Summer might have returned in September this year, but autumn can come sneaking up and we’ll soon be in a world of murky morning starts and dark evenings, thick soups and Strictly. Yes, now is the time to test your bike lights set-up and invest in a new set if your lights are weak or you are in need of an update.
In order to get the best fit for your needs it helps to be familiar with a few key elements (see the panel on the right) that will help whittle a shortlist from what can seem like a dizzying array of lights available. The reviews on the following pages look at the best front lights you can get from £70 up to monster £355.
Lights are getting more powerful each year and the brightest on test puts out a mammoth 3,600 lumens – more than you need on just about any occasion. Most also provide a decent amount of side lighting for side-on visibility.
Run times are important, but you should also take into account the ease of switching between modes and the extra burn time that gives you, which is especially true if you use your full beam infrequently. Aligned with that, a clearly visible (but not distracting) charge indicator is a must, as you don’t want to get caught without a light when you’re halfway home.
Take some time to look at different mount types too. Think about where you like to position your lights and how many other gadgets you’ll be fitting onto the bar as some mounts limit your options.
