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Lezyne Strip Drive Front

8
£35.00

VERDICT:

8
10
Powerful, effective and efficient safety light – bright enough to combat even winter sun
Day flash is very noticeable
Loads of modes
Well built and waterproof
Easy to use
Decent run time
Could be a bit lighter
Weight: 
64g

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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New for 2020, the Lezyne Strip Drive 400 has been updated with a bright and really eye-catching day time flash, commendable battery life and faster charging. As with the old model, it's also fairly light, easy to operate, has loads of functions and is waterproof too. It's more of a be-seen rather than seeing light, though.

We reviewed the original Strip Drive over four years ago, and it was good then; the 2020 version improves it with a 400 lumen flash that's pretty hard to miss. A flashing mode, it illuminates three of the row of five LEDs (left, centre and right) several times before pumping out an almighty 400 lumen all-guns burst.

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It's designed to improve visibility in the day, in sunlight, and boy does it work. It's not really suited to dull days, but those when the sun is so bright that normal lights get washed out.

Modes

Alongside are six other flash modes – a mixture of outputs and effects – and three constant modes with 100, 50 and 15 lumen ratings. Just hold the easily accessible button to turn it on or off, then push to cycle through each setting. When you turn it off again, the light remembers the last setting for next time.

At night, the 100-lumen Blast is pretty powerful, and you'll certainly get noticed with it (though it's not going to light up the road itself). The flashing effects are good to have, and the KITT-style strobing mode is especially pleasing in an urban night setting.

2020 Lezyne Strip Drive 400 - USB port.jpg

It's a slightly different matter in the day, though. From 200 feet all modes are clearly visible, but the strobing mode is least effective, probably because it's the dimmest of the flashes. Unsurprisingly, the 400 lumen day flash is the most effective.

Side visibility is built in to help at junctions, though it only works if you mount the light vertically, as you would with the red rear version... not much good when strapped horizontally to a handlebar, then.

The mount

A single rubber strap secures the light via hooks on the light's casing. It's a simple system, and the strap's generous width keeps the light securely in place. The integrated rubber mount is designed to work across a range of tube sizes, too, and as it's narrow it's also aero bar friendly.

A curved cutout at one end lets you get the light close to the centre of your bar, the cutout cleverly flowing round the end of the stem, keeping things nice and neat.

It's quite a chunky unit, but because it sits so close to the bar, it blends in without spoiling the lines of your bike. At 64g it's lighter than it looks, if not quite weight-weenie level. Classic Lezyne, it feels comfortably over-engineered, and though it doesn't explicitly state any kind of shock proofing, its co-moulded lens/body construction feels like it could take a beating.

Further changes

There are a few other subtle, but nonetheless important, updates on this new model. The first is an increase in runtime, with Lezyne claiming a potential maximum 21hrs 30mins on the most frugal 50 lumen flash, which is really impressive. In testing, the least frugal – the 100 lumen Blast – managed a commendable 3hrs 30m, which is an hour longer than Lezyne claims.

This increase is no doubt largely due to improvements in battery technology, but it's aided by the automatic switch to economy mode (a 15 lumen constant light) once the battery dips under five per cent - a feature that wasn't on the original model all those years ago.

As before, the battery indicator is built into the lens - green means the battery charge is over 75%, green and red means it's between 75-25%, while red means that the battery is below 25%. You can press the power button to check without turning the light on, which is really convenient.

> The best 2020 front lights for cycling: Our big beam comparison engine plus how-to-choose guide

Not only is the battery longer lasting, it's quicker to charge - just two hours versus the three of the old model. Thankfully, the integrated USB connector hasn't been changed. Hidden behind the rubber cap on the side, it's a feature we love because it means there's no scrounging around for the right cable when you want to charge it.

Lezyne claims the design is waterproof, and a few minutes under a running tap did nothing to prove that wrong.

Value

At £35, the Strip Light Front is well priced. The Giant Recon HL 200 front light is the same price, is lighter, and though not quite as nicely designed or with as many modes, it's got similar run times and a substantial 30-hour battery life (though only at a rather weedy 10 lumens, against the Lezyne's 21hrs+ at 50 lumens).

It can't match the Lezyne's 400 lumen day flash mode, though.

Knog's smart-looking Cobber Mid Front Light is also lighter than the Strip Drive, fits flush with your bars, and offers an unbeatable 120hrs (on 25 lumen flash) along with an impressive, if not quite as bright, 320 lumen maximum. It's nearly twice the price at £59.99 though.

> 18 best rear bike lights for 2020 — boost your day & night visibility

The Exposure Trace DayBright is another great option, as it weighs only 44g and costs just £5 more than the Strip Drive. It boasts a decent 110 lumens with three hours run time, or 24 hours in its dimmest flash. It does sit atop the bar rather than flush, though, so it's not as neat.

The updated Lezyne Strip Drive is well made, bright, easy to use and feels really robust. It's an excellent way of getting yourself seen, day or night, whatever the weather, at a competitive price.

Verdict

Powerful, effective and efficient safety light – bright enough to combat even winter sun

road.cc test report

Make and model: Lezyne Strip Drive 400

Size tested: 400 Lumens

Tell us what the light is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Lezyne says, "The Strip Drive Front is a highly versatile LED cycling light offering up to 400 lumens. It features a lightweight and waterproof design with a durable co-molded lens/body construction."

It's a light to get you noticed, rather than to light the way in the dark.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the light?

MAX LUMENS: 400

WEIGHT: 69g (tested)

MAX RUNTIME: 21:30 hours (claimed)

RECHARGE TIME: 3:30 hours (tested)

Rate the light for quality of construction:
 
9/10

Very good build quality.

Rate the light for design and ease of use. How simple was the light to use?
 
9/10

Very easy to use, and not needing a cable to recharge it is brilliant. It fits all kinds of bars (including aero bars) and is cleverly designed to allow you to mount it close to the stem.

Rate the light for the design and usability of the clamping system/s
 
9/10

Simple but very effective - it takes seconds to attach, and the wide rubber strap holds the light firmly in place.

Rate the light for waterproofing. How did it stand up to the elements?
 
9/10

Lezyne doesn't say much other than "waterproof," but no issues. No signs of water ingress even after it sat under a tap for several minutes.

Rate the light for battery life. How long did it last? How long did it take to recharge?
 
8/10

Battery life is good. At a constant 100 lumens, the Strip Drive lasts 3:30 hours – an hour and a half longer than Lezyne's claims. Charging is super easy thanks to the built-in USB stick - no need to find that cable!

Rate the light for performance:
 
9/10

Very visible on all settings, especially with the day flash. The 100 lumen constant mode doesn't light the road, though, so this is more of a be-seen light.

Rate the light for durability:
 
9/10

Typical Lezyne build quality – feels like it'll last many years.

Rate the light for weight:
 
7/10

Not the lightest in this field, but lighter competitors don't offer quite as much power.

Rate the light for value:
 
7/10

On par for its performance.

Tell us how the light performed overall when used for its designed purpose

The five LEDs really help you stand out, while the new day flash setting is noticeable on even in low, bright winter sun.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the light

Fast charging.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the light

Nothing.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

Compared with similar performing products, it's priced pretty well. It's the same price as the Giant Recon HL 200, but brighter and cheaper than the Exposure Trace DayBright. Even the Knog Cobber Mid Front Light, with its 320 lumen flash mode, isn't as powerful and it's almost twice the price. All three are slightly lighter though (only around 20g, but still).

Did you enjoy using the light? Yes

Would you consider buying the light? Yes

Would you recommend the light to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

The Lezyne Strip Drive is a really good light, and punches harder than many with its 400 lumen flash mode. It would be a nine if it was just a bit lighter.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 39  Height: 6'4  Weight: 175lbs

I usually ride: Steel audax bike  My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, touring, club rides, sportives,

Add new comment

12 comments

Avatar
RillettesCamembert | 3 years ago
0 likes

Thanks for the review - Is the strap big enough to fit it vertically on the fork arms? My handlebar is overshadowed by my handlebar bag and I fancy a Christmas tree look!

Avatar
Truffl3Shuffl3 replied to RillettesCamembert | 3 years ago
0 likes

I'll check on my next coffe break this morning and let you know, but I should think it can be stretched to go round. I am assuming you're mounting to straight forks? Otherwise you'll be lighting up the sky like Batman!

Avatar
Truffl3Shuffl3 replied to Truffl3Shuffl3 | 3 years ago
1 like

Plenty of room on the strap, even on chunky carbon forks.

Avatar
RillettesCamembert replied to Truffl3Shuffl3 | 3 years ago
0 likes

Thanks a lot for your reply ad the picture! Indeed it might light up the sky, but maybe it could still work as a be-seen option (best option so far though - I still have a bit of overthinking to do for the perfect setup for my commuter!)

Avatar
Truffl3Shuffl3 replied to RillettesCamembert | 3 years ago
0 likes

I think you may even be able to stick a bit of innertube behind the mount to make it point down... just a thought.

Avatar
Sriracha | 3 years ago
1 like
Quote:

Thankfully, the integrated USB connector hasn't been changed.

The idea that people will charge these lights by plugging them into a 500mA usb-A port of their laptop all day might find traction with some desk-bound office commuters, until their new laptop comes with usb-C ports only. Even my phone charger has a usb-C outlet only. I don't understand why all the cycle light manufacturers are so stubborn over adopting usb-C.

Avatar
Truffl3Shuffl3 replied to Sriracha | 3 years ago
1 like

One word: cost. It's still significantly cheaper to manufacturer using old USB standards. Plus, it means not having to redesign the internals of the light, which again saves money.

Plus, in this instance USB-A is much more prevalent still than aging connectors like micro USB or the newer USB C standard.

 At least it's not a lightning connector 😉 
 

 

Avatar
Sriracha replied to Truffl3Shuffl3 | 3 years ago
2 likes

Let me paraphrase then; "New for 2020, ..." built in obsolescence.

Avatar
Truffl3Shuffl3 replied to Sriracha | 3 years ago
0 likes

I don't see the USB-A standard disappearing for a very long time. If you look at new hubs for Macs they all come with them. Don't forget there a lot of legacy devices out there that rely on USB-A... printers, cameras etc etc.

Avatar
wycombewheeler replied to Truffl3Shuffl3 | 3 years ago
0 likes
Truffl3Shuffl3 wrote:

I don't see the USB-A standard disappearing for a very long time. If you look at new hubs for Macs they all come with them. Don't forget there a lot of legacy devices out there that rely on USB-A... printers, cameras etc etc.

Not to mention you can buy 13A electrical sockets which incorporate USB sockets for charging devices without plugging in an adapter.

I'm perfectly happy for charging cables to have USB A on one end and USB C on the other end, more than enough places to plug in USB for charging, and to be honest charging via the USB socket on a laptop is pretty poor, I'd rather take one of the twenty 13A-USB adapters that we have into the office.

I'd be less happy with a computer that was supplied with only USB-C sockets, mouse/keyboard/ant+ dongle/headset would all need replacing.

USB-C was invented mainly as a way of saving space in small devices like phones, with a side benefit of being symmetrical so  no getting the plug the wrong way up.

Avatar
HoarseMann replied to Truffl3Shuffl3 | 3 years ago
0 likes

 

Yep, I'd agree in this case, USB A is probably the best choice.

Whilst USB C is smaller and can carry more current, the size isn't really a problem for the physical form of the light and it's unlikely the small battery of the light could sink the additional watts USB C could provide anyway.

Plus, if you needed a charge in an emergency, then I still think you'd have a better chance of finding a USB A port than USB C at the moment.

Avatar
Jetmans Dad replied to Sriracha | 3 years ago
0 likes

Both my phone and tablet are USB-C only, but the chargers both have standard USB-A type sockets allowing them to be used with any cable that uses that standard whether it be USB-C (those devices), Mini (Garmin Edge) or Micro (my previous phone now used when Zwifting). Works perfectly well with all of them. 

And that is leaving aside that a USB-A to USB-C convertor is a few quid as is a USB-A to USB-C cable. 

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