Cheap Vs Expensive Bike Lights: Which One Offers The Best Value?

When it comes to bike lights, safety should always be your top priority. A good set of lights can help you see where you're going in the dark, signal your presence to other motorists, and ultimately keep you safer on the road and when riding off road. But with so many different options available, it can be hard to know where to start. Should you go for the most expensive lights on the market, or will a cheaper set do the trick? In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the pros and cons of cheap vs. expensive bike lights, and help you decide which one offers the best value for your needs.

Cost

The most obvious difference between cheap and expensive bike lights is the cost. Cheap lights can cost as little as £5 or £10, while high-end options can run upwards of £100 or even £200. Of course, price doesn't always correlate with quality, but it's worth considering what you're getting for your money. Generally speaking, more expensive lights will be brighter, last longer, and be made from higher-quality materials than their cheaper counterparts. However, if you only bike occasionally or in well-lit areas, a cheap set of lights may suffice. Brands such as Lezyne offer a range of bike lights, ranging from the very top of this price bracket to the lowest end of the price bracket - all of the bike lights manufactured by them are good quality, but their performance varies massively.

Brightness

One of the key reasons to invest in a good set of lights is to make sure you can see where you're going in the dark. Cheap lights may be able to do the job, but they'll likely be much less bright than more expensive options. This can be a serious safety concern, especially if you're biking on unlit roads or trails. More expensive lights will often come with multiple brightness settings and a higher lumen count, allowing you to customize the level of illumination for your needs, perfectly balancing battery life & what you need to see. This is especially important when mountain biking, when a lower light level can be used on fire roads and tracks, and a brighter mode can be used on technical descents and trails where you need to see every detail.

Battery Life

Another important consideration when choosing bike lights is battery life. Cheaper lights may run on disposable batteries, which can be costly and time-consuming to replace over time. More expensive lights, on the other hand, will often come with rechargeable batteries that can last for several hours on a single charge. This is not only more convenient, but also better for the environment. Many bike lights charge via USB - so you can ride to work and charge them during the day, if you are using the bike light on the daily commute.

Durability

Finally, it's worth considering the durability of your bike lights. Cheap lights may be made from flimsy plastic or other low-quality materials, meaning they're more likely to break or malfunction over time. More expensive lights, on the other hand, will often be made from sturdier materials and come with a longer warranty. This can save you money in the long run, as you won't have to replace your lights as frequently.

When it comes down to it, the question of whether to invest in cheap or expensive bike lights really depends on your specific needs and budget. If you're a casual biker who only rides in well-lit areas, a cheap set of lights may be sufficient. However, if you frequently bike in the dark or want to invest in a set of lights that will last for years to come, it may be worth splurging on a more expensive option. Ultimately, it's all about finding the right balance between cost, brightness, battery life, and durability to meet your individual needs. You can view our complete range of bike lights here, where you can filter via price.