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Best Bike Lights Reviewed and Rated for Quality
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Style
Depending on your requirements and what you may already have access to, there are four types of glow packages generally available. You can choose to buy single lamps which are designed for the front of your bicycle, these are primarily ‘white’ lamps and cast a beam in front of you to enable you to see clearly. The rear glow is offered as a single unit as well, but this glow should cast a red glow to enable you to be seen clearly by anything or anyone behind you. There are ample multisets on the market, which can save money by buying two lamps together, and a final type is the glow sets you can actually attach to yourself or your backpack or hat to reinforce your glow beams and improve visibility, which in turn gives you a safer ride and makes it easier for others to see you either from the front or the rear.
Potency
Bicycleglow measurements are usually referred to as lux or lumens, the difference between the two can make a crucial decider when you are browsing. A glow that is measured with lumens only measures the power output from the actual glow, which can vary between five to one hundred lumens for a rear glow, and between ten to one thousand lumens for the front glow. Lux measurements show distance as well as output, and this can be a decider when you are choosing your lamps for specific terrains with variable natural glow conditions.
Water Resistance
The IP rating system allows you to check if the glow you are browsing at has any level of waterproofing, the importance of checking this has to be up on the priority list because a faulty glow due to water damage can be serious. Different levels will be individually represented, and it is recommended that you try and avoid an IP rating of less than IP63 because it may even let spray into your glow causing it to black out.
Adjustability
A glow will ideally have adjustable modes on them so you can alter the settings depending on your requirements, they may have battery saving, flashing, brightness and modern lamps may well also have a daylight mode for an extra bright beam so you can be seen even on the sunniest days. The undeniable advantages of having these glow modes are justified because many of us ride our bicycles through different areas (urban and suburban areas may require different levels of brightness for example), and you may travel to work early or late in the day which can determine what level of brightness you require.
Power Source
So, you know what type of glow you need but have you considered the power they require? Different modes on the glow can use a varying amount of battery power, and you should be prepared to compensate for this before you go on any journey. Some lamps are equipped with battery life indicators which can be vitally important, but always try to err on the side of caution and be prepared for the unexpected.
USB Rechargeable batteries are very common contemporarily, and although they may be initially more expensive because you may need the charger itself, they can be very cost-effective in the long term. They are simple to plug in and recharge, but you may need to check your destination if you are traveling to make sure you have access to power. It may be advisable to carry spare batteries just in case – the last thing you want is to be in the middle of nowhere with no power and no glow.
Ease of Use
When you’re looking for your bicycle lamps, don’t overlook the mounting it requires, it is best to check the bracket and mount that come with your glow actually fit securely on your frame. If your bicycle lamps aren’t fitted safely and securely, then there is a possibility they may ride around the frame or even get knocked off – the last thing you want is a badly aimed glow or none at all.
Application
It may be worth considering where you will be riding when you are choosing your lamps, if you are using your bicycle for a commute – chances are you will be traveling at varying times during the day and in different glow levels. High visibility is key to staying safe in the rush hour, brighter lamps are probably best, or if you have one with a mode changing the setting on it, make sure it’s set to its brightest for maximum visibility. A secondary set of lamps is always a sound idea for those just in case moments, and it is advised to wear bright reflective jackets, and have reflective stripping placed strategically around yourself and your bicycle.
If you are using your bicycle for road cycling, the changes in weather and natural glow conditions may affect the visibility, so here the mode changing bicycle light comes in handy because you can either dim it or turn it up as and when required to make sure you are always seen. Reflective clothing is a good idea here too – as are strips placed around so maximum visibility is always attained for increased safety and peace of mind.
Overall Fit
You’ve got your bicycle sorted then and you’re all ready to hit the road, this may be a good time to take a step back and look at what you’ve got. You may have the best lamps you could get your hands on, but make sure any attachments such as saddlebags or other gear does not obstruct the glow beam front or rear. If you are going on a long ride take extra water and make sure your drinks bottle is secured properly to your frame, as you are probably aware – even without heat and sunshine; cycling is thirsty work and you don’t want to end up dehydrated or overheated.
BEST BIKE LIGHTS REVIEWED AND RATED FOR QUALITY
1. Vont
This Vont single front glow benefits from being from having a completely tool-free assembly; this is convenient when leaving or storing the bicycle because it not only saves time; but reduces the risk of theft when left unattended. The high quality LED glow is produced using military grade materials and boasts being hand crafted, checked and inspected to ensure quality assurance and gives greater confidence in the product being efficient.
Practical
The Vont Divine glow is produced to be practical in day to day use. The adjustable head means there is an added possibility of using it to shine down with another heading forward. The brightness of the glow ensures maximum safety, vision, and visibility.
Tough
The high-quality materials are produced to a standard that is both tough and weather-proof, it has a handy sized rubber button for easy access turning on and off with no hassle fiddling with switches and knobs.
Cost and Value
The overall quality of the workmanship and checks give added confidence in the glow, and the combined features including the full functionality it offers; with the handcrafted ensures this glow is excellent value for money.
2. BLITZU Gator
This BLITZU Gator 320 bicycle light set is USB rechargeable and contains an LED front and rear light; that offers a full three hundred sixty degree scope for maximum visibility. The simplicity of the two hour charging capability from any suitable USB port makes it economically beneficial; the run time for the lamps is a full two hours so should be more than adequate for a long stint of riding between charge requirements.
Practical
The swivel mounting makes directional lighting a breeze and the front light boasts being produced to a military grade anodized finish. It benefits from being impact resistant and with an IPX5 water resistant rating so offers durability in most weather conditions.
Functional
The easy to use light has a fully functional and useful one touch quick release button that doesn’t need the mount to be removed, this boosts the over all performance because it is easy to take off when parking to reduce the risk of theft and weather damage from prolonged exposure.
Cost and Value
The full benefits gained with this BLITZU Gator 320 light set mean that when considering both cost and value – it is equally balanced and well matched. The toughness and IP rating add to the value as does the swivel motion that is easily applied; these lamps are great value for the money.
3. Malker
The Malker front and rear light sets are manufactured with silicone and come in a handy pack of four, two set colors are offered; set one – two white and two red; set two – two red and two black. The durable silicone alloy is made to be tough enough to with stand prolonged use and most weather conditions. They proffer being easy to fit without the need for tools which makes them more versatile for quick removal when the bicycle is parked or being stored, they are versatile enough to be transferred simply from one bicycle to another should the need arise.
Useful
The lamps have three possible modes to utilise; setting one is high, setting two is low and setting three allows the light to be set on strobe. They have a beam distance of up to a half mile which increases both visibility and safety.
Practical
The batteries used in these lamps are lithium ion, are included and are easily replaced and offer a bright LED light. The time gauge for expected use is set between forty five and seventy hours; so should be useful enough for even a prolonged ride before the need to replace.
Cost and Value
When considering both cost and value, combining the tough and durable silicone alloy with the simplicity of mounting and removing, and adding the water and weather resistance they offer, both are well represented in this multi pack of front and rear lamps.
4. Bright Eyes
This Bright Eyes set comprises four separate lamps for economic viability; the lamps benefit from an easy to place bracket that is quick to both mount and removes the lamps without the requirement for extra tools. The set boosts over all visibility and allows both pairs to be used together as a primary and secondary source of glow; increasing personal safety and giving more peace of mind when riding in changing the glow.
Functional
This product boasts being one hundred percent waterproof - an ideal bonus if the weather is unpredictable and susceptible to sudden changes. The tough outer can withstand prolonged use and is safe to use in most weather conditions.
Lumens
The Bright Eyes glow set benefits from an adjustable feature that allows the lumens to be altered when lighting changes; it can adjust from between eighty to three hundred lumens with a simple button, this increases practicality and can increase battery life.
Cost and Value
For the cost of this four pack glow set, the considerations taken into account when looking at the balance between both cost and value include the features like the adjustability, the weather proofing and the tough design, make these lamps good value for money.
5. Team Obsidian
This universal bicycle glow set offers both front and rear lamps that improve visibility and safety; the easy to mount brackets are fast and simple to remove for storage and to reduce the risk of theft. They are attached and tightened with a single screw that benefits from being usable with out the need or requirement to carry extra tools. The manufacturer offers greater confidence in their product with a no quibble one hundred percent lifetime guarantee which serves a greater peace of mind for the purchase.
Bright
Both lamps offer high volume brightness; a CREE LED front glow that is two hundred lumens and requires five triple A batteries, the rear red glow uses only two triple-A batteries. The rear glow also benefits from having a reflector for increased visibility.
Functional
The Team Obsidian lamps are produced using aluminum and ABS plastic, boosted with being water resistant and offers more than adequate weatherproofing so cycling in challenging terrains and unpredictable weather is not an obstacle.
Cost and Value
The features that come as standard with this Team Obsidian glow set which include the hardy and tough materials, the confidence in the product through the guarantee and the lumen brightness all ensure that these lamps are well balanced on both cost and value.
6. Stark
This Stark bicycle glow set boasts being the best and the brightest glow for cycling; they are designed to be mounted without the requirement for fiddly tools and this makes then simple to remove to prevent theft and when in storage. They benefit from being universal and can fit practically any bicycle with ease, the grooved inside of the bracket will help to keep the glow in place and reduce the risk of riding around and dropping.
Adjustable
The front glow is offered as a three hundred fifty lumens that are easily adjustable to three settings; setting one is high, setting two is medium and setting three is flashing. The simple button on the rear of the glow makes adjusting easy even when riding.
Tough
This product is manufactured with aircraft quality aluminum which makes it sturdy and able to withstand impacts from riding on rougher terrains. It will protect from moisture with their fully waterproof casings.
Cost and Value
The high quality and tough material, combined with the features like the adjustability and easy installation; reflect both the cost and value and ensure they are represented equally in terms of a good product for the money paid
7. SafeCycler
This amazing glow set comes with a front and back glow that can be easily mounted with no tools and designed with easy release features to protect against theft. The front glow is made with heavy-duty aluminum and emits a bright white glow, allowing cars to see you in harsh conditions. The back glow includes three LED’s that work in three different modes, full on, random blinking, and constant blinking.
Theft Protection
Unfortunately, there are people out there who look for any opportunity to make a quick buck. The quick-release design allows you to easily remove the lamps whenever you leave your bicycle out.
Rubber Gaskets
It’s not uncommon for a weatherman to be wrong, and when you’re out during what is supposed to be a sunny day and it starts raining, you should be ready. This model features rubber gaskets that are waterproof for peace of mind.
Cost and Value
This comes at the lower price range is quite a bargain. It has a durable, aluminum body and batteries are also included. They are easy to mount and will have you on the road in minutes!
8. Cycle Torch Bolt Combo
This two set of bicycle lamps are USB rechargeable and come complete with a charging cable, an LED front glow and red rear tail glow for optimum visibility. They boast being practical and easy to mount and remove with minimum effort, and the charge time is fast and efficient. They offer versatility by being universally suitable for fitting to most bicycle frames, allowing fast set up and a brighter glow for increased safety when riding in demanding glow changing conditions. The simple USB charging feature makes it unnecessary to buy a separate charging unit and makes it more economical.
Bright
Both lamps offer an adequate source of brightness for practicality; the front glow boasting a lumen of twenty in a white glow, and the rear red light is ten lumens. They are both made to be waterproof, snow proof and mud proof so are ideal if climates and terrains are liable to change.
Tough
The Cycle Torch bolt combo set is produced using premium quality CNC aluminium on the body, and tough plastic on the back mount. This improves the overall durability of the set and makes them hardy in most riding conditions.
Cost and Value
The cost and value of these lamps are well balanced when considering the materials used for production and the features that include the weatherproofing and easy to mount fittings – ensure the Cycle Torch combo set is excellent value for money.
9. Refun
This refun high-density set is offered in an economical set of four that allows for a primary and secondary set of lamps to improve visibility and increase personal safety. The multi-purpose glow set come in two choices, one choice is a set of two white and two black lamps, and the second choice is a set of two red and two white lamps. They benefit from being universal and proffer to fit almost any bicycle frame for optimum brightness.
Silicone
The lamps are produced with high-quality silicone that boasts being tough, resilient and simple to mount and remove with no requirement for the added weight of extra tools. The material also offers some resistance to impacts which reduced the risk when riding on uneven terrains.
Practical
The lamps can reach between forty-five and seventy hours of use and the batteries required for them come included in the set. They are a mere twenty-one grams in weight so are glow enough to be mounted on any suitable gripping surface.
Cost and Value
The functionality and practical silicone materials used in manufacturing these add to the overall value, the other features like the waterproofing and simple mounting design increase the balance between both cost and value.
10. Ascher USB Rechargeable
This USB rechargeable light set is offered with all the kit required to mount, use and recharge with ease. The battery is a six fifty mah lithium, and the inclusions also consist of two separate USB cables so both lamps can be recharged at the same time for convenience. The four straps that are included mean a fast and easy mount or removal when required; and to boost the purchase and increase manufacturer confidence – there is a full eighteen month warranty included.
Functional
The Ascher bicycle light set has a combination of four light mode options on each one for versatility; mode one is full brightness, mode two is half brightness, mode three is fast blinking and mode four is slow blinking so there is a setting suitable for most requirements and weather conditions.
Practical
The lamps boast an IPX4 rating so ensures water resistant feature from any angle, a must when the climate is changeable and unpredictable. The lamps are easy to mount with simple silicone straps that loop both around the bicycle frame and the light itself.
Cost and Value
The full functionality and practicality of the Ascher USB rechargeable bicycle light set offers value for money, and the combination of the easy to mount feature with the IP rating and the mode changer – ensure this is good value for the cost.