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Bike Light Reviews | Biking Tribe - Part 2

Category Archives for Bike Light Reviews

The 5 Brightest Rear Bike Lights on the Market

Rear Bike Light Buyer's Guide

Whether you are simply traveling to work or going off-road mountain biking, cycling is a fantastic form of physical activity, transportation, and just plain old fun. There are mountain bikes, road bikes, rear suspension bikes, tour bicycles, folding bikes, road bikes... the list is endless. In addition, there are innumerable performance and safety features, such as off-road lights, disc brakes, aluminum frames, carbon fiber frames, rear suspension, and so on. Even though the rate of accidents for bikers is negligible to that of cars, accidents with cyclists can still happen and that is why safety features are not just a good idea, but are vitally important. On a bike, one's safety precautions are limited to that which can be secured to the body of the bike and the body of the rider. This is especially true for those who commute in cities or often bike on roads with automobiles, having bike lights is essential not only for the rider’s safety but also that of other drivers. Smart, safe bikers, will be guided towards getting one of the 5 brightest rear bike lights on the market, as well as to always wear a helmet. Biking is a safe form of activity and transportation if riders take the necessary precautions and use the proper safety measures.

Rear Bike Light Guide

If you are biking without safety lights, you are putting yourself, other bikers, and drivers at great risk. In the middle of a sunny day, lights are more or less unessential to practicing safe biking. However, in the evening, at night, and on dark, overcast days, a bike light can save your life. No driver wants to hit a biker on the side of the road and it is up to the bike rider to enable drivers and passersby to keep themselves safe. Rear bike lights are especially essential to that end.

While biking next to cars on the road—as is required by law—cars will approach the biker from the rear. A rear bike light aims to make approaching cars aware of the presence of a biker and to easily be identified from a distance. Riding in a major metropolitan city is quite different than riding through the Mojave Desert. However, the ability to identify your presence to drivers who are behind you is essential and there exist many rear bike lights on the market, which boast features aimed to benefit riders of differing needs.

Flashing Lights

Anyone can go to WalMart and get a cheap little light to put on their bike. Alternatively, they can rummage through most tool boxes until they find that old flashlight and the duct tape and do a little DIY fix-up. However, this is not smart for a biker. The first step to choosing the right tool for the job is to know your individual needs. If you bike around the city, then brighter the light is the better. Rear bike lights with flashing features and programmable light designs are great for high traffic areas. If you live in a rural area, you may not need the flashing lights; however, a super bright rear light is optimal for long stretches of dark roads.

Battery Life

Another important factor to consider is the battery life of any one unit and what source of power it uses. Many cheaper rear bike lights are designed to take AA or AAA batteries. This is fine if you are not a frequent rider or a commuter. The problem with batteries like this is that they will lose their luminescence as the battery is drained and the rider will not be easily made aware of it until a problem arises. Rechargeable batteries allow a rider to get in the good habit of always recharging their rear bike light at the end of a ride. These units are designed with USB chargers, making them very convenient to charge, even during a ride.

Lighting System

High output lighting systems are the brightest option but often carry a higher price tag. LED lights are extremely common in the bike light market; however, the quality of any unit is variable. Lumens are the standard unit of measurement for the quantity of visible light which is emitted by a light source and the higher the better. LED lights can be designed to produce a high level of luminescence but it will take more searching to find the brightest rear bike lights on the market.

5 Brightest Rear Bike Lights


1. Cygolite Hotshot 50

Under $30 and featuring the ability to adjust the brightness level and flashing pattern, the Cygolite Hotshot 50 is the best classic rear bike light. It doesn't do lots of fancy tricks but what it does do, it does well. This light produces 50 lumens of visible light, which is twice as powerful as the Hotshot 50s predecessor. The lights are LED and this unit offers over 500 hours of battery life. This rear bike light produces a huge amount of visibility from a distance and is a wonderfully functional safety feature for any rider.


2. Ultra Bright Bike Light Blitzu Cyborg

The Blitzu Cyborg Ultra Bright Bike Light is the next step into the present standard of rear bike lights. The rechargeable unit produces over 165 lumens of visible light using red LED lights. The unit is 100% wireless and features an 180-degree visibility range. This is the best rear bike light on the market for the value and the durability, coming in under $20. The Ultra Bright Bike Light is built with a watertight casing, protecting the battery and lights from the worst that mother nature can dish out.


3. BLITZU Cyborg 180T Bike Light

The BLITZU Cyborg 180T Bike Light is the next step up and is still under $20. Producing 180 lumens of light, this rear bike light also comes with a biker’s multi-tool, making it the best rear bike light on the market for the benefits included. Brighter than the Ultra Bright and including a complimentary Allen wrench multi-tool, the Cyborg 180T is a perfect bike light for those who want the ability to mount their rear light in a variety of places. No tools are required for the installation and users can strap the light to any part of the bike’s rear or to the rear of their helmet.


4. REARAND Smart Bicycle Light Bike

Taking the silver medal for the best and brightest rear bike light on the market, the REARAND Smart Bicycle Light Bike allows a glimpse into the future of sports gear. This light is equipped with wireless remote technology so that the rider can change lighting options and toggle pattern controls without taking their hands off of the handlebars. This rear bike light is the brightest and safest bike light on the market, featuring two rear laser beams, which cast a lane of light directly behind the rider. The units 29 LED lights make for superb visibility up to 150 feet away and all for under $35.


5. Cycliq Fly6[v] HD Rear Bike Camera and 30 Lumen Tail light

Coming in as the gold medal winner, the Cycliq Fly6[v] takes the win by a mile. Considerably more pricey than the REARAND, this Cycliq light comes in around $140. However, it is more than a rear bike light. The Cycliq Fly6[v] is also a rear bike camera that features 30 lumens of tail light, an HD lens, and up to 6 hours of battery life. For those who prioritize the safety and security of themselves and their loved ones, the Cycliq Fly6[v] is our choice for the best rear bike light.




930 Lumen Bike Light

Top Brightness 930 Lumen Bike Light with Cree XM-L2

The 930 Lumen Bike Light is a spectacular flashlight perfectly developed to fit the night rider. This beauty casts a luminous and standard light beam while not using the lenses’ reflector in the flashlight. There is the possibility of even focusing the headlight specifically to stretch the shine of the beam a longer distance. This exceptional flashlight has a tail end switch push button that controls the on and off switch of the different lighting modes.

A rider can flick through the five programmed modes on the rear-end switch: the five modes are low, medium, high, strobe and SOS. The flashlight comes with a specifically inbuilt single chip microcomputer that activates a low-battery warning for battery protection, and memory which resumes to the last mode used, and is therefore provides for ease of operation.

The beam focus on the flashlight is adjustable through twisting its head to suit your need when lighting several conditions, and when on various tracks you may be on.

The 930 Lumen is easy to mount due to the flexible mounting bracket that enables you to fix the flashlight on a variety of bikes without necessarily using tools of any kind.

Features

  • The flashlight has been manufactured according to the FL1 expectations with a light output of 930 lumens when operating on the high mode
  • The flashlight’s body is built using airplane-grade aluminum and has a finishing of high quality anodizing anti-abrasive
  • The 930 Lumen light comes with an anti-shock carry case, a wrist strap, an 18650 Li-ion battery, an AC battery charger, 2 extra O-rings, a bike mount and a rubber strap to firmly hold the flashlight fixed to the bike mount
  • It is water resistant with an impressive IPX6 rating, having been extensively tested time and again to prevent any erroneous specifics before released to the market
  • The size of the beam is adjustable by twisting the light’s head to use in different occasions. There are no noises when rotating the head as the light’s body build is comfy and very smooth
  • It is really bright for a one-bulb flashlight, small and not cumbersome, handy, and uses the most dynamic second generation LED technology by Cree. With this light you have the brightest bike light on the market, and you will never be disappointed
  • Includes a flashlight mounting bracket to fix on the bike, a handle bar mounting strap and a specially made bicycle handlebar mounting stand for mounting the light on
  • An inbuilt single chip microcomputer that flickers a low-battery warning for battery protection, has a single button control, and memory of the last used mode
  • It is outstandingly superior to many similar capacity products available
  • An easy to read and follow instruction manual

Pros

  • The flashlight emits an extremely bright beam that can be widened to suit prevailing situations and conditions
  • This headlight comes with rechargeable batteries and a charger system, which is a good match to complement its unique lighting abilities
  • Has a really outstanding design that feels very solid and with exceptional control for brightness
  • The light is an original concept and none of the available lights are a near imitation
  • A life span of 10 hours and 30 minutes of battery in low 100 lumen; medium 530 lumen with 2 hours of battery time; and battery life in high 930 lumen of 1 hour
  • A bright, uniform beam that runs in the absence of a lens reflector on the headlight
  • It is easy to quickly strap on and remove without hassle
  • This flashlight is equivalent to a car’s headlights in terms of brightness, hence reduces the risk of a biker getting blinded and run off the road, even in pitch darkness

Cons

  • The light is not really suitable for rough terrain
  • The headlamp cannot be mounted on all bike handle bars; some are too thick and have larger diameters for its strap and mounting preferences
  • The light is almost too bright for users with prevailing eye conditions

Comparison

The flashlight does not heat up while charging and in use, as some other products on the market and this is a plus for the rider’s comfort and assurance. The Lumen 930 LED light gives a square shine that is easy to adjust with the rotating head, something that is not universal with other available headlamps.

Its solid top notch body ensures that the headlight will remain intact if the rider falls to the ground; the lamp will not be damaged.

The light has a longer battery time when fully charged as compared to available market products such as the lesser 700 LED lamps. The batteries are easy to remove and fix into place, as compared to other products whose batteries require some lubrication when removing to charge.

Verdict

The Top Brightness Lumen 930 LED is the perfect equipment for a night rider. It is a hassle free rechargeable light that has a longer battery time which assures that you will not be left stranded in the dark. What’s more is the fact it has an SOS option that you can apply when signaling for aid in case of need.

Therefore, the 930 Lumen single bulb LED is the right fit for the market, and every night rider should consider this model when looking to purchase a bike light for night use.

niterider_lumina_750_bike

NiteRider Lumina 750 Bike Light Review

Driving at night requires special care. It does not matter if it is a car, truck or a bicycle, you need the right kind of lighting to see where you are going at all times. Even though a bicycle may not seem like lights would be needed, this statement is far from true since having lights on a bicycle can prevent all kinds of incidents and accidents from happening.

From riding a bicycle over an unexpected pothole, to riding in the bicycle lane all of the time, there are many different reasons for making sure the light on a bicycle is designed with the proper features.

Fortunately, there is quite a bit of information online that can assist you with making the right choice. There are many reasons why making an investment in a product like the NiteRider Lumina 750 Bike Light is a good choice.

To make sure this product has the right features and characteristics, we will discuss the pros, cons, other potential bicycle light products and the overall verdict of what you may want to buy after you have looked at this and similar products.

Bike Light Features

  • Provides 750 lumens so that you can experience optimal visibility
  • Run time varies based on the high, medium and low lighting adjustments. For instance, if you run your bicycle light on high (750 lumens), you can expect the service that you get from this brightness to be approximately 3 hours. However, if you run your bicycle light at a low lumen of 200, you can expect to see the battery life last for approximately 5.5 hours in length
  • Light levels have been made with 4 steady/1 flash
  • USB charging cable and handlebar mount included and have been designed to fit up to 31.8mm
  • Bicycle lighting weights 172 grams

Pros

  • Even with lighting as low as 200 lumens, bike riders can easily see their bike path, thus, this product is usually a great buy for virtually all bike riders
  • Lighting can be adjusted accordingly from 200 to 750 lumens, which is based on the kind of bicycle ride that you take. For example, you may need the highest level of lumens when you are mountain biking. You will need to make sure that you know what they are actually selecting at night before getting started
  • Unfortunately, mountings can shift around from time to time, which makes it difficult for you to see the part of the road that you are riding down. With this version of the bike lighting and mount, this problem has been corrected by a secure click on the handle bar.
  • High performance lighting system with a couple of downsides
  • Great light for the money
  • Excellent product since it is known for throwing enough light when you are riding. Ideal for the road
  • Many great safety benefits because you can see obstacles in your path as well as changes in topography. Riders normally like these lights because they also increase their visibility
  • Offers one steady blinking pattern, while also providing users with a dimmable adjustable features
  • Without using it on a regular basis, you can expect your lights to last for several months
  • Lights are bright enough to prevent others from missing them
  • The button that has been included in its features is very responsive, while also providing a certain tactile feel; you can easily change from one mode to another
  • Best for late evening bike rides
  • Made of lightweight materials.

Cons

  • Strap made of basic rubber so it not made of sturdy materials
  • Strap is too loose too, and bikers may forget to stretch it tight enough
  • Materials too loose for a number of different reasons; it is very difficult to tighten when required.
  • Some people did not like this product because it was different than the advertised picture.

Comparison

Similar to other night lights on the market, the NiteRider Solas 100 Tail Light Black in one size is designed with multiple modes. It is also important to note that the Revtronic 1600 Lumens Bike Light – Cree LED Bike Light has been made with a number of different great features including having an integrated USB rechargeable version. Therefore, based on the version that is used, more power is actually needed to complete the work.

Verdict

Overall, theNiteRider Lumina 750 Bike Light is an excellent buy since it has great lighting that delivers a broad view. Most people will like this kind of bike lighting since it delivers a beam that covers a wide area, and can quickly be recharged. This is an added bonus, not only to the buyer, but also for others that you encounter on the road.

magicshine_2013_model_mj

MagicShine 2013 Model MJ-808U Bicycle Light Review

Riding at night and during the winter can become tragic if your bike lights are not good enough. It can cause accidents that can you can otherwise avoid with a good bicycle light.

A good lighting system for your bike is one of the key things that you should invest in to improve the features of your bike and offer excellent illumination and visibility for you and other road users when darkness catches up with you while riding. Finding the best light can be tricky without enough information, and this article is here to review one of the very best bicycle lights, the MagicShine 2013 Model MJ-808u Bicycle Light.

Bike Light Features

The MagicShine has quite a diverse number of advantageous features that are suitable for your riding experience. They are:

  • It uses super bright Cree XM-L U2 light emitting diodes
  • It emits a luminous flux (power of light) of a maximum of 1100 lumens
  • Has a battery pack which includes a small protection circuit with overcharge, short circuit and over-discharge protection certified by UL/CE/TUV/PSE
  • The light head is 105 grams and 3.7 ounces in mass, with a five-stage power meter and combined control circuit to prevent overheating
  • Has a click switch 4×18650 Li-ion battery (8.4V4.4AH)
  • It has a backlit button that lights green 100%, blue 75%, yellow 50%, red 25% and flashes red when less than 10% to warn about the battery charge draining off
  • The light emitting diode has a lifespan of 50,000 hours
  • The shell is made of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy material
  • Its surface is treated with a premium Type III hard anodized anti-abrasive finish
  • The light goes for 3.5 hours and shines with 100% brightness
  • The battery takes 3-3.5 hours to charge
  • Lights have a one-year warranty while the others have only a six-month warranty period.

Pros

  • It offers an adequate amount of light with a broad and even floodlight
  • It provides excellent performance as far as quality is concerned
  • It is light in weight
  • You can easily mount it on your bike within minutes
  • It is the least expensive high-power bike light compared to others with similar features and provides value for your money
  • You can choose the power level you want, hence saving your battery energy
  • It allows you stay prepared and alert due to the warning in case of battery depleting
  • The battery for the light lasts long

Cons

  • The battery is a bit heavy
  • For you to do a full cycle, you need to turn the unit off

Comparison

When buying a bicycle light, there are several factors you should take into consideration. You should ensure that the lumens are perfect and not blinding. Also, consider the battery lifespan, how long the light will last before the battery drains, and other factors like weight.

When the MagicShine MJ-808U is compared with the NiteRider MiNewt.600 Cordless LED Headlight, the MagicShine MJ-808U uses Cree LED with 1100 lumens lighting technology while NiteRider MiNewt.600 Cree LED with 600 lumens.

It runs for 3-3.5 hours on 100% brightness and even more on lower modes while NiteRider runs for 1.5 hours on walk mode. The MagicShine has a Li-ion 98.4V4.4AH battery, while the NiteRider has one that is Li-Ion 3.7v/2900mAh. The MagicShine MU-808U weighs 105 grams while NiteRide is heavier at 190 grams.

The Raniaco USB Rechargeable light set uses electricity to charge the light while MagicShine MJ-808U uses a battery. The MagicShine has a 1100 lumen lighting system, while the Raniaco can light for 3-3.5 hours on 100% brightness and even much longer when on lower light mode, while Raniaco last only for 5 hours.

It is made of aluminum alloy, while the Raniaco is made of aluminum and ABS plastic combination design.

Final verdict

The MagicShine MJ-808U is an excellent choice for your bicycle lighting system as it combines all those elements to make a comprehensively beneficial lighting system for you. Its features are many, and so are the benefits.

It is rated the best and least expensive high-power bicycle light as you compare it to other products in the same category; it costs half as much as other products in the same class. It provides a super bright light to keep you well-lit as you ride, without the worry of how dark it is out there as its light is sufficient enough for its role.

The battery life as well as the hours it takes before it dims off, is high. This bicycle light is highly recommended to anyone who wants to experience a great night ride while keeping you visible to oncoming traffic, and illuminating your path as you ride along.