In this article, we use so-called affiliate links. With every purchase through these links, we receive a commission from the merchant. All relevant referral links are marked with . Learn more.
This article was first published on 6 November 2023, checked for up-to-dateness and has now been updated.
You can find these bike lights in our test
On 29 October, it was that time again - the clocks were set back one hour. By now it's dark outside when we make our way home from work. If you want to go for an after-work ride, you can't do without a suitable lamp. For mountain bikers at least, the choice was clear for a long time: a helmet lamp. As light and as bright as possible. However, biking in the wild has been criticised for some time: night rides can disturb nocturnal or hibernating animals. Although the problem is limited as long as you stay on frequently travelled paths, a completely different trend is blowing a breath of fresh air into the topic of lights.
StVZO lamps are getting brighter and brighter
Since commuting by bike has become increasingly popular - also thanks to leasing offers from Jobrad and the like - manufacturers are increasingly designing particularly bright headlights that still fulfil the requirements of the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO). Some of them also have a high beam, which is also intended to make it possible to ride off the beaten track. We have tested six bright road lights for their off-road suitability. We also provide the most important information on the subject of lighting and present three lightweight helmet lights and three StVZO rear lights.
Light on helmet or handlebars?
Lupine and Supernova make it impressively clear that the pure light output of StVZO lighting is no longer a problem, even on the trail. With 2400 and 3000 lumens respectively, the spotlights shine brighter in maximum mode than many car lights. In addition, both lamps have a "real" high beam, which extends the light level upwards and also makes low-hanging branches visible.
The problem is the way it is mounted: the light must be attached to the handlebars for road use. However, because the rider's gaze is always a little ahead of the steering movement, you're virtually always steering into the dark on tight bends - which is not only unpleasant, but also dangerous. Even the wide light cones from Lupine and Supernova cannot completely solve the problem. This is not a problem on wide forest tracks. Here, even the luminosity of a Sigma Aura 100 is enough to get you safely back to civilisation. However, if you really want to raid the trails in the dark, you won't be able to find your way back to civilisation. Helmet lamps that we tested in another articlestill cannot be avoided. However, compact models such as the Cube Acid or Lupines Piko are completely sufficient as an additional light to the StVZO lamp on the handlebars. Be careful when turning into traffic: the helmet lights must be switched off by then at the latest.
Meaningful illuminated images: a comparison
To make it easier to compare the lights, we naturally went on another night-time photo session and took pictures of all the lights in the test. The two lights from Lupine and Supernova impressively demonstrate the effect of a real high beam. The photos were taken with a Nikon Z6 II with Nikkor Z 28-75mm f/2.8, aperture f/22 and exposure time 30.
What does StVZO-compliant mean?
Even if the StVZO has been increasingly transposed into EU regulations for years, anyone currently travelling on German roads needs StVZO-compliant lighting. Decisive are for cyclists §64, §65 and §67. Thanks to some adjustments, the regulations have now become more practicable. The lighting can also be detachable and battery-operated. StVZO lighting must have a glare-free light cone - similar to the dipped beam on a car - and at least 10 lux generate. The bicycle lighting can also have a high beam. Flashing front or rear lights are not permitted.n. A specific angle is no longer prescribed for installation. However, the light must not irritate oncoming drivers. You can recognise whether a light complies with the StVZO by the K number of the Federal Motor Transport Authority. By the way: If you are stopped without the appropriate lights, you will be fined 20 euros. In the event of an accident, you may be sued for damages and/or compensation for pain and suffering.
5 StVZO bicycle lights in the test
Busch & Müller IQ-XM Speed
- Price: 299,90 Euro >> available at a reduced price at Rosebikes
- Weight* lamp / battery / ready to ride 117 g / 252 g / 396 g
- Battery runtime / charging time* 1:14 h / 4:45 h
- Lux* / high beam / battery power 178 lux / yes / 4600 mAh
- Accessories Charger; remote control (wired); handlebar bracket
Conclusion: Busch & Müller IQ-XM Speed
Compared to some of the much cheaper lamps, the maximum light output of the IQ-XM is somewhat disappointing. It shines far, sufficiently wide and also opens the light cone slightly upwards in the high beam. However, it is too dark for real trail riding, especially at close range. The light pattern is also not very homogeneous. The remote control only works with a cable and the handlebar mount looks outdated. However, a stylish aluminium clamp is available as an option. Very filigree plug connection. Good for commuting on forest tracks, but less suitable for trails.
Valuation
- Light output
7 out of 10 points - Illumination
6 out of 10 points - Battery power
5 out of 10 points - Trail suitability
6 out of 10 points
Cateye GVolt 100
- Price: 129,95 Euro >> available at a reduced price from Rose
- Weight* lamp / battery / ready to ride 78 g / 99 g / 195 g
- Battery runtime / charging time* 1:38 h / 3:00 h
- Lux* / high beam / battery power 128 lux / no / 3400 mAh
- Accessories Lamp; holder; USB cable
Conclusion: Cateye GVolt 100
The semi-circular light cone of the Cateye is not very wide and makes the close range appear very dark. However, its light is still sufficient to make obstacles clearly visible even at a distance of 25 metres. The battery is docked onto the back of the lamp head and is easy to replace. An additional rechargeable battery (69.95 euros) could double the runtime. Clever: The Cateye can also be mounted upside down on the handlebars if you turn the lamp head 180 degrees or convert it into an e-bike light using an adapter. Overall short runtime and not very suitable for trail use.
Valuation
- Light output
5 out of 10 points - Illumination
4 out of 10 points - Battery power
6 out of 10 points - Trail suitability
4 out of 10 points
Lezyne Super StVZO 600+
Price: 109,95 Euro >> available at Bike-Components at a reduced price
Weight ready to ride 203 g
Battery runtime / charging time* 4:06 h / 6:20 h
Lux* / high beam / battery power 117 lux / no / 6600 mAh
Accessories None; USB-C charging cable sold separately
Conclusion: Lezyne Super StVZO 600+
Lezyne's new Super 600+ has four sensibly graduated light modes. In maximum mode, it illuminates the path broadly and homogeneously, even at a distance of 25 metres. Unfortunately, there is no real high beam, which would also make the overhead area visible. The Lezyne therefore remains a long-lasting handlebar light for off-road commuters or serves as a supplement to a - but then brighter - helmet light. The mounting on the handlebars with its knobbly rubber band is fiddly. The remaining runtime cannot be optimally estimated using the colour display. Top: the very large 6600 mAh battery.
Valuation
- Light output
5 out of 10 points - Illumination
7 out of 10 points - Battery power
10 out of 10 points - Trail suitability
6 out of 10 points
Lupine SL MiniMax AF
- 530 Euro >> available at Bergfreunde
- Weight* lamp / battery / ready to ride 89 g / 195 g / 317 g
- Battery runtime / charging time*1:27 h / 2:34 h
- Lux* / high beam / battery power 290 lux / yes / 5000 mAh
- Accessories Aluminium handlebar mount; app; Bluetooth remote control; Velcro straps in two lengths
Conclusion: Lupine SL MiniMax AF
The finish of the Lupine is a highlight. It can be positioned centrally on the handlebars using a stylish aluminium clamp. The MiniMax is operated via a Bluetooth remote control. At dusk, the light switches from daytime running light to low beam thanks to a brightness sensor. This already leaves hardly any details in the dark. If the high beam is activated, the path is illuminated absolutely homogeneously for over 50 metres. The light cone extends far over the head. Thanks to the wide cone, the MiniMax also shines easily into bends. With a little familiarisation, trail riding can also be done safely.
Valuation
- Light output
9 out of 10 points - Illumination
9 out of 10 points - Battery power
6 out of 10 points - Trail suitability
10 out of 10 points
Sigma Aura 100
- 109,95 Euro >> available at a reduced price at Amazon
- Weight* lamp / ready to ride 97 g / 112 g
- Battery runtime / charging time* 3:12 min / 4:18 h
- Lux* / high beam / battery power 135 lux / no / 2000 mAh
- Accessories Blaze Link rear light; USB cable
Conclusion: Sigma Aura 100
Sigma's Aura is currently only available as a set with the Blaze rear light. Clever: The battery level of the rear light is also displayed on the light and the control is also linked. The automatic function allows the Aura to adapt to the ambient light and thus save battery power. At the brightest level, the Sigma illuminates the near and far range cleanly. However, the width of the light level is very limited. Riding on forest paths is still possible. Its small battery is surprisingly long-lasting. However, the light is not made for trails. An inexpensive set for commuters who sometimes have to ride through the forest.
Valuation
- Light output
6 out of 10 points - Illumination
5 out of 10 points - Battery power
8 out of 10 points - Trail suitability
4 out of 10 points
Supernova M99 B54 Max
- 899 Euro >> available from Bike-Components
- Weight* lamp / battery / ready to ride 197 g / 300 g / 539 g
- Battery runtime / charging time* 1:15 h / 5:20 h
- Lux* / high beam / battery power 462 lux / yes / 4500 mAh
- Accessories Remote control (wired); charger; aluminium handlebar mount; app
Conclusion: Supernova M99 B54 Max
The name says it all: if you switch to high beam on the handlebar remote control, it feels like a star explodes on the trail. Even at over 50 metres, the path appears as bright as day. The width and height of the light cone are easily sufficient for riding on trails at night. However, the light and battery are real heavyweights and together weigh over half a kilo - despite the carbon housing on the battery. The aluminium clamp positions the M99 centrally in front of the stem. A daytime running light ensures safety in the city. The light levels can be freely programmed.
Valuation
- Light output
10 out of 10 points - Illumination
10 out of 10 points - Battery power
5 out of 10 points - Trail suitability
10 out of 10 points
StVZO bicycle lights only make sense off-road if they have a real high beam, which significantly increases the light level. However, as long as the lamp is on the handlebars, the illumination is still not optimal. - Stefan Frey, BIKE test editor
Stefan Frey
Editor
