MAGICSHINE MJ900B

Smart features and value

Weight 211g Run time (max power) 1 hour 45 mins The MJ900B is the only light on test with a separate battery. Its power and run time claims are misleading, but we think its overall performance to price ratio is still impressive. The single LED head has a fat two-position O-ring that hooks around a metal shoe for a stable mount. On the road the quoted 1200 lumens appear overstated, but there’s plenty of distance punch and medium infill for all sorts of riding. If the default single constant then pulse, flash and strobe menu doesn’t suit it can be adjusted via a Bluetooth phone app. The battery straps on to any frame tube and although our sample died 45 minutes before Magicshine claims, the manageable app modes and battery check make it ample in practice. It works as a USB power bank.

BLACKBURN CENTRAL 650

£49.99 Weight 165g Run time (max power) 1 hour 40 mins The Central 650 is a great balance of practical illumination, easy universal fit and price. The rotating curved rubber foot and broad built-in strap give a solid mount on all bar types and stems, and it fits GoPro mounts. Lighting is excellent for the listed power, with plenty of distance, decent peripheral and outstanding in-front-ofthe-wheel coverage from its receding, diffuser lens. Five modes cover three constant, pulse and flash via a backlit softtouch button. Battery life is adequate if less than claimed. All this makes it great value if you’re after a versatile self-contained unit.

FABRIC LUMABEAM FL300

£49.99 Weight 75g Run time (max power) 2 hours Fabric’s Lumabeam is a neat featureloaded urban light but too dim and wobbly for the open road. At 75g it’s light and the double direction faceted rubber foot on the O-ring mount will fit all bar and stem shapes. A limited contact area means it shakes constantly even on smooth roads though. Add a wide but dim and short reach beam and you’ll be fumbling if you go far from street lights. In town that broad beam, plus the neat ‘twist to change’ mode sequence that includes the four LEDs along the spine for use as a rear light or front flasher make it a versatile safety booster.

MOON METEOR VORTEX

£49.99 Weight 135g Run time (max power) 1 hour 50 mins Moon’s Meteor is seriously focused value for fast and far riding but its sticky switch is irritating. The rubber shoe and strap mount with hinged hook fits okay on flatter aero bars and doesn’t rattle too much on gravel. The three power levels are communicated via a backlit button change and produce a long reaching, tight focused beam for highspeed riding. A coin-opened battery case makes it easy to swap cells and extend run times, which are longer than Moon claims. A wired remote is available but the small main button is stiff and the double click start was hard to get right on our sample.