SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING

The Moon LX760 front light is a powerful torch like model with a total output of, yep, 760 lumens but a range of modes ensures its every bit as useable on cross town commutes, as it is exploring country lanes. 

 

Inside the CNC machined aluminum casing (which also serves as a heat sink) we have a single Cree XM-L2 (U2) diode projected through a clever lens. Lens and reflector quality is what separates raw power and useful output. 

 

This is a clever hybrid of flood and spot, giving a decent spread of road presence and light to navigate by. The broad pool is projected at just the right angle, hence I’ve never had any issue with dazzling myself or oncoming traffic. 

 

Other relatively unusual and welcome features include a removable lithium ion battery (spares can be bought for £25; cheaper online but pattern batteries will have warrantee implications) this extends its horizons to long, steady night rides. Charge times are around the four hour mark, which is slightly pedestrian but still realistic for desk bound commuters. 

 

Then we have a plug in extension switch, enabling you to operate it without needing to remove your hand from the bars. Ironically, connecting it at the USB port and winding neatly around the bars can prove a bit tricky in the dark. In any case, the positive main switch is easy enough, even in gloved hands and cruising through the seven modes a question of quick two-prod presses. There’s a traffic light battery indicator, so you can tell in a glance how much juice is left. 

 

Helmet and handlebar mounting kit also comes as standards. Both are reassuringly tenacious. For the most part, I’ve stuck with the solid, albeit slightly industrial-looking bar mount, simply because it’s a road light at heart. While adequate for quick towpath cut throughs, it’s underpowered for anything trail orientated. In these contexts, we’d go for a bar mounted spot and a powerful, helmet mounted flood.

 

Unleashing the full 760 “overdrive” produces a pure white beam that is good enough for cantering along winding back roads at 17-20odd mph, much faster and I was wanting a bit more oomph. The casing also became quite hot for a short while before the heat sink kicked in and cooled things down. Run times are close to those quoted, in this instance, its low battery warning chiming in at 2hrs 10. However, it will hold some power in reserve, kicking down to flashing so you can at least limp home. 

 

High is 530 lumens, adequate for slower saunters along those lanes but enough punch for speeding through semi-rural contexts. Much to my surprise, though very bright, this mode wasn’t anti-social through the suburbs. 

 

Bargain on 3hrs 30 from a full charge. Standard is 340 lumens and returns six hours-enough for a week’s middle distance commuting in better lit contexts, although low delivers 150 lumens and 15hours, super frugal and sufficient for hustling through town centres.

 

Visibility from the side is OK, with the LX logo acting as an impromtu reflector.

 

Flashing and strobe translate as 380 lumens apiece - another see-me option but a bit garish, so use your discretion when in the flow of slow moving rush hour traffic. Last but by no means least, we have SOS that will blink away for nigh on 12 hours and could be a lifesaver should you need to summon help. 

 

Weather resistant to IPX(4) standard, we are essentially talking heavy rain, which should be fine in the everyday sense. The USB charge port cover fits snugly and based upon my experience these past few weeks, I can’t see any obvious weaknesses. Add a slither of silicone grease for additional peace of mind, if you must.         

 

Some would argue you can get a 1000 lumen plus unit for a whole heap less. Fair dos; however, basic reflector and lens quality often make them less practical in real terms. Compact and lightweight, the Moon has impressed me with its build quality and versatile performance. Fierce competition means its good, rather than great value at full rrp but I’ve seen it offered significantly cheaper online.