Batteries for bike lights

[S. cerevisiae]

So what can this invaluable tool (DR forum) do to find suitable rechargeable batteries for lighting. I'm looking for those uber-cool units I can dirtbag (cob) together with a pair of auto running lights ($17.89 with wiring harness and hardware)?

Leaving here to google my ownself too, but I value everyone else's opinion too.

[rockyrider]

Try to find a battery specialist shop locally. There's a place here called Polar Battery (http://www.polarbattery.com/) that builds custom battery packs of rechargeable batteries in virtually any form factor, any voltage, any AmpH rating, any format, any chemistry (NiCad, NiMh, Lion,etc.) for industrial applications, they can do a shrink wrapped battery pack for about 1/2 the price of buying a replacement pack from the light manufacturers. They also sell chargers.

[K-Man]

I've placed several NiMH battery orders thru amondotech.com (http://www.amondotech.com/) and been happy. I have an established head unit from my existing light system, but built several replacement battery packs using some copper wire and soldering iron. Since the cells are pretty affordable, now I have multiple battery packs, so I can run 24hour races without worrying about recharging. They've got a pretty wide selections, so you'll llikely find what you need with them.

Note that for connectors I've been using some pretty bomber ones (http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/10001/-1/10001/8929/10001/316/124/9) designed for boating. Some clever guy name Bontrager turned me on to those.;)

[jhl99]

I use the rechargable batteries from my cordless drill... the drill came with (2) 12V NiMH batteries and a smart charger. 12V is perfect for MR-16 type halogen lights.

Also, made a water bottle adapter to use the batteries... The adapter is a cut off water bottle, some plywood cutouts, brass contacts, a fuse holder and a power connector and a velcro retaining strap. The batteries can be used in either the drill or on the bike without modification.

This is dirtbag cheap... I already had the drill and all the other components were essentially scrap.

[S. cerevisiae]

Thanks for the links...

jhl-check your PM mate.

[gti2k2000]

This place has a lot of battery choices. I've ordered several from them and had good luck with the products.

http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1257

[Konaboy]

Lots of good suggestions hear already so I figure I'll add another. :)

You can go to morcmtb.org and search for homebrew lights. There should be step by step instructions posted in that thread.

I've done a few night rides with the author and when his lights are going, it's debatable whether or not you will need yours.