Reviews

Exposure Sirius MK4

Follow-up to 'perfect commuter light' gains lumens and sheds weight

If you ride to work year-round then a quality and reliable front light that’s up to the job in hand is a sound investment. And a reliable rear light, for that matter – but that’s where the Bontrager Flare R comes in.

The previous version of the Exposure Sirius made a strong case for being the perfect commuter light when we reviewed it and this is the fourth version. The Exposure Sirius MK4 gains an additional 100 lumens over its predecessor, ramping the maximum output up to 500 lumens while shrinking in size at the same time. It’s a sleek unit, weighing just 80g including the mount, and sits inconspicuously on the handlebar.

The Sirius projects a clear, focused beam, with a clean, bright, white light. Exposure’s Optimum Mode Selector gives you the option of seven settings, with constant and pulsing modes for each. The lumen output and run times are also handily printed on the light. The pulsing beam pattern is ideal for navigating city streets and the sturdy CNC-machined unit, designed and made in the UK, has windows cut into the lens to improve side-on visibility.

In an outright lumens vs cost battle, there are brighter options out there for just shy of £100, but the Sirius is about more than power alone – it’s a compact, solid and clever unit, and an excellent option for serious cyclists.

At 500 lumens, the Sirius is also powerful enough for riding on unlit roads at a decent pace, making it a sensible option for riders who have a dark stretch on their commute, or who venture out for the occasional night training ride.

The focused beam pattern means you don’t get as much light thrown onto the verge as one of Exposure’s more powerful, dedicated night riding lights, but it does the job well enough when required.

Otherwise, the light is USB-rechargeable and the on/off button also serves as a power indicator, turning from green to amber to red as the battery drains.

Price: £99.95
Maximum output: 500 lumens
Website: USE

The mount is also a doddle to use – it’s surprising how difficult some manufacturers make it to actually mount a light. The Sirius clips into a plastic bracket, strapped to the handlebar using a durable silicone O-ring.

In an outright lumens vs cost battle, there are brighter options out there for just shy of £100, but the Sirius is about more than power alone – it’s a compact, solid and clever unit, and an excellent option for serious cyclists. Yep, just about the perfect commuting light.