Cygolite Metro Light

[Judd]

@smb9600 186389 wrote:

This morning my front light started randomly changing settings and turning off. I now have it charging, and it’s randomly turning on. Is there any way to fix it? It hasn’t had any recent drops, and (otherwise) works great. Hate to have to toss it! Help! 😮

I’ve had this happen with a Bontrager Ion. My internet sleuthing indicated that it was likely water got inside. In my case it was no longer useable.

I also washed a rear light in the washing machine once. It exhibited similar behavior and I had to toss it.

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[smb9600]

Oh boo! I guess that makes sense why it happened today… Maybe it’ll dry out??? [emoji1696][emoji1696][emoji1696]

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[ImaCynic]

Sounds like the switch is going south in or gotten wet. These are usually soldered to the main board and difficult to fix. If it had gotten wet recently, you may want to remove the battery, leave the compartment open and put it in a closed jar with some uncooked rice overnight. If not, then it would likely be a warranty issue, if it still applies.

[drevil]

@Judd 186392 wrote:

I’ve had this happen with a Bontrager Ion. My internet sleuthing indicated that it was likely water got inside. In my case it was no longer useable.

I also washed a rear light in the washing machine once. It exhibited similar behavior and I had to toss it.

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You should’ve put it in the dryer.

Yes, I play a flashing rear light engineer in the television.

[josh]

@smb9600 186393 wrote:

Oh boo! I guess that makes sense why it happened today… Maybe it’ll dry out??? [emoji1696][emoji1696][emoji1696]

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I have a Cygolite HotRod front light (I think that’s what it’s called) and water got in probably 6 months ago, and there was visible moisture. That dried out, but it still doesn’t reliably function, so don’t get your hopes up.

[smb9600]

Boo! And thanks all! I guess it’s time to upgrade… maybe I’ll buy one with a video recorder???

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[cvcalhoun]

You could also contact Cygolite. I’ve had excellent experience with their customer service and repair service.

[Judd]

@smb9600 186405 wrote:

Boo! And thanks all! I guess it’s time to upgrade… maybe I’ll buy one with a video recorder???

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Emm and I are both running Fly12 cameras that also have a light. I rarely use the light part of it but it did bail me out once or twice when my main light died.

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[Judd]

@smb9600 186405 wrote:

Boo! And thanks all! I guess it’s time to upgrade… maybe I’ll buy one with a video recorder???

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Lights and motion also has a new Rando 500 light that has twice the run time as their normal lights.

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[Emm]

@Judd 186420 wrote:

Emm and I are both running Fly12 cameras that also have a light. I rarely use the light part of it but it did bail me out once or twice when my main light died.

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I agree with Judd. Depending on what trails you ride on, the Fly12 may not be sufficient, and the battery isn’t great. I would only use it on the MVT or W&OD as a backup light since it’s not really strong. But it’s worked when my other light has died or I forgot my main light.

[smb9600]

Thanks! I would have gone with it alone. Maybe my current light will work out. It hasn’t turned on randomly in over an hour! [emoji1696]

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[LhasaCM]

@Emm 186423 wrote:

I agree with Judd. Depending on what trails you ride on, the Fly12 may not be sufficient, and the battery isn’t great. I would only use it on the MVT or W&OD as a backup light since it’s not really strong. But it’s worked when my other light has died or I forgot my main light.

Not sure which models you’re running; I agree that the original Fly12 had a rather mediocre light for some conditions, but the newer model upped the light output significantly, to the point that I’ve no issues using it as my primary light (either on “low” setting when in the city/otherwise on a decently lit trail or on a higher setting when out more remotely). The bigger obstacle to its utility for me has been the battery life; I’ve noticed in the more recent cold spells that I’m only getting about 3-4 hours out of the front light/camera. Not a big deal for normal commuting, but problematic for a longer ride. (I keep a set of See.Sense lights as a backup “just in case”)

Like everything – YMMV

[Emm]

@LhasaCM 186427 wrote:

Not sure which models you’re running; I agree that the original Fly12 had a rather mediocre light for some conditions, but the newer model upped the light output significantly, to the point that I’ve no issues using it as my primary light (either on “low” setting when in the city/otherwise on a decently lit trail or on a higher setting when out more remotely). The bigger obstacle to its utility for me has been the battery life; I’ve noticed in the more recent cold spells that I’m only getting about 3-4 hours out of the front light/camera. Not a big deal for normal commuting, but problematic for a longer ride. (I keep a set of See.Sense lights as a backup “just in case”)

Like everything – YMMV

I’ve got the newer one (CE?). I just haven’t loved the light compared to my cygolight. If I was just doing city biking, or on trails that weren’t completely pitch black and going through forested areas I’d be able to rely on it more.

[smb9600]

Well – I realized my light only stopped randomly turning on because it died completely [emoji17] Looks like I’m in the market (ASAP) for a new light. Like one I can buy at a LBS tomorrow. I loved the cyglolite (but it only lasted 3 years) anything better out there?

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[secstate]

One sad part about the Cygolites is that their battery is not replaceable. Once it doesn’t hold a charge long enough to get you through your rides, you have little choice but to toss it and spend $50-$80 for a replacement. That might take as little as two years depending on your riding habits. I’m on my second Cygolite and expect that I’ll need to replace it by next winter.

My dream bike includes a dynamo hub, but for my next purchase I might consider a German light with good beam pattern in order to be more considerate on the trails. A couple of these have good brightness and runtime on rechargeable AAs:

https://www.peterwhitecycles.com/b&m.php

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