Lezyne Macro Drive front light

The Lezyne Macro Drive front light's versatility and construction quality make it very good value indeed. At this price, there aren't many other lights that can match it.

A sleek CNC machined housing holds a Cree LED providing a claimed maximum output of 300 lumen. The 18650 Li-ion battery is integrated into the housing eliminating the hassle of power cables and separate battery packs. All in (minus mount) weight is a very respectable 94g which, combined with the small form, makes for a very unobtrusive light once on the handlebars.

The Macro Drive provides 5 different lighting modes – 3 constant power levels and 2 flashing. These are scrolled through by a simple short press of the rubber button located within easy reach on the top of the housing. The modes provide quite a wide range of power levels and associated run times so you can maximise battery life depending on your current lighting requirements. The two flashing modes both output the same power but at slightly different frequencies. A long press will either turn the light on or off, whilst the rubber button itself glows green or red depending on the battery charge level.

The Macro Drive mounts via a stout plastic clip which is held in place using a ladder-like rubber strap. A number of thin rubber shims are also provided to prevent any bar scratching nastiness. The rubber strap can be adjusted to two different lengths to suit 25.4mm and 31.8mm diameter handlebars - the two major sizes - but with the addition of the shims, any size handlebar can be accommodated.

The light itself clips neatly and firmly into the plastic clip with no chance of it popping out of its own volition. The beauty of the system is that you just pop the light off when leaving your bike unobserved for any length of time - easy as.

Despite the simplicity of the system, the Macro Drive works well over rough terrain without the need for any re-adjustment. The lack of any nuts or bolts also means that it's super easy to swap the mount between bikes, or to adjust its angle quickly whilst on the move. Once clipped in, the Macro Drive can be slid forwards and backwards to achieve the correct weight balance.

The beam pattern is quite circular in shape, projecting a noticeable spot of light onto the road. Side cutaways are there to improve light dispersion off to the side, though these are more about being seen by traffic than providing additional visibility to the rider. For a handlebar mounted light, I would have liked a little more flood to the beam, though the spot does provide some punch when travelling at higher speeds.

The light works well in commuting situations where the flashing modes are powerful enough to catch the attention of oncoming traffic. However, its 300 lumen power enables the Macro Drive to venture beyond the realm of simple commuter light, and into night riding territory.

The power and beam shape provide enough light so that road riding at 20mph is possible on unlit roads. OK, it's not the most care free experience – you'll have to pay very close attention to pot holes and other irregularities – but it is doable. Heading out on early morning rides, I would often grab the Macro Drive over more powerful (and hence heavier) lights for that hour or so pre-dawn when I needed lights to see.

In conjunction with a more powerful (say, 1000 lumen) flood beam on the handlebars, the Macro Drive would be an ideal helmet mounted companion, for off road blasts. Indeed, Lezyne sell a plastic helmet mount separately, for precisely this purpose.

Charging is performed via the provided USB cable which engages with a port at the rear of the light. To access this, you'll need to unscrew the cap at the rear of the light, exposing some of the circuitry inside. Despite looking quite precarious and vulnerable, it's difficult to see how you could damage the electronics without being neglectful in some way, but it's worth taking care at this point. As such, charging is probably best done is away from any errant pets or children, or potential water spillage zones.

The cap itself is well sealed via a rubber o-ring and the threads provide little opportunity for water ingress when fully screwed in. Overall reliability looks promising - despite the torrential rain and flooding we've experienced in these parts, the Macro Drive is still going strong having been used almost daily. If previous Lezyne products are anything to go by, then this one should last the distance.

The Macro Drive is also available in silver, and in pairing with the Micro rear light for £84.99.

Verdict

Extremely versatile, well made, and good value commuter light that's powerful enough for forays out in to the real dark.