Choosing the Right Light
Overview
kLite offers 2 distinct lights, the kLite Ultra RACE and the
kLite Ultra ADVENTURE. These differ in a number of ways with the primary difference being the beam patterns they provide.
With the RACE light the beam pattern is designed to provide a powerful concentrated long throw beam that's suited for moving at speed, illuminating the road ahead. The ADVENTURE light offers a wider beam that allows for greater peripheral vision - perfect for rougher trails and off piste exploring.
kLite
Ultra RACE Light
Beam Pattern
This is the best light in the kLite range for flying down rough roads at speed. With its specifically selected optical elements it provides great versatility, allowing you to move quickly, throwing tons of light down the road. When navigating tricky sections of track at slower speeds its single flood lens element helps you by providing a wider field of view.
BEAM PATTERN - TOP VIEW
RACE OPTICS WEIGHTED TOWARDS PROVIDING MORE THROW. PERFECT FOR MOVING AT SPEED.
Riding Style
The Ultra RACE beam pattern is perfect for all types of race scenarios. Because it has the best throw it brightly illuminates the path ahead allowing you to ride faster on flat ground and descents.
For true off road races such as the Silk Road Mountain Race or the Tour Divide most riders would also run a rechargeable helmet light to help navigate really windy sections of trail. The kLite ULTRA Race combined with a helmet light is recommended for travelling fast on challenging terrain.
BEAM PATTERN WEIGHTED TOWARDS PROVIDING MORE THROW. PERFECT FOR MOVING AT SPEED.
kLite
Ultra ADVENTURE Light
Beam Pattern
Throwing a bright ultra wide beam the kLite Ultra ADVENTURE Light is perfect for sketchy descents and tight cornering, illuminating brightly even at low speeds.
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This design works well without a dedicated helmet light, lighting up the trail and obstacles around you.
BEAM PATTERN - TOP VIEW
ADVENTURE OPTICS WEIGHTED TOWARDS PROVIDING MORE PERIPHERAL VISION. PERFECT FOR TOUGH TRACKS.
Riding Style
The Ultra ADVENTURE beam pattern covers all the bases nicely providing a single solution for riding both rough roads and sketchy trails.
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The beam pattern is weighted towards a wide field of view meaning you'll always be able to see what's ahead. This focus on peripheral vision comes at a cost of overall throw, making it the best choice for people adventuring rather than racing.
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BEAM PATTERN WEIGHTED TOWARDS PROVIDING MORE PERIPHERAL VISION. PERFECT FOR TOUGH TRAILS.
COMPARISON
How does this translate to riding on the bike?
From the info above you should be able to get a good sense of which system best suits your needs. If you race or travel at speed then the RACE light is most likely the best choice. If you're more into bikepacking and exploring away from recharge opportunities then the ADVENTURE light most likely is the one to go for. They both have different USB device charging workflows with the RACE system giving you a bit more flexibility by allowing you to charge all the time. This requires a little more brain power out in the field that the ADVENTURE system requires, which is very easy to use.
Figuring out what speed you ride
Both lighting systems begin to output light at low riding speeds (around 10 km/hr) which is helpful for tough sections of trail.
The RACE light allows for faster travelling as it has a beam that throws more light straight down the road - great at between 15 and 50 km/hr. The ADVENTURE light provides great peripheral coverage at the expense of throw so is better suited between 15 and 30 km/hr. You'll be able to see more of what's around you though which if it's really rough is pretty handy!
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It's worth thinking about when and where you'll need light (faster easy gravel roads or slower technical descents) and get the system that works best in these environments.