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The Light and Motion Urban 500 doesn't look like much but pick it up and turn it on and you will be amazed. It is bright and it's got an excellent beam pattern. Light and Motion made such a great commuting light that many will want to use it for mountain biking and other purposes.

But alas, there are side visibility lights that can not be turned off and this can be annoying when mountain biking. Also, the mount can't be taken off easily and that hinders the use of this light as a handy flashlight around the house.

But we think users will not be deterred. This is a good light for many purposes.

Urban line:

Urban 180 - $100 with 180 lumens of output, 2 hours

Urban 300 - $130 with 300 lumens of output, 2 hours

Urban 500 - $160 with 500 lumens of output, 1.5 hours (this is the model reviewed here)

Specifications for the Urban 500:
  • Price: $160.00
  • Claimed Lumens: 500 Lumens
  • Light Head Weight: 110 grams
  • Installed Weight: 110 grams
  • Run Time: 1.5 Hours
  • Measured MTBR Lux:45 Lux
  • Measured Lumens: 466 Lumens
Mounting:

Handlebar mounting is done with very slick strap that can be tightened based on the rider's preference. The same strap is used for standard and oversized handlebars. At first we found the strap too long and found the excess bothersome but we realized we can loop the strap back in the pin and tuck it neatly. It can be aimed left to right. There is an included helmet mount and it works very well. The light can be aimed up/down and left/right. The light is 110 grams so it's hardly noticeable on the helmet.

Charging:

Charging is done with a USB port so any USB charger or computer USB outlet from a computer can will charge this light in 5 hours. It's assumed that you'll have a USB outlet available so only a USB wire is included int he package. If you need the actual wall adapter, it will be an extra cost at about $20. The USB port on the light itself is a micro port that is flatter than the most common standard unfortunately. Thus most wires around the house will not work and you'll have to use the one shipped with this light.

Related Links
Mtbr Lights Shootout Main Page »
2012 Bike Lights Shootout »
Backyard Beam Pattern Comparisons »
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Light Meter Measurements »
Mtbr Lights Reviews »
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MTBR Light Meter Measurements:

This light measured 53 lux on our ambient light measurement facility. This is pretty much in line with its 500 lumen claims. In a laboratory environment, we measured the light at 466 lumens. This light is brighter than many lights that claim 700-900 lumens

Light Meter Charts and Comparison Table »

Strengths:
  • Excellent light output and beam pattern
  • Good switch action and logic
  • Excellent flashlight
  • Great value at $150
  • Bar and helmet mount are included
  • Great light output for the money
  • Different price points are available
  • Side lights are great for commuting safety.
Weaknesses:
  • It can get hot since there's not a lot of heat sink area
  • The yellow side lights can get annoying for mountain biking applications and they can't be turned off.
  • Mount can not be taken off easily.
Bottom Line:

This is the best commuting light for 2012. It is so light and useable that it can be used alone or complement any light. $160, it provides great value. The big gotcha is most folks will want to mountain bike with it but the (always on) side lights can be annoying when mounted on the handlebar.

Beam Pattern Photos:



Backyard Beam Pattern Comparison Page »
Trail Beam Pattern Comparison Page »

Value Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

Overall Rating:

4.75 out of 5 Stars

Related Links
Mtbr Lights Shootout Main Page »
2012 Bike Lights Shootout »
Backyard Beam Pattern Comparisons »
Trail Beam Pattern Comparisons »
Light Meter Measurements »
Mtbr Lights Reviews »
Mtbr Lights Forum »