Bike Lights For Commuting
Our Top Picks
The freedom to choose your route, escape the rat race and keep fit on the way to work - commuting by bike is great, although it does come with its challenges. Safety is always a major concern, especially when riding during peak times and in built-up areas. With a lot of distractions on the road, standing out from the noise is of paramount importance to help reduce the chances of a collision. Bike lights play a crucial role when it comes to increasing your visibility. We've taken a closer look at some of our favourite lights, designed to aid your commute.
Exposure Lights Trace Mk2 and TraceR Daybright Light Set
Commuting lights need to be simple, reliable and bright; able to compete with the bright lights of city streets. Exposure Lights’ Trace Mk2 and TraceR Daybright Light Set fulfils all these requirements and more, with a compact design, legendary build quality and exemplary performance. Simple yet very secure mounts enable the lights to be fitted to most sizes of seatposts and handlebars, and they're quick and easy to swap between bikes without tools.
The lens provides excellent all-round visibility, vital for being seen by traffic approaching from the side, and with 125 lumens up front and 75 to the rear there is no shortage of light available. Flashing, constant and the highly visible Daybright Pulse modes make this light set extremely handy to have around for day-to-day use. When the battery is running low, recharging via the micro USB cable can be easily done at home, in the office or even the car.
Lezyne Classic Drive 700XL Front Light
Blurring the line between lights to see with and lights to be seen by, the Lezyne Classic Drive 700XL Front Light is more than capable of taking the long way home via some quieter lanes or local hills. Eight modes offer the choice between a constant 700 lumens for two hours, 15 lumens for 95 hours and everything in between, including a useful dayflash mode that is perfect for standing out against the traffic even during the day.
The compact design integrates the light and the strap so that they remain together, and the versatile rubber strap and moulded mount fits both round and aero-style handlebars. Just three hours on charge with the micro USB cable will fill the battery up from empty ready for the next commute or ride.
Exposure Lights Blaze Mk2 Daybright Rear Light
Lasting up to 48 hours on a single charge, Exposure Lights’ Blaze Mk2 Daybright Rear Light is perfect for commuters who don’t want to recharge their batteries every day but still want to benefit from durability and performance. The lens design of the Blaze ensures excellent visibility for traffic approaching from the side and with a maximum of 80 lumens available in six different modes, there is no problem being seen, even amongst the bustle of city streets day or night.
Certified with an IP6 rating for water resistance, the Blaze withstands spray from the road and pouring rain, whilst the aluminium housing is robust enough for daily use. The mount is simple but highly effective, and comprises a clip and a sturdy elastic band which can accommodate most sizes of seatpost. Recharging, when eventually required, is done using the micro USB cable in four hours, making it quick and easy.
Lezyne Strip Alert Drive Rear Light
As well as boasting a retina-searing 150 lumens, the Strip Alert Drive Rear Light from Leyzne has a clever sensor that detects deceleration and changes the light to bright and constant from whatever mode it is in, replicating brake lights. It then flashes an attention-attracting pattern until movement resumes, at which point the original chosen mode is reactivated. Lezyne’s Wide Angle Optics lens brings 270° visibility, providing protection from traffic all around, not just from behind, handy on busy roundabouts and junctions.
A single charge using the micro USB cable can provide up to 27 hours of illumination in its lowest setting but still lasts for over five hours when set to maximum, long enough for a decent ride or a good few days travel to work and back. The rubber mounting band fits both round and more elliptical, aero seatposts, so can be used all week for commuting and then easily swapped onto the best bike for a safe weekend ride.
Looking to start commuting by bike or beef up your commuting light arsenal? Browse our wide range of lights, from some of the market's leading brands.
