Best bike lights: Options for helping you see and be seen

By Kate Milsom

Published: Friday, 03 December 2021 at 12:00 am

It’s important to own a good set of bike lights not only for dark and gloomy winter rides, but also for rides where there’s low visibility or you’re on busy roads.

Some of the best bike lights on the market will make you more visible, but vitally, they’ll also help you see the road ahead so you can avoid any hazards like potholes or gravel. In the UK and plenty of other countries, it’s illegal to cycle in the dark without a light, as you’re putting yourself and other road users in danger.

How do I choose the best bike light?

Choosing the best bike light for you depends on a few factors. Firstly, consider what kind of riding you want the light for. If you’re after a light you can use for short commutes on roads, battery life may not be as much of a priority as light strength and visibility.
If you’re looking for a light to use on long days in the saddle, then it’ll be all about battery life. In general though, the features you should look out for are: the ability to be recharged by USB, weather resistance, easy and secure attachment, durability, a solid guarantee and a good number of lumens (which will equal more brightness).
There’s no set standard for how many lumens your lights should have when riding in the dark. Your front light should be brighter than your back, as this needs to light your way sufficiently on the road or path you’re following.
Lights in urban areas don’t need to be as bright. As you’ll be riding under street lights, look for a minimum of 200 lumens on the front and 50 on the back.
For rural country roads without street lighting, you’ll want stronger lights of at least 400 lumens on the front and 100 on the back. It’s worth bearing in mind that lights any stronger than 800 lumens could be dangerous, as they may be bright enough to blind any bikes or vehicles travelling in the opposite direction.

Best bike lights reviewed

Topeak Headlux 450 USB and Tail Lux

"Topeak
  • £46.99 and £17.99 

The folks at Topeak are masters at forging utilitarian products, and that no-fuss theme continues with the neat Headlux 450. The aluminium and polymer casing houses a unit that contains two white LEDS, which deliver four modes: high, 450 lumens that lasts around 90mins; middle, 270 lumens, 3hrs; low, 135 lumens, 5hrs; and blinking, 10hrs.

You switch through each via the single press of sizeable grey button on top. Now, we say ‘single’ press as many lights require a long press that, in our rudimentary way, often confuses things. A simple but effective option. The beam’s solid enough, creating an illuminated square in front of you.

It does the job, though is more for urban riding than long, dark efforts. Rubber straps provide easy and flexible bi-directional tool-free mounting and you can attach to either your bars or vented helmet.

There’s also a battery indicator atop the unit to keep you abreast of energy levels. As for the Tail Lux, that’s a worthwhile extra outlay, providing extra rear visibility Velcroed or clamped to your seatpost, helmet or saddle bag.

Verdict: Solid light for a solid price.

Score: 81%