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.
These top rated 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.
NiteRider MiNewt
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
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).
The NiteRider MiNewt Mini is available on Amazon.
Cygolite Expilion 250
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
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.
The Cygolite Expilion 250 is available on Amazon.
Princeton Tec Eos-R Bike Light
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
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 Princeton 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.
The Princeton Tec Eos-R bike light is sold on Amazon.
Blackburn Flea USB Plus Solar
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 5 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.
The Blackburn Flea USB plus Solar is available at Amazon.
Busch & Muller Lumotec Lyt
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.
The Lumotec Lyt is sold on Harris Cyclery or Peter White Cycles.
Schmidt Edelux
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.
The Schmidt Edelux is available on Harris Cyclery.
You should add the Planet Bike 1 Watt and/or 2 Watt into this post. Cheaper than the Tec Eos-R and brighter. However both aforementioned models shine ever-so-slightly less horizontally, but distance is the same. I personally think it’s also a plus that they take only two AA instead of three AAA. Finally, they both offer “whiter” lights. In comparison, the Tec Eos-R looks yellowish.
Although I wouldn’t trade either light, even combined, over the NiteRider MiNewt Mini (2010). For unlit paths or streets, it’s the minimum necessity unless you’re traveling a pretty short and/or safe distance.
Great job on the post otherwise! I enjoyed it.
Joshua,
Thanks for your comment, we will consider adding those products to the post!
Nice post. I used to be checking constantly this weblog and I am impressed! Very helpful information specifically the last part
I handle such information a lot. I was looking for this certain information for a long time. Thank you and good luck.