$1,000 light packs 7 LEDs, puts out 1400 lumen – for a bike?

September 28, 2007

The Wall Street Journal had a short bit on the Betty – a 1400 lumen bike light from a German company, Lupine Lighting Systems, that retails for over $1,000. I don’t know which surprised me more: The kilobux price tag for a bike light or the 1400lm brightness.

1400 lumen bike battery The light uses 7 P4 LEDs from Seoul Semiconductor, which each emit 240lm at 1A. So, yeah, you’re going to need one big battery to supply this light – what does it use? According to one of the suppliers, it’s a “13.8AH bottle battery.” I read about a lot of different battery types and configurations, but I’d never come across a bottle battery before. Come to find out, that’s what you call a battery that fits in your bike’s water holder – other sites refer to it as a “water bottle battery.” And of course, it’s a lot bigger than the light itself.

Posted by Margery Conner on September 28, 2007 | Comments (5)

February 19, 2008

In response to: $1,000 light packs 7 LEDs, puts out 1400 lumen – for a bike?
Bozo commented:

The price is high, but if you bike commute after dark (I do) you realize the value of being able to see and being seen. It is life or death. I suspect some of the negative posters have $200 iPods, $2000 TVs, and seat warmers in their BeeMers. Those are toys.

November 4, 2007

In response to: $1,000 light packs 7 LEDs, puts out 1400 lumen – for a bike?
David commented:

People posting negative comments are clearly are not serious night-time athletes. When I'm XC-skiing in the woods at night, going 15-20 mph, far from civilization, a light like this is a literal life line, worth every penny. Have a crash or get caught with a broken light in the dark and it's frostbite or worse.

October 9, 2007

In response to: $1,000 light packs 7 LEDs, puts out 1400 lumen – for a bike?
mtbiker commented:

While, I don't have this unit I did build one with this much light output. But, I am sure mine was heavier as I used incandescent light bulbs and sealed lead acid batteries. I used to ride a night a lot and did a few ultra-marathon events where riding through the night was expected (google PBP). I would have killed for this unit back then. As for the battery, it is standard cells packed in the "bicycle water bottle form factor". Thus the battery can be easily and securely mounted to a standard water bottle cage. Great job Lupine, now just bring the cost and weight down.

October 7, 2007

In response to: $1,000 light packs 7 LEDs, puts out 1400 lumen – for a bike?
rmschal commented:

I own one of these light systems and it was worth every penny! I bike commute year round and do some 24-hour events so I need a high quality light. I have gotten many comments about its brightness level from pedestrians and motorists alike. Despite its clean simple looks and ease of use, this unit offers the user many different modes of operation for just about any lighting application whether it be for cycling or any other night time activity.

October 4, 2007

In response to: $1,000 light packs 7 LEDs, puts out 1400 lumen – for a bike?
marketier commented:

At +$1k/ea I wish I had their purchaser list... It would tempt one to make some lovely seat covers.

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