The Oxford UltraTorch CL1000 is a compact light with a wide range of modes and well thought-out features that make it practical to use. It's also very competitively priced.
The 1000 lumens output is plenty powerful enough for unlit country routes and the alloy body has a double-action button that allows you to cycle through the modes in both directions, which saves time considering there are eight mode options.
A battery indicator shows remaining run time in hours and an integral USB output is an on-the-go advantage because you can use the light as a power bank to charge other equipment, such as a GPS device.
However, while an IPX rating of 4 will withstand rain, it is the minimum I would recommend for UK riding.
I found the light quality very clean with a smooth graduation that illuminates the ground right up to the front wheel. Side lights give excellent safety visibility with no upward glare to distract the rider, too.
The one-piece bar bracket is solid, with a single Allen key fixing and a pivot hinge, which means you don’t lose the bottom half if you fumble when fitting it.
The light clicks firmly into place, but I did sometimes notice a slight rattle when riding, although it never actually felt loose.
There’s no lateral adjustment at the light mount, but the beam pattern is so wide I didn’t find this to be an issue.
Practicality is written through the design of this light, from the button that allows travel up and down through the modes to the clear LCD screen positioned on top that displays the remaining battery charge.
The USB output that allows it to be used as a power bank is situated next to the micro-USB charging port. It has a firm seal, but the location means the charging point is exposed to the elements if you use it while riding.
This is a light packed with useful features, and together with the reach and quality of its beam, it delivers excellent value for money.
How we tested
With darker nights upon us, we put eight front road bike lights to the test.
Unlimited budgets are a luxury, though, so each light is priced under £100 and has a brightness of between 500 and 1,000 lumens (with one measured in lux).
As well as brightness, we considered beam performance, run times, mode options, any waterproofing claims, as well as the unit’s construction and other features, such as mount types.
The lights were all tested in urban conditions and on unlit and rural roads.
Also on test
Product
| Brand | oxford |
| Price | 55.00 GBP |
| Weight | 219.0000, GRAM () - with bracket |
Features
| br_lightType | front |
| br_integratedBattery | yes |
| Features | Lux @ 5m high beam: 248 Run time: 90 minutes at max power IP/waterproof rating: 4 Battery capacity: 2 x 2400mAh Modes: 8 – 100%, 65%, 40%, 15%, 2%, Day Flash, Flash Plus, Flashing |
| br_outputLumens | 1000 |
