Exposure Bike Lights: Why I Love Night Riding & Winter Running
- Peter Jeffers
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
So Six Years On: Are Exposure Lights Worth the Money?
Over the several years I’ve had my Exposure lights, I’ve ridden with plenty of friends who have gone down the cheaper imported-light route.
I’m not sure any of those lights have outlasted my Exposures.
That, for me, is the real test.
I’ve seen plenty of riders buy powerful-looking bike lights because they offer huge lumen numbers for relatively little money. But buying a light is about more than the number printed on the box. Reliability, battery performance, build quality and longevity matter — especially when you’re relying on a light miles from home, halfway across a fell or descending a mountain bike trail in the dark.
I’ve also heard some worrying stories over the years about lithium-ion batteries and poorly made or damaged lighting products, including friends taking extra precautions when charging some of the cheaper lights they’ve bought.
One friend of a friend even had a house severely damaged following a battery fire. Thankfully, they were lucky it wasn't a lot worse.
To be clear, I’m not suggesting that every inexpensive bike light is dangerous, or that problems can’t happen with any rechargeable battery. But it has certainly made me think more carefully about what I’m trusting to get me home safely after dark.
Are Exposure lights cheap?
No.
But I don't necessarily think they're expensive either.
There’s a difference between the initial price and the overall value of something you use for years.
Yes, you can buy a cheaper set of bike lights for night riding. You can find lights boasting impressive lumen figures for a fraction of the price of an Exposure. But my experience is that they simply don't measure up when it comes to the combination of performance, reliability, size, battery life and longevity.The real value of a good bike light
I've had no problems with my Exposure lights, and after years of using them in some pretty challenging conditions, that reliability is worth something to me.
And here's the thing that really convinces me.
I bought my Exposure lights years ago, and they're still part of my regular running and riding kit today.
I honestly don't know many people I run or ride with who bought a different brand of light back in 2019 and are still using exactly the same lights today.
That says a lot.
Because you're worth it
So, if you're looking for a reliable bike light for winter cycling, gravel riding or mountain biking, or a powerful headtorch for trail running after dark, I'd seriously consider investing in something that's built to last.
And if you're in the market for some new lights, come and see us at Velorunner this weekend.
Go on...
Be like David Ginola.
Come and get your lights from Velorunner.
Because you're worth it.
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