Light and MotionTaz 1200 Light(Return to Product Page)

I bought this light specifically for cyclocross training at night but have been using it for late night road rides. It produces a lot of light and let's me see potholes well ahead of time.

Great product!

very bright and wide light pattern,easy to change light settings.easy to mount.

the only thing i don't like is the light seems to jam the wireless signal to my cateye strada cyclometer,but it's better to see where your going than how far or fast your going.

light is very bright with good beam disbursement.

One thing I've noticed though,when the light is on, it jams the wireless signal to my wireless cyclometer (cat eye strata)I've checked this with the light on and off several times and it is definitely the light that blocks the wireless signal.

But it's worth it to see where I'm riding.

Very bright on high beam. Nice to have flash mode for visibility during day and at duskdawn hours. Love that the strap can accommodate virtually any handle bar size. But.,..the amber side lights are a bit silly and their onoff switch is so close to the headlight switch that sometimes I hit the wrong one (I prefer not having to take my eyes off the road to changing headlight setting.). Also, the hard cover for the charging port can be difficult to remove from the recessed port opening because of its location. Otherwise a great headlight.

The best things about this light:

• Very bright on the high setting (yes, when I first got the light I ran it at high on the MUP and had people complain it was too bright. I also had a motorist specifically compliment it as a great light and tell me how well she could see me)
• Good beam pattern with enough spill to see to the sides through turns even when the light is aimed directly ahead.
• Compact, self-contained, relatively light weight

I use this for commuting. Usually, I have a flat land commute, but sometimes I will go deep into the hills and end up with a 30 mile, 2500' ride home in the dark.

Here's a few typical scenarios:

• Regular commute: 1 hour each way. Use low setting in the morning/twilight just to be seen. Use high setting on my way home when it is darker. I can do the 2 hour round trip ride on one charge.
• Extendo commute: Regular commute to work (1 hour with the light on low), but on the way home I'll spend 45 minutes on low/medium on flat roads with streetlights, then 45 minutes on low while climbing up a 2000' hill, then 30 minutes on high for descending and making my way home. Again I can do the whole round trip on a single charge (but just barely)
• Early commute: Leave home earlier than usual when it's still dark and use the high setting for my 1 hour morning commute. Take the light off my bike and recharge it at work - full charge for the ride home.

I should mention that at home I charge the light while it is still mounted on my bars. I only take it off if I need to charge it at work (rare) or if I'm doing a daytime ride on the weekend. Even then it's no big deal to remove/install the light. It literally takes less than 10 seconds to take it off and 20 seconds to put it on.

Also the handlebar mount works without any trouble for me and does not move when going over bumps. If your light is moving then just stretch the rubber strap a bit and tighten it one more notch.

PROS

- High quality. I am really impressed with how the light's build feels.

- It is surprisingly small. I have a Planet Bike headlight mounted next to it and the L&M isn't much bigger.

- Great light spread. It is great for commuting to be able to see debris and also light up the sides of the road for more visibility. Being seen AND being able to SEE what is on the road, especially at speed is very nice.

- The USB port cover is easy to remove but not too easy. It won't come off unexpectedly. And if it did, it is attached to the light.

- Race mode is great. LowHigh are the two settings I use 99% of the time. Being able to switch between them is perfect.

- Battery life seems good so far.

- Cars seem to see me much more easily (e.g. People don't back out of their driveways) and I feel like I've had fewer conflicts at intersections, I think because people can in cars can see me without trying.

- I've already contact L&M customer service because a piece was missing in the box. They were immediately helpful.

CONS

- My only complaint is the non-user replaceable battery. I have to hope that getting it replaced at a later date isn't difficult or expensive.

- Slightly fiddly mount. You can definitely make it stable but I am used to fixed mounts so it i something I am getting used to.

- Moderate throw. For exclusive trail riding there may be better lights.

- I feel like a slight tool for having such a bright light (now I am THAT guy). I try and only use the 1200 level when I really need it and make sure it is angled appropriately to not blind people. Low (300 lumens) is fine for most situations where there is street lighting.

MISC

- Exposure lights have similar models at a similar price point but the beam pattern is more of a spot. I found the Taz's pattern better for my needs. One bonus for the Exposure lights You can hook up an external battery in a pinch.

If you want to light up the road for commutes and don't want an external battery, I think the Taz is a great choice if you can handle the price.