2016 road bike lighting test: Battery-powered lights with and without STVZO - battery-powered headlights and rear lights for road cyclists

STVZO Germany

Cateye GVolt 80 & Rapid 1G

The light pattern of the very robust GVolt 80 with a bright core and less bright light "wings" is somewhat reminiscent of the silhouette of Batman. The illumination at close and long range is good, and the edge of the path is also easy to recognise. The 180 gram headlamp offers three light levels; the LED in the switch warns after 80 minutes, but the power is still sufficient for just under an hour. The charging time of five hours is a little long. For longer journeys in the dark, the optional spare battery (40 euros) is ideal. The hose clamp-style holder is mounted without tools using a round nut. The rear light, which weighs just 40 grams, is also attached in the same way. For two and a half hours of charging time, you get two and a half hours of red light.

Price 110/25 Euro (v/h) | Info www.paul-lange.de

Garmin Varia Head Light HL501 & Tail Light TL301

For the first time, Garmin brings light to the bike. The set includes a front light, rear light, practical remote control and various holders. All parts have a high-quality finish. The ANT+ remote controls the switching on and off, the high and low beam of the headlight and the brightness of the rear light. Annoying: Due to faulty instructions, the devices could only be paired with the help of the Garmin hotline. The device switches are difficult to operate when wearing gloves, and the charging time of seven hours is very long. Otherwise, the headlamp impresses with a bright carpet of light. A red LED signals the reserve status of the headlight after two hours (approx. 50 minutes). The rear light illuminates an area of 270 degrees for four hours, the charging time is a moderate two and a half hours. The bayonet mounts are very good. The front one
places the light in front of the stem, leaving the upper handlebars free; an Edge computer fits on top, which could also be used to connect and control the light set.

Price 300 Euro (as a set) | Info www.garmin.com

Sigma Sportster & Mono

With a battery life of five and a half hours, Sigma's Sportster is the endurance athlete among the rechargeable lights; five LEDs provide reliable information on how much juice is left in the battery. As soon as the indicator flashes red, you still have light for 90 minutes. The 100-gram lightweight masters long-range and close-range illumination satisfactorily, but the relatively weak LED is limited on low-light rainy nights. The tool-free bracket fits on any round handlebar. The Mono rear light shines brightly, shines well to the side like the front light and can be attached to any seat post in seconds using the rubber mounting bracket. The switches with defined pressure points are easy to operate even when wearing gloves. After a pleasingly short two-hour charging time, the Mono delivers a long six and a half hours of red light.

Price 55/25 Euro (v/h) | Info www.sigmasport.com

WITHOUT MOT LABELLING (for Austria & Switzerland)

BBB Strike BLS-71 & Highlaser BLS-80

The aluminium cooling fins and two homogeneous light beams are characteristic of the 130 gram headlamp. At the highest setting, the central light cone illuminates the road far ahead, even in wet conditions, while the less bright outer rim is sufficient to recognise obstacles at close range and at the edge. Due to the risk of glare, the headlamp should be set as flat as possible. After two hours, the LED flashes red to signal another hour of full light, after which it goes dark. You can choose between four continuous light levels and a flashing mode. The flexible holder can also be mounted on non-circular handlebars and the light can be turned to the left and right, which is practical on curved handlebars. The waterproof Highlaser rear light is powered by two AAA batteries. It lights up with a continuous or flashing light, the light angle is a wide 270 degrees. The holder is only suitable for round handlebars.

Price 100/16 Euro (v/h) | Info www.bbbparts.com

Specialised Flux Elite & Expert Tail light

The Specialized set has a high-quality finish. The headlight is mounted on the sturdy bracket in the centre in front of the handlebars with a click fastener, giving the cockpit a tidy appearance. The light pattern is a half-lens with a bright spot in the centre and slightly darker peripheral zones. Unlike BBB and Lezyne, the FLux Elite has a clear cut-off line at the top, which means that the risk of glare is much lower. Two continuous light and two flashing light levels are available. At maximum power, the juice is already empty after 70 minutes, although the more economical, weaker level also provides good driving light. Two and a half hours charging time is a good value. The rear light shines in three modes with continuous and flashing light in a wide 360-degree arc - for six and a half hours at the highest level. The design of the rear light and front light is coordinated, and two robust holders for round seat posts are included in the scope of delivery.

Price 170/90 Euro (v/h) | Info www.specialized.com

Lezyne Hecto Drive 300 XL & Strip Drive

The front light casts a homogeneous and wide carpet of light, with the light intensity decreasing only slightly from the centre to the edge. The carriageway, the close-up area and the edge of the road are illuminated correspondingly generously. The headlamp is very dazzling and the light range must be precisely adjusted. The 70 gram, compact lamp only shines for one hour on the highest setting - after ten minutes of mini-reserve, it goes dark. There is a choice of four continuous light and three flashing modes, and the flexible attachment to the handlebars using an elasticated strap is practical. The rear light shines for four hours at a 270-degree angle and fits on any seat post thanks to the rubber holder. The headlight and rear light are charged after 90 minutes.

Price 70 Euro (as a set) | Info www.lezyne.com