2014 Holiday Gift Guide: Bike Lights
We put together a staggering amount of information in our 2015 Bike Lights Shootout, but what if you want some quick hits of our best recommendations for lighting gifts for your friends or for yourself? Read on and find out.
CatEye Volt 700
This CatEye Volt 700 is an incredible light. It shares the same body as last year’s Volt 300 and it got a serious treatment from the tuner shop. They now claim 700 Lumens and we measured it at 773 Lumens of rock-steady output. Battery life on high is 2 hours with a powerful fast charging battery. The Volt 700 doubles as a flashlight and it tips the scales at only 140 grams. $120
Bontrager Ion 700
Sporting a big beam pattern, the Bontrager Ion 700 delivers with the smallest package and the lowest price in the 700 Lumen category. Another attraction of the Ion 700 is the quality of construction is extremely high. It really feels quite slick on the bike or in one’s pocket as the ultimate stealth flashlight at only 140 grams. $100
Lupine NEO 2
There’s something to be said about owning a German-made light that is going to outlast many of the bikes we ride today. After using the NEO 2 for several rides, we can say that the Lupine NEO 2 is a success. At 188 grams, it is the ideal helmet light with the battery mounted at the rear of the helmet to provide balance to the light head up front. The beam pattern is huge with a big center spot. One can really ride with this light by itself, as it is the best use of 700 Lumens we’ve seen to date. $245
Serfas USL-305
Can one really ride trail with a $50 light? With the USL-305 you can. We measured the Serfas USL-305 at 371 Lumens and it weighs in at 116 grams with mount. Looking at the beam pattern, it’s bright and concentrated enough that one can use this anywhere. It may be a lightweight for trail riding, but stick it on the helmet (with an optional mount) to complement a bar light and you’ll hardly notice the 116 gram weight. $50
NiteRider Lumina 750
The NiteRider Lumina line is perhaps the #1 selling light in the US. It has been so successful and reliable over the years that it has catapulted NiteRider back into the leadership position in bike lighting. What makes the Lumina 750 light so good? Everything. Beam pattern, form factor, packaging and quality have been refined over the years from its humble beginnings as a 150 Lumen light to this 750 Lumen device today. $120
Lupine Wilma 7
Let’s say you’ve been very nice this year and deserve a treat. This Lupine Wilma 7 fits the bill, as it is ultra bright at 2800 Lumens, lightweight and has good run time. It’s German-made to last decades through all weather conditions. Though pricey, it’s actually a terrific value. $595
Lezyne Zecto Auto
When riding on the road, there’s nothing better you can do for your well-being than running safety ‘to be seen’ lights day or night. But what if you had lights that turn themselves on an off automatically based on your movement? Lezyne has it with the Zecto Auto and it works. $50
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