You've just had a drink at the kiosk after your after-work ride and you're already cycling home in the dark. That can be expensive. These five sets of lights fit in every jersey pocket, ensure visibility on the road and save you a fine. The police will fine you 20 euros if you are caught on the road without lights. Battery-powered lights are now authorised, but must also be carried during the day. If you want to be compliant with the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO), you must fit your bike with a total of eleven reflectors.
Duranova Lynx F30 Mini/Carat R40 (BIKE Price Tip)
The Lynx F30 Mini is supposed to be the smallest StVZO light. And the combination actually fits into even the smallest bag. The luminosity is surprising and is still good even directly on the front tyre. The light duration is ok. Charging via USB cable is very practical. The bracket is a little fiddly and the feel of the front light is a little cheap.
Info/price/weight¹ www.bmx-b2b.com/69.95 euros/56/27 grams
Luminous duration/intensity² 3:30 h/4 h/23.1 lux in the centre, 7.2 lux at the side
Illumination 5 out of 6 points
Handling 4 out of 6 points
Fischer LED light set
There is hardly a cheaper lamp set available. This is also noticeable in the workmanship. The rear light cover wobbles after just the second battery change. The Fischer light is only bright in a very small spot, the rest of the illumination leaves something to be desired. The fiddly holder is annoying, but the light duration is great.
Info/price/weight¹ www.fischer-fahrrad.de/19.95 Euro/193/89 grammes
Luminous duration/intensity² 27 hrs/42 hrs/24 lux in the centre, 1.1 lux at the side
Illumination 2 out of 6 points
Handling 3 out of 6 points
Knog Blinder MOB Front/Rear
Knog integrates the USB plug directly into the holder and thus saves a charging cable. However, this leaves the contacts exposed and the USB plug does not fit into every socket. The bright front light is also clearly visible from the side and illuminates the path widely, except for the area directly in front of the front wheel. The switch-on button is difficult to find when wearing gloves.
Info/price/weight¹ euro.knog.com.au/89.90 Euro/41/39 grammes
Light duration/intensity² 2:30 hrs/2:30 hrs/12.3 lux in the centre, 5.2 lux at the side
Illumination 4 out of 6 points
Handling 4 out of 6 points
Lezyne Hecto 300 XL & Strip Drive
The fact that the Hecto is not StVZO-approved is immediately recognisable by its luminosity. But at least you won't be overlooked on the road. The extremely bright rear light has a nightrider function! The integrated USB plug takes up a lot of space. The light duration at the highest level is very limited and dims early on.
Info/price/weight¹ www.lezyne.com/69.95 Euro/82/63 grammes
Light duration/intensity² 1 h/4 h/17.5 lux in the centre, 9.5 lux at the side
Illumination 6 out of 6 points
Handling 4 out of 6 points
Sigma Sportster Black K-Set (BIKE function tip)
The Sigma combination scores with simple operation - two light modes at the front, one at the rear, that's all you need. The front light clamps securely to the handlebars and shows the battery level on a clearly visible display. Thanks to the good light duration, the way home from the trail can sometimes be longer. Charging is via USB or the mains plug supplied.
Info/price/weight¹ www.sigmasport.com/79.95 Euro/98/39 grammes
Light duration/intensity² 5 hrs/6 hrs/15 lux in the centre, 1.7 lux at the side
Illumination 4 out of 6 points
Handling 6 out of 6 points
¹BIKE measurement, weight front/rear.
²Light duration front/rear, each at the highest light level; luminosity measured at a distance of ten metres from the light source, in the centre and one metre to each side
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Stefan Frey
Editor
