TOUR light test: 12 front and rear lights tested

Battery-powered lights for bicycles have undergone significant development in recent years - not only in terms of brightness, but above all in terms of efficiency. LED technology is now standard: all manufacturers use white LEDs, which produce a lot of light from little power. However, it is not just the brightness of the light source that is decisive, but also the duration of the light so that the luminaires do not have to be constantly plugged in. Modern control systems regulate the light intensity dynamically and ensure that there is still enough light on the road even when the battery charge is running low, so that the evening drive does not end abruptly. In the systems tested, the lighting times varied between just under two and a solid six hours; the charging time to replenish the batteries is between two and five hours, depending on the model and capacity.

Shining examples

Reflector technology plays a key role in headlights in particular. High-quality reflectors distribute the light evenly and prevent glare - both for the driver and oncoming road users. A homogeneous light pattern, a clear cut-off line and wide illumination of the lane are characteristics of good lighting technology. Rear lights, on the other hand, score points with additional functions such as brake light or automatic brightness adjustment. Investing in battery-powered lights today not only gives you more power, but also more comfort and safety.

The 12 test candidates

• Busch & MüllerIxon Rock + Brixxi
• CateyeKit Gvolt 70.1 + Rapid Micro G
• Contec light set Dlux micro power 120
• Decathlon ST 930 Set
• Fidlock Pinclip Battery Light
• KnogBlinder 120 & Mid Cobber Twinpack
• Lezyne Macro 500+ Strip lighting set
• Lupine SL Minimax AF+ C14 Mag
• Osram LEDs Bike Race 100E Set
• Sigma Aura 100 + Blaze Link Set
• Supernova Lights B54 Pro
• Trelock LS 760 I-Go Vision 100 Lux Set - Brake light

In practice, it quickly becomes clear whether a light set is really well thought out. In addition to the pure light output, it is also important that the devices are easy to operate, easy to mount and adjust - and that they are securely fastened. Good headlights and rear lights can be controlled intuitively using a switch - ideally even when wearing gloves and in wet conditions. The switches should have a clear function and a clearly defined, easily perceptible pressure point: Press once to switch on, press twice for dipped beam, press and hold to switch off - it should be that simple.

The operating status display is just as important. A good battery status indicator provides meaningful information about the charge status so that you are not suddenly left in the dark. A single LED that flashes frantically shortly before switching off is not a practical solution. Multi-level displays that work like a fuel gauge and allow a reliable estimate of how long the power will last are better. Even better: models that show the remaining light duration in hours or per cent - either via a display or an app.

Status display

If you switch between different modes, you should be able to clearly recognise whether Eco, Standard or Boost mode is currently active. This not only helps to save energy, but also to adapt to changing light conditions. Mounting on many modern bikes is no longer as easy as it used to be, when a simple rubber ring was enough to quickly and easily attach the headlight and rear light. Today, many handlebars and seat posts are aerodynamically shaped and have flat or teardrop-shaped cross-sections. Many light sets can only be attached with suitable adapters. If you want to use your mobile lighting system on several bikes, you should also make sure that the headlight and rear light can be mounted quickly and without tools. After all, a good light set must not only shine brightly, but also be ready for use quickly.

Shop & Lights

In our test, we focussed on practical use. All twelve battery lights were charged and discharged several times to test the reliability of the indicators. This showed that a good charge level indicator is more than just a nice extra. Ideally, it should consist of a multi-level LED bar that clearly and comprehensibly displays the battery status. Displays with changing colours - for example from green to yellow to red - are acceptable as long as the gradations are clear. Single-colour displays that only alternate between glowing and flashing provide too little information and leave the user in the dark about the remaining light duration.

In practice

To evaluate the mounts, we test-fitted all models - on classic round handlebars and seatposts as well as on modern aero cockpits and profiled seatposts. With aerodynamic tube shapes, the limits quickly became apparent. Most lights could not be securely attached to them. Only special solutions, such as brackets or adapters from third-party manufacturers such as Topeak, can help here.

On our test track in Munich's Perlacher Forst, the candidates had to show what they can do in their core competence. The headlight should illuminate the area directly in front of the front wheel brightly and homogeneously without dazzling oncoming traffic. A clear cut-off line is mandatory. The rear light should also be clearly visible from the side; an integrated brake light function is a real safety plus - in city traffic as well as on winding descents and when riding in a group. Decathlon and Osram offer solid and affordable light sets for night-time riding. The Decathlon headlight impresses with its wide, homogeneous illumination, but is bulky and only fits on round handlebars. Osram supplies a slimmer model with a more flexible bracket and a good display for battery level and light intensity. At the upper end of the price scale, Lupine and Supernova Lights shine with excellent workmanship, maximum light output and fade function. Both are fully configurable via app and offer high-end technology. Anyone who values visibility, safety and comfort will find suitable models for every budget in our test field.

All test results at a glance

Our conclusion

In the latest test of rechargeable lights, inexpensive sets for 50 euros meet high-end systems costing many times more. Lupine and Supernova offer top technology for those who are often out in the dark for long periods of time: the SL Minimax AF 7 and the new B54 Pro deliver top performance and are well worth the money. Surprisingly strong: Decathlon and Osram perform respectably in terms of light output and operation for a fraction of the price and are more than just emergency lighting. When it comes to rear lights, many candidates with integrated brake lights, including Sigma and Trelock, score highly.

How TOUR tests

We assessed the front and rear lights according to the five criteria of light profile, light duration, handling, workmanship and holder, 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 met the top edge of the pylon at a distance of 30 metres. The evaluation was based on how homogeneously the light carpet illuminates the near and far areas as well as the edge of the road. With Lupine and Supernova Lights, we photographed and evaluated 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 with additional cooling. The light duration specified here refers to the maximum level.

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)

Material quality, moulding marks, the quality of the seals and watertightness are assessed. 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. Manufacturers such as Busch + Müller, Cateye, Lupine, Sigma and Supernova offer practical holders for mounting on modern aero handlebars as accessories.