LEZYNE Micro Drive Pro 800XL Light

Product Information

I'd say the light is only let down by the excessive number and grouping of modes. If you're happy to tolerate this, given the simplistic operation, ease of mounting, decent beam pattern, solid build and fair price, it's definitely one to consider. Verdict

With up to 800 lumens of output and a powerful Daytime Flash mode this cycling LED light is impressive day or night. It features a lightweight, durable machined aluminum body with integrated cooling fins and cutouts for 180° of front visibility. The micro-USB rechargeable design boasts an impressive 87-hour max runtime (15 hour increase) and eight unique output modes. The CNC machined aluminium body looks quality and makes the light look way more expensive then it actually is. It's available in a range of anodised colours too, so you can achieve a bit of coordination with your bike. The slight green cast of the LEDs I found to be slightly easier on the eyes than the brighter white often used by brands such as Exposure. Value The button has an LED beneath it which moves from green to red through amber, allowing you to keep an eye on how much juice you have left, and a full recharge will take between four and five hours depending on where the power is coming from.

FOLLOW US ON

They are really the only flaws, though. Everything else about the Lite Drive 1000XL is pretty good. Waterproofing is great as well. It dealt well with any rain it encountered and had no issues when given a blast in the bathroom shower. Lezyne's Smart Technology works in conjunction with an app on your smartphone to avoid all this faff, but it's only available with the more expensive, powerful models. Our beam test comparison data contains beam shots and data for over 40 of this year's lights, so you can directly compare one with another. After it, we take a look at the various options in lighting technology and recommend some of our favourite lights. Although I like the idea of having two separate cycles available, I'm not sure the combination of modes is right. I'll explain...

Boost is still plenty bright enough to see where you are going on wide main roads with cats-eyes and the like, plus the Enduro will, too, at a push. What I'd have loved is a single 800 lumen LED, or a lens that combined the two 400 LEDs present in a more focused way. For a light purporting to be in the 'Performance' line, the performance is underwhelming. The Lezyne Macro Drive 800XL is a decent-enough, all-in-one light with significant runtimes, but it's let down by poor beam focus and a wobbly mounting system.

GET IN TOUCH

I didn't use Economy or Femto much, but it is nice to know they are there, should you start to run out of battery. Redesigned for our Year 13 collection, the Strip Drive Rear features our new Wide Angle Optics lens that provides up to 270° of visibility. It also features an increase of 27 hours in runtime for a maximum of 57 hours. Its co-molded construction is more compact, but still boasts five LEDs for up to 150 lumens of output. With 11 output modes, including a Daytime Flash mode, it’s got options for any time day or night. A versatile mounting system attaches to aero or round posts and it’s micro-USB rechargeable.

Switch to Economy, though, and it just isn't bright enough to see where you're going. If it was the 500lm Blast combined with Overdrive it would be spot on, and you'd be able to use it like the high/dipped beam of the Ravemen PR1600. MountEmma’s first encounters with a road bike were in between swimming and running. Soon after competing for GB in the World Age Group Triathlon Championships in Edmonton in 2001 she saw the light and decided to focus on cycling.

The light is compatible with a remote switch but I didn't test this. Personally, I found the operating switch easily accessible and the addition of a cable to operate it doesn't strike me as a huge advantage. Battery life and charging The Micro Drive Pro 800XL offers be-seen modes as well as a powerful beam that's sufficient for dark night outings on unlit lanes. It will suit most commuters and many keen roadies, a realistic option that will help you avoid the super-powerful, eye-blinding, wallet-emptying elite light category... For me personally, I wouldn't choose any light that scrolls through flashing as it just annoys me, but I certainly can't fault its quality and beam for the money. Verdict The Day Flash mode puts out 800 lumens and is top notch for riding in daytime traffic; EVERYONE notices you! It's followed in the cycle of modes by Flash and Pulse; these two are much better for evening riding in urban areas – they don't send your eyes funny but still make others aware of you. The next setting is Blast (500lm/3hrs), then Enduro (250lm/5.5hrs), Economy (150lm/19hrs) and Femto (15ml/87hrs), which finishes off the solid options.

NiteRider Lumina Micro 900 Bike Headlight

In terms of the beam pattern, it doesn't differ much from its predecessor, the Lite Drive 800XL: a decent central spot with fading edges. On the road, I had absolutely no issue seeing what was coming up, obstacles, potholes and gutter dwelling objects. The lateral cutouts really help here.