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The lamps in the test
On the trail, it quickly becomes clear that it's not the sheer amount of light, but rather a broad illumination and homogeneous light distribution that determine riding enjoyment. The weight and size of the lamp also play an important role. Lupine now squeezes a whopping 2100 lumens out of the tiny Piko. When the model was introduced, it was once just 550 lumens, with a slightly larger housing. The lamp head including helmet holder currently weighs just 75 grams. The complete set of lamp and battery weighs 212 grams and can be mounted on the helmet in a perfectly balanced manner. Ideal for a sporty ride through the dark. This keeps the light cone steady and always focussed in the direction of vision. Although there are now also Powerful StVZO lamps for handlebar mounting. But even with the powerful StVZO spotlights, cornering quickly becomes a blind ride. Only the Acid system is light enough for the helmet. With the Gloworm, it's better to keep the battery in your rucksack or jersey pocket, otherwise the helmet will tilt like a dachshund if you hit it.
Moderate battery life
Incidentally, we were surprised by the performance of the batteries: on average, the tanks last for just one and a half hours on the highest setting. However, Lupine also offers the Piko with more powerful batteries. The Gloworm scores with a long battery life ex works and is also sufficient for longer trips.
Around 2000 lumens are enough even for sporting activities. If you want to pedal a little longer through the night, it is better to invest in an additional battery and enjoy the low weight of the small lights on your helmet. The respective light images show how well the small spotlights illuminate the trail.
1. gloworm X2
- 315 Euro
- Weight lamp / battery: 120 / 236 grammes
- Performance: 2000 lumen / 6.8 Ah battery power
- Battery runtime / charging time: 3:15 h / 3:30 h
Conclusion The X2 is a good choice for extended winter tours. It runs for 3:15 hours on the highest setting. The power is just enough for real trails. Its cone is quite narrow, but sufficiently bright in the centre. Practical: the GoPro-compatible holder. Unfortunately, the Velcro fasteners fray quickly. The battery is too heavy for mounting on the helmet. The remote control can operate two lights. Apart from the helmet holder, the X2 is made to a high standard.
Valuation
Battery
10 out of 10 points
Weight (15 %)
8 out of 10 points
Light output
6 out of 10 points
Illumination
7 out of 10 points
Handling
8 out of 10 points
2. cube acid HPA 2000
- 199,95 Euro >> available here
- Weight lamp / battery: 80 / 139 grammes
- Performance; 2000 lumen / 3.4 Ah battery power
- Battery runtime / charging time: 1:02 h / 2:20 h
Conclusion Already our price-performance tip in 2020. The small and lightweight Acid with good luminosity and narrow but sufficient light distribution is still a good choice for bikers. The well thought-out GoPro mount, wireless remote control and attractive finish are impressive. The battery life of just over an hour is not long. However, the reserve runtime is excellent. Tip: An additional rechargeable battery for just 59 euros doubles the lighting time.
Valuation
Battery
6 out of 10 points
Weight
10 out of 10 points
Light output
6 out of 10 points
Illumination
6 out of 10 points
Handling
10 out of 10 points
3. lupine Piko
- 384 Euro >> available here*
- Weight lamp / battery: 75 / 119 grammes
- Performance: 2100 lumen / 3.5 Ah battery power
- Battery runtime / charging time: 1:16 h / 3:25 h
Conclusion In terms of wearing comfort and operation, none can hold a candle to the Piko. Even with a battery, the extremely flat light is hardly noticeable on the helmet. Remote control, app, perfect workmanship - what more could you want? Its 2100 lumens form a somewhat narrow, but bright and far-reaching light cone. Its light is just enough for intensive trail use. If you need a little more than approx. 1:15 hours of runtime, choose the larger 4-cell battery and pack it in your rucksack.
Valuation
Battery
7 out of 10 points
Weight
10 out of 10 points
Light output
7 out of 10 points
Illumination
7 out of 10 points
Handling
10 out of 10 points
Rear light - always with you!
Only very few bikers have the luxury of being able to set off directly from their front door onto the trail. However, as soon as you are out and about on public roads, the following also applies at the rear: lights are mandatory. This is less about maximum brightness and more about being seen. A StVZO-compliant rear light is therefore the best choice. As on the handlebars, flashing mode is prohibited at the rear. However, there are now smart rear lights with a brake light function or automatic sensor light that activates itself in the dark - clever when riding through tunnels.
1st Sigma Blaze
29.95 Euro; 7 hours light duration >> available here
Small, light, clever: The 22 gram Sigma Blaze can be mounted without tools and is visible for a full 500 metres. In addition to an automatic mode, it also has a brake light that switches on for three seconds in the event of a delay. The Link version is available with the Sigma Aura 100 and can then be controlled from the front light.
2nd Lezyne Strip Drive Alert
49.95 Euro; 7 hours light duration >> available here
With its 40 lumens, the Lezyne is particularly bright and also visible at an angle of 270°. Despite this, the light remains StVZO-compliant with ten LEDs. When braking, the Strip Drive Alert also draws attention to itself with a bright light. In economy mode with 20 lumens, the battery lasts up to ten hours.
3. monkey link ML-Light Rear
32.95 Euro; 5.5 hours light duration >> available here
The clever Monkey Link components are becoming increasingly popular. The magnetic system allows the small battery-powered rear light to find its mount almost automatically. (e.g. on the seat clamp, available separately). The housing is splash-proof and the beam angle is a wide 220°. There is only one continuous light mode.
Travelling safely in the dark
Safety first Even if the lamps brighten up enormously in the test, some details are lost in the shadows. So adjust the speed to the darkness. In the cold, the battery life can also vary enormously. You should keep this in mind when planning the length of your tour.
Distance please Caution is advised when travelling in a group. The speed of the vehicle in front is often difficult to judge in the dark. In addition, the distance should be large enough so that the person in front is not irritated by the light of their own lamp.
Caution with jumps Speed, gradient and distance are difficult to judge in the dark. What's more, the landing is often not clearly recognisable when jumping off. If you don't know the trail like the back of your hand, it's better to avoid jumping at night.
Stefan Frey
Editor
