We tested 61 bike lights costing $100 or less.
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Light performance (65% of overall score)
We measure lux at 0°, 20° and 45° in our lab. Many manufacturers claim a light output in lumens, the total amount of light available, but we think lux (lumens per square metre) is a better measure of light performance as it shows the quality of light, not just the quantity.
A good front light should make you visible to drivers at junctions, so we calculate light performance combining 40% of the score at 45°, 40% at 20° and 20% at 0°. A good rear light needs to be most visible to drivers overtaking from behind, so we calculate light performance combining 40% of the score at 0°, 40% at 20°and 20% at 45°.
Ease of use (35% of overall score)
“In-use” performance (50% of the ease of use score) includes turning the light on and off and selecting the mode (with and without gloves), usefulness of the battery indicator, and robustness of the mount to knocks and vibration. Daily convenience (30%) includes removing and refitting the light, charging or changing batteries and carrying it in a bag. Ease of fitting and versatility of the mount adds the final 20%.
Water resistance
We thoroughly doused the lights with a garden sprinkler. We checked they all worked correctly while soaking wet, then inspected for any water inside the lens and battery compartment or charge port. We don’t include water resistance in our overall score, but we won’t recommend lights that show signs of water ingress.
Burn time
We measured the burn time of USB rechargeable lights on their maximum steady setting. We noted if they switched to low-power mode before the battery ran out.
Rear
Be seen
$90
Large
Even
Yes
61
USB
5
3
3
3
Direct
Multi-fit ladder
n/a
USB
Male
3:00
1:20
Strip
-
Its a good one
Pros
I have had one of these for a few years now. For a commuter (30 minutes morning and night) it will last all week on a single charge on medium setting. On really horrible nights you can select one of the flashing setting. It plugs directly into a USB port (no cable required) so if you do forget, any sort of digital device with a USB port will charge it up.
Cons
You have to take care to plug it in to USB ports the right way up. I can never remember which way is up, but know to look for the green light to ensure its charging.
Recommend it?
Yes, I recommend this product.
Simon W.
Used 6 months or more