Time trial front lights

With new rules now in play we review the best options

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As of 2022, a front light is compulsory for all time trials run under the rules and regs of Cycling Time Trials, the UK’s governing body – that goes for both open and club TTs.

A rear light has been mandatory since 2020, with most testers now having settled on their favourite unit that does the job of both making them visible and not losing them too many watts in aerodynamic drag.

But how to solve the problem of fixing a front light to the streamlined, wind tunnel-tested cockpit of a TT rig? The regulation reads: “No competitor shall be permitted to start either a Type A [open] or Type B [club] event unless such competitor has affied to the front of their machine a working front white light, either flashing or constant, that is illuminated and in a position that is clearly visible to other road users.” As with the rear, the reg doesn’t specify a minimum size, lumen count or any other measure of brightness, which means there are a lot of options and solutions out there, ranging from the tiny blinky to the high-powered, highend aluminium unit with a bespoke TT extension mount, depending on whether you plan to obey the letter or the spirit of the rule.

We’ve rounded up a selection of highlights from the most popular light brands including Cateye, Exposure, Knog, Lezyne and Moon and grouped them by type to give you an idea of what you can expect in each category.

We’ve also looked into the best ways to mount lights to your TT rig – see the panel.

Knog Blinder Mini Cross £26.99

Weight 17g