Bike Lights to Be Seen
Our Top Picks
Whether you are riding through the night or in the day, staying visible is of paramount importance. With that in mind, we've taken a look at some of the best bike lights to help keep you seen this season.
Exposure Lights Joystick Mk15 Front Light
A sub 100 gram front light from Exposure Lights, the Joystick is now in its 15th iteration and now boasts a 1100 lumen output. Fitting into both the 'be seen' and 'to see' categories, this is one versatile light that is compact enough to be mounted to a helmet without feeling cumbersome. This is therefore a handy addition to your mountain bike setup or as an added source of light for road rides. Intelligent Thermal Management regulates the temperature of the light and prevents overheating, while the Optimum Mode Selector allows you to tailor the modes to your exact preference, whether that is based on the route you are taking or the speed you are riding at.
LEZYNE LED FEMTO USB DRIVE LIGHT SET
Affordable and handy, the LED Femto USB Drive Light Set from Lezyne is an excellent solution for riders who occasionally commute or go on training rides as the sun rises or sets. The minimal weight of just 45 grams for the set is not befitting of its impressive performance. The Wide Angle Optics lens really makes the most of the LEDs to put out 15 lumens of light at the front and 5 lumens at the back, both with 180 degree visibility. For convenience, this set is USB rechargeable in about two and a half hours, and with five light modes to choose from, you’ll always find the right setting for your ride.
KNOG PLUS REAR LIGHT
An innovative little rear light with lots of applications, the Knog Plus Rear Light can attach to a seatpost, backpack, jersey pocket and even some helmets. The 20-lumen output is more than enough for a rear light used in urban areas and the tool-less removable silicone strap makes it easy to attach and remove before or after your ride. With the integrated USB port, there are no cables required for charging and the waterproof construction makes it perfect for any weather.
Exposure Lights Blaze Mk3 Rear Light
As bike lights go they really do not get much more intelligent than the Exposure Lights Blaze Mk3 Rear Light with REAKT and Peloton. Adapting to your surroundings, Exposure Lights have used Ambient Kinetic Technology, designed to strengthen the emitted light when you brake and in turn adjust to your surrounding ambient light. This feature is ideal for those looking to ride in groups, when blinding your fellow riders with a strong beam is not a welcome option. Peloton mode detects approaching bike lights from behind and dims the Blaze accordingly and in turn brightens again when bike lights are not detected, ensuring the beam catches the eye of upcoming motorists.
When no other lights are detected, for example when you are riding at the back of a group, the beam is strengthened. Emitting a maximum of 150 lumens, the Optimum Mode Selector allows you to simplify shifting between modes, moving from flashing to constant in just a touch of a button. DayFlash is a double strobe that has been added to increase visibility during the day. An impressive runtime of between 6 and 28 hours, depending on mode, makes this a light you can rely on, night or day.
Bontrager Flare RT 2 Rear Light
Boasting a 90 lumen max burst, the Bontrager Flare RT 2 is a rear light that features an interruptive flash pattern, allowing you to be easily noticed out on the road. Visible from over two kilometres away, the Flare can be paired to your Garmin Edge computer and the Bontrager Light Control App, allowing you to keep tabs on the light's battery status. IPX7 waterproofing makes this a light you can use in even the most miserable of conditions, while the 33 gram weight means it is one of the lightest rear lights on the market. A handy feature is the integrated light sensor, this auto-adjusts the light's brightness depending on the conditions, optimising battery life.
As well as a set of lights, ensuring your clothing has reflective or highly visible designs can also help improve your presence on the road. Looking to ride in more rural conditions? Take a look at our guide on lights to see. Designed specifically for commuting and urban riding, take a look at our guide to commuter ready lights.
