Cateye for me. The only one that fits half decently to my aero handlebar. Light output is pretty good as well. Maybe the Knog as an eventual second choice, depending on the ability to mount it as good and steady as the Cateye. Without a non-round handlebar mounting option, the others become irrelevant.
The dark room side by side comparison was huge! Thanks for that. It's nice to see how five brands compare in the same room with the same camera without any editing. They were all supposed to be around 800 lumens but some lights definitely make better use of that light
Garmin Varia 800 lumen 5 mode light and Garmin Varia Radar for me. I think more riders should decide to install lighting. There is way to many distracted cell phone distracted drivers in tech laden vehicles. Unfortunately the weight weenies and wannabe racers feel it takes away from performance and the looks of the bike. Great video and much needed. Thank you. Ride safe and ride often. Peace.
I bought a Lezyne 600XL a couple of weeks ago and I already own a 450XL and 400XL (the last two are a few years old) and it's pretty good as the others still are.....Full mode does eat up some power, but two up front off-roading on drop bars or MTB's does the job pretty well for a couple of hours...I always take spare lights as well just in case.... Was looking at some Exposure lights as they get good write ups but I'm put off by the price....
If you have a Trek bike with Blendr, get their lights. The rear mounts to the top of the saddle stem with a clip and the front onto the handlebar stem using a Blendr adapter. The ion Pro is 1300 lumens. You can control them with a little switch that fits in place of a bar plug or with a Garmin computer (not Wahoo at the moment unfortunately).
This was extremely interesting, especially the way that much cheaper lamps with comparable performance were completely excluded from the test - and not even mentioned in passing.
Great review, had a number of different lights over the years and Lezyne never disappoints, just picked up a Lezyne Macro Drive 1300XL for £80. This lights up the street and when as you say get to the setting you want the number of settings is unimportant as you will generally run the same setting through the winter.
I've just recently bought the Moon Meteor Storm (1700 lumen version). You can charge the light and use it at the same time, in all modes. I also have the Gaciron V9D-1600. You can charge and use that in the low constant 200 lumens mode only.
@Larry Finke - I have the Lezyne 600(I believe?) and it’s great, you can set up a lower output to run it for as much as you need, I think it maxes out at around 14 hours in the lower setting
Nitecore BR25 in front and MagicShine SeeMee300 tail light. Both lights have the amazing feature to light under the bike so the be seen desiderate is furfilled.
This quite common knowledge. Very weird they didn't know that ánd didn't read the instructions. I'd advice the 1300xxl for the extra brightness and more endurance
@@gadenhertog I've agree. I have the 1300XXL and it is extremely bright in the highest mode. Takes ages to charge but presumably that's because of the big capacity.
Thank you very much for this in-depth review. I quite agree with you, with the increasing number of light/intensity/color combinations, ergonomics and simplicity are becoming preponderant criteria, along with sturdiness or even power, depending on the context. In addition, and this is quite recent, there's even an integration criterion (for Garmin afionados). Practical tests - in real life - are by far the best, as they can also express a feeling for the terrain that doesn't necessarily appear on paper. My heart would probably also have gone out to the Exposure one. Thank you very much, very useful test.
The CateEye light feels high quality, and is bright BUT my unit quickly developed a fault while on a ride in the rain. I suspect its waterproofing is poor.
Have you heard about the Garmin Varia RTL515? It has a radar that shows indication on your Garmin bike computer or Wahoo element of car's approaching you from behind
"Knog do things slightly differently, they are kind of a cool company..." means that instead of hiring engineers they hired hipster marketing guys... I have a Knog rear light, and although it looks great, it is very poor as a product. Definitely learnt my lesson and will not spend my money in their products again...
Whatever you do don't buy a knog. I have had about 10 various models, the light is fine but they are always let down with build and material issues. Also that model of lezyne is great, I've got the 1500xxl, but it shares the same charging system as the others and it does have issues with the Usb connector failing, it is their Achilles heel.
Very detailed analysis, especially like the beam pattern demonstration. Exposure seemed too concentrated,and the side would be blined by the light in the center The keyptonite has its point, since it doesnt blind the on coming cars and pedestrians
Would have been nice to see the Halfords 1600 lumen light as this is only £50 , excellent light I've had mine for a year now runs full blast for around 2 hours, not one of their sponsors so not included.
For me personally, a multi-mode bike haedlight is the better choice for road driving. In this way, the lighting can be adjusted according to the environment to suit the scene.
Is it a stupid question that why did you not tested these bike lights outdoor at night? I dont need any light if I want to ride inside in my room. The only valid, useful test about a bike light is going outside far away from any town and test it on a road or a trail.
No one ever seems to mention the actual lifespan of those lights that have a built in batteries - it's no good telling us that the light lasts for x hours when it the unit lasts barely a year. It's why I'll probably get something that has replaceable batteries this time round.
Maybe I was unlucky but I had awful customer service from Exposure with one of their rear lights that kept randomly switching off mid ride. Exposure begrudgingly 'repaired' it and it came back with the same fault! Then said it was my fault. Thankfully the retailer Tredz offered me a refund and i got a Lezyne which was perfect. Won't buy Exposure again which is a shame as normally look to support quality UK companies, but their attitude was terrible.
Our Lezyne Drive 1500XXL failed after about a year of regular use. It would no longer take a charge. During the time it worked, the light programming button drove us nuts - too easy to get in the wrong mode and then you have to figure out how to push the button for the exact time needed to get it back in the right mode. Lezyne customer service was not helpful. We've had several other brands, Cateye, Dinotte, Light&Motion, Niterider - all of which have lasted through years of use. So, I'd steer away from Lezyne.
We certainly don't need a hot spot flashlight!!! What we need in someone to make an aftermarket 'road lens' for a flashlight, which makes it a flat broad beam....now you can focus a flat beam, totally ideal...
Would be likely pretty sizable chunk of glass/optics. People should stop buying lights with uncontrolled beam... also wasting Lumens and battery to sky.
aliexpress import £4 ,probably my longest lasting. cateye gave up on about 4 years ago,, all of the expensive ones i have bought over the years have lasted at best 2 years ..
For road cycling at night I would recommend the Lezyne Pro 115+ StVZO (German road safety regulation). It has 310 Lumen / 115Lux, 4:30h run time in the brightest setting, brings plenty of light to the road without blinding oncoming traffic. But no blinking modes, since those are forbidden under the StVZO. There is also a cheaper, smaller version with 2:15h run time at max. th-cam.com/video/sv0GLx7Z07A/w-d-xo.html
1-2 hour battery duration, especially for an +/- 800 lumen output - is a joke: you can't even do a proper night ride within that time. Fenix has a model (BC26R) that will last a stated 3.5 hours at double that output and 9.5 hours at 600 lumen output. It also has a removable battery and an integrated charging circuitry (USB-C). I wish, there were very affordable, compact and light bicycle headlights capable of 10000 lumen output, a duration of at least 20-30 hours (at that output!), with removable batteries and in-unit charging (like the Fenix in question) and support for solar charging (highly efficient at that).
Great video. It's a real shame the Exposure light has a proprietary cable. I hope the company eventually use usb-c ports on all their products in the future.
Never buy an 'Exposure' again. Faulty on - off switch right from the start. The remote switch worked for about 2 years before it conked out as well. To me just expensive garbage. The Lezyne 1800i is bomb proof, never looked back.
You are the perfect example of how internet review have become 100% useless. You pull out 5 random lights with most (all) having garbage output and runtime and then you have the........... gall to call them the BEST.
I use lights from a flashlight manufacturer named Olight. Not their bike models. For the money you get lots and lots of light with long run times and a five year warranty. You can't beat that. The companies that make bike specific lights are just digging in cyclists pockets.
@@twosix_00 I am familiar with Magicshine, I owned a handlebar light that I took apart to examine the quality. No comparison to the quality of Olight. You need to do your homework a little better.
@@twosix_00 Olight, without question. There is a TH-cam video with a tour of the factory and how they are made. I personally have been building LED lights even before the bike industry tapped into them. I'm a long time member of Candlepower Forums which is how I learned so much about LED's, their drivers, and batteries. I own several Olight flash lights because I know they are built well.
Decent enough presentation, but my goodness, share the discussion a bit more! Michelle barely had a word until three quarters of the way through. It's 2022, so let's act like it.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KEEF!
The Troubadour Of Rock ‘N’ Roll.
Always Keeping It Real.
Cateye for me. The only one that fits half decently to my aero handlebar. Light output is pretty good as well. Maybe the Knog as an eventual second choice, depending on the ability to mount it as good and steady as the Cateye. Without a non-round handlebar mounting option, the others become irrelevant.
They showed that the Lezyne has a flat aero bar mounting option. 🤷♂️
The dark room side by side comparison was huge! Thanks for that. It's nice to see how five brands compare in the same room with the same camera without any editing. They were all supposed to be around 800 lumens but some lights definitely make better use of that light
Just put the Lezyne 1000 lumen light on my yesterday and rode last night. Brilliant!
Does your 1000 lumens model have a flash during the day?
It sure does...actually has multiple flash options
@@vincecaporale3544 But if it has the day flash mode?
Go to the Lezyne site and watch the video on the Smart Connect light systems. Should answer your question.
Vince thanks. From Brazil
Garmin Varia 800 lumen 5 mode light and Garmin Varia Radar for me. I think more riders should decide to install lighting. There is way to many distracted cell phone distracted drivers in tech laden vehicles. Unfortunately the weight weenies and wannabe racers feel it takes away from performance and the looks of the bike. Great video and much needed. Thank you. Ride safe and ride often. Peace.
It is law to have front and rear lights regardless what lycra racers think. I've still got a dynamo on my bike.
I bought a Lezyne 600XL a couple of weeks ago and I already own a 450XL and 400XL (the last two are a few years old) and it's pretty good as the others still are.....Full mode does eat up some power, but two up front off-roading on drop bars or MTB's does the job pretty well for a couple of hours...I always take spare lights as well just in case....
Was looking at some Exposure lights as they get good write ups but I'm put off by the price....
If you have a Trek bike with Blendr, get their lights. The rear mounts to the top of the saddle stem with a clip and the front onto the handlebar stem using a Blendr adapter. The ion Pro is 1300 lumens. You can control them with a little switch that fits in place of a bar plug or with a Garmin computer (not Wahoo at the moment unfortunately).
The best light comparison ever! Thanks so much. Please more such videos!
We need more practical reviews like this!!
Sirius for me. Great comparison, covered just about everything I need to know for my rides in the dark country lanes.
This was extremely interesting, especially the way that much cheaper lamps with comparable performance were completely excluded from the test - and not even mentioned in passing.
Great review, had a number of different lights over the years and Lezyne never disappoints, just picked up a Lezyne Macro Drive 1300XL for £80. This lights up the street and when as you say get to the setting you want the number of settings is unimportant as you will generally run the same setting through the winter.
Nice to hear that!👍🏼 I am considering buying it, do you think it is good light?
@@twosix_00 great light, love mine
I would recommend looking at the Olight RN 1500, I personally use it and find it really great and also has a few practical light settings.
One piece of information that is important to me is whether you can run the light while charging since many of my rides are over 3 hours.
I've just recently bought the Moon Meteor Storm (1700 lumen version). You can charge the light and use it at the same time, in all modes.
I also have the Gaciron V9D-1600. You can charge and use that in the low constant 200 lumens mode only.
@Larry Finke - I have the Lezyne 600(I believe?) and it’s great, you can set up a lower output to run it for as much as you need, I think it maxes out at around 14 hours in the lower setting
Nitecore BR25 in front and MagicShine SeeMee300 tail light.
Both lights have the amazing feature to light under the bike so the be seen desiderate is furfilled.
Most Lezyne lights have race mode, reducing the light setting to two modes (high and low). This is great for riding at night!!!
How do you activate that?
This quite common knowledge. Very weird they didn't know that ánd didn't read the instructions. I'd advice the 1300xxl for the extra brightness and more endurance
@@gadenhertog I've agree. I have the 1300XXL and it is extremely bright in the highest mode. Takes ages to charge but presumably that's because of the big capacity.
Damb, I forgot about that, thanks.
True but this mode has been criticised as the two intensities cannot be customised and the lower setting is too low to be of any use.
Thank you very much for this in-depth review.
I quite agree with you, with the increasing number of light/intensity/color combinations, ergonomics and simplicity are becoming preponderant criteria, along with sturdiness or even power, depending on the context.
In addition, and this is quite recent, there's even an integration criterion (for Garmin afionados).
Practical tests - in real life - are by far the best, as they can also express a feeling for the terrain that doesn't necessarily appear on paper.
My heart would probably also have gone out to the Exposure one.
Thank you very much, very useful test.
The CateEye light feels high quality, and is bright BUT my unit quickly developed a fault while on a ride in the rain. I suspect its waterproofing is poor.
i have the cateye amp1100, i noticed light dims in my testing, and then goes back to full power and back to DIM. I'm not that happy with it.
25:45 I thought I was watching The Ring for a second 😱 Interesting comparison vid,. Thank you 👍
Have you heard about the Garmin Varia RTL515? It has a radar that shows indication on your Garmin bike computer or Wahoo element of car's approaching you from behind
"Knog do things slightly differently, they are kind of a cool company..." means that instead of hiring engineers they hired hipster marketing guys... I have a Knog rear light, and although it looks great, it is very poor as a product. Definitely learnt my lesson and will not spend my money in their products again...
Yup I can second that, it's a shame because their designs are great
Yep. Share the same sentiment. Looks great, very poor performance battery wise
Good test with the wall and light output.
A NiteRider Lumina light would have been a good one to have there too. They have comparible Lumen models as those lights in the video.
Very detailed… thanks… pulled the trigger at exposure
Whatever you do don't buy a knog. I have had about 10 various models, the light is fine but they are always let down with build and material issues. Also that model of lezyne is great, I've got the 1500xxl, but it shares the same charging system as the others and it does have issues with the Usb connector failing, it is their Achilles heel.
Brilliant review, we need more reviews like this...
Aquí
Very detailed analysis, especially like the beam pattern demonstration.
Exposure seemed too concentrated,and the side would be blined by the light in the center
The keyptonite has its point, since it doesnt blind the on coming cars and pedestrians
Would have been nice to see the Halfords 1600 lumen light as this is only £50 , excellent light I've had mine for a year now runs full blast for around 2 hours, not one of their sponsors so not included.
For me personally, a multi-mode bike haedlight is the better choice for road driving. In this way, the lighting can be adjusted according to the environment to suit the scene.
Handy video. Will you do rear lights as well?
Thanks both. Audio very good.
Is it a stupid question that why did you not tested these bike lights outdoor at night? I dont need any light if I want to ride inside in my room. The only valid, useful test about a bike light is going outside far away from any town and test it on a road or a trail.
Is there a light that still runs while it's being charged on a portable battery?
The lezyne 1600XXL is the daddy, fantastic beam great modes. Can be used on and off road good battery life👍
I am considering buying it, do you think it is good light?🤔🤔
@@twosix_00 hi. yes it’s an excellent light, good beam
@@stevehayes8867 how much is it? And where do you buy? Do you have a link?
@@twosix_00 £95 on tredz
Great informations about bike light! Thanks Cykling Weekly! and as always good video!
No one ever seems to mention the actual lifespan of those lights that have a built in batteries - it's no good telling us that the light lasts for x hours when it the unit lasts barely a year. It's why I'll probably get something that has replaceable batteries this time round.
I think you should have to the test also the Garmin Varia UT800...
All are bitween 60€ and 85€ and they are around 800 lumens, Astrolux bl02 has 1200 lumens, flood and long range mode, remote control for 30€!
Where is Cycolite ? Some of the best!!!
Looking forward to the see.sence beam
Maybe I was unlucky but I had awful customer service from Exposure with one of their rear lights that kept randomly switching off mid ride. Exposure begrudgingly 'repaired' it and it came back with the same fault! Then said it was my fault. Thankfully the retailer Tredz offered me a refund and i got a Lezyne which was perfect. Won't buy Exposure again which is a shame as normally look to support quality UK companies, but their attitude was terrible.
Enfinix Navi800, 800lm and perfect for mounting under GPS, look it up
Our Lezyne Drive 1500XXL failed after about a year of regular use. It would no longer take a charge. During the time it worked, the light programming button drove us nuts - too easy to get in the wrong mode and then you have to figure out how to push the button for the exact time needed to get it back in the right mode. Lezyne customer service was not helpful. We've had several other brands, Cateye, Dinotte, Light&Motion, Niterider - all of which have lasted through years of use. So, I'd steer away from Lezyne.
Thanks for the video. Would love to see a rear light version.
We certainly don't need a hot spot flashlight!!!
What we need in someone to make an aftermarket 'road lens' for a flashlight, which makes it a flat broad beam....now you can focus a flat beam, totally ideal...
Would be likely pretty sizable chunk of glass/optics.
People should stop buying lights with uncontrolled beam... also wasting Lumens and battery to sky.
Excellent review by real educated humans. No robot audio.
5 random lights with poor output and trash runtime and you grade that as 'excellent'??? Give your head a shake
Look on aliexpress, a fraction of the price and just as good if not better
what is the gear ratio?
aliexpress import £4 ,probably my longest lasting. cateye gave up on about 4 years ago,, all of the expensive ones i have bought over the years have lasted at best 2 years ..
magicshine rn3000 kills all these!
Subscribed! I want to see more of her in my future , lol!
Also, those couches did not look comfortable
Yeah yeah what tjeir not telling u fellow ridets is what the weight on the handle is thats important to advent riders ametures etc etc
good job guys
Love my ravemen pr1600
Where is garmin, olight, astrolux,fenix lights?
Michelle is cool! GNC has become so 'corporate', I like the vibe here better :)
You didn't put a Niterider in there??? One of the most popular lights and you leave it out? Shame.
30ft? 10 metres would be a better distance to use today. My kids in their 20's don't understand feet/inches
Lightfe FB366 Bike light holder
For road cycling at night I would recommend the Lezyne Pro 115+ StVZO (German road safety regulation). It has 310 Lumen / 115Lux, 4:30h run time in the brightest setting, brings plenty of light to the road without blinding oncoming traffic. But no blinking modes, since those are forbidden under the StVZO. There is also a cheaper, smaller version with 2:15h run time at max.
th-cam.com/video/sv0GLx7Z07A/w-d-xo.html
1-2 hour battery duration, especially for an +/- 800 lumen output - is a joke: you can't even do a proper night ride within that time. Fenix has a model (BC26R) that will last a stated 3.5 hours at double that output and 9.5 hours at 600 lumen output. It also has a removable battery and an integrated charging circuitry (USB-C).
I wish, there were very affordable, compact and light bicycle headlights capable of 10000 lumen output, a duration of at least 20-30 hours (at that output!), with removable batteries and in-unit charging (like the Fenix in question) and support for solar charging (highly efficient at that).
me too!
I'm just gonna say...Kryptonite is SHI* :)
hey! show something that will stick for 2 hours with good brightness at 0 degrees Celsius.
Lezyne Macro Drive 1300 xxl 2 and a half hours at maximum output 1300lmn
Nice job god bless
Great video. It's a real shame the Exposure light has a proprietary cable. I hope the company eventually use usb-c ports on all their products in the future.
Could you test decathlon too next time
Countdown 1600 ....done
Never buy an 'Exposure' again. Faulty on - off switch right from the start. The remote switch worked for about 2 years before it conked out as well. To me just expensive garbage. The Lezyne 1800i is bomb proof, never looked back.
There are better and cheaper lights available from AliExpress. We’re never going to see a comparison here because those companies are not sponsoring 😂
You are the perfect example of how internet review have become 100% useless. You pull out 5 random lights with most (all) having garbage output and runtime and then you have the........... gall to call them the BEST.
I use lights from a flashlight manufacturer named Olight. Not their bike models. For the money you get lots and lots of light with long run times and a five year warranty. You can't beat that. The companies that make bike specific lights are just digging in cyclists pockets.
Oligh it's with collaboration with Magicshine,they resell the lights.
@@twosix_00 I am familiar with Magicshine, I owned a handlebar light that I took apart to examine the quality. No comparison to the quality of Olight. You need to do your homework a little better.
@@wasupwitdat1mofiki94 so what do you think it is better quality?
Magicshine or Olight?
@@twosix_00 Olight, without question. There is a TH-cam video with a tour of the factory and how they are made. I personally have been building LED lights even before the bike industry tapped into them. I'm a long time member of Candlepower Forums which is how I learned so much about LED's, their drivers, and batteries. I own several Olight flash lights because I know they are built well.
Decent enough presentation, but my goodness, share the discussion a bit more! Michelle barely had a word until three quarters of the way through. It's 2022, so let's act like it.
No Niterider or Moon Lights, PAH!!!
The exposure was ok but the rest looked rubbish.
never say nothing about it they're waterproof
for winter only? wtf is wrong with youtube suggesting this garbage?
A good review in terms of content but spoilt for me by the male presenter hogging the mic and talking over the female presenter.
Because he is the main reviewer and presenter
Try talking normally rather than you are trying to squeeze something out .
Sorry people but all these lights suck .their weighty on ur handle bar and they will.go kaput the first drop of rain