Latest/Best Bike Lights Price For 2011

Bike lights have made leaps and bounds in technology offering a wide variety of styles for the night cyclist to choose from. Today’s high-efficiency LEDs have taken over the market from yesterday’s halogens, outshining and outlasting them. Though most of the LED bike lights available are powered by alkaline batteries, more manufacturers are now using Li-Ion batteries with the handy USB port charging feature. Many cyclists prefer the generator bike lights which offer advantages over batteries such as convenience and peace of mind as well as true “off the grid” self-generated power. Generally, the sought-after features of bike lights include brightness, lightweight, long-lasting, and affordability, but rarely can you find all 4 in one model. For moderate commuting in somewhat-lit areas, a small, inexpensive bike light can be sufficient. For commuters who ride in dark conditions and/or at fast speeds, a more powerful bike light is recommended.

For the purpose of this article, the best headlights are featured that function as both “to see” and “to be seen”. You’ll also want a “blinkie” tail light “to be seen”. The best bike lights were chosen by studying bike forums and bike blogs such as Mountain Bike Review and Bike Radar, as well as bike gear review magazines such as Bicycling and Bicycle Quarterly.

Here is the round-up for the best bike lights:

Cygolite Expilion 250 Bike Light ($111)

Pros:

    * Li-ion battery charges via USB port or wall socket adapter
    * Quick release battery; 3-6 hour run time; 5 hour recharge time
    * 250 lumens with 6 lighting modes- to see and to be seen
    * Lightweight, one-piece design for handlebar or helmet

Cons:

    * Rubber seal over the USB port seems weak
    * Some had trouble with the original handlebar mount being too tight, company sells an updated one

Top Review Sources:

    * Amazon: Average 4.9 out of 5 stars from 10 reviewers
    * Buzzillions: 3.8 out of 4 stars based on 14 reviews

The Expilion 250 is one of the latest bike light models from Cygolite. It offers the convenience of a one-piece system that is handy for commuters to charge while at work. Or the company sells a spare Li-Ion battery for a quick switch on the road. Cygolite makes bike lights that continually make the top of review lists from publications such as Bicycling and Mountain Bike Action. While the Expilion 250 is still fairly new, reviewers so far have commented on the brightness and convenience of it.

Princeton Tec Eos-R Bike Light ($50)
Pros:

    * 50 lumens LED; wide beam; surpasses other lights in this price range: to see and to be seen
    * Durable, waterproof to 3 feet and cold proof for sub-zero temps
    * 50 hour run time on low setting; 3 brightness levels, 1 flash
    * Lightweight, self-contained design for handlebar or helmet mount

Cons:

    * Battery replacement; runs on 3 AAA- use rechargeables
    * Only a 1 hour run time in the highest setting

Top Review Sources:

    * Amazon: Average 4.8 out of 5 stars from 20 reviewers
    * The Epicurean Cyclist: “This is one fine light, versatile”
    * Bike Radar: 4.5 out of 5 stars

The Prineton Tec Eos-R bike light (made in USA) is a basic, quality light at a reasonable price. Though most reviewers had no complaints about the brightness and loved the wide beam, it would be best suited for commuters who already travel in somewhat-lit streets or as a supplemental light for racing and trail riding. The durability and weather-proof design is a plus for those who need a multi-purpose light for backpacking or skiing.

NiteRider MiNewt Mini USB ($90)

Pros:

    * 150 lumens, 3 light modes plus flashing, to see and to be seen
    * Runs for 3 hours on high
    * USB port charges Li-Ion battery, charges in 4.5 hours
    * Small size and lightweight, easy on with a durable Velcro strap

Cons:

    * Helmet mount sold separately
    * Some may not like the Velcro strap mount

Top Review Sources:

    * Amazon: Average 4.8 out of 5 stars from 5 reviews; previous model received average 4.3 out of 5 stars from 15 reviews
    * Urban Velo: “Exactly what most commuters need”
    * MTBR: 4.5 out of 5 stars

The NiteRider MiNewt Mini was updated in 2010 with a battery charge indicator and added lumens. The battery life is more than efficient and while some may be skeptical of the Velcro strap, reviewers commented that it handled the bumps well and the convenience of being able to easily switch between bikes was a plus. For around $30 more, NiteRider offers the MiNewt 250 cordless which is a self-contained unit that offers more lumens (250).

Blackburn Flea USB Plus Solar ($27)

Pros:

    * Inexpensive and saves money on batteries
    * Small and lightweight, versatile for use in other situations
    * 40 lumens- impressive for the price
    * Indicator light moves from green to orange to red as battery drains

Cons:

    * Velcro strap- not for rough riding
    * 1 hour run time in highest setting
    * Narrow light beam

Top Review Sources:

    * Amazon: Average 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 10 reviews
    * Bike Radar: 4 out 0f stars; “Surprisingly powerful for their size”
    * MTBR: Average 4.4 out of 5

The Blackburn Flea is an effective bike light in small packaging that is best for slow speed commuting or as a supplement light. The solar feature offers an attractive charging option. It’s a “to be seen” light that can function as a “to see” light in certain situations- not for high speeds or nighttime trail riding. Most reviewers who use it for this purpose are more than pleased. Blackburn also makes well-reviewed tail lights.

Busch & Muller Lumotec Lyt ($40)

Pros:

• Attaches to Dynamo hub generator for ultimate “off the grid” power
• Saves money in batteries- which can offset the price of the generator hub
• Least expensive LED generator bike light
• 25 Lux, which translates to 2.32 lumens per square foot, brighter than the halogen generator lights at this price

Cons:

• Required purchase of Dynamo hub, can run around $100
• Not as bright as more expensive generator bike lights

Top Review Sources:

• Shedborn Bikes: “Computer designed lens system spreads the light of one high performance LED evenly and extensively”
• Peter White Cycles: “The light has a nice sharp horizontal top edge, so you get very good illumination at a distance without blinding oncoming drivers and cyclists”

Busch & Muller has long been associated with optimum technology incorporating sleek, German design. New for 2010/2011, the Lumotec Lyt for the first time offers affordability for a high quality generator light. For a bit extra you can get a standlight function which allows the light to stay on for a few minutes if pedaling has stopped.

Schmidt Edelux ($185)

Pros:

• 80 Lux- 7.43 lumens per sq. ft.- uber-bright- perfect for bike touring and randonneuring
• Handmade, European styling
• Rugged housing, waterproof, anti-reflective coating on lens
• Generator powered, comes with standlight, on/off and senso mode

Cons:

• Expensive
• Could be overkill for casual commuting

Top Review Sources:

• Bicycle Quarterly: “Sets the standard for modern headlights”
• Bike Radar: 4.5 out of 5 stars; “The best doesn’t come cheap”
• About the Bike: “The test of a good light is you don’t notice it, I highly recommend the Edelux”

The Schmidt Edelux is considered by many bike racing enthusiasts as the best bike light available. Handmade in Germany, the Schmidt Edelux is compatible with 6 volt dynamo hubs from Shimano, SRAM and the SON by Schmidt. It’s used by long-distance cyclists and commuters who travel fast in all weather conditions.