When I started bicycle commuting, the need for a headlight became a high priority since my morning commute is under cover of darkness.
I’ve owned and used the following headlights: the Planet Bike Blaze 1/2 watt and the Blackburn X8. In each case, I’ve upgraded to a more powerful light since I have some dark sections of my commute that lack street lights.
My latest bicycle light is the Light & Motion Seca 400 and so far, I’m thrilled with it.
While the Seca 400 is marketed as an off road light, its 400 lumens of light and unique beam pattern make it a powerful ally to bicycle commuters.
Here are my primary observations after about 4 months of use…
- Beam Pattern: the Seca 400 provides a wide beam pattern with a center focus of light. It’s unique design creates a wide “u-shaped” beam that does a great job illuminating the road ahead.
- Weight/Size: the Seca 400 and its small, lithium-ion battery weigh just under a pound. While weight is not as much of a concern on my commuter bike, you won’t hear me complaining about this powerful, lightweight lantern.
- Mounting: you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to mount this light on your handlebar (or helmet) and you’ll wonder why every other light you’ve ever owned used something more complex. The Seca 400 has a stretchable, elastic band that allows you to attach it snugly to handlebars of various sizes. The band holds the light firmly in place no matter what kind of bumps the road throws your way.
- Battery Life: Light & Motion indicates about 2.5 hours of burn time at the full 400 lumens setting. So far, I have no reason to doubt this claim. I’m able to use the light for 2-3 commutes on my bike before recharging. I use the full 400 lumens during dark spots of my ride and either 100 or 200 lumens for brighter sections of the road lit by street lamps. On my ride home in the daylight, I use the flashing mode to help drivers see me.
Here are a few more pics of my Seca 400:

If you’re in the market for a bicycle light, the Seca 400 provides a powerful, reliable headlight that lets you spot road hazards while alerting drivers to your presence. I highly recommend this well-designed and high-quality light!

Looks nice, but can you recommend something a bit more inexpensive?