Battery-powered lights put to the test: Seven bike light sets from 100 lux for 110 to 600 euros
Matthias Borchers
· 17.11.2022
In this article, we use so-called affiliate links. With every purchase through these links, we receive a commission from the merchant. All relevant referral links are marked with . Learn more.
Bicycle lights in the test
Short & sweet
The flexible clip-on front light for bicycles has cracked the 100 lux mark. This means that on paper, the inexpensive lights from 100 euros almost reach the level of significantly more expensive top lights. Our practical test also shows that their luminosity comes close to that of the headlights from Lupine and Supernova, at least for the dipped beam. Some of the rear lights differ greatly in terms of light duration; the models from Lezyne, Lupine, Sigma and Trelock even have an integrated brake light on board.
To be able to compare and assess the light image and luminosity of headlights, the most important thing you need is complete darkness. But this is rare in Munich, which is also brightly lit at night, and not only environmentalists complain about this. In this respect, a test location that is otherwise only used in psychological thrillers would be ideal: an unlit tunnel, preferably without traffic. But our requirements are somewhat special: all the tunnels of this type in the neighbourhood were - probably for good reason - brightly lit with neon tubes.
At the last tunnel we visited, there was a gap between our memory and the current state of construction, during which some authority had decided to close the opening with heavy iron bars and make it accessible only to the fire brigade and forestry. In the end, we made do with a dead-end road and car park in Forstenrieder Park. Nice and dark, no traffic apart from crossing hedgehogs and wild boars. And there was no rain on the test night either.
Do expensive bike lights shine better?
We mounted five front lights, duly approved in accordance with the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO), on a racing handlebar clamped in the mounting stand and aligned them exactly the same in order to illuminate the 30 metre long test track marked with pylons in a way that was suitable for taking photos. For comparison, we compared these five affordable models from Busch & Müller, Cateye, Lezyne, Sigma and Trelock at set prices between 110 euros (Sigma) and 172 euros (Cateye) with two significantly more expensive top headlights plus battery to find out whether and how clearly they differ in performance: the SL Nano AF from Lupine for 326 euros with a maximum illuminance of 130 lux and the M99 Mini Pro from Supernova (579 euros); the manufacturer states 275 lux for its high beam in power mode and 150 lux in low beam mode. We also assessed the brightness of the rear lights at the same location in Forstenrieder Park.
Enough light in the pitch dark
This comparison is not completely absurd, because in terms of power, i.e. the declared illuminance in lux, the five candidates play in a similar league to the spotlights from Lupine and Supernova with around 100 lux, at least from the nominal value, at least when the latter lights up with low beam in standard mode. When dimmed up, however, the SL Nano AF and the M99 Mini Pro fire so much more light into Forstenrieder Park that you could still comfortably read a newspaper in the beam 200 metres away.
In practice, this means that all tested headlights cast enough light onto the road so that cyclists can find their way safely through the night even in moonless darkness - and recognise obstacles such as branches, stones or frost holes in the road in good time.
By the wayCorrectly aligned, no LED spotlight dazzles oncoming traffic. By law, the headlamp reflector must produce a crisp and glare-free cut-off line, which only loses its purpose if the headlamp is set too high, causing reckless dazzle to other road users.
If you switch to high beam with Lupine or Supernova, the effect is like floodlighting. Both headlights cast a bright and homogeneous tunnel of light into the night, which puts the strongest light of the five favourable candidates in the shade and would be bright enough to master fast descents at 50 km/h safely.
Bicycle light endurance test
We determined the endurance of the front and rear lights during several light marathons at an outside temperature of around 10 degrees at night. We also wrapped the lights in wet and cooling kitchen towels, because their electronics reduce their output as soon as the headlights get too hot. Without additional cooling, this happened to us with the Cateye and Lezyne headlights, whose light went out after just a few minutes. While cycling, the wind cools the lights; however, if the batteries get too hot, the electronics gradually reduce the power of the headlights to protect them from defects.
Some offer reserve
There are major differences in the display of the remaining light duration. Sigma and Trelock are exemplary, clear and precise in this respect. The former not only provides accurate information with a five-bar display; at the end of the battery life there are also enough electrons left for a good hour of emergency lighting. The Trelock info centre is even more precise, showing the remaining power to the minute. On the other hand, emergency power is more limited, with only 15 minutes left for the journey home. With the Cateye, the exit has to be timed precisely; after exactly two hours of full power, the poorly positioned indicator on the GVolt 100 warns you to recharge immediately.
When it comes to mounting options, manufacturers are still very conservative in 2022 and include brackets with their lights that cling exclusively to round tubes; none of the standard brackets are suitable for aero bars or integrated cockpits. If you're riding a racer equipped with these lights, you'll have to look through the manufacturer's range of accessories and will only find what you're looking for in our test field with Busch & Müller, Lupine and Supernova. All other lights only fit round and not too thick tubes.
The rear lights can be fitted to various seat posts without any major problems. This works equally well with the standard rubber rings for round or aerodynamically optimised seatposts, provided the rubber rings are long enough for thicker seatposts. Lupine even offers a smart magnetic holder for the saddle frame, with which the red light can be neatly attached - provided you have not fitted a saddle bag.
ConclusionCurrent clip-on lights offer decent light at affordable prices. The rear lights are all quite uncomplicated to use and mount, Busch & Müller and Trelock impress with their long light duration. When it comes to front lights, we praise the models from Busch & Müller, Sigma and Trelock a little more than Cateye and Lezyne; however, the Cateye spotlight can also be mounted under the handlebars, for example, thanks to its rotating reflector. The comparatively heavy Lezyne light shines for a long time, but has to be plugged in for ages to charge. Lupine narrowly wins the internal duel of the power lights ahead of Supernova. The SL Nano is more compact, the battery provides better information about the charge status, its light carpet is somewhat more homogeneous and brighter, and it is also cheaper.
The light profiles at a glance
The 7 lamp sets in alphabetical order
- Busch & Müller Ixon Rock front light and Ixxi rear light
- Cateye Gvolt 100 /front light and Rapid Micro G rear light
- Lezyne Power Pro 115 front light and Strip Alert rear light
- Lupine SL Nano AF and C14 Mag
- Sigma Aura 100 front light and Blaze Link rear light (set)
- Supernova Lights M99 Mini Pro B54 headlight
- Trelock LS 760 IGo Vision Set
Bicycle light - How TOUR tests
We assessed the headlights and rear lights of the battery-powered lighting system according to five criteria, the results of which are included in the overall score with different weightings.
Light profile (30 per cent)
The light profile is made up of the brightness and illumination of the measurement route. The headlights were aligned so that their cut-off line meets the top edge of the pylon at a distance of 30 metres. The evaluation is based on how homogeneously the carpet of light illuminates the near and far areas as well as the edge of the road. With Lupine and Supernova, we photographed and assessed the light pattern in high beam.
Lighting duration (25 per cent)
Before the three measurements, all headlights and rear lights were completely discharged twice. We measured the battery life at maximum power. To prevent the headlights from automatically reducing their output due to overheating, the measurements were taken at a night-time temperature of around ten degrees and with additional cooling. The light duration information here refers to the maximum level; headlights with a strong reserve light are rated better.
Handling (15 per cent)
For battery-powered headlights, switches with a defined pressure point should be easy to operate and the switch on the rear light should be easy to find even without looking. The quality and accuracy of the charge level indicator is also assessed.
Processing (15 per cent)
We assess the material quality, moulding marks, the quality of the seals and the watertightness. We rate aluminium headlight housings higher than plastic ones due to their better heat dissipation.
Holder (15 per cent)
The mounting options and the firm hold on the handlebars, stem and seat post are assessed. So far, only Busch & Müller, Lupine and Supernova offer practical holders for mounting on modern aero handlebars.
Bicycle light - The sets with 100 lux in detail
Busch & Müller Ixon Rock and Ixxi
- Price front/rear light: 100 Euro / 27 Euro
- Set price for Busch & Müller Ixon Rock and Ixxi: 127 Euro >> available here
- Set weight: 186 grammes
- Extra equipmentCharger
- Front/rear light modes: 3/1
- Lighting duration, reserve f/h: 2:45, 0:15 h / 22:45 h
Bicycle light - TOUR rating
Headlights
Light profile (30 %) Grade 2,0
Lighting duration (25 %) Grade 2,5
Handling (15 %) Grade 1,0
Processing (15 %) Grade 2,0
Holder (15 %) Grade 3,0
Headlight grade (100 %) 2.0
Rear light
Light profile (30 %) Grade 2,3
Lighting duration (25 %) Grade 1,0
Handling (15 %) Emergencye 1,7
Processing (15 %) Grade 2,0
Holder (15 %) Grade 2,0
Rear light grade (100 %) 1.8
Conclusion: Well made, precise charge level indicator, holder with bayonet lock is a bit fiddly and tall; in contrast, the new holder for mounting on aerobar arms is delicate and practical.
Cateye Gvolt 100 and Rapid Micro G
Bicycle light - TOUR rating
Headlights
Light profile (30 %) Grade 2,4
Lighting duration (25 %) Grade 3,5
Handling (15 %) Grade 2,7
Processing (15 %) Grade 2,5
Holder (15 %) Grade 2,3
Headlight grade (100 %) 2.7
Rear light
Light profile (30 %) Grade 2,0
Lighting duration (25 %) Grade 2,0
Handling (15 %) Grade 2,7
Processing (15 %) Grade 2,0
Holder (15 %) Grade 1,7
Rear light grade (100 %) 2.1
Conclusion: The headlight can be mounted on and under the handlebars; gets very hot under full load, shuts down immediately without sufficient cooling; two hours of illumination are not enough.
Lezyne Power Pro 115 and Strip Alert
- Price front/rear light: 96 Euro / 40 Euro
- Set price Lezyne Power Pro 115 and Strip Alert: 136 Euro
- Set weight: 273 gram
- Extra equipment: Rear light with battery alarm
- Front/rear light modes3/3, with brake light
- Lighting duration, reserve f/h: 3:30 hrs, - / 3:00 hrs, alarm
Bicycle light - TOUR rating
Headlights
Light profile (30 %) Grade 1,9
Lighting duration (25 %) Grade 2,5
Handling (15 %) Grade 3,0
Processing (15 %) Grade 2,0
Holder (15 %) Grade 3,0
Headlight grade (100 %) 2.4
Rear light
Light profile (30 %) Emergencye 1,0
Lighting duration (25 %) Grade 3,0
Handling (15 %) Grade 2,7
Processing (15 %) Grade 2,0
Holder (15 %) Grade 1,3
Rear light grade (100 %) 2.0
Conclusion: Very long charging time; the headlight gets hot and requires sufficient cooling, indicator on the back is poorly visible; very bright, all-round visible rear light, but quite short burn time.
Sigma Auro 100 and Blaze Link
- Set price for Sigma Aura 100 and Blaze Link: 110 Euro >> available here
- Set weight: 139 gram
- Extra equipmentCombination circuit between headlight and tail light
- Front/rear light modes4/1, with brake light
- Lighting duration, reserve f/h: 2:30 hrs, 1:15 hrs / 7:30 hrs.
Bicycle light - TOUR rating
Headlights
Light profile (30 %) Grade 2,2
Lighting duration (25 %) Grade 2,5
Handling (15 %) Grade 1,5
Processing (15 %) Grade 2,0
Holder (15 %) Grade 2,0
Headlight grade (100 %) 2.1
Rear light
Light profile (30 %) Emergencye 2,0
Lighting duration (25 %) Grade 1,0
Handling (15 %) Grade 1,3
Processing (15 %) Grade 2,0
Holder (15 %) Grade 2,3
Rear light grade (100 %) 1.7
Conclusion: Headlight and rear light with informative and precise indicators; combi switch for both lights, with brake light; good light reserve, mounting rubber very short even for handlebars with 30 mm diameter.
Trelock LS 760 IGo Vision Set
- Set price for the Trelock LS 760 Igo Vision set: 150 Euro >> available here
- Set weight: 200 gram
- Extra equipmentMultifunction display, powerbank mode with adapter
- Front/rear light modes5/1, with brake light
- Lighting duration, reserve f/h: 2:15 h, 0:30 h / 9:35 h
Bicycle light - TOUR rating
Headlights
Light profile (30 %) Grade 2,0
Lighting duration (25 %) Grade 3,0
Handling (15 %) Grade 1,0
Processing (15 %) Grade 2,0
Holder (15 %) Grade 2,3
Headlight grade (100 %) 2.2
Rear light
Light profile (30 %) Emergencye 2,0
Lighting duration (25 %) Grade 1,5
Handling (15 %) Grade 2,0
Processing (15 %) Grade 2,0
Holder (15 %) Grade 2,7
Rear light grade (100 %) 2.0
Conclusion: Best display, informative, very easy to use; clunky, not very flexible bracket; the light profile is homogeneous, but could be brighter in front of the front wheel; rear light bracket does not fit ideally on aero posts.
Bicycle light - The high-end models in detail
Lupine SL Nano AF and C14 Mag
Bicycle light - TOUR rating
Headlights
Light profile (30 %) Grade 1,0
Lighting duration (25 %) Grade 2,0
Handling (15 %) Grade 1,3
Processing (15 %) Grade 1,0
Holder (15 %) Grade 1,7
Headlight grade (100 %) 1.4
Rear light
Light profile (30 %) Emergencye 1,5
Lighting duration (25 %) Grade 1,0
Handling (15 %) Grade 1,7
Processing (15 %) Grade 1,0
Holder (15 %) Grade 1,7
Rear light grade (100 %) 1.4
Conclusion: Best light profile for high beam; charge level indicator on the battery must be activated by pressing, convenient, wireless remote control; robust rear light with long burn time.
Supernova Lights M99 Mini Pro B54
- Price Supernova M99 Mini Pro B54: 579 Euro >> available here
- Set weight: 490 grammes
- Extra equipmentCharger, dipped beam switch, app control
- Front/rear light modes3 plus high beam / -
- Lighting duration, reserve f/h: 2:10 hrs, 3:00 hrs / - , -
Bicycle light - TOUR rating
Headlights
Light profile (30 %) Grade 1,1
Lighting duration (25 %) Grade 2,5
Handling (15 %) Grade 1,7
Processing (15 %) Grade 1,0
Holder (15 %) Grade 1,7
Headlight grade (100 %) 1.6
Rear light
No rear light for road bike
ConclusionRelatively large headlamp, long light duration in standard mode; precise but poorly recognisable charge level indicator on the external battery, easy to operate, light modes can be set via app.
Matthias Borchers
Editor
