The Lezyne Mega Drive features three LED lenses that deliver a very bright 1,400 lumens at maximum power. The beam is omitted in a wide, letterbox shape and it was amazing to be able to see in such a wide arc. Other lights I’ve used have felt like riding in a bubble of light: this is panoramic in comparism.
It was so wonderfully bright that I was probably visible from space: even if I wasn’t, it’s ideal for the dark, unlit country lanes and off-road trails that I ride, making it easy to be seen and to pick your line and see obstacles.
The Lezyne Mega Drive is well built and sturdy: so sturdy, in fact, that it dented my dishwasher’s door when I pulled it out of its mount with a little too much force and accidentally fired it across the kitchen. For the record, the light emerged unscathed and fully functioning.
It weighs 265g : not massively heavy but substantial enough compared to most bike components. It is described as ‘weather resistant’ (though not completely waterproof!), which is reassuring considering the price (£139.99).
There is a choice of six settings: the full 1,400 lumen option has 1hr, 15mins of battery life. Run at 600 lumens, the battery will last up to two and a half hours. You can also run it on Blast (1000 lumens, 1hr 40 battery life), Economy (300 lumens, 5hr battery life) or Flash 1 (450 lumens, 5hr life) and Flash 2 (200 lumens and a lengthy 14.30 hr life).
You switch settings using the on/off button on top of the light, enabling you to alternate between options as you ride to suit the conditions and extend the battery life. You can also use the same button to set the light to run in Overdrive Race Mode (this switches between the brightest mode and the economy mode only). The on/off button also illuminates to let you know the remaining power level.
The Lezyne Mega Drive is easy to fit to mountain bike handlebars – you just put the mount around the bars, tighten it using the large screw, then slide the light into place on top. On my road bike the brake cables got in the way a little so it was more fiddly, but once in place it was very secure. You can leave the mount on the bike and remove the light for storage during daylight.
This light is powered by a rechargeable battery. Charging is simple although the catch that accesses the charge point looks and feels a bit delicate. For fast charging (six hours) you simply plug the light into a mains adaptor, or you can recharge via a USB cable, which takes 12 hours. You also have the option of replacing the battery on the move if you’re on a longer ride (and have another light or torch to enable you to see what you are doing!).
A helmet mount and aluminium mount options are also available.
£139.99 from Wiggle.
For: fantastic visibility, solid build and easy to mount and use.
Against: Ask my dishwasher.
Photos: Paulmitchellphotographer.com
