Night riding opens up a whole new dimension for cyclists, offering cooler temperatures and quieter trails. Recently, I ventured out on an XC trail at night, borrowing a friend’s 900-lumen Nightrider bike light. Even on the medium setting, it transformed the woods, and despite averaging a modest 7.5 mph, the experience was exhilarating. This taste of night riding has sparked a quest to find the ideal bike lights. If you’re also considering illuminating your nighttime rides, understanding your options is key.
When diving into bike lights, bar-mounted lights are often the first point of consideration. While helmet lights offer focused illumination where you look, a bar light provides essential forward visibility. Navigating online forums, experts like MRMOLE often recommend brands like Ravemen, though their diverse product line can be initially confusing. Models like PR, CR, and LR are featured prominently, often showcased on road bikes, leaving mountain bikers wondering about their suitability for trails. The Ravemen PR1400, priced attractively, boasts 1400 lumens, but with a runtime of just 1.5 hours at max output, or 3.5 hours at 600 lumens, it raises questions about longevity for longer rides. Perhaps a slightly less powerful light with extended runtime would be more practical for typical 2.5-hour night excursions. Brands like Outbound Lighting are highly regarded, but budget considerations are also important, especially when aiming to stay under $100.
Another avenue to explore might be utilizing existing gear. A Gloworm X1, won in a raffle but never used, presents an intriguing option. However, the battery pack has unfortunately become sticky and cracked over time, even without use. Replacing the battery pack would cost around $65 plus shipping. Originally designed as a helmet light with a substantial battery, mounting it on the bars seems more feasible, although securing the battery pack would require some DIY ingenuity. With new Ravemen or Nightrider lights available around the same price, and without the cumbersome battery pack, the Gloworm route seems less appealing unless its performance is significantly superior. The Gloworm X1 does come with interchangeable lenses, which could offer versatility.
Ravemen lights, in particular, have features that extend beyond trail riding. Their design aims to minimize glare for oncoming traffic, making them suitable for road bike use on greenways after work. The inclusion of a remote for dimming adds another layer of convenience and safety for varied riding environments.
Ultimately, choosing the right bike light for night riding involves balancing brightness (lumens), runtime, features, and budget. Whether starting with a bar light or considering a helmet light down the line, exploring brands like Ravemen, Nightrider, and even revisiting existing equipment like a Gloworm X1 are worthwhile steps in illuminating your nighttime cycling adventures.
