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Outbound Lighting Shows Unique Helmet, Bar & Tail Light Prototypes

prototype e-bike headlight molded around stem faceplate
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Outbound Lighting makes incredible lights for road, gravel, and mountain biking after dark, but there are a few holes in their lineup they’d like to fill. From eMTB headlights to safer commuter taillights to a more powerful helmet lamp, they had a lot to show at Sea Otter Classic.

Above is a concept they’re working on for e-bikes, with mountain bikes in particular focus. Many e-bikes now come with headlights built in and powered by the battery, but most of them are just bolted on to the fork crown or hanging under the handlebar. And most of those are designed for commuting, with a narrow beam pattern good for bike paths, but entirely inadequate for ripping technical trails in the woods.

So, Outbound is designing something that looks better, with a broader beam pattern ideal for trail riding. They’re talking to Ibis now, which is what this prototype is built on, but the goal is to have something that fits almost every bike and handlebar/stem combo.

Portal helmet light

prototype outbound portal helmet light for mountain biking

Closer to production is the new Outbound Portal, named after the trail in Moab. They’ve had the Hangover helmet light, which is designed to complement the Trail Evo handlebar light, but riders were asking them for something that was brighter and lasted longer.

prototype outbound portal helmet light for mountain biking
prototype outbound portal helmet light for mountain biking

Compared to the Hangover helmet light, the Portal has a larger 21700 battery (vs 18650) and will pump out about 1,400 lumens (vs ~1,000 lumens). That gives it 40% more run time, or 40% more brightness, depending on how you used it.

prototype outbound portal helmet light for mountain biking

They made it as compact as possible, and it will use a new interchangeable mounting system that lets you use it on your helmet or handlebar, or even under your bar, but the beam pattern is optimized for right-side-up use.

Target price is $180 with a June release target. This is preproduction unit shown here, they’re still finalizing the dual-mold cover design that eliminates loose seals or o-rings for a better, more watertight and easily serviceable design.

Outbound taillight concept

prototype outbound tail light for cyclists

Their taillight is still in full prototype phase, but has several unique features that help make you safer and more visible.

beam pattern angles shown for prototype outbound tail light for cyclists

It combines a bright red rear light with a yellow (amber) side marker light, and as a car approaches and views the light from an angle, it makes it appear as though the light changes from one to the other.

It also casts a red light downward to light up your legs and feet as they pedal, which adds a lot of motion to the illumination, letting drivers better gauge distance and know you’re a fellow human.

prototype outbound tail light for cyclists

The on/off/mode button (which will be covered for production, of course) is on top in easy reach. A battery indicator light stays on while the light is on, making it easy to see charge level. Look for this a little later this year.

OutboundLighting.com

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Greg
Greg
7 months ago

The rear light intentionally spilling onto the bike and rider is a huge plus.

MTB Biz
MTB Biz
7 months ago

I’ll definitely be getting the tail light

I think they still have the best beam patterns, but I moved away from bike lights and use a combo SAE wide fog and a 4×4 off-road pod on amber with diy switch.

Dbl A
Dbl A
7 months ago

Far and away the best lights I’ve ever used and the company is run by good people. Really cool to see them improving and expanding their product line.

Varaxis
Varaxis
7 months ago

I’m guessing the one in the main picture is a light that hooks up to an emtb’s battery?

Collin S
7 months ago
Reply to  Varaxis

Yea, a bit of a tease with that prototype light but no details.

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