Despite its diminutive size and having a maximum output of only 600 lumens, Lezyne’s Micro Drive 600XL packs a powerful punch, proving it’s not just lumens that matter when it comes to performance.
The dual side-by-side LEDs throw out an awful lot of light. There is a definite central spot in the beam pattern but little fade, even right at the edges of the beam, so peripheral vision is good.
However, some light does spill upwards – even when I angled the light low, it lit up the tree canopy.
That's not so good for dazzle in an urban setting, but on more remote unlit routes it’s an advantage. The body has cutouts to provide side visibility.
The Micro Drive is a slickly executed lightweight design that attaches easily in seconds with a sturdy rubber strap that stretches to fit any bar diameter.
It might feel too simple a fixing to be secure, but it holds firm and the only movement is the intended lateral adjustment of the mount.
A quick tap of the top-mounted on/off button shows the remaining battery life, and holding for two seconds switches it on.
Easy so far, but changing from a low to a higher beam requires cycling right through the modes, and that feels unnecessarily tedious, especially when you’re cold and tired.
Nine is as many modes as any rider can possibly need and at full 600 lumens power, this compact light will be bright enough for a mix of riding, from cycle tracks to city roads.
Its simple integral strap helps keep the weight down to a very minimal 98g, although the micro sizing does mean a more limited run time of just an hour on full power.
An integrated USB charger is hidden underneath a cover on the back, doing away with the need for a charging cable and emphasising its clever design.
This is a light that hurls out a lot of lumens for its size, but the run time is limited on full power.
How we tested
With darker nights upon us, we put eight road bike front lights to the test.
Unlimited budgets are a luxury, though, so each light is priced under £100 and has a brightness of between 500 and 1,000 lumens (with one measured in lux).
As well as brightness, we considered beam performance, run times, mode options, any waterproofing claims, as well as the unit’s construction and other features, such as mount types.
The lights were all tested in urban conditions and on unlit and rural roads.
Also on test
Product
| Brand | lezyne |
| Price | 99.00 AUD,55.00 EUR,55.00 GBP,55.00 USD |
| Weight | 98.0000, GRAM () - with bracket |
Features
| br_lightType | front |
| br_integratedBattery | yes |
| Features | Lux @ 5m high beam: 101 Run time: 60 minutes at max power Modes: 9 – 600, 400, 200, 100, 15, Flash 1, Flash 2, Day Flash, Pulse |
| br_outputLumens | 600 |
