Product test
The Radar Drive Rear from Lezyne has a small catch
by Patrick Bardelli
Lumos Firefly review: a bike light with all the flashy settings
15.1.2024
Translation: Elicia Payne
Pictures: Patrick Bardelli
The Lumos Firefly is a smart bike light. It offers many options including magnetic mounting, individual adjustment of the front and rear lights and a flashing function. Almost too many for my taste.
To see and be seen. This is the fundamental purpose of a bike light. And depending on the type of bike or the distance you travel on it, one is more important than the other. In my case, seeing is more important than being seen, because I usually ride my gravel bike away from busy roads.
I’ve been safe on the road with this set-up so far. You can find the corresponding product reviews here:
Lumos Firefly with LED
You can attach the bike light to the handlebars or seatpost using the universal bracket. The light clips on to the holder magnetically so you can simply pull it off after parking and pop it in your pocket. The holder can also be bought separately, which is practical. This allows you to use the lights on several bikes.
The Firefly is configured via the Lumos app. For example, the lights can be set up as indicators, whereby you’d need the Lumos remote control on the handlebars for this application. Although it’s included with some of the manufacturer’s helmets, it isn’t with the lights. Alternatively, you can use the app to control them. However, you’d have to attach your mobile device to the bike, which makes handling more complicated.
Visibility in a group and alone
It takes between three and five hours to fully charge the Lumos Firefly. But you can only check the battery status in the app. I find this quite annoying as I’d like to be able to read this on the light itself, like you can with the Knog Blinder, for example.
According to the manufacturer, the Lumos Firefly easily synchronises with all Lumos helmets, which allows for a comprehensive safety system and improved visibility on the road. There’s also the «Team Sync» setting, which improves the visibility for a group of cyclists using synchronised light patterns. I didn’t test either setting.
Further product details are available on the manufacturer’s website.
On the road in the fog
I have a bit of a reputation for being a loner. Group events aren’t my thing. So it’s obvious that I’m usually a single rider on the road. For example in the fog. And this is where a little light quickly reaches its limits. Fog can be treacherous for road users, as the visibility is often less than 50 metres.
Verdict: trendy but I’m not crazy about it
I also want a front light I don’t need an app for, but can operate directly on the handlebars while riding. Overall, Lumos Firefly is a trendy product for road traffic. But with its many settings and operation via the app, it’s too complicated to use.
The product is currently sold out. However, according to our purchasing department, it should be available again from the end of January.
Header image: Patrick Bardelli
Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.
Bike
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