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Need small LED to view computer at night, rechargeable preferred..

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Old 01-19-15, 09:51 AM
  #1  
Copper_head
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Need small LED to view computer at night, rechargeable preferred..

Upon searching for a wireless computer that can do cadence and basic cyclocomputer functions, I was not able to find any product that has a backlight for use in the dark. Why no one has thought of this is a mystery to me. So I will need a small led with perhaps a flexible gooseneck that can be mounted to the bar to provide a dashboard light so to speak. Please help.

Thanks
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Old 01-19-15, 10:08 AM
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I clip one of these or these on my helmet visor. Not rechargeable, but it lasts a long time if you use it sparingly.
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Old 01-19-15, 02:15 PM
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This is a surprisingly powerful light:

https://amazon.com/gp/product/B00GR7DADE

I've actually limped home at night with it. It puts out supposedly 80 lumens, and I'd say if not it's at least 50. It usually just sits on top of my helmet turned off, I flick it on if I need to find something in a bag or do a repair at night. It has multiple power modes so you could run it pretty low to watch the bike comp.
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Old 01-19-15, 02:21 PM
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LED 'itty bitty book light' ? Christianbook.com: LED XtraFlex2Book Light, Green: 9781933622743
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Old 01-19-15, 03:10 PM
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Small LED lights are almost never rechargeable because they draw so little energy that a single cell will power a single small LED for a very long time. I have to disagree with the notion of riding with a "reading" lamp on. It's not good for your night vision.
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Old 01-20-15, 12:36 PM
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Why not use a helmet mounted light? It works for me.
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Old 01-20-15, 02:17 PM
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Garmin Edge 500 (probably other Edge models as well) do have a backlight.
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Old 01-20-15, 02:48 PM
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I have to disagree with the notion of riding with a "reading" lamp on. It's not good for your night vision.
a red light is OK , All the instrument displays on the bridge of Ships, at night is Red, for precisely that reason.
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Old 01-20-15, 02:48 PM
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I very occasionally ride with one of those head-mounted lights, not made for cycling. One of the modes is a single LED in the color red. I like this for viewing my handlebar computer or watch because the LED is not bright and won't mess with my night vision. It is bright enough for me to read by, and the red color seems to make it sharp. I got my light at Costco. Recently, I got my boss to buy me one for use at work, and it has the Energizer name on it. This light also has a red mode. Each model uses three AAA cells, which I don't love, but it's OK, especially since these things don't get heavy use.
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Old 01-20-15, 03:07 PM
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My suggestion would be to pick up a cycle accessory mounting bracket, angle it below the handlebars and mount your computer on it. You can then mount any light of your choice on the bars above it and the stray light will light up your computer face.
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Old 01-20-15, 06:45 PM
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All of my computers have a back light built in.
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Old 01-20-15, 08:43 PM
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Originally Posted by Copper_head
I was not able to find any product that has a backlight for use in the dark.
What is your price range?

My old sigma computer had a back light and it was a little bit less than 30$

Most things 40$+ should have a back light.
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Old 01-20-15, 09:10 PM
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This designed just for your problem. They are OK. I have 2. A bike computer light..........

Computer Display Night Light Sigma Topline Universal bei eBid Deutschland

Last edited by 2manybikes; 01-20-15 at 09:14 PM.
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Old 01-21-15, 07:45 AM
  #14  
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Originally Posted by Team Sarcasm
What is your price range?

My old sigma computer had a back light and it was a little bit less than 30$

Most things 40$+ should have a back light.

Update: Cateye Stealth 50 has an always on backlight. Computer is not too bad, but then I would have to buy the ant+ sensor as well
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Old 01-21-15, 05:36 PM
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Originally Posted by Copper_head
Update: Cateye Stealth 50 has an always on backlight. Computer is not too bad, but then I would have to buy the ant+ sensor as well
If you don't mind spending the cash, I suggest the Gamin Edge 500 bundle. A nice computer is a 1 and done (for a long time unless you break it) purchase.

It is also ant+ but ant+ is very nice and that computer will give you LOTS of info. You can find it pretty cheap as well.
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Old 01-21-15, 05:42 PM
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Recently you can find the computer w/heart rate monitor/speed&cadence sensor for 200$ or so.
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Old 01-22-15, 01:08 PM
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we're probably better off w our eyes on the road every moment. anyone besides me hit something like a stick, stone or a small pothole riding at night?
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