[Closed] Cheap front light to help me be less depressed?

Alpkit Bosun is prett good as a helmet light for £29.
Other alternative is Solarstorm X2 clone for about £20 from e.g. Amazon.

I don't know much about lights I'm afraid, but just wanted to say that I'm sorry you're struggling.

I've struggled with depression (and other issues) in the past and it's a bastard.

Despite all the bravado and the occasional knob, the Singletrack Forums have always seem an incredibly supportive place when folk have needed to talk about difficult things.

PM me on here and I will donate a suitable light for you

I have a few options depends on whether you want light weight or burn time and reliability

Off road night rides an option too? Any groups around, what part of the country?

Tough times it seems, but getting out riding can do a lot to help with depression, anxiety etc. Exercise in general, but riding especially. More so if you can get rides with like minded people. I find riding to be very friendly and very social (MTB in my case), even the night rides. Many in the group I ride with similarly are limited on time and the night rides are the only option.

Have to said off road night riding is loads of fun. Less so on your own, though to me it's better than no ride. Not everyone will feel safe night riding on their own though. I kind of like the solitude, as much as I enjoy social rides. Road I'm sure is also fun. Just I've never done night road rides, so can't comment really.

Nice one, Junkyard. Thank you.

Wow that sounds really tough, OP, no wonder you are feeling down. Your situation is really difficult, it makes me feel really lucky as I recover from an operation. Not got anything helpful to suggest, just wanted to offer my sympathy. Good on you for trying to fight back by aiming to get out on a ride, sounds like it could be a lifeline. Good luck!

Good man junkyard 😀

Thankyou everyone, sitting here running a bath for the kids reading the replies and my eyes are welling up, i feel like a right numpty.

Thankyou Junkyard. Thankyou from the bottom of my heart for your offer. Will happily pay you/donate to a cause of your choice.

I only live a 20 mins drive from Brechfa, but the engine in our car blew up last year and has been sitting in our garage ever since as we can't afford to repair it. Would love a mountain night ride, but the brakes on my mtb are knackered too, one more thing on my list of 'when i can afford to sort this' which is a reoccurring theme unfortunately.

The more i seem to be writing the more i am deleting as i go along.

Junkyard - genuinely nice offer. Kudos to you.
OP - that sounds like a whole load of challenges that any normal person would struggle with. I suspect you're doing brilliantly just managing day to day so do cut yourself some slack and I wish you all the best.

gnusmas/Junkyard

I have a 6x18650 battery pack made by Torchy the battery boy ( http://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/big_f_d_d?_trksid=p2047675.l2559) That fits solar storm and magic shine lights. It gives a good and reliable boost over the standard ones. I also have light too should you need.

If this would be useful, PM me I'll send it to you.

Set up a crowdfunding page Gnusmas?

I will chuck some money in for sure, a little from everyone will get you there.

This guy needs some good lights that will last, wont burn the house down and last. A good set of Hopes will set you up.

I went through stress, anxiety and then depression and have to keep any eye out for it every day.

My mates never turned me down for a ride, and like wise a friend who is recovering from cancer and rides like the devil to shake it off, is always ridden with, despite us being knackered.

My email is simon_chambers@hotmail.com

This guy needs some good lights that will last, wont burn the house down and last.

dont mind how he gets some as long as he does
will chip in if stw hive mind or OP prefers this.

Thanks all for the kindness, it is really appreciated.

Larrydavid, again can't thank you enough for your offer. Will keep you posted if that is ok?

Rocky mountain - appreciate the thought and gesture greatly, but I am not wanting to take advantage of anyone, it was a genuine question about decent cheapish lights. An electric wheelchair is higher on the wish list and needed more than lights for me, i think for my sanity though i need to get out and this is what i was trying to explain. Reading back i think i just wanted to offload too.

Not all all Junkyard.
Just being an old softy!

Set up a crowdfunding page Gnusmas?

Yep, and post the link here. I'd happily donate.

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/junkyard-stw

there you go - all spelling errors are my own ...added to the authenticity!!

NB they deduct processing fees and charges - I assume for Paypal - I will provide proof of the donation, obviously, to the OP

@ larry david if you send him that i will send him a Lummi set up with cutter leds so he has something that is not lightweight but will have long burn times. Not sure how long the torchy battery lasts but it has to be an improvement on the solar storm i could offer. I can send him a solar storm light if needed as I have two lights and only one working battery

Disc or V brake on your mountain bike? Seems silly to ask but I figured I'd make sure; They might have been broken since the 90's!

Just finished work for tonight and thought i would check in before heading to bed. I am crying my eyes out!

None of you know me but are rallying around and going well above anything i could ever imagine. There really are some nice and genuine people in this world. I wish i could personally thank you all. This is truly amazing and not what i was expecting at all, i am stunned.

A very big heartfelt thankyou to you all.

Demelitia - Saint M810s, after bleeding go spongey within 10 mins and loses all pressure after about an hour or so. Bikes sat there like it since we moved here nearly 3 years ago.

Gnusmas, your not as alone as you must feel mate.

I have a tiny understanding of some of what you describe.

Hold on there buddy and don't be too hard on yourself.

I find it's the best people in life that bring out the best in this forum too.

Don't know much about depression or front lights I'm afraid, but have chucked into junkyard's just giving.

What's up with the car - there's a chunk of knowledge and goodwill on here, could get that sorted I'm sure....... Will chuck some in to Junkie's JG shortly. I too suffer depression but thankfully without the other issues you have and I know how tough it can be at times, I can't imagine how you cope but just know you aren't alone, we've got your back for whatever you need.

Would this [url= http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/hope-r2i-vision-integrated-led-front-light/rp-prod140452 ]Hope R2i Vision[/url] be suitable? There's no battery pack option but it's got good reviews one of which states that at around 450 lumens it'll run for 4.5 hours.

Currently 41% off at CRC and in the clearance sale, so an extra £10 off. I reckon that the Singletrack funding page ought to stretch to that.

I've got a set of xtr m970 brakes you can have if you want. They need a bleed though.

OP: At the risk of sounding like a TV ad, have you approached anyone about compensation related to your wife's poor treatment? I work for an architect's practice who do a lot of expert witness work, assessing people's housing requirements, in very similar situations to yourself.

If you still need anymore light, I'd be happy to send you a virtually unused Solarstorm X2 with it's original battery and charger. It can't have done any more than about 10 minutes, I've ended up with a ridiculous amount of lights for some reason.

Chuck me an address if you want it.

Are there any other bikey bits you need?

I might have some brakes somewhere, they'll be nothing special but if I can find them and service them they're yours.

Email me your address and I'll post you out some spare Shimano brakes. They're not great but will get you running again.

Donated. Not much though because I'm not working! Every bit helps though I guess. Good luck OP, Im old enemies with depression. PM me if you ever need an ear to chew! 😀

Where are you based gnusmas?

though you have it much tougher than I can imagine, with 4 young kids I at least know how precious riding time is.

I force myself out every week if only for an hour.

If you are near Woburn I'm out from 20:30 usually on a Thursday !

Just dropped kids off at school and sat down with a cup of tea. Opened the thread.

Wow, just wow!

My mind is blown, feeling really emotional, at a loss for words. Don't think i deserve any of this. Really struggling to comprehend the amount of kind words and generosity.

This place has always been a sanctuary for me over the years, not necessarily posting but always reading. It has always been my 10 mins of peace. Read everything from tales of joy and wit to sorrow and heartbreak, along with informative views, opinions and sarcasm too. I never thought i would be on the receiving end in this way. This has exceeded my expectations in every way.

You are probably tired of hearing this, but again, thankyou all from the bottom of my heart.

Right, managed to compose myself a bit after a couple more cups of tea.

Firstly, i would like to thank Junkyard for setting up the crowsfunding page.

Secondly, i would like to thank all that have put into the crowfunding page Junkyard has set up. It is unbelievably generous of you all.

Theotherjonv - the car blew all its water out and now wont hold water at all. I did the thermostat at the time, flushed it through but still does the same. When i was working on it i noticed the front subframe has rusted through, been told it can't be welded and won't pass another mot like it.

Mikey74 - one of our family members suggested compensation. If the condition was diagnosed early enough there wouldn't have been an issue, but not an easy thing to diagnose early on due to lack of all the symptoms, if that makes sense. The consent form for the operation also covers every eventuality so no come backs on them.

Kimbers - i live in Carmarthen, so nowhere near you unfortunately, thanks for the offer though.

Oink1 - thankyou, will bear that in mind.

Squealer, Toasty, Drac and Schmiken - thankyou all so much, will direct message you on here if that is ok. My email address is hoodahell(AT)hotmail(DOT)co(DOT)uk if it is any easier for you.

Toasty - pretty sure that is all that is wrong with the bike. Quite a simple 1x9 Cove Stiffee with 26" wheels.

Yup DM will be fine.

It'll take me a bit to find them if I've got some as my spares box is buried somewhere in my garage.

Not great brakes admittedly, but I have some avid BB7 that I can post to you.

Gnusmas, I have an Exposure Spark you can have plus charger and rechargeable batteries. Nice little light and ok for road use.
In my spares box I have some handlebars and a Lezyne rear light if they can be of any use they are yours.
Drop me a message and I can post out if you want them.
Steve.

Messages sent to everybody (i think),thankyou doesn't feel or seem enough for all you are doing.

Don't feel i deserve any of this.
I have been a bit of a wreck today, struggling to comprehend your kind generosity against my gradually declining behaviour towards my family.

Hopefully things will take a turn for the better soon, i know things need to improve before i explode completely through no fault of anybodies but myself.

Did you see my post about financial assistance? Have you spoken to a solicitor?

What she has been left with is classed as a side effect of the operation which is listed on the operation consent form. I guess they are covering all bases by listing as much as they can. Albeit a very extreme side effect, the surgeon even said he hasn't known anyone to be as bad as this after the operation.

She is being monitored by the hospital and has to have an MRI scan every 6 months and a follow up consultation. This is to make sure it doesn't worsen any more, which could result in paralisation from the neck down.

I see. I'm still sure there must be avenues for financial assistance, though.

Citizen's Advice Bureau?

We have put in a claim for PIP to see if we are eliglible. They didn't turn up for 2 appointments, finally came to the third only last week. Been told it is not definite, but we won't hear anything for another 8 weeks or so. Annoying and stressful playing the waiting game which isn't helping either tbh.

Gnu,

Are you now sorted for brakes ? I've got a set of Clarks sitting in the spares box doing nothing if you're on disc brakes ?

Only a small donation from me i'm afraid, but tight month.

Weeksy - pretty sure i am but thankyou for your kind offer. Will keep you in mind if that is ok.

Any other bits you need then ? Pedals, grips, mechs, saddles, bars ? I bet between us we have tonnes and tonnes of stuff. That's just the first few things that come to mind in my box, how about tyres ?

my gradually declining behaviour towards my family.

Its normal surely, if my Mrs goes away with work for a few days and I have to look after our son on my own I get increasingly grumpy and thats nothing compared to what you seem to be going through and without trying to be preachy try and let this thread be a lesson, if you talk about problems they can maybe not be solved but can be helped and we are just random ****s on an internet chat bored. Imagine what family and friends or the medical professions could do if you make that step.

Weeksy - very kind of you to offer still, apart from upgrades which is more of a want rather than a necessity all is good. When i do upgrade i will be rebuilding my sons bike from my parts so he will hopefully have a better bike instead of his halfords bso, now he is getting interested in cycling too.

As i said before i am not wanting to take advantage of anyone and all the help is being greatly received. It is quite hard to ask for help generally, let alone when people offer items. I find it difficult to accept when i am normally one to help wherever I can.

Anagallis - i have already been to the doctors. He wasn't comfortable giving me any meds due to the amount of meds my wife has to take for pain management etc. Reason for this is if i have any side effects (tiredness, sleepiness, increased anxiety etc) then functioning in the family would become difficult etc.

Ironically his suggestion was to go cycling or take up swimming, running, weight training or something similar to work out my stress, and in turn help decrease my depression as well as getting some time to myself and exercise.

I find it difficult to accept when i am normally one to help wherever I can.

It's precisely because you are the sort that is willing to help that it makes you perfectly entitled to accept help in the times you need it. Whatever's making it difficult for you, look at the big picture. You're taking help so you can make things better on the grand scale; we're giving it because we want to and we can, knowing that many of us have been or could be in your position at other times.

gnusmas - Member

Weeksy - very kind of you to offer still, apart from upgrades which is more of a want rather than a necessity all is good. When i do upgrade i will be rebuilding my sons bike from my parts so he will hopefully have a better bike instead of his halfords bso, now he is getting interested in cycling too.

As i said before i am not wanting to take advantage of anyone and all the help is being greatly received. It is quite hard to ask for help generally, let alone when people offer items. I find it difficult to accept when i am normally one to help wherever I can.

We understand that 🙂 It's not like i'd be taking stuff off my bike etc to help you out, anything on offer is just stuff that sits in a box, i've got for example 4 unused saddles from various bikes as i only ride Spoons/Flux's so have loads of spares that will never see the light of day.

I totally get your point though, i'm exactly the same, i'm the person giving... but i'd like to think to save my sanity i'd accept help... (not convinced i would though)

Ironically his suggestion was to go cycling or take up swimming, running, weight training or something similar to work out my stress, and in turn help decrease my depression as well as getting some time to myself and exercise.

Absolutely 100% - but if getting out for longer periods is tough because of needing to be at home, don't overlook even doing 10-15 minute sessions of high intensity stuff. 20 second circuits of pressups, burpees, sit ups, stationary sprints (knees up / arse-kicks, etc.) with 10s changeover between them - keep that up at max effort for 10 minutes and you can flood with the endorphins that exercising releases.

(And done properly your troubles will disappear while you're doing them because all you can focus on is not being sick 😉 )

There are all sorts of financial supports for people in your situation, do your best to make sure you have fully explored every avenue. Navigating social care / health / benefits system can be a complete PITA but worthwhile in the longer run.

CAB would probably be my first port of call.

The financial side is only part of the worry and stress. That is i suppose the physical side ie able to get things to help make my wife more comfortable day to day (electric wheelchair etc).

The mental side is more important to make sure we can all continue as best as we can with all that is going on. I am trying to be as strong as i can and support her and the kids, but feel i am losing touch with the family side of things as i am trying to make sure everything that needs doing gets done.

This was the reason for my original question. Not trying to be selfish to make sure i get, but to try and improve my mental state so i can improve our family situation by being a better husband and father. I guess i am scared of failing them and possibly losing what i currently have as a result.

by analogy to First Aid training. DR ABC - first action is Danger; assess the situation and don't become a casualty yourself.

Same here. Tough as it sounds if you don't function properly then you're less useful to the family. If that means taking time out here and there so you can be fully supportive the rest of the time, do it.

But you know that really - let someone carry your load when they can, so you can carry it better the rest of the time.

Thankyou jonv, means a lot.

Time out here and there is what i am basically doing, when i get the chance. When everyone has offered different bike parts, initially i thought that would be great, i can spend time fettling and changing parts, a bit of time in the evening doing something constructive on my bike or the kids bikes.

But, like i previously said, i find it difficult to ask for anything, especially if i don't need it. I think the time doing anything like fettling is appealing, but don't want to come across as begging either. That just isn't me at all.

I agree with theotherjonv, you have to look after yourself to effectively look after others. I learnt the hard way and in a period of great stress I tried to compensate by packing as much into the weekends for the family as possible and in the end just burnt out.

I also agree with trying to fit in some short sessions of exercise ideally every day even if it is just a couple of minutes. Even better if you can do it early in the day so you benefit from it all day. You will easily get the few minutes back by working more productively but it is hard to see that when everything is stacked up. I do understand how busy mornings are before school etc. but could you do a couple of minutes of HIT type exercise with the kids and try and get into a daily routine.

Really hope you can get out for a ride soon to clear your head. I hope we can raise enough cash to make a decent contribution to wheelchair.

gnusmas its not begging, if fettling would give you the required head space go for it, swallow your pride and accept the parts required. People (myself included) have an incredible ability to hoard bike bits that do no body any good sat in a box. I try to take them periodically to a cycle charity but your case is just as strong if not stronger. Please accept a little help so that you can keep giving to your family.

Thankyou bigsurfer.

I think as you suggest it may be worth doing something in the morning with the kids, they might enjoy it too.

As far as raising money goes, i haven't actually looked at the page since Junkyard said he set it up so don't know what's going on there. But if it gets to his total that would go a long way towards a nice wheelchair (if there is such a thing as a nice wheelchair) for her.

My wife doesn't know about this thread, she might actually kill me for talking about her. I haven't done this to annoy her, i am hoping that re-reading all the comments over and over will continue to help so i can try and get my head sorted to a point i can actually talk to her properly.

Donation made. I'm always amazed by the spirit on STW. Brilliant idea by Junkyard and hope it makes things a little bit better for you.

Thankyou teamslug, genuinely appreciated.

My wife doesn't know about this thread, she might actually kill me for talking about her.

Or it may restore a little faith in humanity for her 🙂

Donation made here too. I don't usually do this sort of thing but something about this struck a chord.
Look after your self mate.

Mos, thankyou very much.

Weeksy, maybe but she will still kill me

Hopefully she'll do that by running you over in her nice wheelchair. 🙂 +1 for what mos ^ said

Teamslug - that actually made me smile, first proper smile in i don't know how long.

Thanks

What she has been left with is classed as a side effect of the operation which is listed on the operation consent form. I guess they are covering all bases by listing as much as they can. Albeit a very extreme side effect, the surgeon even said he hasn't known anyone to be as bad as this after the operation.

IANAL... but ignore the consent form and seek some legal advice or at least a second opinion. You can't sign away your legal rights.

If the surgeon made a mistake or did not act properly, or risks were not adequately explained, you might be due some form of compensation regardless of what it said in the consent form. It may be the case that the side effects were unavoidable, but it's worth a try.

Hopefully she'll do that by running you over in her nice wheelchair.

he'll be able to get away on his s****y parts bike

Your brains going to be better at learning things, depressed rather than when you're hyper.

So I'd consider re-skilling. It doesn't have to be rocket science... I'd love to learn mathematics properly:)

As for exercise, I've never read his book, but ex-Scottish rugby pro Gavin Hastings recommends getting out for a 15 minute walk, three times a day.

Horatio - Might be worth looking into it, like you said it can't hurt.

Jonv - ?? i only have 9 gears with rapid rise too, nothing s****y about that.

I think everyone now knows the struggles and serious side of things. It can be tough but never given up and never wanted to be anywhere else, even if i have struggled to show it.

Oh well, I guess after the last 2 comments made me smile its time to let normal STW resume.

Commence.

Greatbeardedone - might check it out, thanks.

I walk to school and back twice a day, the school is about a 15 min walk (30+ with the kids).

One of the little ones playgroups is a mile away, so 2 miles walk once a week. If my wife isn't in too much pain and can manage getting out into town, i push my wife in her current wheelchair while carrying the little one on my back in a child carrier, that can easily be a 1.5 to 2 mile jaunt round town.

I should be skinny as a rake but have developed comfort eating over the past few months, so still pretty rounded. I was trying to find a way of getting out by myself for a little to clear my head etc.

Re-skilling, now there's a thought. Will have a think, thankyou very much.

wee bump> https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/junkyard-stw

I have been away at £260 so far

OP mailing you re light pics and what you want to do next

Big thanks to STW for all you have done

Was there a ballpark figures for the electric scooter out of curiosity?

Hope OP is feeling the love and I really don't mean the money by the way.

This thread typifies why I like this forum hugely. For all the bickering we do actually give a damn.

As said before, restores my faith in humanity.

Nice one guys!

Is it really at £260??????????

F*** me!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yep! 😀

Not any more. 🙂

Si

Sorry for my outburst, i genuinely hadn't looked. I am truly stunned. Thankyou everyone, that is completely unbelievable.

Poopscoop - it has never been about the money. I have felt the love from the start, i have had direct messages and emails of support from various STWers as well as the kindness shown on here, it is only a day or so and it has been an emotional and staggering journey so far. I am completely blown away.

I originally asked for options for a decent cheap light to help my mental state. This is going to be a major breakthrough at this rate, physically and mentally for all of us.

To answer your question, electric scooters/wheelchairs start from around the £699 mark. We haven't looked properly at the most suitable ones yet as there was no way we could afford it. As we are playing a waiting game with regards to PIP, my wife is not classed as disabled so we are unable to get VAT relief that most shops seem to offer for disabled persons.

I suppose the biggest question of all now is, when do i tell my wife?

I don't know anyone here in person, but i will gladly and proudly call you all my friends. A genuinely massive heartfelt thankyou to everyone for your kindness, helpfulness, support and unbelievable generosity.

It what make this place so great

Tell her when we have a total is my advice
Pics of light will be with you within the hour

Quick shout out to Junky for taking the time and having the idea to set up the JG page.

Nice one chief.

Si

Was just about to so the same.

Thanks Junkyard 🙂

I'm a bit of a lurker on here. Wanted to chip and help if I could, so after contacting gnusmus a pair of deores are now boxed up and ready to go. Hopefully be with you by the end of the week!

[img] https://flic.kr/p/VmVXH7 [/img]

Edit: first time trying to post an image - not sure it's worked!

What a heartwarming thread - this place does seem to come good in a crisis. Good luck gnusmas and well done to Junkyard - have also just done the necessary on JG. A small amount that I can easily afford - if you're reading this and dithering, go on and do it. You'll feel warm and fuzzy and earn karma points to be redeemed in the future in your own hour of need. What's not to like?

BTW - it's up to £360!