Under streetlights, a light is about being seen, and 400 lumens is unmissable. On the dark stretch it is about seeing, and 400 is enough for the pace a commute is ridden at. More is for mountains.
Lumens get sold like horsepower, as if the biggest number wins. For a ride to work that is the wrong question. The right one is: what do I need the light to do on my route?
Being seen
On a lit street, the road is already visible. Your light's job is to tell drivers, buses and people stepping off the curb that you are there, and 400 lumens does that from a long way off. You are not trying to light the road, so there is no gain in more. A dazzling front light makes it harder for an oncoming driver to judge where you are.
The rear light matters just as much. Most of the traffic that worries you is behind you, so make sure it is on, clean and pointing straight back rather than at the road.
Seeing
Then the streetlights stop. A canal towpath, a park path, the back road you use to dodge the traffic. Now the light has to show you potholes, curbs and the dog on a long leash. At commute pace, 400 lumens gives you plenty of warning. Aim it down so the brightest part lands on the ground ahead, not in the eyes of the rider coming the other way.
Getting the most from it
- Charge before you need it. Both lights charge by USB-C, and a full charge covers a week of commutes. Plug in on Friday and Monday starts full.
- Use low under streetlights. The set runs twelve hours on low. Save full power for the unlit stretch.
- Take them with you. The silicone mounts are tool-free, so the lights come off in seconds when you lock up and move between bikes just as fast.
- Wipe the lens. Road grime can take the edge off any light.
The Light Set is $55, with an aluminum body and a replaceable battery cell. Bring your bike in any day of the week and we will check your lights for free, ours or anyone's.
Seen from three streets away is the point. Seeing the next thirty feet is the bonus.
