Do you struggle with riding your bike, particularly in the dark?
If yes, then one of the reasons could be that you do not have the right bike lights. Bike lights at the front and rear make it much easier for you to ride in the dark.
Besides, bike lights help you stay visible to the traffic surrounding you at any time of the day. It is observed that many motorists struggle to spot the rider due to bright sunlight. Thus, bike lights turned on during daytime make a rider detectable against the bright background.
In this buying guide, we aim at providing you all the relevant information regarding bike lights. We have thoroughly looked into various products on the market and selected the best bike lights.
They have been reviewed in detail, highlighting all the key features that you should be looking for while purchasing one.
So, let’s dive into the world of the best bike lights.
Contents
- Best Bike Lights Comparison Table
- Top 10 Best Bike Lights In 2023 Reviews
- 1 LEZYNE Light FT Micro Drive 600XL Black
- 2 LEZYNE Zecto Drive Bicycle Front LED Light
- 3 Knog Blinder MOB Bike Light
- 4 Garmin Varia UT 800 Smart Headlight
- 5 NiteRider Lumina 1100
- 6 Cygolite Metro Pro – 1,100 Lumen Bike Light
- 7 Lumina 900 Boost Front Bike Light
- 8 Vis 500 & Vya Commuter Combo
- 9 BV Super Bright USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set
- 10 Best Mountain Bike Lights for Night Riding
- Best Bike Lights Buying Guide
- Conclusion
Best Bike Lights Comparison Table
Products | Weight | Lumens | Water-resistant | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
Weight 3.21 ounces | Lumens 600 | Water-resistant Yes | ||
Weight 1.6 ounces | Lumens 250 | Water-resistant Yes | ||
Also Great Knog Blinder MOB Bike Light View Price | Weight 1.6 ounces | Lumens 80 | Water-resistant Yes | |
Weight 4.8 ounces | Lumens 800 | Water-resistant Yes | ||
Also Great NiteRider Lumina 1100 View Price | Weight 4.58 ounces | Lumens 750 | Water-resistant Yes | |
Weight 6.4 ounces | Lumens 1100 | Water-resistant Yes | ||
Also Great Lumina 900 Boost Front Bike Light View Price | Weight 7.04 ounces | Lumens 900 | Water-resistant Yes | |
Also Great Vis 500 & Vya Commuter Combo View Price | Weight 4.27 ounces | Lumens 500 | Water-resistant Yes | |
Weight 4.23 ounces | Lumens 300 | Water-resistant Yes | ||
Weight 8 ounces | Lumens 1000 | Water-resistant Yes |
Top 10 Best Bike Lights In 2023 Reviews
1
LEZYNE Light FT Micro Drive 600XL Black
The Lezyne light is a high-quality model that shines at 600 lumens weighing 3.21 ounces. It illuminates the road well and makes your way visible in the dark. Thus, you can ride at any time of the day with these lights on.
The durable light can be easily mounted on your bike with a rubberized strap. Moreover, the model is water-resistant. You do not need to worry about riding on rainy days with this light on.
Also, the runtime of the light is 44 hours in Femto mode. With longer battery life, you can plan long rides without worrying about having to charge your lights midway. It offers cable-free recharging with an integrated USB stick. Therefore, you can charge it easily.
So, this model, with all the crucial features, will deliver the best performance. The model is suitable for commuting purposes. The brightness will allow other motorists to spot you on the road, making your ride safe and sound.
Thus, do consider this affordable model offering great quality while making your purchase decision.
Pros
- 600 lumens of light output.
- Lightweight with a rubberized strap.
- Well-constructed with heat- dissipation fins.
- Affordable prices.
- Easy to charge with an integrated cable-free USB stick.
Cons
- USB plug may make charging complicated.
2
LEZYNE Zecto Drive Bicycle Front LED Light
This is a durable model constructed from CNC-machined aluminum. It is a powerful headlight that comes with an in-built Lithium-Ion battery. The battery can be conveniently recharged with a micro-USB, which provides superior lighting for prolonged hours.
Moreover, the three ultra-bright LEDs and a lens offer great visibility with up to 250 lumens of lighting output. With these lights on, other motorists can easily spot you on the road during the daytime as well. Thus, the high visibility on the road will allow you to ride safely and smoothly.
Further, it comes with seven flash modes. These light modes enhance the visibility, and therefore, help you ride at any time of the day. You can select a mode that gives you the right amount of brightness for your ride.
Additionally, the bike light weighing around 47 grams would not add extra weight to your bike. It comes with a silicone mounting strap, which can be easily mounted on the bike. Thus, the compact and lightweight headlight is ideal for use and offers maximum illumination on the road.
Pros
- Features multiple flash modes.
- Superior visibility with 250 lumens lighting power.
- Compact and lightweight.
- CNC-machined aluminum construction.
- Easy to recharge with a micro-USB.
Cons
- Limited mounting option.
3
Knog Blinder MOB Bike Light
The Knog blinder MOB is a kid grid-style light. It features surface mounted LED lights that generate 80 lumens, providing maximum brightness.
Moreover, the integrated USB plug allows hassle-free charging. Just plug directly into USB ports without requiring a charging cable.
Also, the light has an eco-mode having a runtime of 76 hours. Thus, this makes it ideal if you are planning to go on long rides. You can switch to eco-mode on your long rides without worrying about the light’s battery.
The light is easy to install with tool-less removable rubber straps. It is suitable for aero and oversized seat posts. Also, the light is fully waterproof, allowing you to ride on rainy days.
So, if you are on the lookout for a compact and bright light for your bike, then do consider this model.
Pros
- Each LED light produces 80 lumens.
- Fully waterproof.
- Features an eco-mode having a runtime of 76 hours.
- Includes integrated USB plug offering cable-free charging.
- It comes with rubberized straps, which is easy to install on aero and oversized seat posts.
Cons
- May require frequent battery charging.
4
Garmin Varia UT 800 Smart Headlight
Are you looking for a headlight that could adjust the beam to your bike’s speed? The Garmin Varia UT 800 comes with smart features that allow you to pair it with suitable edge-cycling computers with light sensors. As a result, it enables it to automatically switch lights on or off and control the beam intensity based on speed.
Also, it automatically adjusts to the surrounding light conditions, battery capacity, and bike speed to prolong the ride. These amazing features make riding faster with a steady beam possible.
Moreover, this model will make your bike visible from a distance of 1.6km away during the daytime. It produces 800 lumens of lighting power for approximately 1.5 hours.
Further, it provides five light modes, comprising high, medium, low, day flash, and night flash. It comes with the universal out-front mount that holds the light firmly.
So, this headlight is best whether you are riding on the trail or the streets at any time of the day and at any speed. The brightness will automatically adjust to the speed and light conditions around you.
Pros
- Automatically adjusts to the speed.
- The high-intensity headlight is visible in the daytime from a distance of more than 1 mile away.
- Consistent 800-lumens light output for around 1.5 hours.
- Features 5 light modes, including high, medium, low, night flash, and day flash.
- Adjusts to battery capacity and surrounding light conditions, allowing a prolonged ride.
Cons
- It only functions within the Garmin ecosystem.
5
NiteRider Lumina 1100
A powerful bike headlight in the daytime is equally important as it is at nighttime. The NiteRide Lumina 1100 comes with a daylight flash that offers superior visibility during the day.
Furthermore, the model features a multi-purpose OLED display screen that shows battery percentage, selected light mode, and time left for battery charge. This eliminates uncertainty about the battery life of your lights, allowing you to plan your rides safely.
The lights are durable and long-lasting with Dupont fiberglass secured with nylon case construction. It generates 1100 lumens of lighting power, offering great visibility on the road.
Also, the bike light is Li-Ion USB rechargeable, which eliminates the need to replace batteries regularly. You can recharge it from any device, computer, or AC wall device.
The headlight can resist extreme weather conditions as it is IP64 rated water and dust-resistant. So, you can ride in different weather conditions without worrying about visibility on the road.
This model is ideal for people who usually ride in the rain or commute at night. It offers superior visibility on the road, which makes riding smooth and safe.
Lastly, you can easily put on and remove the handlebar strap mount with swift release tabs. So, the light is removed instantly from the mount without displacing the mount on the handlebars.
Pros
- Features daylight flash to provide enhanced visibility on the road.
- Multi-purpose OLED display screen on the top shows battery percentage, selected light mode, and time left for battery runtime.
- Generates 1100 lumens lighting power.
- Resistant to water and dust, allowing you to ride in different weather conditions.
- Convenient Li-Ion USB rechargeable.
Cons
- The mount may get displaced on bumpy roads.
6
Cygolite Metro Pro – 1,100 Lumen Bike Light
The Cygolite Metro Pro model enhances your riding experience on the road and in mountainous terrains. It produces 1,100 lumen light output that gives great visibility on the road.
Moreover, it features nine lighting modes that include both night and day use. You can ride at any time of the day with these nine light modes. This makes it suitable for almost all your riding requirements.
The SteadyPulse mode grabs the attention of motorists with LED light pulses and a steady beam continuously shining at night. The lighting allows you to get noticed during busy hours and alerts motorists.
Besides, the durable model is water-resistant and can withstand any type of weather condition. It can be easily recharged with a quick USB recharging cable.
Thus, you should consider this model if you frequently ride in the mountains. The features of this product will promise ease and comfort on all terrains.
Pros
- Extremely powerful with 1,100-lumen lighting power.
- Features 9 lighting modes, including both night and day use.
- Features SteadyPulse mode that increases your visibility on the road.
- Can withstand rough weather conditions with water-resistant construction.
- Quick USB recharging.
Cons
- Short battery runtime.
7
Lumina 900 Boost Front Bike Light
Enjoy your rides on the roadways with the durable Lumina 900 Boost front bike light. It features a lock mode that securely powers off the headlight during transport and storage. Simply press and hold the power button for 7 seconds to lock or unlock the light.
Further, the daylight flash provides high visibility on the road during the daytime. Thus, it will enable you to ride safely and smoothly at any time of the day.
Besides, it includes a battery level indicator that is smartly incorporated into the power button. The blue light indicates a sufficient battery level, while the red light indicates a low battery level that is less than 20%.
You can switch to any one of the seven light modes, including high, medium, low, boost, and walk, along with two flash patterns. Also, it can be easily charged with USB rechargeable.
Moreover, it includes NiteRider Sabre 80 rear light. The lightweight and luminous LED taillight enhances visibility during the day and night. The rear light consists of amber-colored sidelights offering 180-degrees protection.
Pros
- Features lock mode that is ideal to use during transport and storage.
- Daylight flash increases visibility on the road during the daytime.
- Includes battery level indicator.
- Seven light modes: high, medium, low, boost, walk, and two flash patterns.
- Easy to charge.
- It comes with Niterider Sabre 80 rear light, which enhances visibility during day and night.
Cons
- Short battery runtime on the rear light.
8
Vis 500 & Vya Commuter Combo
Are you looking for a superior-quality bike light for commuting purposes? The powerful Vis 500 headlight comes with the Vya taillight offering excellent visibility. The headlight produces 500 lumens lighting power with a high-power CREE LED.
The model is designed to resist harsh weather conditions and offers water-resistance as well. Thus, with these lights, you can ride safely on rainy days. It features pulse modes that increase visibility during the daytime.
Moreover, the rear light includes amber sidelights offering higher visibility and safety on the roads. It has a rubberized mounting strap that holds the light securely.
So, the front and the rear light combination makes this model ideal for use. Both lights offer amazing features that ensure safety while riding. It produces maximum brightness on the road, fulfilling your riding needs.
All these features make this model ideal for commuting purposes.
Pros
- 500-lumen lighting output.
- Weather and water-resistant.
- Comes with a rear light offering better visibility.
- Features pulse modes that increase visibility during the daytime.
- Taillight has amber side lights increasing protection on the road.
Cons
- The taillight mount is unsatisfactory.
9
BV Super Bright USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set
The model provides enough illumination on the road with a 300-lumen lighting output. It features three light modes, including runtime steady, steady, and flash.
Moreover, it comes with a compact rear tail light with three light modes. Both front and rear lights are micro USB rechargeable. You can simply connect it to any device such as a laptop, computer, or mobile charger.
The taillights come with a rubberized mounting strap that can be instantly attached and detached from the bike. Similarly, front lights can also be quickly removed from the mount and used as a safety light or flashlight.
Furthermore, the battery indicator on the headlight shows battery percentage and status, so you can save yourself from running out of battery while on long rides. Also, the water-resistant design of the model makes it durable and long-lasting.
Thus, you should consider this bike light set, offering all the essential features.
Pros
- Micro USB rechargeable front and rear light.
- Provides excellent visibility with 300-lumen lighting power.
- Features 3 light modes in both front and rear taillight.
- Water-resistant design.
- The headlight can be easily removed from the mount and used for emergencies or as a flashlight.
Cons
- The rear light does not hold the charge for long.
10
Best Mountain Bike Lights for Night Riding
This Vastfire bike light is ideal for those who love traveling, camping, hiking, and other such outdoor activities. The bike headlight provides 1200 lumen light output, which gives superior visibility on the road.
The front light features five light modes, including high, medium, low, strobe, and flash. The taillight has two light modes comprising red and red flashing light. These multiple modes offer improved visibility during day and night time.
Besides, both the front and rear lights are micro USB rechargeable. The batteries provide 2-3 hours runtime on full brightness. It has a power indicator that turns from blue to red when the battery is low.
These waterproof lights will give you peace of mind if you frequently ride in rainy or foggy weather. They function well in wet weather conditions, keeping you safe and sound.
Moreover, the lights are easily installed without any tools and can be removed conveniently as well. The light mount is attached with a screw, which holds the light firmly. You can also use the headlight as a flashlight or for
emergencies.
Pros
- Front light features five light modes: high, medium, low, strobe, and a flashlight.
- Rear light features two light modes: red and red flashlight.
- Micro USB rechargeable front and rear lights.
- Suitable for riding in rainy or foggy weather with a water-resistant design.
- Features a power indicator on the front light that turns from blue to red when the battery is low.
Cons
- May have issues with the light mount.
Best Bike Lights Buying Guide
By now, you would have a rough idea of key aspects that make for a great bike light. The aforementioned list of the best bike lights highlights all the features that make the products ideal for use. However, you must choose a product that aligns with your preferences and budget.
To help you further, we have narrowed down key features that you should look for before making the purchase decision. So, let’s take a look at them:
Battery Life
If you normally go on long rides, then do consider the battery runtime of the product. You would not want to run out of battery in the middle of nowhere.
The temperature affects many batteries’ runtime. Cold and freezing temperatures require you to get a bigger battery as they severely affect the runtime.
Moreover, you must be aware of how much juice the lights have left. Consider models offering a power indicator feature. It indicates how much time and battery is left. Consequently, this feature enables you to plan your ride ahead of time.
Also, for longer battery life, opt for USB rechargeable batteries. Most USB rechargeable models use Lithium Ion or Lithium Pro batteries due to their lightweight and greater capacity.
Lumens
This is one of the most common features you will find in various models. Lumens indicate the lighting power of a product. High lumen allows you to go on long rides, but it requires a bigger battery.
Besides, riding on darker roads require you to have at least 700 lumens. It will illuminate the road for you to ride safely.
Opt for 1000+ lumens if you ride fast as it ensures high visibility on the road, keeping you safe from obstacles. Meanwhile, on well-lit roads, 100 lumens will be ideal. However, 300+ lumens will give a clear vision of the road ahead.
Further, for rear lights, you may choose between 20 and 100 lumens. So, opt for a model that is powerful enough to align with your riding needs.
Water and All-Weather Resistant
Most models function perfectly fine, even on rainy or foggy days, with their waterproof design. Look for water-resistant models so that you could freely ride in wet weather conditions.
Moreover, some models are all-weather resistant. They can withstand harsh weather conditions, allowing you to ride smoothly during such extreme conditions.
So, if you are one of those who frequently travel around, then consider waterproof and all-weather resistant bike lights.
Mounting Options
You will find various models offering different mounting options. Select one depending upon your riding needs.
A bike light mounted to the handlebars and seat post is ideal if you frequently ride on the road. However, for mountain riding, bikers prefer helmet-mounted light to give a clear vision.
Smaller bike lights offer a simple rubberized or silicone mounting strap. Meanwhile, heavy-duty models may need an aluminum mounting bracket to hold the light securely.
Moreover, ensure your light can be easily removed from the mount in case you plan on leaving your bike parked for long hours. This will minimize the chance of theft.
Light Modes
Opt for a model that offers at least two lighting modes, including flashing and constant. These light modes have various levels of brightness, offering high visibility on the road.
Many models feature a pulse setting, which gives excellent visibility with a constant beam during the day. Light modes help you ride safely, especially during the daytime. Other motorists can easily spot you with the right light mode.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, select a bike light that best suits your preferences and budget. By now, you must be aware of key features and attributes that you should be looking for in a bike light. Take your time and look thoroughly into various models available on the market.
However, for us, the LEZYNE Zecto Drive Bicycle Front LED model stands out among others on the list. It offers great quality having all the crucial features at affordable prices. Features like 600 lumens of lighting power, water-resistant design, integrated USB rechargeable stick, and long battery runtime make it ideal for use. Thus, we would recommend this durable bike light.