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It’s getting dark outside! Check out our guide to front bike lights.

Last modified: Oct 25, 2018 @ 10:10 am

Winter is nearly upon us and that means it’s time to break out the lights. If you’re planning to carry on riding throughout autumn, winter or just like to ride in the dark, then you’re going to need a set. Luckily, the bike light market is full of options that will suit all types of cyclists. Front bike lights come in all shapes and sizes and you’ll find some are right for the type of cycling you do and some not so much.

Your front bike light has a couple of main objectives, to help you see your way and to make sure others notice you. There’s nothing worse than getting caught out when the light starts to dim, as you’ll struggle to see where you’re going making your ride stressful and dangerous. It’s also a legal requirement that all road users have a front white light and a rear red light between sunset and sunrise.

If you’re commuting in well-lit areas, you’ll more than likely only need a light that outputs around 400 lumens. When you venture into less well-lit areas, you’ll find that a higher lumen light is a must. Anything around 600 lumens would do on all but the darkest country lanes. If you like to spend time riding offroad then you’ll want to look at front lights that have a lumen output above 800.

We’ve put together a guide to some of the best lights for all occasions. Make sure to check out our guide to rear bike lights.

Lezyne Micro 500 Front Bike Light

The Lezyne Micro 500 front bike light is a great light for commuting thanks to a compact design and powerful 500-lumen beam. Making the morning commute hassle-free is a versatile strap mount that can fit all standard bar shapes and is easy to fit and remove in seconds. Power up the Lezyne Micro 500 via any USB port.

Key specifications

  • Multi-purpose performance LED cycling light.
  • Ultrahigh-output LEDs delivering up to 500 lumens.
  • Optional Overdrive Race Mode toggles between Overdrive and Economy modes only.
  • Mode Memory function returns to selected mode after turning off.
  • Built-in side visibility.
  • Integrated cable-free recharging USB stick.
  • Versatile strap securely mounts to all standard bar shapes, including aero bars.
  • Advanced Li-Poly battery for superior run time.
  • 92g (including strap mount)

What we say

The Lezyne Micro 500 is a great little light for the money. Small and powerful enough for most people’s commuting needs. 500 lumens will last an hour but burn times using a lower setting will be considerably longer. It’s charged using a USB2 cable which comes in handy.

Where to buy

Price

£27.69

From

Tredz

Knog PWR Rider 450L Front Bike Light

PWR Rider is a 450 lumen bike light that can also be used as a power bank. Includes the option to program your brightness and runtime (through ModeMaker app), then use your remaining battery to charge your devices. The light outputs in an elliptical beam for broader, brighter road coverage; has a 2 hr runtime at max 450 lumens and 4 smart battery indicator LEDs to let the rider know how much charge is left in the light.

Key specifications

  • 450 Lumen light output
  • 122 x 30mm
  • Battery indicator
  • Programmable modes
  • USB rechargeable
  • Water resistant when cap on
  • Can be used as power bank
  • Weighs 115g

What we say

The Knog PWR Rider is a nicely designed front light perfect for commuting or just as a day light. 450 lumens is plenty for city riding. It’s lightweight, well made and pushing boundaries when it comes to front bike lights. The ability to use it as a USB power bank should your other devices run low on battery is great!

Where to buy

Price

£35.13

From

Wiggle

Cateye Volt 800 USB Front Light

The Volt800 has quickly become the go-to light at CatEye, now that more rides happen after the sun goes down. Perfect for commuting or training, the Volt800 strikes the perfect balance between minimalism and functionality. Featuring 5 modes, a USB-rechargeable Li-ion cartridge battery and runtimes from 2 to 80 hours in a sleek, compact body, the Volt800 will become your favourite riding partner too.

Key specifications

  • Double click to High Mode. Single click returns to the previous mode
  • 5 Modes: Flashing / Hyper Constant / High / Middle / Low
  • Runtime: 80hr 200Lm / 7hr 800Lm / 2hr 800Lm /3.5hr 400Lm / 8hr 200Lm
  • Li-ion rechargeable battery
  • Recharge time: 5-11 hours

What we say

The Volt800 is a nice little unit. Not too big and packs quite a punch. 800 lumens will provide enough light on unlit country roads for a couple of hours. The Volt series is well regarded. You’ll not go wrong with this one.

Where to buy

Price

£56.99

From

ProBikeKit

Moon Meteor Storm Lite Front Bike Light – 1100 Lumen

Introducing the Moon Meteor Storm Lite Front Light. The Storm Lite is a feature rich front light that provides phenomenal output and gives you amazing value. This powerful front light is ideal for all cycling uses and can even be operated using a wired remote control. Featuring side visibility, Boost Mode (Instantly activate 1100 lumens for 10 seconds) and made from a durable CNC aluminium, it’s a high-quality piece of equipment to have.

What we say

We’re currently testing the Moon Meteor Storm and have found no faults so far. It provides a very useful 1200 lumens for a few hours on the road. Bright enough for the darkest unlit roads and isn’t too large. The USB remote is a great feature that makes swapping between modes easy when wearing chunky winter gloves.

Key specifications

  • 1100 Lumens
  • Lithium ion battery 18650 x2 (3.7V 4400 mAh)
  • Automatic fully charged cut-off system
  • Battery Life Indicator, charging and fully charged indicator
  • Quick release handlebar mount (fits 22-35mm)
  • Quick release helmet mount
  • Boost Mode (activate 1100 lumens for 10 seconds)
  • USB remote control system
  • Side visibility
  • Water resistant (IPX 4)
  • Mode Memory
  • Weight: 210g

Where to buy

Price

£76.49

Exposure Lights Strada RS Front Light

The Strada RS has been perfectly tailored for tarmac. With a road specific wide and flat beam, designed to light verges and give exceptional side visibility whilst avoiding dazzling other road users, the Strada RS is the choice of many for all road applications from commuting to pro level racing.

What we say

Exposure is a UK company that has a lot of experience making bike lights. They make brighter lights than this, but the Strada 1200 should fit the bill for most road riders. The beam pattern is road-specific so won’t dazzle oncoming vehicles. The build quality is excellent. The daddy of front bike lights!

Key specifications

  • 1200 lumens provides excellent visibility at night
  • Incredibly light construction weighs just 183g
  • Li-Ion battery gives up to 36 hours of run time
  • Water Resistance IPX6
  • Smart Port Remote Switch Mk2
  • Quick release bracket

Where to buy

Price

£229.00