![]() ![]() There’s a huge range of different needs when it comes to bike lights though so if you want to specialise a bit, jump over to the bigger best bike lights buyers guide. These are the bike lights I’ve chosen as winners in the best bike light category of the 2023 Cyclingnews Awards. I'd like to see a setting around 800 lumens because it can be a sweet spot in certain situations. While I recognize that many people won't find themselves regularly in that situation, if you do, this is a great choice.Īlthough I've come around on the amount of battery power and useability at low power, I still think the Outbound Detour could use an extra mode. Low power also means a really solid 8.5 hours of runtime and if you go beyond that, you can charge it while riding. You've only got around 400 lumens in that mode but when I found myself in those situations, I didn't feel like I needed more. In situations where you continue riding as you watch the sun go down, the low power is plenty. Since then, I've used it twice when riding alone and far from any city. ![]() The Outbound Detour doesn't have anything like that and it seemed to be a bit underpowered for the runtime. When I tested it in the city, and at times when it's rainy, I tended to prefer riding with a light around 800 lumens. In my initial review, I focused a lot on the perceived lack of power. The Outbound Detour is one of those times. There are times when I end up changing my mind after reviewing a product. I still recommend it though because all the new contenders fall short of the performance in almost every measurable way. If I'm carrying everything with me, I have to bring a second cable just for the light. More importantly, though, that means it's now the only thing I have that still uses a micro-USB charge port. ![]() Although the battery is fine, by strategically turning the light portion off during the day I managed over 20 hours with it, there's no doubt an update would offer more efficient battery use. The biggest downside to the Varia RTL515 is that in 2023, it's old. When a car does come up, I know well ahead of time and I can move over if it's safe. Once I get out in the country where I rarely see cars, then it really comes into its own and I can use the road without constantly listening for cars. It's accurate enough that in the city, where you are unlikely to ever have car-free situations, I use it as a mirror. ![]() That means as you ride it will let you know if a car is coming up from behind, how many cars, and even how fast they are coming. Of course, the Varia is more than a light.Īside from being a great rear light, the Garmin Varia has radar on board. It will also do that, in day flash mode, for a quoted 16 hours. It's bright and it uses an irregular flash pattern to make sure it catches the attention of drivers. It's also a light I answer questions about constantly.Īt the core, the Garmin RTL 515 is just a great rear light. It comes with me on every short, every long ride, and I even bring it if I'm travelling and borrowing a bike. The Garmin RTL 515 is the light I never leave the house without. ![]()
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