The latest entry in the ‘best-priced proper off-road light without buying from China’ charts is this serious bargain 1,000-lumen Maia RX1000 light from Tweeks Cycles.
As with most bargain lights, the lumen rating is based on theoretical rather than actual output. Whatever the actual number, the tightly focused centre beam punches a long way down the trail (or road if you’re bi-bikeual) and is impressively free of holes or dark spots.
There’s a dramatic drop off to a relatively feeble peripheral glow though, so for twisty stuff we’d use the included helmet mount.
The battery’s small size and long lead make it easy to mount on most frames (or drop in your bag/back pocket), and the run times leave a safety margin on a two-hour night ride at full power.
O-ring mounts are provided for both oversize and old skinny bars, and while the head unit can slip on steps and rocky descents, that’s easily solved with a bit of inner tube. To toggle between the three constant-power modes you also have to skip the strobe and ‘off’ settings, which isn’t ideal, but it’s still an utter bargain for £60.
