Mega-Test: Bike lights

This is essentially the same light as the Central 700, but without the full 700 lumen output. The battery is also replaceable. It will still mount to just about any handlebar or stem, or GoPro mount, and the highly capable 350 lumens will burn for three hours, with a recharge time of four hours. As long as you are not riding solo in the dark on unlit roads at speed, this light will likely serve your purposes perfectly. Much of the power is focused in the centre of the light, but the spread is even outside of the centre spot.

Output: 350 lumens, Burn time: 3-16 hours, Modes: 5 modes including pulse and strobe, Mounting: Elastic quick release mount, plus Action Camera style, Weight: 162g, Price: $99.99, From: Sheppard Cycles

Blackburn Central 200

This model from Blackburn is a smaller, lighter and sleeker unit than its bigger brothers. And while it loses the variety of mounting options and high power, it is quick and easy to use and will shed a safe 200 lumens of light from your handlebars for your commute, or on your morning bunch ride. The pattern is wide for a spot, but can only do so much with 200 lumens. Consider one of the more powerful models for riding at higher speeds in the dark.

Output: 200 lumens, Burn time: 2-10 hours, Modes: High, low, pulse and strobe, MOUNTING: Elasticated bar mount with swivel, Weight: 62g, Price: $69.99, From: Sheppard Cycles

Cateye Volt 400 XC

A neat package that shows Cateye’s long experience in making bicycle lights. The 400 lumen light has a broad and clean spot, and will penetrate dark nights admirably – for one hour. If you need a longer burn time you have to cut back to 100 lumens. This leaves the Volt 400 XC in the realm of the longer distance commuter more than the rider who gets out early to ride solo. The hyper constant mode flashes between 400 and 100 lumens – for 10 hours – and is a great option for use in the daytime. It is a very well finished unit, and should last quite some time.

Output: 400 lumens, Burn time: 1 – 20 hours, Modes: High, low, hyper constant and flashing, Mounting: Elasticated bar mount with lateral rotation, Weight: 95g, Price: $69.99, From: Sheppard Cycles

This light packs a punch both in power and mounting versatility. With the included mount capable of rotating 360 degrees and fitting a variety of bar or stem diameters, the light can also be mounted to a GoPro or similar mount. Be that on your head, fork mount, handlebar or otherwise. The Lithium-Ion battery is also replaceable, making it a great long-term investment. The pattern is the same as the smaller 350, with the light focused in the centre. With 700 lumens available on high, for almost an hour-and-a-half, this light will suit riding on unlit bike paths or roads, and with the lower settings can adapt to friendly use in your local bunch ride.Model: Output: 700 lumens

Burn time: 1.25 – 9 hours, Modes: 5 modes including pulse and strobe, Mounting: Elastic quick release mount, plus Action Camera style, Weight: 172g, Price: $169.99, From: Sheppard Cycles

Exposure Joystick Mk11

A premium front light that suits long distance rides, early starts, solo training, adventure rides and even mountain biking. The output can be tailored for your needs, and the weatherproof nature of the light makes it perfect for the rain, hail or shine rider to get out and stay out in safety. The light’s centred focus is clear with no dark spots, and the wider spread helps from riding ‘trapped’ in the beam. The mounts for the handlebar and helmet are basic but work – and there are options for aero handlebars as well. The Joystick has a CNC machined body that means it will be around for years, and as it comes with a wall charger and a USB charger you can easily have one at home and one at the office.

Output: 850 lumens, Burn time: 1.5- 36 hours, Modes: Programmable, flashing or steady, Mounting: Bar and helmet mounts included, Weight: 88g, Price: $250, From: BikeBox

REAR LIGHTS

Knog Blinder Road

A neat match to the Blinder ARC, this rear light runs in line with your seat post, and has a nice ‘peloton’ setting which doesn’t blind the rider behind you. But the peak output of 70 lumens means when riding solo you know you will be seen. The mount doesn’t adapt well to aero seatposts, or seat angles beyond the normal range. The integrated USB charger is neat and effective.

Output: 70 lumens, Burn time: 3.5 – 20 hours, Modes:  5 modes from Steady to Eco, Mounting: Elastic strap - replaceable, Weight: 47g, Price: $74.95, From: Knog

Blackburn Click USB rear

This basic design is very easy to get along with. The 20 lumens is still ultra bright, and it can be on or flashing. Simple. The mount will suit standard seatposts from 15-33mm, unless the angle is beyond the range of normal, as there is no option to change the angle. This should be a very popular model for road cyclists without aero seat posts.

Output: 20 lumens, Burn time: 1.5 – 3 hours, Modes: High or flashing, Mounting: Elastic strap, Weight: 20g, Price: $34.99, From: Sheppard Cycles

Azur USB ET Tail Light

While you might get lost in the options of modes available, this light is easy it fit onto just about any seat post, with a small range of adjustment to make sure it points where it needs to. The day-running flash will suit mile munchers, and the high beam will help keep you visible if you’re on busy roads.

Output: 30 lumens, Burn time: 1.5 – 20 hours, Modes: 8 modes, Mounting: Adjustable rubber mounting with quick release, Weight: 34g, Price: $34.95, From: Bikecorp

Cateye Rapid X2 Kinetic

A bright and svelte light that is slimline and can fit just about any bike – although the stock mounting lacks the ability for angle adjustment. Cateye do have an extra mount you can purchase to aid fitting options. What is really nifty is the acceleration sensor – it gets brighter as you slow down. So it acts almost like a brake light on a car. This is great on either the road or the bikepath.  The all-weather design and option for a long burning daytime setting makes this rear light a good option for almost any cyclist.

Output: 50 lumens, Burn time: 5-30 hours, Modes: Constant, flashing and rapid, Mounting: Elastic rings, will suit aero posts, Weight: 44g, Price: $69.99, From: Sheppard Cycles

Cateye Rapid X3

It doesn’t have the acceleration sensor of the X2, but the X3 packs a punch with 150 lumens available – albeit for one hour. If you don’t want to take any risks with being seen on your pre-dawn rides or busy commutes, this is your light. With the same mounting options, including extras, as the X2, it’s a very versatile light.

Output: 150 lumens, Burn time: 1 – 30 hours, Modes: 6 modes, Mounting: Elastic rings, will suit aero posts, Weight: 32g, Price: $89.99, From: Sheppard Cycles

Exposure Blaze

With an incredible burn time and bullet-proof build, the Blaze is your go-to rear light for the seasoned rider. Whether you want a bright light for six hours, or constant flash for a 48 hour epic, the Blaze can do it. With looks that almost resemble a mini miners lamp, the CNC’d casing is strong, and well sealed. It mounts easily on your seat post, and has a guide for what the modes are right on the light itself. Being handmade in the UK, this light could well become an heirloom piece - as you’re not likely to part with it for a long time. This is the perfect rear light for the adventurous cyclist.

Model: Exposure Blaze, Output: 80 lumens, Burn time: 6-48 hours, Modes: 6, 3 brightness setting on constant or flash, Mounting: Plastic support, mounted by a replaceable elastic strap, Weight: 86g, Price: $165, From: BikeBox

COMPLETE SETS

Exposure Trace and Trace R

With a day time pulse option, low size and weight and a weatherproof design, this set is perfect for the rider who wants to ensure they are visible while riding in the daytime or on lit streets. The mounts and switches are easy to use, but bear in mind this set is about being seen, and less about seeing. You’ll need a more powerful front light to illuminate your path. If the seatpost mount isn’t compatible, there are mounts available for aero posts or your saddle rails. Given the long burn times and the fact the Trace can be used like a mini hand torch, this is a great set for touring, if you have an option to recharge them as required. This British set of lights will be in use for years to come, given the quality of finishing.

Output: 110 and 75 lumens, Burn time: 3-24 hours, Modes: 3 brightness modes in pulsing or steady, Mounting: Plastic brackets with elastic attachments, Weight: 35g each, Price: $159, From: BikeBox

NiteRider Lumina Micro 450 and Sabre 50

This is a great value kit for the commuter and dedicated cyclist. While 450 lumens won’t instil confidence at high speeds on unlit roads, it will light the road in front of you before the sun rises or after it sets, and you’ll get over an hour-and-a-half use on the high setting. The beam is centrally focused, and heat fins on the unit mean flickering due to overheating is kept to a minimum. The mount can be tricky to set up but is rock solid and offers lateral adjustment to get it focused right where you want it. The rear is similar, and the small size of the light belies its punch.

Output: 450 and 50 lumens, Burn time: 1.5 – 14 hours (7.5 hours for Sabre), Modes: 3 flashing, 3 steady, Mounting: Adaptable bar mount and seatpost mounts, with angle adjust, Weight: 130g and 28g, Price: $99.95, From: JetBlack

CygoLite Dash and Hot Shot 30

This is a good value set that mounts easily and can suit a variety of handlebars and stems, and seatposts and seat angles. The 460 lumens burns the battery quickly, and this set is optimised for shorter rides in the dark such as commuting or group rides before the sun is up or after it is down. Given the long burn time for the flashing options though, they also suit daytime use if you are setting out to cover some serious ground. The mounts adapt to a variety of bar, stem and seatpost sizes and angles, making this set highly versatile.

Output: 460 lumens, Burn time: 1-63 hours, Modes: 8 modes of flashing and steady, Mounting: Elasticated mounts with lateral adjustment, Weight: 75g and 35g, Price: $159, From: Bikecorp