Lumicycle Explorer 2 Enduro Pack front light review

Lumicycle’s Explorer 2 front light boasts a maximum output of 3,250 lumens in Smart Boost mode, from the four Cree LEDs mounted in its 223g head unit.

Powered by Lumicycle’s 3,400mAh battery (300g), the Explorer 2 is claimed to run for 1.35 hours at its constant 3,000-lumen maximum output.

All in, the Explorer 2, with its battery pack, mount and attachment straps, weighs 534g and retails for £309.99.

The shape of the head unit’s machined aircraft-grade aluminium body has been inspired by Formula 1 aerodynamics to improve airflow and reduce heat build-up.

The single rear-facing toggle switch turns the light on and off, and changes between the eight modes. Five of these are constant and three are flashing.

An LED, fitted to the back of the light, uses a sequence of colour changes and flashes between red, orange, green and blue to denote mode and battery life.

A tool-free quick-release clamp is compatible with 22mm to 37mm handlebar diameters, relying on pinned links to increase its size.

If paired with another compatible Lumicycle light, wireless connectivity means all the lights can be controlled at once with a master unit.

Lumicycle Explorer 2 Enduro Pack performance

The mount’s modular, pinned-together bar clamp design means tools are required to modify it for use on 31.8mm or 35mm handlebars. While the process is relatively easy, having to do so isn’t befitting of the Explorer 2’s asking price.

However, the tool-free clamp nut makes removal or installation quick and easy, and getting it tight enough to eliminate light movement is just as straightforward.

Visually chunky, the battery pack’s flexible rubber arms squash down and cup the frame’s tube as the straps are tightened. Strap length (215mm) is fairly short, and they’re unable to wrap around chunky electric bike down tubes, potentially limiting battery placement options.

Not restricting battery placement, however, is the head unit connecting cable at 640mm long. No Velcro or rubberised tie-downs are supplied, but they probably should be for the price.

On the trail

The Explorer 2’s beam is cast long and wide down and across the trail ahead. Its impressive pattern is matched with plenty of power, helping create ample context and detail.

This balanced and extensive beam width helps you spot lines around tight switchbacks while climbing and descending. Only the most acute angles test the scope of the Explorer’s performance.

Improving the beam’s width is the light’s gradual fade to dark at its most far-flung reaches; there’s no abrupt transition from light to shadow at the peripheries.

Plenty of light is cast downward too, so when you hit a take-off or drop, the ground doesn’t plunge into darkness, which boosts your confidence.

While there's plenty of power on tap to ride even the gnarliest and fastest trails with total confidence, there are no hotspots of light or bleached-out colours.

In fact, the beam has a gentle green, yellow and white hue, which picks out both the vegetation and the browner trail surfaces beautifully. This ensures obstacles and features pop, making them easier to spot.

The light’s toggle switch should be easy to use, but on the trail the throw of its movement and position in relation to your hand make changing modes tricky.

Unfortunately, that’s something you’ll have to do quite a bit.

On the trail, the Explorer’s thermal throttling is pretty aggressive, cutting power after only a few minutes in the highest constant 3,000-lumen output. You’ll need to set the light back to this mode once it has cooled, requiring multiple touches of the toggle switch.

The battery and mode LED indicator has multiple combinations of flashing colours to denote key information.

It’s too complex to understand definitively without reading the manual carefully, and intuitive operation is important to prevent getting caught out with no battery power.

How long does the Lumicycle Explorer 2 Enduro Pack’s battery last?

Set to its 3,000-lumen constant output mode, the Lumicycle Explorer 2 Enduro Pack’s battery lasts for 1.1 hours, which is just under 30 minutes less than the brand claims.

Unlike on the trail, during the run-time test I didn’t experience any issues with thermal throttling, helped by the cooling fan, water mister and ice packs.

Lumicycle Explorer 2 Enduro Pack bottom line

The beautifully made Explorer 2 head unit is backed up by impressive LED power, hue and beam spread, highlighting plenty of the trail ahead in striking definition.

However, the functionality of its clamp and toggle switch hinders the overall premium feel of what is otherwise a great mountain bike light.

For people who live in warmer climates, the thermal throttling will also be prohibitive.