Light up the sky or just your bike
Shorter days don’t necessarily have to mean shorter rides. While many cyclists find themselves hibernating until winter is over, some still insist on making time to ride no matter how dark out it is. While lights aren’t legally required everywhere, it’s a fact that using a proper riding light will make roads more accessible—and safe—year round. Not just for night riding, we recommend running at least a taillight while out on the road at all times. The added visibility helps keep motorists aware and protects you where you are most vulnerable—from behind.
Remember that the latest variety of proprietary handlebar and seatpost shapes can only complicate the situation and can make your current light system obsolete.
Just as we were choosing lights for our own ride time, we brought together a collection of new lights with a multitude of mounting options, power modes and prices. Usually, a higher price means higher lumens (power) and battery life; all of the lights we recommend are USB rechargeable.
MOON MX
• 50–400 lumens, 7 modes
• 1:30–15-hour run-time
• Compatible with most 4-bolt stems
• 100 grams
Price: $65
LIGHT & MOTION TAZ 2000
• 500–2000 lumens, 4 modes
• 1:30–8-hour run-time
• 25.4–35mm diameter handlebar mount
• 221 grams
Price: $225
SERFAS THUNDERBOLT 2.0 COMBO
• 25–120 lumens (front), 10–50 lumens (rear), 7 modes
• 1:30–23-hour run-time (front), 1:30–18-hour run-time (rear)
• Compatible with most tubes and handlebars
• 80 grams
Price: $72
NITERIDER LUMINA
DUAL 1800
• 100–1800 lumens, 7 modes
• 1–20-hour run-time
• 25.4-35mm-diameter handlebar mount
• 258 grams
Price: $150
TOPEAK CUBICUBI
• 50–500 lumens, 5 modes
• 1:20–20-hour run-time
• 25.5-31.8mm-diameter handlebar mount
• 95 grams
Price: $100 (each)
SPECIALIZED STIX HEADLIGHT
• 200 lumens, 6 modes
• 2:30–112-hour run-time
• Handlebar mount
• 34 grams
Price: $30 (each)
BONTRAGER ION RT AND
FLARE RT
• 50–200 lumens, 4 modes
• 1:30–30-hour run-time
• Compatible with most tubes and handlebars
• 72 grams
Price: $115
KNOG PWR RIDER DUO
• 50–450 lumens (front), 12 lumens (rear), 7 modes
• 2–90-hour run-time
• 22.2–31.8mm-diameter handlebar and helmet mount
• 115 grams
Price: $90
