Lights for night riding - Inexpensive yet durable

[Tgianco]

I have 3 e-mtb's so I'm not going to spend almost $300 per bike for Outbound (I know it's the best). I had bought these Rock Bros lights that work well but have broken whenever I've crashed (often), so I've broken 3 in the last 3 months (they snap at the connection point)... at $40 each.
Does anyone have a good, cheap recommendation (that is also durable as I do crash... trying to send it!) that won't break the bank?

 

[Tgianco]

I’ve had similar issues with cheap lights breaking during crashes. I’ve been using Bontrager Ion lights recently and they’ve held up much better than some of the cheaper ones I’ve tried. They’re not as expensive as Outbound but still offer solid performance and durability. They’ve survived a few rough rides without snapping, and I feel like they’re a good middle ground if you’re looking to save some cash but still want something that can take a hit.

Thanks. I'll look into those.

 

[PDXRooster]

Hate to burst your bubble and break the bank but there's no lights that compete with the outbound for their output and rideable light. If your sending it at night and crashing (which I do as well) I can only recommend that you bite the bullet and do it once and do it right. You'll end up there eventually.

 

[Stihldog]

I found that the bontrager lights suit me fine. Mini USB rechargeable with GoPro attachment.



Stem and helmet mount. Occasionally use the taillight. They have different functions such as high, low, strobe etc. kinda expensive but easy to swap or mount between bikes.

 

[Stihldog]

More importantly, two lights. Stem mounted for where your bike is going. Helmet mount for where you’re looking.

Gives you better depth perception also, and can identify creepy shadows that suddenly appear.

 

[steve_sordy]

More importantly, two lights. Stem mounted for where your bike is going. Helmet mount for where you’re looking.

Gives you better depth perception also, and can identify creepy shadows that suddenly appear.

And you can see into the black hole in the hedge that your mate has just turned into!

 

[CarolinaCrawler]

X2 on having both bike mounted light and helmet mounted light. I've ridden with either but now only both.

This time of year we night ride alot. I have bought 5 of these lights (for the whole family) and have had great success. My daughter bounced off the ground 6 times the other weekend and hers are still going strong. I highly recommend them. I've bought them from both Amazon and Aliexpress and they were identical.

There's not a great budget option for helmet lights that I found. The first helmet light I bought were these. I got this helmet mount for them. It really works great and is very durable for the money.

That said I bought my wife and I Outbound Hangover helmet lights and gave our NiteRiders to the kids. I cought them on one of the only sales they have every year but they were still expensive. Completely happy with them.

 

[Stihldog]

X2 on having both bike mounted light and helmet mounted light. I've ridden with either but now only both.

A CarolinaNightCrawler? I’ve only heard of them …never seen one in the wild.

 

[Polar]

One of the most sold knock off lights sold and I have the impression most ppl are satisfied with it but I would never buy it.

Around $15

https://share.temu.com/IeT8i4iReiA

 

[darwink1]

Why would you buy a light for each bike? Buy extra mounts, it's just slightly cheaper.

Also, if you're actually riding real trails at night Outbound is the best choice by far imop.

D

 

[G-Sport]

I've had various lights, all broke, cables break, batteries get faults, chargers break etc. I run torches now. Millions to choose from and just load your pack up with the number of 18650's or 2170's you need for that night. Much more durable and overall cheaper. Nitecore HC33 was good as helmet light (L shaped lights seem to be a good match for helmet). Currently got some fancy Emisars which you can spec to your hearts delight with whatever emitters you want and use the Andruil 2 operating system so you can customise your settings however you like.

 

[e-rico]

After many sets of cheap Amazon lights I went for a more reliable brand.

I’ve been using the Niterider Lumina 1100 for the past 3 years without any problem. They seem to go on sale a couple times a year.

I recently got a Magicshine RN3000 for my bars and they sell an aluminum Garmin mount that is quite robust. Output and beam pattern are great. Just get a mount for each bike and your golden.

As others have mentioned I’m not sure why you need lights for 3 bikes but both of these are wireless and swap easily between helmets and bars.