Cycling equipment for autumn: A comparison of battery and dynamo lights

Bicycle light: battery or dynamo?

The choice between battery and dynamo lighting for road and gravel bikes depends on individual needs and conditions of use. The advantage of battery-powered lighting is that it can be quickly fitted to the bike. Modern LED battery lights are light, compact and offer sufficient lighting power from 100 lux for the road or light terrain. Their biggest disadvantage is the limited battery life, on average two hours at full load.

Dynamo lighting, on the other hand, is independent of external power sources and provides continuous light. This is practical for long-distance cyclists and commuters. Modern hub dynamos are virtually resistance-free and reliable, even in bad weather, and current dynamo headlights shine brightly enough even at low speeds. Disadvantages are the higher system weight and the fixed installation, although ready-made dynamo wheels are available from around 100 euros.

Bicycle light with dynamo

The dynamo headlight M99 DY Pro from Supernova has a high beam light that the spotlight emits homogeneously by means of 99 reflector facets and is directed well over a hundred metres ahead; the area in front of the front wheel and the edge of the road are also well illuminated. The high-quality housing made of black anodised aluminium weighs just 200 grams. The light can be switched on and off using a wired remote control, and an optional rear light costs from 70 euros.

• Price: 325 Euro >> available here

Bicycle light with rechargeable battery

The new Grano SL from Lupine is one of the highest quality rechargeable headlamps on the market. Its reflector is designed for overhead mounting on the GoPro adapter. At full power, the headlamp (including holder), which weighs just under 190 grams, shines for exactly the one and a quarter hours specified by the manufacturer; it is fully charged again after two and a half hours. With sensor-controlled daytime running light, one battery charge lasts twelve hours.

• Price: 196 Euro
• Accessories: Gopro holder adapter, USB-C charging cable

Included set

The Aura 100 battery-powered light set from Sigma impresses with a homogeneous and sufficiently bright carpet of light for the 100 lux output. The Blaze rear light has an integrated brake light function, both lights are paired via Bluetooth and can be switched on and off with a switch. The workmanship is high quality and the long battery life of up to twelve hours in eco mode is practical as emergency lighting in poor visibility conditions during the day.

• Price: 120 Euro >> available here

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