The days are getting shorter, which means we’re coming up on night riding season! Don’t be fooled into thinking you need a billion lumens (and a small fortune) to ride trails at night. With bright, efficient LEDs coming down in price, we have a multitude of choices in affordable bicycle headlights, and there’s never been a better time to get into night riding. Here are five of our favorite trail-worthy bike lights under $150.
#5 | Blackburn Central Front Smart Light
Photo: Blackburn
Blackburn’s Central Front Light automatically adjusts based on ambient light. A cool feature for commuting, but I usually just switch this light to high on the trail. This light has the lowest lumen rating in the group, and at 1.5 hours probably won’t be enough for your big night rides. But it’s a great option for those sunset to dark rides, when you just need the light to get you back home.
- Max Lumens: 500
- Run Time: 1.5 Hours (high)
I dig the dial-style clamp on this light.
#4 | Planet Bike Blaze 650 XLR
Photo: Planet Bike
Bright, white CREE LEDs on the Blaze 650 XLR provide 2.5 hours of high beam run time (and 10.5 hours on low). The adjustable quick release clamp is secure and reliable. And Planet Bike donates 25% of their profits to bicycle advocacy!
- Max Lumens: 650
- Run Times: 2.5 hours (high), 6 hours (medium), 10.5 hours (low)
#3 | CatEye Volt 1200
Photo: CatEye
You might know CatEye more for their computers, but they also have an impressive lineup of lights, including the Volt 1200 that provides more than enough light, thanks to dual LED bulbs, for trail riding. At $139, it’s toward the top of the price range in this list, but along with the Lezyne, it also tops our list for light output.
- Max Lumens: 1200
- Run Times: 2 hours (high), 17.5 hours (low, 150 lumens)
$139 | cateyeamerica.com
#2 | NiteRider Lumina 750 Boost
NiteRider has been in the bike lighting game as long as anyone. The high beam run time could be better, but for the price, it’s difficult to beat the Lumina 750 Boost as an all-around headlight.
- Max Lumens: 750
- Run Times: 40 minutes (high), 1:30 (600 lumens), 3 hours (300 lumens), 5 hours (150 lumens)
BEST BUY!
#1 | Lezyne Super Drive 1200 XXL
Photo: Lezyne
From the Lezyne’s unique style, machined aluminum body, easy to use clamp, and impressive run time, the Super Drive 1200 is our all-around favorite light under $150.
- Max Lumens: 1200
- Run Time: 1:45 (1200 lumens), 2:10 (900 lumens), 3:15 (600 lumens), 7:50 (250 lumens)
$119 | backcountry.com