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Home > Cygolite Expilion 350-Lumen USB Rechargeable Headlight
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Cygolite Expilion 350-Lumen USB Rechargeable Headlight
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Show more by CygoLite
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- Bike light with innovative Cree XPG LED technology for 350 lumens of illuminating power
- Quick-release internal lithium ion battery stick lets you swap out batteries on the fly
- Wall charger compatible with 100V to 240V for use worldwide; also supports USB charging
- One LED bulb with 350 lumens; five-hour charge time; 130-gram weight; run time up to 24 hours
- Includes limited one-year manufacturer's warranty
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Product Description:
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State-of-the-Art Cree XPG LED technology supercharges the ExpiliOn?s brightness while the quick release internal Li-Ion battery stick gives riders the complete package: brightness for the trails, compact size for commutes, and the ability to swap batteries on-the-fly for extended run times. This handlebar mounted system features 7 lighting modes, USB charging, battery low indicator, for optimum power and convenience on every ride.
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A quick-release internal lithium ion battery stick lets you swap batteries on the move for longer rides. |
See the road when the sun sets -- and ensure the cars see you -- with the Cygolite ExpiliOn bike light. Innovative Cree XPG LED technology puts out an impressive 350 lumens of illuminating power, while a quick-release internal lithium ion battery stick lets you swap out batteries on the fly (extra stick sold separately). Bright enough for the trail and compact enough for commuting, the ExpiliOn mounts on your handlebar and includes seven lighting modes, USB charging, and a low battery indicator. Features
- One-piece design:
- No wires or external batteries for quick mounting
- Only 130 grams, including internal battery
- Durable aluminum alloy bezel
- Weather tight design ensures all condition use
- Cree LED technology:
- Super-bright Cree H.B. LEDs for maximum brightness
- H.B. LED durability eliminates bulb replacement
- White beam color resembles daylight
- Quick-release lithium ion battery stick:
- Internal, rechargeable lithium ion battery
- Last up to 24 hours on a single charge
- Swap the battery on the move for longer rides
- Control button with built-in power indicators:
- Illuminated button is conveniently located on top of light for easy access
- Integrated low battery and charging status indicator
- Precision optics:
- Maximizes spread and beam pattern specifically for cycling
- Seven lighting modes
- USB charging:
- Charges from USB port of computer or electrical outlet
- Charging indicator
- Wall charger compatible with 100V to 240V for use worldwide
Specifications
- One LED bulb with 350 lumens
- Five-hour charge time
- 130-gram weight
- Run times:
- Two hours on "boost"
- Three hours on high
- Six hours on medium
- 13.5 hours on low
- 24 hours on flash
Warranty
Cygolite lighting systems include a limited one-year manufacturer's warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. About Cygolite
In 1991, a group of cycling engineers sought to use their technical expertise to develop more advanced bike lighting systems, and Cygolite was formed. The company consistently adapts emerging technology, blended with clean and classic designs, to create a line of quality, innovative bike lights.
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Customers' Reviews:
Add Your Own Review |
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 Small Powerful Light, September 2, 2011
By kenkim
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I do most of my bicycle riding before dawn and I've always had a blinking light for the rear of my bike, but recently considered a light for the front. Was concerned about size and weight and decided to give the Cygolite ExpiliOn 350 a try. The light has a very nice mounting system and I chose to mount the light under the handlebar. It's size does not reflect the amount of light this little light can produce. After an initial alignment, I only used the light on the lowest of the intensities and have a very good field of vision provided. Not sure if I like the blinking selection, but again, the 350 lumens provides more than enough to be able to see where you're going. I haven't had to recharge the unit yet, but it does come with a USB connection for charging. Approximately 90 minutes of use on the charge from the factory, and we're still going strong. Great value and superb performance from a small and compact light!!
7 of 9 people found this review helpful
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so far so good, January 19, 2012
By Kristin (TN)
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Length:: 0:18 Mins
I haven't used this light outside yet sinces it COLD out but here is a video to show how bright it is in the hallway. I go through the different modes, high, med, lo, super bright (of which i cant tell a difference from high), and blink. I am happy with the brightness.. I will go riding outside in a couple days and update this.
Mounting: Easy. If you have standard bars you just pop on the included pieces and it will fit snug. There is also a flexible rubber piece with sticky on one side you can add for more cush and stabilization. Place the sticky side on the mount, not your bike. You can swap this to different bikes easily if needed.
Im not a huge fan of the little "button" "clip" thing you press to release it from the mount. It seems strong but i cant help thinking it will break with repeated removal of the light since its plastic but its not a deal breaker.
6 of 9 people found this review helpful
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Excellent light, December 8, 2011
By RW (San Francisco, CA United States)
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This is a great light -- my previous light was a Planet Bike Blaze 2 watt light and though that one was pretty good on city streets, I wanted something brighter for rainy nights so I can see the road (and potholes) more clearly.
This Cygolite is definitely what I was looking for. On most (non-rainy) nights, I use the Low setting since that still allows me to see the road clearly -- the Planet Bike Blaze on its "high" setting is just a bit brighter than the Cygolite on low. But once I switch to medium or high, the Cygolite is *much* brighter than the Blaze.
The beam pattern is good, it illuminates the road well with enough spillover to let me see reflective streetsigns several blocks away.
I haven't run the batteries down yet, I've only used it for about a week (around 4 or 5 hours of use). Since it's rated for 6 hours at medium, I'll probably just recharge it every week and won't have to worry about it ever running out of power.
When I read that it had 7 modes, I was worried that I'd have to cycle through all 7 modes just to change brightness. It turns out that only 5 of those modes are normally available, so it's only necessary to switch among those 5. The other two are special modes that you get to by holding down the power button longer when turning on the light.
The modes are:
1. High - very bright, much brighter than I need in normal use, but maybe useful in the rain (3 hours rated battery life)
2. Medium - gives great visibility, good battery life (6 hours rated life)
3. Low - gives decent visibility of the road, great visibility to cars (13.5 hours rated life)
4. Boost - extremely bright, noticably brighter than "high". I don't think I'll ever need this setting (2 hours rated battery life)
5. Daylight flash - bright flash for daylight use only (24 hours rated life).
The two special modes are:
1. walk mode - just bright enough to see where you're going when walking, very long battery lifetime (24 hours)
2. SOS mode - flashes out "SOS". I can't imagine ever using this mode, but maybe a mountain biker lost or injured in the woods might use it?
The manual says you need to use their USB charger cord for charging the unit or damage could occur. I don't see any obvious difference between their cable and a standard USB cable or any sign that there are any additional electronics in their cable, so I'm not sure if that's true.
Overall this is an excellent light. I haven't had it out in the rain yet, but I think it will perform well.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
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Great light, September 21, 2011
By Go Bruins
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It's amazing how far bike lighting has come. Every few months, they get lighter, brighter, and more compact. IMO, this light is the best deal going for ~$100 bones. Battery life seems accurate to specs, and it's pleny bright for urban stuff. And the mounting system is very convenient.
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
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awsome bike headlight, October 5, 2011
By cjohmart
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This light is great, drivers can't miss it, the charge lasts long and it is easy to put on and take off. Great buy!!
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
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great light great price, September 30, 2011
By meni
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it is just a great light, it gives a very nice visibility, i just run a 12 hour race an it function magnificent really recommended :)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
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Paralyzing!, September 30, 2011
By H.A. Rose (Wynnewood, PA United States)
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What a great light. It is very bright for road use and commuting. While on a bike path an oncoming cyclist actually pulled over and stopped to let me go by and commented that my light was paralyzing. It wasn't even on the brightest setting or aimed up. I feel very safe on the road with it, especially when using the flash setting in the daytime. I paired it with a PBW Danger Zone for the rear light. I love riding at night now.
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
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the real deal, October 31, 2011
By mfbyrne_pa (Secane, PA United States)
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Occasionally, you make a purchase that exceeds your expectations. This is one of those items. It's compact, easy to install, simple to recharge, solidly built and it is bright. The brighetest setting should even allow the fastest bikers to bike in confidence full speed ahead. Very . very pleased - highly recommended - try to find one under $100.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
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Great Light, October 13, 2011
By Dennis
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As the days get shorter this light gets used more. I have it helmet mounted, which came with the 250 watt version that is mounted on my wife's handlebars. Guess saying we have a 350 and a 250 tells you we like them :-)
Plenty of good light to go whatever speed you want. Helmet mount lets you look around and see what's out there. 3 levels of brightness and flashing, so adjustable as needed for the environment your riding in.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
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 Despite what other reviews suggest, no helmet mount, January 17, 2012
By W. Nicholls (USA)
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The Cygolite Expilion 350 appears to be a great little light, and it's a good value here compared to the 400 version. I didn't see a helmet mount in the product description as there is in the 400's, but there were two reviews here that referenced the helmet mount. To be clear, the 350 doesn't include the helmet mount. The instruction sheet and box both indicate that the helmet mount comes only with the brighter, more expensive model.
Cycolite sells parts and extra batteries on their website. I ordered the helmet mount (part number HLMT-DCV6) which costs $15 plus $4 shipping. If you're comparing the 350 and 400 versions of the Expilion, the differences are the output and this mounting option. An extra battery goes for nearly $30 in case you were wondering.
Note that the box for the Expilion lights suggest that you can charge them via a notebook computer's USB port. The instructions, however, warn you only to use the cord and charger that come with the light. Frankly, if it's true that using another USB cord or port to charge the light can damage it, then the whole USB connection feature is pretty much pointless.
More light modes aren't always better. You have to do five button presses to activate the flashing mode, for example. How annoying this is depends on what modes you use the most.
The mounting bracket uses a rectangular rubber pad with adhesive backing. The adhesive isn't good for multiple uses, so if you want to switch the mount between bikes with different diameter handlebars, be aware that the rubber pad will be extra hassle to deal with. I started out with the wrong diameter insert and had to peel off the pad. The adhesive layer peeled away from the pad, so I had to come up with some sticky stuff to remount the pad. If you lose the pad, the bracket won't stay in place and the light kit doesn't come with a spare. Note that Cygolite doesn't sell the pad, you have to buy the whole bracket which would cost you $20 with shipping.
Expilion warns you about running the light when there's no airflow over it (as with a moving bike). They say that it's for use only on bikes, despite providing a "walking mode" with extremely dim output. I'd guess that you could use it as a flashlight if you used it at a lower power setting but it sounds like keeping the light cool is essential to prevent damaging it.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
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 WILL NOT FIT 22.2mm(7/8") HANDLE BARS OUT OF THE BOX, January 31, 2012
By Arpa Aghamalian (L.A., CA USA)
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The good:
The light is very bright(I very highly doubt it's 350 lumens though)
USB charging
Beam is not too wide, not too narrow
Will quickly/easily mount and dismount due to clam shell design
Good customer service
The bad:
Will not fit bars smaller than 25mm out of the box(not written anywhere on Amazon or on Cygolite website)
Proprietary battery
Batteries can only be charged while in the light
Small rubber cover for USB charging port keeps on popping out
After figuring out that this light's mount will only fit on my mountain bike's larger handle bars and not my hybrid's(where I plan on primarily using it), I called the number they left in the box. A human in the US that spoke clear English picked up the phone, I explained to him my problem and he told me they'll send me three rubber or foam shims/spacers and that should fix the problem and in theory these should. These should be included in every box though, not something I need to call to get.
In conclusion, If you have 25mm or larger bars(and never plan on getting a bike with smaller ones) go for it, it's not a bad light. Otherwise Buy a Cateye brand light. My previous light was a Cateye, they use a mounting system that is similar to a hose clamp so it will work on ANY size bar. Lesson learned.
3 of 8 people found this review helpful
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Great for urban cycling, December 7, 2011
By Happy
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I purchased this light after struggling to see potholes and other road debris at night with my old light and I couldn't be happier. Running over stuff with a road bike tire (or into a pothole) turns my stomach every time, and this light casts a beam far enough I can easily avoid stuff even when cycling over 20mph. I know, most people get a light so cars can see them, and this does that too, but if you're a road cyclist where the roads are crappy (like here in Southern California) this is a must-have. Easy mounting with multiple hardware options, lightweight, easy to slide off if you're running into the store real quick, and USB CHARGING!!!! Happy cyclist!
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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Great Bike Light, November 28, 2011
By Lee Nawrocki (Tallahassee, FL, US)
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I received this product and was able to get it ready for my first night ride. It is easy to install and charging the unit is great since there are no batteries to replace. The light itself is very bright for mountain bike riding off road. I would recommend this product for any type of night riding.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
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excellent bike light, January 3, 2012
By patricia s cronauer
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I commute by bike every day on a paved biker/hiker path that has no lighting. Each way takes me about 30-40 minutes. This light is a perfect solution for the winter when natural light begins to fade at 4pm and the path blends in with the dusk and later when it's completely dark. With this light, I have no trouble at all. I love it!
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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WILL NOT FIT 22.2mm(7/8") HANDLE BARS OUT OF THE BOX, January 31, 2012
By Arpa Aghamalian (L.A., CA USA)
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The good:
The light is very bright(I very highly doubt it's 350 lumens though)
USB charging
Beam is not too wide, not too narrow
Will quickly/easily mount and dismount due to clam shell design
Good customer service
The bad:
Will not fit bars smaller than 25mm out of the box(not written anywhere on Amazon or on Cygolite website)
Proprietary battery
Batteries can only be charged while in the light
Small rubber cover for USB charging port keeps on popping out
After figuring out that this light's mount will only fit on my mountain bike's larger handle bars and not my hybrid's(where I plan on primarily using it), I called the number they left in the box. A human in the US that spoke clear English picked up the phone, I explained to him my problem and he told me they'll send me three rubber or foam shims/spacers and that should fix the problem and in theory these should. These should be included in every box though, not something I need to call to get.
In conclusion, If you have 25mm or larger bars(and never plan on getting a bike with smaller ones) go for it, it's not a bad light. Otherwise Buy a Cateye brand light. My previous light was a Cateye, they use a mounting system that is similar to a hose clamp so it will work on ANY size bar. Lesson learned.
2 of 7 people found this review helpful
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Nice Bright Light, March 29, 2012
By Federico915
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Well, I have had a couple of night rides with Cygolite Expilion 350 and so far I am pretty pleased with this product. I am moving from a great little Planet Bike Blaze 1/2 -Watt headlight. The Expilion is roughly the same size and weight as the Blaze...but with so much more light. I wanted a versatile rechargeable light that would light up the rough Far West Texas roads (tired of hitting the rough lines) and be seen by others on the road. The 350 does the trick. I like the different light settings but I think the best option for me is the flash which gives good bursts of light on the road and way-way down the street, several blocks away, a great be seen and noticed flash. It was a bit humorous that at an intersection a lady in a car thought I might be some flavor of law enforcement as she quickly dropped her cell phone and fastened her seat belt. I would have given this product a solid five stars, but for four reasons: 1) control button is a bit hard to press down; 2) no designed side light bleed in the body so I might be noticed from the side; 3) rubber cover on the body for USB mini 5 pin connection has to be worked back into cavity to weather seal the body; 4) it would be nice if the light remembered the last used setting instead of having to cycle through 4 settings to get flash. Hopefully the next issue of this product makes these improvements (not deal-breakers) but overall I am very happy with this purchase.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
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Love This Light!, December 29, 2011
By RaVo
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I was a bit wary of what I might get since so many other lights available cost so much less, but I was not disappointed one bit at the performance or functionality of this light. It lights up the road as well as my car headlights do! I will be using it for a long time to come, and LOVE that I do not have to buy batteries for it. It came out of the package practically ready to use, the battery even had a charge on it. The mounting mechanism is extremely easy to use, and the battery is a cinch to charge. I only wish the mount would swivel so I could mount the light on something other than my bike.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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Great Light, November 25, 2011
By Kyle L. Van Renterghem
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This is a great light and I now feel much safer riding at night. I can now ride 20+mph safely without worrying that I might come across something to quickly to react to it in time.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
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All Around Good Light, November 19, 2011
By Jimshorts
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Out of the box fantastic. Bright, good beam spread and lots of useful settings. Button a little hard to push.Overall highly recommend.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
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Beacon in my evening commute, February 7, 2012
By Matthew L. Blackburn (Philadelphia, PA)
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This light is pretty powerful. I always run it on low so as to extend the length of charge. The beam spread is perfect to light the bike path. The distance the light shines is great for catching anything reflective up ahead. I've been running the light 10 hrs between charges with no problems. The light is great for commuting and I would recommend it to anyone serious about riding regularly at night. The only thing I had trouble with was getting it to clamp to my bars which were a bit too small. A few wraps of electrical tape beneath solved the problem.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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Nice light, February 5, 2012
By Roadrunner
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This is a very nice light. Solid, well built, bright, but to be perfectly honest, I'd say it's closer to 200 lumen than 350. Shining it next to a Fenix LD20 it's only slightly brighter and it puts out 180. It still lights up the road quite well though and the USB charging is awesome.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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So bright at night!, January 24, 2012
By John
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I absolutely love this light. If I had more bikes, I'd mount one of these on every single one of them. I like riding at night, and I have a 720 lumen light from Exposure Lights (a UK company) that I got back when I was in college and when no US companies made lights with this level of output that did not require an external pack that you had to velcro to your frame somewhere. Side by side in the dark, this light looks just about as bright (although it also has more of a violet hue, so maybe that accounts for the discrepancy).
Pros
-Compact; no external battery pack!
-Removable battery (For me, this is a big deal. My previous light was great, but after 4 years, the battery doesn't hold a charge like it used to, making a $300+ light essentially useless)
-Bright (enough to ride on unlighted trails and see all the potholes or terrain features)
-Easy to clip on and off the bike (Big plus if you commute and lock your bike outside)
-The mount lets you angle the beam a bit to the side if you want
-Mini-USB cable for charging = I don't have to be paranoid about losing a proprietary charging cable
-3 brightness levels + flash that are easy to cycle through (no cryptic combination of clicks like on my old light)
Cons
-Battery life on the highest mode is ~2 hrs (less if it's cold out, which it usually is at night in California). It's longer on medium and low, but I figure if you buy a 350 lumen light, you should be using all 350 lumens all the time. Otherwise, what's the point in spending the extra money? You can buy extra batteries and swap them out to get more runtime.
-I wish it came with a helmet mount (there is one available, but you have to buy it separately)
Summary
It's way cheaper than what I had to pay 4 years ago to get a similar level of functionality. The light is bright and compact and easy to mount/unmount from the bike. Granted, the rated output is 350 lumens, and may be less bright than other lights in this category, but it's relatively inexpensive. I can't really tell the difference between this and my 720 lumen light (at least in terms of what it lets me see on the trail). If you really need the extra light, just get two of these and mount them on either side of your handlebars. It's way cheaper than buying a 700 lumen light, and gives you wider illumination. Also, I could see this as being a really good helmet light, although I haven't tried it yet.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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Awesome light, awesome price, January 12, 2012
By chaosgame
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I was using a crappy cat light that made me "visible" and would "illuminate" the path when it was pitch dark. Really, it just sucked.
While I can imagine a brighter light, I don't see myself getting one anytime soon. The reflection of this light hurts my eyes (a good thing). I can clearly see the ground around 50-100 feet in front of me, plenty of time to swerve to avoid the potholes I was hitting with my old light. The beam is diffused enough where it lights up a wide area in front of the bike.
Highly recommend.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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Light in more ways than one!, February 8, 2012
By Kim F
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Compared to my old lighting system, this is a breeze! Compact and light but puts out a very good strong white light with no heavy battery packs. Easy to whip off the bike and recharging is simple. Very happy !
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
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Turns dark into daylight!, January 30, 2012
By Mike Daly (Queensland Australia)
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This light is replacing my old Expilion 250 and it is an even better model than that. I am riding before sunrise 4 mornings a week and I feel confident I will see problems before I reach them with this light.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
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 Excellent light until the switch broke 5 weeks later.., March 1, 2012
By shooter (OKUSA)
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I wanted to love this light. The first week I had it , I was totally happy. It put out so much light for a compact light that I thought this was it, my last bike light purchase ever. at maximum output, it lit up the whole trail and I can actually see pot holes and cracks on the road. Until the last ride, 5 weeks old and 1 week out of Amazon return window. I could not turn the thing off after the ride. The button was so hard to push. I pushed, held the switch and nothing happened. Pull the battery out so I can drive home and not having the inside of my car all lit up. No idea what I did, but the light turned off finally. Why can people make light with dial or rocker switches?
All in all, I had about 10 rides. Now I am looking for another light.
Update: 3/14/12
After I wrote this review a few days, I took the bike and light out for a ride and the light was back to work as it should be. The switch is still hard to operate, but works so I upgraded it to 3 stars instead of 2.
May be I just got a bad one, so you should not be discouraged from purchasing this light. It really put out amazing amount of light, you can see the reflectors on people's shoes 100 yards away! And there is no mistake they know you are coming. Compact light this powerful usually costs couple of hundred dollars instead of around $70.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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350-Lumen, February 22, 2012
By A casual stroll through t.. (Amsterdam, Holland)
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On my bike when I Night commute, I could not see due to the lack of a concentrated bright Bicycle light so I looked into the CygoLite ExpiliOn 350 HeadLight after I fell 50 feet into an abandoned mine shaft (luckily no major injury, as it was a flooded mine); it had the best specifications (Durability, cost, easy rechargeable battery, Run Times, no wires or external batteries, Flash mode) when compared to Light & Motion, NiteRider MiNewt Mini, and DiNotte Lighting systems AA Bicycle Headlight Model.
I wanted an All-in-one design which required no wires or external batteries and a good run time.
I emailed CygoLite to ask about the LED Output (Lumens) Low-Brightness specs (Run Time 6 hours) since the High-Brightness Run Time is only 3 hours and I needed more Run Time but with decent Brightness.
They didn't answer me and got all paranoid about it, competition is tough it seems (NiteRider just came out with a VERY similar durable one-piece, Rechargeable bike light, the MiNewt 250 Cordless).
MiNewt 350 Cordless - 350 Lumens (3 Light Levels - High/Med/Low/ + Flash Mode)
(Run Times: 2:30 hour High/3:30 hour Med/4:30 hour Low)
(charging Time: 4:30 HR)
(System Weight 190 grams)
retail- $129.99
vs
ExpiliOn 350- 350 Lumens (7 Light Levels - High/Low/ + Flash Mode)
(High-Brightness Run Time 3 hours/Low-Brightness Run Time 8 hours)
(charging Time: 5 hours)
(System Weight 130 grams)
The Lighting Modes:
1. High - very bright (3 hours)
2. Medium - great visibility/battery life (6 hours)
3. Low - gives decent visibility in dark (13.5 hours)
4. Boost - extremely bright, super brighter than High (2 hours)
5. Flash - flash bright (24 hours).
Two special modes:
1. walk mode - for walking bike (24 hours)
2. SOS mode - flashes out "SOS" Warning signal
The NiteRider MiNewt 350 Cordless looks very suitable and I'll probably get it soon since it has 350 Lumens plus a medium Light level Mode. It wasn't even available at the time I got the CygoLite Milion 350.
I was doubtful of buying the CygoLite Milion 350 HeadLight due to that abrupt rudeness from CygoLite customer service but I bought it anyways.
I'm glad I did. All the reviews are accurate about every detail. This is a good, powerful light in an easy and small package. If I need more Run Time, CygoLite even sells a spare rechargeable battery for retail - $40.
Light quality wise, the ExpiliOn's 350 lumens is very bright, on a dark trail, it is too bright, it is even a little brighter than I am accustomed to so I use the Low mode. It does have a tiny halo on the outer edge of the beam but if you're looking ahead it won't bother you. If you're specifically riding in a long, dark tunnel, a long, dark section of road that passes under another road or a railroad, or a long, dark underpass, it will bother you a bit.
The Low mode is adequate for a dark trail and is a lot brighter and more focused than my Planet Bike Blaze 2 watt LED Headlight. For slow riding through the city the Low mode even seems comfortable.
I like the single piece design. I like the bright power and the "swivel" use of the mounting system for going around slow, dark corners, to look for people walking at night, or to "swivel" to the right in Flash mode on a paved bike lane to make cars approaching the stop sign, aware of your presence.
The Headlight uses a decent mounting bracket that is notably effective (aside from it being a cheap, $3 piece of plastic). It fits very well on the handlebars; also, I ended up using a cut up old tube to help keep it snug. I am still able to tilt it back and forth (up/down) for use in high/low beam (level it down towards the street and reflective street signs in front of you) and flash mode (level it up towards car traffic) by not tightening the mount all the way (check/tighten the mount often so it doesn't completely loosen or fall off the bike Also check/tighten (or add glue) the attachment of the quick release screw mount on the light itself often so it doesn't completely loosen, since the Headlight loosely "swivels" to the right then). With the "swivel" use of the mounting system for "left and right" and the tilt "up/down", the Headlight has a very good range.
The light is exceedingly fantastic with reflective materials, especially on dark residential or dark city streets with reflective street signs, reflective street posts, reflectors in street bumps, reflectors on parked cars, reflective animal eyes (most nocturnal animals have reflective eyes), reflectors on moving bikes, reflectors on fences, reflective materials on moving trucks/cars (Fire trucks, Ambulances, Police cars, Airport Vans, postal vehicles, Delivery trucks, Towing Trucks, Freeway service trucks, city Bus, taxi, Big Rigs, etc.), reflectors on postal boxes, etc. It really helps avoid some moving or stationary, dangerous obstacles in dark areas.
The Flash mode is SUPERB. It causes everyone to look at it, it shines and is visible on stop signs for at least 30 or more long residential blocks. If you are in very bright city lights, it's best to use the flash mode but level it up towards car traffic. People even think you're a Bicycle cop so they are more "cautious".
The "flashing" mode bright flashes are very disturbing if you're on a dark trail while you are riding, but the "flashing" mode even lights up the path too. If you have Photosensitive epilepsy, AVOID it, the "flashing" mode patterns are high in luminance contrast (bright flashes of light alternating with darkness). I nearly passed out afer a few minutes on a dark trail with it on the "flashing" mode.
I use the ExpiliOn 350 for dark trails, and on brightly lit city streets; I use a combo of high beam, low beam, and flasher. Be sure to secure the Milion 350 in its mount with an audible "click".
I'm really pleased with this light, I hope it lasts at least 2-8 years. I'd like to see a better cover for the Rechargeable port on the light since it's very cheap and rain will eventually leak in; it's also very hard to cover it back up when you're done with Recharging the light.
** UPDATE: After 5 months of use, the light has been terrific. I use another CygoLite with the CygoLite ExpiliOn 350 to compete on freeways and heavy traffic (one light on "flashing" mode helps alot here). The problem I have encountered is the Rechargeable cover port, it was moved to the 'top' from older models and continually "opens" up on rides. If you are bicycling in heavy rain (Seattle, North California, Mobile, Ala.), this will be a BIG problem. I'd get the Cygolite MityCross 400 system instead, it's more water resistant.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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Weighs 158 Grams, March 1, 2012
By A. Peter Allan (East Coast, USA)
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The description and the packaging claim a weight of 130 grams. Some of us go to great effort and expense to keep our bikes lightweight, and we have to rely on these product claims. The light alone weighs 133 grams, and with its mounting bracket it weighs 158 grams on my digital scale. Since it's useless without the bracket, it is deceptive to claim a weight without the bracket, and then round it down. They could weigh it without the battery and get a really low number.
I would likely have selected a competing product, the Light & Motion Urban 300, at 112 grams if I had accurate weight information. I don't know if that is an accurate claim either.
The bracket has a left-right swivel adjustment. On a bumpy ride, the light's aim drifted off to one side. I am looking for a way to disable this feature; maybe some LockTite in the swivel joint.
Be aware that the manufacturer does not recommend use as a flashlight for more than 5 minutes, because they rely on airflow to keep the LED cool.
Other that those issues, I like the light. I need it now and the price was great, so I'll keep it.
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
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Bright light and a great value, May 4, 2012
By Maipu 444 (Afghanistan)
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I purchased this light based on the reviews here. Out of all the other comparable lights, this one seemed to be the best value. The light itself is very well constructed and feels solid in your hands. The light is very bright just as advertised and 350 lumen equates to bright enough to light up the path in front of you on a dark road. If you plan on cycling faster than 20-25 mph, you should consider a much brighter light.
The only problems I found with the light itself was that the charging status indicator wasn't visible or working but I know that the charger and usb cable was functional after testing it with another usb rechargeable bike flashlight. I contacted Cygolite customer service via email about this and they responded within a day. I was told "The charging indicator is located underneath the blue power button on the top power button. Please note that it might be a little hard to see because of the blue button." This turned out to be the case. In a lighted room or in bright light, I couldn't see the status indicator. However when I looked closely or when I turned off the room light, I was able to see the charging light indicator.
Now on the only other problem I initially experienced. My handlebar likes most MTB bars get thicker in the middle where it connects to the stem. The part either side of the stem is too large for the included shims of the mount. When I removed the shims and only installed the rubber grip cushion, my bars where slightly too small at the maximum tightness of the mount. So I found a thin piece of left over rubber shims from my grab bag of reflectors and other mountable bike accessories and voila. I was able to install the mount and it held securely in place. So what I initially thought was a problem with the mount screw being stripped wasn't and all turned out very well. This is a great product and I would recommend this to my cycling friends.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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very bright, charge lasts, April 7, 2012
By artlizzard (Barrington, IL)
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This little dynamo is extremely bright, the design is aesthetically pleasing, it fits handlebars easily and can be slid off to use as a flashlight too. Very pleased with our investment. Also, it can be charged in other usb chargers- so I can use my iphone's car charger (the cord comes out and there's the little usb hole that you can plug other cords into) An extra plus. The one thing I don't like- my 10 year old has a hard time turning the switch- it's hard to grip and turn- but this could be a plus as it won't turn itself on.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
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Cygolite Expilion 350, December 21, 2011
By Dustin
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Such a cool light. Battery came charged, easy to put together, easy to install. I've had three lights this year (school teacher who began commuting this school year, nine miles each way, leaving at 5:20am) and as the sunlight has gotten progressively less throughout the year, I have upgraded lights. I started with a Knog light, which does nothing beyond offering slight blinking to drivers. I got a Bell light off Amazon in October, fairly inexpensive, but did little and wore batteries down surprisingly quickly. I received this as an early Christmas present, and it is wonderful.
I began using it in the morning and find that even the low setting is bright enough to see absolutely everything in detail on my commute. My commute involves many suburban streets, mostly with slight visibility. This provides me with confidence that I am seen, allows me to go through my entire ride without worrying about potholes, sticks, glass, etc, which might be on the street.
Light is great. Works perfect. Charges easily. If you have the money to spend on this one, buy it. I can vouch for the 350. I can even use it as a flashlight in a pinch.
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This little light of mine ..., December 7, 2011
By Rade (CA)
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Just received this to give as a Christmas gift for my son who rides daily to college. Has seven light modes and at 350 lumens this is a light that will help you see where you're headed, not just a light to be seen by others. What impressed me was that it has State-of-the-art Cree XPG LED technology which to my understanding is the latest 3rd generation lighting. Cost was actually a little less than Cygolite's 250 lumen light with older lighting technology. Seems well made and should last for many years. Very pleased with the purchase.
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Amazing light, December 2, 2011
By bob
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I got this light to increase the daytime visibility of our tandem. It does that exceptionally well. On our second mid-day ride with this light an oncoming driver gave us a thumbs up and yelled "great light!" It's very clear that motorists now use more caution around us.
This light does not interfere with my wireless flight deck computer like the 2W Planet Bike light does. It is also much brighter and casts a wider beam.
I no longer commute in the dark, but if I did I would have no need to go back to the rig I used to use for that, which was 2 halogen lamps - 15W and 20W - plus a 2 lb water-bottle battery. This little LED amazingly gives comparable visibility with a more pleasing whiter color.
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Great for communting, February 13, 2012
By Alfredo Palhares
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I commute on completly dark roads. Love it great distance and a nice and cleather white beam. Decent battery durabily (i usually use the hi-beam mode). And the boost of its nice for those really cloudy and dark days. The usb port charging is cool and enables charging anywhere.
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Great light, January 1, 2012
By Ahmad
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Powerful light, very good quality of material, convenient charging options, durable battery, can be installed upside down, adjustable, and 4 light modes plus flash.
I had to add a rubber slice to fit it on my small handlebar. But with that addition, the light is firmly fixed and does not move. I like that you can point the light slightly to the left and right and adjust it to your liking without having to remove the mount.
The handlebar mount is made of good quality plastic, but even that can break, so i suggest that they improve the mount and maybe use a built mount just like "CatEyE".
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Cygolite Expilion 400, March 8, 2012
By Kevin Edward Longtin
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This product works just as advertised. I've used bike lights that are cheaper and there is a noticable difference. I've also looked at lights that are much more expensive and this light is the best of the both worlds. Light and compact and easy to use. At the dimmest setting it is still bright enough to light up the road and reflect street signs. Most importantly cars can see this light. Its like the new white lights you see on cars that annoy and blind you except you won't mind when its your safety on the line riding down a two lane country road. Just be careful not to aim it to high or you might actually blind people and if your on the trail it will blind other riders. I couldn't ask for more from a product that cost me less than a hundred dollars. The MSRP on Cygolite website is 135 dollars and its only 65.00 on Amazon. I haven't had it long so I'm not certain how long the recharable batter stays at a hundred percent. The batteries are sold seperately if you need replacements or extras for much longer rides.
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Good light, March 2, 2012
By Student Commuter
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It was a great deal. It lights the road very well at high speeds. Charging it is a sinch, just plug it in and wait for the light to tell you when to stop. I would recommend this to anyone on my good side. I commute about 25 miles a day and I only charge it about 2 times a week, the battery is very strong.
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Excellent light, well built and a good value too!, February 20, 2012
By rbtg (California, USA)
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Everything about this light says quality! Well built and designed. The light unit with battery pack (but without the mount weights in at 132g. I have this one and the Expillion 250 that I purchased before the 350. The 250 came with a helmet mount, which the 350 does not, but I frequently use the 350 on the helmet mount as it's a bit brighter than the 250. I switch tne unit between three bikes during the week which is a snap. It's beam throw is bright enough for some moderate speed downhill Mt. Biking although I wish the beam were a little wider, but hey, it's a 350 lumen light that costs less than $70 and is probably the best communter light in it's class.
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Bimbo, February 19, 2012
By Oliver E. Jolly Jr.
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I am well pleased with light so far. I ride most mornings before daylight and don't need the brightest setting. The battery seems to hold up for 4-6 hours on next to highest. I like the mount as I don't have any problem with slippage. The option for extra battery is nice. I will get that if I increase riding time. You will not overrun this light with normal bike riding.
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Cygolite Expilion 350-Lumen USB Rechargeable Headlight, February 21, 2012
By lgarc20
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fast shipping, the light is pretty bright very excited about it. used it with the charge it had out the box very bright. when i charged it and took it out it was even brighter!
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
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wow, February 19, 2012
By mtb weekend warrior
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ths light is awesome. iluminates paths extremely well. I also like the base. very easy to mount in handle bars versus my previous light (luxo infini).
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
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If the light is on & stationary longer than 10 minutes..., March 1, 2012
By D. Du
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I just got this gadget. It looks great.
I am reading the instructions carefully and find some problems.
In the Caution part of this instruction:
. Provide adequate airflow to the headlight to cool during use.
So the headlight will be hot during use?
Will the light burn off if I don't notice it is hot?
. If the light is on & stationary longer than 10 minutes, turn it off.
So if the trip is longer than 10 minutes, I have to turn it off in this middle?
Then what is the meaning for 2-24 hour run time?
I will use it today and do tests on it.
0 of 3 people found this review helpful
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Bright light!, May 19, 2012
By Paul Gilbert (BALTIMORE, MD, US)
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I got this light to use during daytime rush hours. I use the flashing mode and it's super bright - the drivers can't miss you. The USB charger is really easy. Yeah this is kind of pricey but I think it's totally worth it.
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Great light, April 27, 2012
By Griffo (Brisbane, Australia)
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Bought this light as there are a few dark spots on my regular commute ride.
This light is perfect for that.
It's bright without being too bright, with a very good spread of light
When you turn on the lit, it goes straight to the bright setting.
To turn it off, hold the button down for 2 seconds & it's off.
The mount is very secure and charges via USB perfectly.
The low battery indicator light however could be brighter as it is difficult to see it flashing, but only a minor point.
Shipping to Australia was great, 8 days. Very impressed.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
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Damn good light for the money, April 23, 2012
By Marpom
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This light is simply awesome. The 350L you get is all you need. It's light weight, compact, easy on/off, and the smart charging is a good thing for those who forget to unplug. The different modes are great to have, with the medium setting the one I use most. The bracket is tough and won't allow the the light to fly off when you hit a bump in the road. Overall it's a great product and it's made in California.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
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Awsome light!, April 12, 2012
By Matt
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This light is cool. Perfect for commuting. Super bright, portable, and usb rechargable. For under 100$ you cant beat it!
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
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Super Bright!, April 1, 2012
By Big Dawg (California)
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I don't ride at night often, but I got caught slacking a couple of times and had to ride in the dark without a light, so I got this just in case. This light is super bright, I like the ease of internal power supply and USB charging. I ride a road bike, I find it a bit difficult to mount this light because of all the brake and gear cables. However once mounted, you can leave this on and just separate the light from its mount.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
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Super Bright Light, March 30, 2012
By Thierry (Houston, TX)
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03-30-12
I just got the order in the mail, and tried it out at home. It is super bright and it has 5 different light settings. 4 of which is from bright to dim, and the 5th is a SOS signal. I can't wait to try it out on my bike. I've never had any lights on my bike before, until my friends suggested I get one for safety purposes. I'm going to try it out for a while and give an additional review later.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
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Very bright, March 21, 2012
By jt
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I purchased this to replace a very cheap department store light I had purchased almost 4 years ago. It is the first light I have owned that actually allows you to see the road, and see it very well, as you ride. It comes complete with everything needed to mount and charge it. I was drawn to this item primarily for its price and I am very please with it. Most of the roads I ride at night are back country roads with little or no light. I ride these roads around 1:00AM when I get off work and this light definitely takes most of the "creepy" factor out of the ride. Aiming the light slightly to right no only illuminates the road, it also shines far enough off the side of the road to see into the woods or fields. You will need to make sure its not aimed up too high or you will blind any on coming traffic.
The light was purchased at Amazon and came in a very nice package. It arrived on time with all packaging intact. I would recommend this light to anyone wanting an entry level light that is bright enough to see with.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
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Impressive piece of lighting, March 20, 2012
By Chris (Belgium, Europe)
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Amazing how much light this produces! Check the direction of the beam when mounting it on your handlebar because it can easily hinder the sight of those coming from the opposite direction. It can also be used as a flashlight for walking which makes it even more handy when going out for long trips with some camping included. Not cheap but a real piece of art. The only reason why I've not rated it a 5 star is that I've not had the chance yet to push the battery to its extreme, but I'm pretty confident it's not going to let me down and will last the run times as adviced by Cygolite. In short, what a beauty!
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
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