6 Best Mountain Bike Lights in 2021 Reviewed

There are endless things to love about riding at night, but poor visibility isn’t one of them. It can also be a safety risk, so a mountain bike light is absolutely essential. These are the best mountain bike lights available today, all tried, tested, and reviewed by yours truly.

Productive Review Table

The best mountain bike light is number six on our table: Bright Eyes 1200 Lumen

Last update on 2024-04-19 at 16:05 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Guide To Buying Mountain Bike Lights

Lumen 

Lumens are the most common way that bike lights are measured, whereas your household lights are measured in watts. Some mountain bike lights offer upwards of 1,000 lumens, although it isn’t always necessary. 

For example, if you’re riding in town, you can use a light between 50 and 200 lumens, but if you’re riding on country roads, 400 to 600 lumens is ideal. For riding trails, you’ll want to look for lights with at least 600 lumens, or more if possible. 

Mount Type

Most mountain bike lights that you’ll see either mount on your helmet or on your handlebars. Both have advantages and disadvantages, although some lights can be mounted either way. 

Keep in mind that handlebar mounted lights can’t really be adjusted. But if you turn your head with a helmet light on, your light’s going to turn too.

Battery Life

Make sure you have a good couple hours of battery life if you take longer rides. However, that can be easier said than done, since many lights have different power levels. 

Check to see that there are multiple modes. Check the specs to see how long the battery will last with each. 

Battery Or USB Rechargeable 

Many newer bike lights use rechargeable batteries. While you do need to remember to charge them, it’s better than having to run to the store before you can go out to ride. Lithium ion rechargeable batteries are some of the most popular because they don’t add much weight, and maintain function over their lifetime.

Battery-Warning Indicator

Not every bike light will have a ‘fuel gauge’ or low battery indicator light. However, most lights that use rechargeable batteries do. 

Whether it’s a system of a few different lights or a single light that flashes or remain steady, it’s good to know when your battery is getting low. It prevents you from taking that longer trail detour and ending up in the dark during your ride. 

Features 

There are plenty of different features available on mountain bike lights. These are some of the most important:

Spotlight

Having a large enough and far enough extending light is critical to seeing the trail in front of you. Check for a wider light angle, and enough soft light to illuminate areas that need attention, but not all of it.

Ease of Use

If it’s too difficult to control your light and ride at the same time, it can be a big hassle. The easier it is to change the light settings, the better. Look for lights you can control quickly and easily, ideally with one hand only and taking only a few seconds of your attention. 

Mounting is another area where you don’t want too much hassle. Beware though, you don’t want to sacrifice stability for a mount that’s easier to get on your bike. One more thing to consider about ease of use: the battery. Make sure you know how to change the battery, charge it, and can do so without needing a technical degree to make it happen.

Light Modes

Most bike lights have at least a couple different light levels to choose from, but at least 3 is ideal. Of course, you need a high power option for nighttime rides, a low power option for dusk riding, and a medium level for all the times in between. 

A big bonus in terms of light levels is a daytime option (typically a pulsing mode). This allows you to be seen by others on the road or trail, but without being too bright and causing a distraction.

Best Mountain Bike Lights Reviewed

1. Bright Eyes Fully Waterproof 1600 Lumen Rechargeable Mountain, Road Bike Headlight

Key Features:

• Up to 16 hours of battery life on low 
• Waterproof (battery is waterproof too) 
• Battery has a 1 year warranty, lifetime warranty on the light 
• Comes prepared for daytime riding with diffuser lens 
• Universal fit for handlebars 

This light caught our attention because not only is it super bright, but it also allows you to save battery. If you like going on really long rides, you don’t always want to use all the battery in your light right at the start; however, the alternative, going without light at all isn’t any better. 

You can switch between low, medium, and high modes, so you can use the right amount of light for whenever you’re riding. It’s also waterproof, so you can use it in poor weather without worrying about ruining the battery.

Pros:

• Gets very bright, keeps path clear 
• Easy to use and fit on handlebars 
• Very durable and waterproof 

Cons:

• Would be nice if the light swiveled 

Last update on 2024-04-19 at 16:46 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

2. MagicShine MJ 900, 1200 Lumens Front Bike Light

Key Features:

• Wider beam angle 
• Allows for 4 different light levels, and pulse mode 
• Runs over 2 ½ hours 
• Light has a 1 year warranty, batteries are covered for 6 months  

This is an easy bike light to use. It gives you more than enough light to help you avoid obstacles on the trail. It can also pulse the light, which is ideal for keeping you safe from cars and other riders when they otherwise might not see you. 

It also has a wider beam than the previous models and many other bike lights in general. Furthermore, it spreads at a 20 degree angle. Another thing we liked is that it can be used as a bike headlight or a helmet mounted light. 

Pros:

• Lightweight and versatile 
• Can be used as a bike headlight or helmet light 
• Pulse mode keeps riders visible to cars 

Cons:

• Not 100% waterproof 

Last update on 2024-04-19 at 16:05 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

3. CAT EYE – Volt 1700 Headlight

Key Features:

• Produces light at 1700 lumens
• 3 level battery indicator light 
• Optional extra battery cartridge 
• Uses 2 led lights  

This is a really powerful light; at 1700 lumens you may find some higher powered lights, but you won’t find many. While that was a big score for us, it wasn’t the only reason we really like the Cat Eye light. Another thing that stuck out to us was the battery level indicator. Running out of battery on the trail isn’t just stressful, it’s also unsafe. 

That brings us to the other part we liked: you can swap out the battery with a spare, and double your riding time. It’s easy to swap out too, so you don’t have to worry about getting stuck switching gear on the trail.

Pros:

• Gets very bright 
• Extra battery is extremely convenient 
• Different light modes for anytime riding  

Cons:

• Somewhat pricier than other bike lights  

Last update on 2024-04-19 at 16:46 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

4. NiteRider Lumina 950 Boost & Solas 100 Combo Bike Light

Key Features:

• Daytime pulse mode, 5 different light levels 
• Two tap max light mode reaches 950 lumens 
• Mounts on helmet and handlebars 
• Low battery indicator 

This is a versatile and user friendly light that’s well suited to most types of riders. We really loved how many different levels and modes you can choose between: you have a daytime flash mode, perfect for keeping you visible to everyone else on the road. 

You have 5 different light levels to choose from. This way, you can get the exact amount of light you need for any time of day. Want to instantly boost your visibility to max power? Two quick taps on the power button takes you there, without any distraction to your steering. 

Pros:

• Plenty of different options 
• Very fast and easy to switch to max power 
• Includes daytime light flash mode for extra safety 

Cons:

• Mounts could be improved 

Last update on 2024-04-19 at 16:46 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

5. NiteRider Pro 1800 Race, High Performance Lightweight MTB Race Bike Light

Key Features:

• Produces 1,800 lumens 
• Waterproof and dirt resistant 
• Includes 8 stage power indicator 
• Uses 3 Cree led lights 

When you’re really serious about riding at night especially in heavily forested trails, you need a light that can dish out some powerful light too. It’s not just ‘theoretical’ light either. This NiteRider light has been tested and proven to shine at 1,800 lumens. 

The way it lights the trail is perfect. You get plenty of light on the ground in front of you, although it’s really focused too. That’s what makes it perfect for mtb riders that like to race around trails and turns. It’s well built; although it’s lightweight, it’s also a strong piece of gear. 

Pros:

• Superior light and spotlight quality 
• Creates the perfect headbean for trails 
• Lightweight yet very durable 

Cons:

• Electrical connectors take some maneuvering 

Last update on 2024-04-19 at 16:05 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

6. Bright Eyes Newly Upgraded and Fully Waterproof 1200 Lumen Rechargeable Mountain, Road Bike Headlight (Top Pick)

Key Features:

• 1200 lumens at full power
• Debris resistant and waterproof
• 5 hours battery on high
• Included rear tail light  

This Bright Eyes bike lamp stands out because it’s got just about you need in a good mtb light. First, it’s nice and bright. 1,200 lumens is enough to take you through any terrain, although you can dial it down for what you need. 

Even on the highest level, you still get 5 hours of battery life, which is better than most bike lights out there. It’s durable and entirely waterproof, which gives you peace of mind that it will truly last. The cherry on top is the extra rear taillight that’s included. Perfect as a low cost light with high power.

Pros:

• More battery on high mode than others 
• Rear tail light is a huge bonus
• Light includes lifetime guarantee 
• Great customer service
• Easy to connect to the main light

Cons:

• Mount could be better secured 

Last update on 2024-04-19 at 16:05 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Which Is The Best Choice?

As riders, you’d have some pretty strict criteria when it comes to which lights you’d allow on your mountain bike. They have to be bright enough to use at night, have ample choices for light levels and be high quality. 

We also looked for lights that would suit a wide variety of riders, of all skill levels and riding types. That said, there’s still a mountain bike light that really grabbed our attention. Which is it? In at number 6, the Bright Eyes light is our winner. 

While it isn’t the brightest on our list, 1,200 lumens is still plenty bright! Not only that, it’s easy to use, to mount, and to switch light levels. The battery life is better than most bike lights, and the rear tail light that comes with it is an addition few others (if any) provide.

Last update on 2024-04-19 at 16:05 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API