Night riding setup for eMTB — what lights are you using?

[Rod B.]

I recently tried the ME 2000 and it has been a solid option so far, but I’m still curious about different setups.

Do you guys run a handlebar light, helmet light, or both?
What beam pattern and brightness do you find works best for night trail riding?

Always interested to hear what other eMTB riders are using.

I enjoy night riding during the winter months. I'm currently using Outbound Lighting's, "Trail Evo" light. It's hands down the best bike light I've ever used. It's a bit pricey at $245. You get what you pay for these days.

The light's handlebar mounting bracket is well designed and securely holds the light. It's easy to install and use. When not in use, the mount can be quickly removed. I like that there's no vibration of the light due to how solid the mount is. I've never had the light or it's mount loosen up on the handlebar, no matter how rugged, potholed, brake bumped the trail is.

The light itself is very rugged and well designed. The light beam is wide and offers plenty of lumens to see what's ahead of you. The light has mutiple brightness settings. On full pop, I can get over 2.5 hours of riding. I've yet to run it dry. I joke that the light is bright, like the surface of the sun. It's not that bright, however it's bright.

I've used helmet lights in the past. However, I haven't felt a need for a helmet light with this light

Be safe,
Rod

 

[Roaming50]

Helmet light is a must if you have trails that are stupidly twisty.

I run the Outbound Lighting EVO on my bars with the Portal on my head. The Portal is a bit heavy but my biggest issue is that I have an odd shaped head and lights will pull the helmet down over my eyes. Doesn't matter the brand....

So, I have a 12Ah Nitecore battery (from a headlight accessory I also have Nitecore Carbon Battery 12K Extended Headlamp Runtime Kit for Headlamps) that I use on the back of the helmet mounted in a old flip phone soft pocket case that works on the back of the helmet. That allows me to run full power while having a balanced helmet.

I also use the OL Road on my road bike along with the Hangover on the helmet.

Over the years I have gone from NightSun halogen bottle lights in the mid 90s to Vistalite and Cyglolite and others and the Outbound Lighting is the best and there service second to none - For instance, a few months ago I cycled into a low bridge and broke the mount off my Portal. Totally my fault. I explained this to Outbound and they said send it back and they repaired it for free. Turn around was one week. That makes a life long and repeat customer.

 

[Roaming50]

Helmet light is a must if you have trails that are stupidly twisty.

I run the Outbound Lighting EVO on my bars with the Portal on my head. The Portal is a bit heavy but my biggest issue is that I have an odd shaped head and lights will pull the helmet down over my eyes. Doesn't matter the brand....

So, I have a 12Ah Nitecore battery (from a headlight accessory I also have Nitecore Carbon Battery 12K Extended Headlamp Runtime Kit for Headlamps) that I use on the back of the helmet mounted in a old flip phone soft pocket case that works on the back of the helmet. That allows me to run full power while having a balanced helmet.

I also use the OL Road on my road bike along with the Hangover on the helmet.

Over the years I have gone from NightSun halogen bottle lights in the mid 90s to Vistalite, Cyglolite and MagicShine and the Outbound Lighting is the best and their service second to none - For instance, a few months ago I cycled into a low bridge and broke the mount off my Portal. Totally my fault. I explained this to Outbound and they said send it back and they repaired it for free. Turn around was one week. That makes a life long and repeat customer.