that such lights should also be BS6102/3 or an equivalent EC standard, which a lot of ebay specials etc probably aren't going to be anyway.


If it's for appearance rather than any other reason, then why not just fit 2 cree or similar lights, one each side of the stem.
 
My co-workers immediately responded with 'first world problem' when I told them about this, but I'm struggling to find a proper bike light that is centrally (possible stem) mounted. The only light I've found is the Hope R1 which isn't centrally mounted by can be mounted to overhang the stem. It's £100 which is far too rich for me.

I was looking at cree lights on the well-known auction site which are about a 10th of the price for a very similar product, but not luck on the central position.

http://www.moon-sport.com/product-detail.php?id=148 the only light I can think of! :)

it's around £45.
 
I want it to be centrally positioned (mounted is perhaps the wrong word) because it really bothers me. No other reason.

I'll probably get something like what Armageus links to. I'm OK with an adapter as long as it sticks out the front (rather than adding height).
 
Why does it need to be centrally mounted?

According to the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations



however it also says that such lights should also be BS6102/3 or an equivalent EC standard, which a lot of ebay specials etc probably aren't going to be anyway.


If it's for appearance rather than any other reason, then why not just fit 2 cree or similar lights, one each side of the stem.
police don't pull over cyclists to check their lights.
At night your cycle MUST have white front and red rear lights lit. It MUST also be fitted with a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1/10/85)
Who has pedal reflectors? mine fell off ages ago.. police don't care.

I've had police cars behind me and they haven't said a damn thing, my bike doesn't even have a single reflector on it just a cat eyes front and rear light.



I've seen police cars pull over people for riding at night with no lights, but I've never seen a police car pull over a bike for any other reason
 
police don't pull over cyclists to check their lights.

I know - just posted that just in case.

my bike doesn't even have a single reflector on it just a cat eyes front and rear light

Mine doesn't either - if I didn't remove the reflectors, there is literally no where for the rear light to go, and removing the front gives more room for light and computer.
 
Many of the 'loop' style lights you should be able to mount on your stem - http://www.wiggle.co.uk/cateye-loop-light-set/
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/knog-blinder-4-standard-led-front-light/

I personally have a Cateye Rapid X RC which I stem mount, Wiggle don't stock them anymore but you can probably find one in stock elsewhere or a similar light.

Centrally mounting a fairly broad beam patterned light is great for visibility (even better if flashing!), but not very good for night time riding as you will struggle to adjust beam angle. The orientation of most stems will mean the light is directed above the horizontal so I would avoid using a high lumen light like this (as you'll blind drivers coming towards you)!
 
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