Evidence: This is a specification and buying-check comparison, not a hands-on light test. Published output and runtime figures are manufacturer claims under their stated conditions.
Separate the jobs before comparing brightness numbers: a front light helps illuminate the route, a rear light helps others see you, and radar can add traffic alerts. Beam shape, mounting, runtime at the mode you use and the route itself matter more than the largest lumen figure.
Quick comparison
| Light | Architecture / claimed output | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Lezyne Mega Drive 1800i | Older USB-rechargeable front light; 1,800-lumen maximum[1][24] | Legacy model; battery condition and remaining support |
| Exposure Revo | Dynamo-powered front light; 800 lumens[2] | Compatible dynamo system and speed-dependent output |
| Cygolite Metro Pro 1100 | USB-rechargeable front light; 1,100 lumens[3] | Mode-specific runtime, mount and beam |
| Knog Blinder 1300 | USB-C front light; 1,300 lumens[4] | Road-focused beam and actual high-mode runtime |
| Garmin Varia RTL515 | Rear light with radar[5][6] | Compatible display or Varia app; not a substitute for observation |
1. Lezyne Mega Drive 1800i
Lezyne now lists the Mega Drive 1800i among its legacy products. Its published material describes nine output modes, Smart Connect and remote-switch compatibility—not a GPS-linked ambient-brightness system.[1][24] Treat this as an older-model option if you already own one or find old stock, rather than assuming it is the current default choice.
Check the actual battery and the mode-runtime chart before relying on an older unit for a long ride. Lezyne’s legacy-product and manual reference identifies the model; it is not a current-stock guarantee.
2. Exposure Revo
The Revo is a different kind of system: Exposure describes an 800-lumen dynamo light, not a 1,800-lumen rechargeable trail light. The listed maximum output is reached at 17 mph, and its stand-light function continues illumination after riding.[2] The need for a compatible dynamo setup is central to the buying decision.
Compare the complete hub, wiring, mount and light installation rather than treating it as a direct swap for a USB handlebar light. View the Revo dynamo package.
3. Cygolite Metro Pro 1100
Cygolite lists 1,100 lumens, micro-USB charging and nine modes. Its chart gives one hour in Boost and much longer runtimes in lower-output modes; “up to 100 hours” does not describe full-power riding.[3] Check the beam, mount and chosen mode against your route rather than assuming any lumen number guarantees enough light at speed.
View Cygolite’s Metro Pro 1100 specifications.
4. Knog Blinder 1300
Knog describes a road-focused 1,300-lumen beam and USB-C charging. Its published High Steady runtime is 1.5 hours, while its longest Eco Flash figure is a different use case.[4] A steady mode that lets you see an unlit surface and a daytime visibility mode are not interchangeable.
View the Blinder 1300 and its mode chart.
5. Garmin Varia RTL515
The RTL515 combines a rear light with radar. A compatible cycling computer is one way to receive alerts, but it is not the only option: Garmin lists the RTL515 as compatible with its Varia mobile app, which must be open or running in the background for alert tones.[5][6] Check the exact device/app combination before buying.
Radar does not remove the need to look, listen and ride predictably. Do not assume that every approaching vehicle will always be detected or that an alert makes a manoeuvre safe. View Garmin’s RTL515 product information and Varia app compatibility guidance.
Choosing a setup
Choose front and rear equipment for the actual route and local lighting rules. Check runtime in the mode you will ride, secure the mounts, aim the beam considerately and plan a backup for a ride that depends on artificial light.
Sources
[1] Lezyne Mega Drive 1800i reference
[2] Exposure Revo
[5] Garmin RTL515
