When it comes to cycling, visibility is key—not only to see but to be seen. A reliable bike light isn't just a luxury; it's a crucial safety feature. But when it's time to choose a bike light, the options are vast, with prices ranging from high-end lights boasting premium features to budget-friendly options promising to cover the basics.
Today, we’re comparing two bike lights with dramatically different price points: a premium $70 light, the Gason Kiwi 1,200, and a budget-friendly $7 light purchased from AliExpress. We’ll explore their performance, build, battery life, and extra features to see which one wins the game.
First Impressions: What’s in the Box?
The Gason Kiwi 1,200 comes neatly packaged and is equipped with:
- Headlight bracket
- GoPro adapter
- Screws and tools
- USBC charging cable
- Optional wireless remote (sold separately)
The premium feel is immediately evident from the sleek, compact CNC-machined housing, hinting at durability and quality.
On the other hand, the budget AliExpress light is simple. It includes:
- The light itself
- A basic rubber ring mount
- A cable to connect the remote with the light
- A USB charging cable
Interestingly, there’s also a bike bell inside the package, but you won’t find it separately as the bell is integrated inside the light.
Brightness and Light Modes: How Far Can They Go?
The Gason Kiwi 1,200 boasts an impressive 1200 lumens with five light modes:
- High steady
- Medium steady
- Low steady
- Breathe
- Daytime flash
On a moonless trail, the high beam lit up everything in our path. We could see far ahead and spot every route and pothole with ease. Its anti-glare optics were a game-changer—passing cyclists didn’t give us dirty looks for blinding them. Even the daytime flash mode caught the attention of drivers during a cloudy ride.
The $7 light comes with 300 lumens brightness, which is sufficient for city streets but struggles on darker paths. It has seven modes controlled through a wired button, but the brightness was limited, and switching between modes felt unnecessary given the limited brightness.
On an unlit road, we found ourselves squinting to spot potholes. Simply put, this light wasn’t built for serious night rides.
Build Quality and Durability
The Gason’s CNC-machined aluminum body not only looks premium but also feels like it could survive casual drops. It felt sturdy, dissipated heat efficiently, and didn’t budge during bumpy rides. The wireless remote made switching modes a breeze—even with gloves during a ride.
We used the low beam on a quiet stretch, then switched to high steady for a steep descent, all without taking our hands off the handlebars. This remote even glows for a short time in the dark, absorbing sunlight during the day and making it easy to locate in low light.
In contrast, the $7 light’s ABS plastic design felt less reliable. Talking about durability, we dropped this light multiple times during our test, and surprisingly, this cheap light survived just like the expensive one. The wired remote was functional but awkward to use, especially when wearing gloves.
During one ride, the cable snagged on our handlebars, requiring a mid-ride adjustment. A spiral cable would have been better. For weight-conscious cyclists, its 44g lightweight build was a plus, but durability remained a concern.
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Battery Life and Charging
| Feature | Gason Kiwi 1,200 ($70) | AliExpress $7 Light |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 4,400 mAh | 350 mAh |
| Battery Life (Medium Mode) | 3 hours | ~1 hour (dims after) |
| Charging Time | 2.5 hours (USBC fast charging) | Overnight (slow) |
| Extra Battery Features | Power bank function, 3-color battery indicator | None |
The Gason Kiwi 1,200’s 4,400 mAh battery was a lifesaver during an all-day cycling trip. On a long ride, its medium steady mode lasted for 3 hours. When our phone battery dipped dangerously low, the light’s power bank function saved the day.
One feature we found particularly useful was the three-color battery indicator. It clearly displayed the remaining charge:
- Blue for 61 to 100%
- Yellow for 21 to 60%
- Red for below 20%
This real-time feedback ensured we were always aware of the battery status, helping us plan our rides and avoid unexpected power outages. Its USBC fast charging took just 2.5 hours to fully recharge, ensuring it was ready for the next ride.
Meanwhile, the $7 light’s 350 mAh battery was underwhelming. On a quick 30-minute ride, it worked fine, but during a longer outing, the light dimmed significantly after about an hour. Charging it overnight felt like waiting forever compared to the Gason’s fast charging feature.
Mounting Systems: Ease and Stability
The Gason’s mounting system was easy and quick. Its adjustable bracket securely locked onto the handlebars, and we appreciated the option to mount it below or on top depending on our setup.
Even during a bumpy off-road section, the light stayed firmly in place. However, the bracket should be securely locked; otherwise, there is a possibility it could fall off.
The $7 light’s strap was functional but finicky. On smooth roads, it held up fine, but on bumpy paths, it wobbled constantly. Midway through one ride, we had to stop and tighten it, which was frustrating. The wired controller’s placement with the leather ring was also tricky as it got in the way of other handlebar accessories.
Extra Features: What Sets Them Apart?
Each light brings some unique extras to the table:
- Gason Kiwi 1,200: The power bank feature was a lifesaver during a full day ride. When our GPS drained our phone battery, the power bank gave us enough juice to navigate home safely. It’s a feature we didn’t realize we needed until we did.
- AliExpress $7 Light: This light brought an unexpected surprise with its built-in horn feature. It features a dual push-button controller that allows seamless operation of both the light and the horn.
The horn control buttons are intuitive:
- One short press activates the horn, delivering a loud 120 dB alert.
- A double press switches between four different horn modes.
This functionality proved handy during crowded rides as we could alert pedestrians and other riders without fumbling for controls. However, the wired control wasn’t as user-friendly as we’d hoped.
Water Resistance and Weight Considerations
Riding through a sudden downpour, the Gason’s IPX6 rating held strong, showing no signs of water damage. In contrast, the $7 light’s IPX5 rating handled light rain but left us worried about its longevity in harsher weather.
The $7 light’s 44g weight was barely noticeable and ideal if you want to keep your setup ultra-light. However, the Gason’s slightly heavier build felt reassuringly sturdy. The weight difference wasn’t significant enough to impact our ride, but the Gason’s durability was worth the extra grams.
Summary: Which Bike Light Should You Choose?
After using both lights extensively, here’s what we concluded:
- Gason Kiwi 1,200 ($70): More viable for serious cyclists. Its brightness, build quality, and versatile features make it a long-term investment for night riders and adventurers alike.
- AliExpress $7 Light: Best suited for short casual rides in well-lit areas. Its limited brightness, short battery life, and basic build make it a backup option at best.
This comparison taught us one thing: safety and reliability are worth the investment. While the $7 light serves its purpose for budget-conscious riders, the Gason Kiwi 1,200 offers peace of mind, exceptional performance, and versatility.
For us, the choice is clear—sometimes you really do get what you pay for.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is the $7 AliExpress bike light suitable for night riding?
No, the $7 light is better suited for short, casual rides in well-lit areas due to its limited brightness and battery life. It struggles on darker paths.
- How long does the Gason Kiwi 1,200 battery last?
It lasts about 3 hours on medium steady mode and features a 4,400 mAh battery with a power bank function.
- Does the Gason Kiwi 1,200 have any additional features?
Yes, it includes a wireless remote, a three-color battery indicator, and a power bank feature to charge other devices.
- Is the AliExpress light waterproof?
It has an IPX5 rating, which can handle light rain but may not withstand harsher weather conditions.
- Which light is better for off-road or bumpy rides?
The Gason Kiwi 1,200 offers a more secure mounting system and sturdier build, making it better suited for off-road or bumpy rides.
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