Tesco torch handlebar fitting
Tesco torch handlebar fitting
As autumn is creeping up on us and the darker evenings approach i modified an old Cateye HL500 light bracket to take a Tesco torch as well as still being able to hold the original cateye unit. There are probably hundreds if not thousands of these Cateye lights lurking in peoples bike cupboards as they were very popular in their day. The only tools needed were a 2mm drill and a needle file. I also needed a reusable cable tie to secure the torch. This is how i did it.
Roger
Roger
Peugeot 531 pro, Dawes Discovery Tandem, Dawes Kingpin X2, Raleigh 20 stowaway X2, 1965 Moulton deluxe, Falcon K2 MTB dropped bar tourer, Rudge Bi frame folder, Longstaff trike conversion on a Giant XTC 840, Giant Bowery, Apollo transition. 

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Re: Tesco torch handlebar fitting
Nice - I've got one of those, might give that a go. I've been using Lockblocks until now, which are fine on the road but a bit wobbly for off-road use.
Re: Tesco torch handlebar fitting
Similar handlebar brackets are available as spares from the likes of wiggle or chainreaction for £3 or so. Some of them are quick release and with left/right angle adjustment.
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Re: Tesco torch handlebar fitting
Good work!
When I made my DIY 12v 30w light setup, I cannabalised the quick release brackets from a a set of lights found in the pound shop. After a few months of use, I broke one of them by being a bit too rough, so I just went along to the pound shop and handed over another pound for a new set! Nothing gives me more pleasure than avoiding spending money!
When I made my DIY 12v 30w light setup, I cannabalised the quick release brackets from a a set of lights found in the pound shop. After a few months of use, I broke one of them by being a bit too rough, so I just went along to the pound shop and handed over another pound for a new set! Nothing gives me more pleasure than avoiding spending money!
Re: Tesco torch handlebar fitting
I use a toe strap. There's a bit of an inner tube on the torch to prevent scratching the bars.
Using a light bracket is a good idea if you've already got an old one lying around, but getting the £10 Lockblock or even a £3 bracket is not worth it considering that the torch is only £8.
Using a light bracket is a good idea if you've already got an old one lying around, but getting the £10 Lockblock or even a £3 bracket is not worth it considering that the torch is only £8.
Re: Tesco torch handlebar fitting
I forgot to mention that i also loop the carry strap around the bars as a secondary retention (just in case!).
Peugeot 531 pro, Dawes Discovery Tandem, Dawes Kingpin X2, Raleigh 20 stowaway X2, 1965 Moulton deluxe, Falcon K2 MTB dropped bar tourer, Rudge Bi frame folder, Longstaff trike conversion on a Giant XTC 840, Giant Bowery, Apollo transition. 

Re: Tesco torch handlebar fitting
Good pics - its always hard to get solid, easily removable bar clamps. An old inner tube looped around the handlebar worked ok for me to lock the torch on. Vibrated a fair bit but the beam was so poorly focussed anyway.
OT - but max brightness after 6 months is down about 50 % - anyone else ? . .. I see Tesco price has gone up to 10 pounds.
OT - but max brightness after 6 months is down about 50 % - anyone else ? . .. I see Tesco price has gone up to 10 pounds.
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Re: Tesco torch handlebar fitting
fixer wrote:getting the £10 Lockblock or even a £3 bracket is not worth it considering that the torch is only £8.
Alternatively: Since the torch is only £8, there's probably cash left in the bank to afford something decent to attach it with. Not sure why the fact that a perfectly decent light can be had for little money means it should only be attached with some workshop detritus you've found under the fridge

Re: Tesco torch handlebar fitting
Discarded Post Office rubber bands. Solid, vibration free. A+ award for cost, D- for sartorial elegance.
Re: Tesco torch handlebar fitting
Si wrote:simple solutions are often the best!
Holding it with your teeth is the simplest.
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Re: Tesco torch handlebar fitting
james01 wrote:Discarded Post Office rubber bands. Solid, vibration free. A+ award for cost, D- for sartorial elegance.
Don't trust those RM bands, they are biodegradable and will fail without notice sooner or later.
Re: Tesco torch handlebar fitting
rualexander wrote:james01 wrote:Discarded Post Office rubber bands. Solid, vibration free. A+ award for cost, D- for sartorial elegance.
Don't trust those RM bands, they are biodegradable and will fail without notice sooner or later.
You're partly right, they do deteriorate over time. However their imminent failure is obvious as they discolour and take on a ragged appearance, giving plenty of notice. Apply a bit of over-engineering, use 2 or 3 bands (they are free after all) so that one failure isn't a disaster .
Re: Tesco torch handlebar fitting
james01 wrote:Discarded Post Office rubber bands. Solid, vibration free. A+ award for cost, D- for sartorial elegance.
I do similar using a big rubber band thing normally used for tent flysheets
Re: Tesco torch handlebar fitting
Hi Folks, long time no post. I've become a voyuer for a while but this thread prompted me to show you what I did with my old Cateye stuff.
If anyone can explain how to upload photos I can show you what I've done.
Cheers.
Oops, just found the thread that does this. Preparing pictures now & will upload soon...
If anyone can explain how to upload photos I can show you what I've done.
Cheers.
Oops, just found the thread that does this. Preparing pictures now & will upload soon...
Last edited by bikegeek on 15 Oct 2009, 1:39pm, edited 1 time in total.
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