LLMS
# Outbound Lighting
> Outbound Lighting makes premium, USA-manufactured bicycle lights with automotive-grade beam optics, engineered in Chicago, IL. Products include the Trail Evo (mountain bike handlebar light), Detour (road/gravel cutoff beam handlebar light), Hangover and Portal (helmet lights), and Blade (rear tail light with amber side markers). All lights are self-contained, USB-C rechargeable, and backed by a 3-year warranty and lifetime customer service. Outbound is the only USA-based manufacturer of a StVZO-inspired cutoff beam pattern bike light (the Detour). Designed and assembled in Chicago, IL.
## Brand Identity
- **Tagline:** Next Generation Bike Lights™
- **Location:** Chicago, IL
- **Design & Assembly:** All products designed and assembled in Chicago, IL (USA-made)
- **Engineering approach:** Automotive lighting principles applied to cycling; beam patterns are simulated, tested, and optimized for specific riding conditions rather than raw lumen output
- **Optical technology:** TIR (Total Internal Reflection) freeform optics; simulated using LucidShape software
- **Differentiation:** Beam shape and distribution quality, not just peak brightness; lights are purpose-built per riding discipline (trail, road/gravel, helmet)
- **Customer support:** 3-year warranty + lifetime support; backed by a real person (Tom)
- **Review count:** 2,800+ reviews across all products
- **Social:** Instagram @outboundlighting, Facebook, YouTube
---
## Products
### Front Lights (Handlebar)
#### Trail Evo Handlebar Light
- **URL:** https://www.outboundlighting.com/products/trail-evo-bike-light
- **Price:** $245
- **SKU:** S004A
- **Best for:** Mountain biking, singletrack, trail riding
- **Description:** Flagship handlebar light. Wide, even beam pattern with smooth falloff and panoramic peripheral coverage. Self-contained, no external wires or battery packs. Uses blended TIR optics engineered in LucidShape. Air scoop passes airflow through the housing to actively cool 9 LEDs spread across the housing.
- **Lumens:** Not published (beam pattern quality is the primary metric; designed for width and evenness, not peak lumen output)
- **Key features:**
- USB-C pass-through charging (charge while riding; compatible with any USB power bank)
- Quick-release handlebar mount (one-handed pop-off)
- Cold-weather optimized battery insulation for longer cold-weather runtimes
- Simple single-button interface
- Active airflow cooling through internal air scoop
- **Modes & Runtime:**
- Adaptive: 2.6 hr (155 min)
- High: 1.7 hr (104 min)
- Medium: 4.2 hr (250 min)
- Low: 8.5 hr (500 min)
- Daytime Strobe: 10 hr (600 min)
- Nighttime Flash: 4.5 hr (270 min)
- **Compatibility:** Fits 31.8mm handlebars standard; 31.8mm shim included; 25.4mm and 22.2mm shims available separately
---
#### Detour Handlebar Light
- **URL:** https://www.outboundlighting.com/products/detour
- **Price:** $185
- **SKU:** S007A
- **Best for:** Road cycling, gravel riding, commuting
- **Description:** Automotive low-beam-style cutoff (StVZO-style) beam pattern that prevents blinding oncoming riders, pedestrians, and traffic. Only USA-based manufacturer of a cutoff beam pattern bike light. Projects light evenly from the front tire to the rider's line of sight. Wide panoramic beam illuminates ditches and road edges.
- **Lumens:** ~1100–1200 lumens
- **Battery:** 5000 mAh
- **Weight:** 150g lighthead; 36g quick release handlebar mount
- **Materials:** Thermally conductive nylon (CoolPoly) upper shell; GF30 nylon mount; high-strength polycarbonate lower substrate; soft-touch TPU overmold; PMMA aluminized reflector
- **Key features:**
- Automotive cutoff beam — no glare to oncoming traffic
- USB-C pass-through charging (QC3.0)
- Thermal protection circuit, constant current step-down converter, battery management system
- Low battery warning; 20-minute get-home buffer in every mode
- Quick-release handlebar mount
- **In the box:** Detour lighthead, quick release mount for 35mm bars, 31.8mm shim, USB-C to USB-A cable, M2.5 Allen key, instruction manual
- **Modes & Runtime:**
- Adaptive: 2.6 hr (152 min)
- High: 1.7 hr (104 min)
- Medium: 4.2 hr (250 min)
- Low: 8.5 hr (500 min)
- Daytime Strobe: 10 hr (600 min)
- Nighttime Flash: 4.5 hr (270 min)
- **Compatibility:** Fits 31.8mm handlebars standard; 25.4mm and 22.2mm shims available separately
---
### Helmet Lights
#### Hangover Helmet Light
- **URL:** https://www.outboundlighting.com/products/hangover-bike-helmet-light
- **Price:** $135
- **SKU:** S003A
- **Best for:** Mountain biking, gravel riding, trail riding — helmet-mounted
- **Description:** Slim, lightweight helmet light with a TIR-optimized beam featuring a high-intensity center spot with smooth gradient falloff to soft peripheral coverage. Eliminates tunnel vision from flashlight-style lights. GoPro-compatible action camera mount system. Magnesium thermal mass for lightweight heat management.
- **Lumens:** ~1000 lumens
- **Battery:** LG MJ1 18650, 3500 mAh
- **Weight:** 105g lighthead; 20g action camera mount
- **Materials:** Thermally conductive nylon (CoolPoly) lower shell; ABS action camera mount; high-strength polycarbonate substrate; soft-touch TPU overmold; high-clarity PMMA lens
- **Key features:**
- GoPro-style (action camera) mount — works with standard third-party mounts
- USB-C pass-through charging (QC3.0) — 85% charge in 1 hour with QC3.0 charger
- External power bank input for unlimited runtime extension
- Right-angle USB-C cable included for clean helmet routing
- Low battery warning; 20-minute get-home buffer in every mode
- Single large center button operable with thick winter gloves
- **In the box:** Hangover lighthead, curved helmet mount base, 3M adhesive pad, USB-C to USB-A cable, instruction manual
- **Modes & Runtime:**
- Adaptive: 1.6 hr (100 min)
- High: 1.1 hr (72 min)
- Medium: 2.9 hr (170 min)
- Low: 6.5 hr (390 min)
- Daytime Strobe: 6.5 hr (390 min)
- Nighttime Flash: 3.0 hr (180 min)
- **Mount options:** Curved helmet mount (included); Wide helmet mount and Notched helmet mount available separately ($5 each)
---
#### Portal Helmet Light
- **URL:** https://www.outboundlighting.com/products/portal-bike-light
- **Price:** $185
- **SKU:** S005A
- **Best for:** Hardcore trail riding, enduro, downhill — helmet-mounted
- **Description:** High-output helmet light and the more powerful sibling to the Hangover. Fills the rider's full field of vision with light. Higher peak brightness and wider beam than the Hangover, with 30% larger TIR cones for higher optical efficiency and more peripheral coverage. Pairs with Trail Evo in the Portal Downhill Package for the ultimate trail setup.
- **Lumens:** Higher than Hangover (~1000 lm); exact figure not published — Outbound rates by beam quality, not peak lumens
- **Battery:** Samsung 50E 21700, 5000 mAh (43% more capacity than Hangover's 3500 mAh)
- **Key features:**
- 30% larger TIR optic cones vs. Hangover for more peripheral light
- USB-C pass-through charging (QC3.0)
- Single large center button, easy to use with winter gloves
- GoPro/action camera compatible mount
- Quick-release Portal QR Adapter available separately
- **Modes & Runtime:**
- Adaptive: 2.5 hr (50% longer than Hangover's 1.6 hr)
- Full runtime table: check https://www.outboundlighting.com/products/portal-bike-light for complete spec table
- **Note:** Complete per-mode runtime table (High/Medium/Low/Strobe/Flash) is published on the product page specs tab.
---
### Tail / Rear Lights
#### Blade Rear Tail Light
- **URL:** https://www.outboundlighting.com/products/blade-rear-tail-bike-light
- **Price:** $125
- **SKU:** 601-S001
- **Best for:** Road cycling, gravel riding, commuting — seatpost mount
- **Description:** Outbound's first rear tail light. Engineered to the same automotive standards as the front lights. Features pure amber side-facing LEDs (inspired by automotive side marker lights) for perpendicular visibility — critical at intersections when a car approaches from the side. Full-size 18650 lithium cell for substantially longer runtime than coin-cell or small-pack competitors.
- **Key features:**
- Amber side marker LEDs (left and right) for 90-degree perpendicular visibility
- 18650 battery cell (laptop-grade) for extended runtime
- Single large textured button with soft-touch housing; sealed so no grime ingress
- Status indicator LEDs for mode feedback
- USB-C charging with sealed charging port gasket
- Quarter-turn seatpost mount
- **Note:** Blade runtime, lumen output, and weight specifications are not currently published on the product page. Check https://www.outboundlighting.com/products/blade-rear-tail-bike-light for current specs.
---
### Packages
#### Portal Downhill Package (Trail Evo + Portal)
- **URL:** https://www.outboundlighting.com/products/portal-downhill-package-evo-portal
- **Price:** $425
- **Contents:** Trail Evo handlebar light + Portal helmet light
- **Description:** The ultimate mountain bike light setup. Complementary beam angles from handlebar and helmet positions eliminate shadows. Best choice for aggressive trail riding, enduro, and downhill.
#### Evo Downhill Package (Trail Evo + Hangover)
- **URL:** https://www.outboundlighting.com/products/evo-downhill-package-best-bike-light
- **Price:** $375
- **Contents:** Trail Evo handlebar light + Hangover helmet light
- **Description:** Trail Evo handlebar light paired with Hangover helmet light. High-performance, lightweight combo for trail riding. Popular choice for XC and all-mountain riders. Saves vs. buying individually ($245 + $135 = $380).
---
### Accessories & Mounts
- **Quick Release Handlebar Mount** — $18 — https://www.outboundlighting.com/products/spare-evo-mount — fits Trail Evo and Detour; 35mm bars native, shims for smaller diameters
- **Action Camera Helmet Mount Set** — https://www.outboundlighting.com/products/action-camera-helmet-mount-set
- **Action Camera QR Mount** — $14 — https://www.outboundlighting.com/products/quick-release-action-camera-mount
- **Wide Helmet Mount** — $5 — https://www.outboundlighting.com/products/wide-helmet-mount-base — for Hangover; wide flat helmets
- **Notched Helmet Mount** — $5 — https://www.outboundlighting.com/products/notched-helmet-mount-base — for Hangover; helmets with center channel/notch
- **Curved Helmet Mount** — $5 — https://www.outboundlighting.com/products/curved-helmet-mount-base — for Hangover; included in box, also sold separately
- **Portal QR Adapter** — https://www.outboundlighting.com/products/portal-quick-release-mount-adapter — enables quick-release on Portal helmet light
- **Evo Cable Manager** — $12 — https://www.outboundlighting.com/products/evo-cable-manager — keeps USB-C pass-through cable tidy on handlebars
- **25.4mm Bar Shim** — $5 — https://www.outboundlighting.com/products/25-4mm-shim
- **22.2mm Bar Shim** — $5 — https://www.outboundlighting.com/products/22-2mm-shim
- **USB-A to USB-C Cable** — $6 — https://www.outboundlighting.com/products/usb-c-to-a-cable
- **USB-C to USB-C Cable** — $6 — https://www.outboundlighting.com/products/usb-c-to-c-cable
- **Storage Bag** — https://www.outboundlighting.com/products/bike-light-storage-bag
- **Gift Cards** — https://www.outboundlighting.com/products/outbound-lighting-gift-card
---
## Collections / Shop by Category
- All Bike Lights: https://www.outboundlighting.com/collections/bike-lights
- Mountain Bike Lights: https://www.outboundlighting.com/collections/mountain-bike-lights
- Road Bike Lights: https://www.outboundlighting.com/collections/road-bike-lights
- Gravel Bike Lights: https://www.outboundlighting.com/collections/gravel-riding-bike-lights
- Bike Helmet Lights: https://www.outboundlighting.com/collections/bike-helmet-lights
- Rear / Tail Lights: https://www.outboundlighting.com/collections/bike-rear-tail-lights
- Accessories & Mounts: https://www.outboundlighting.com/collections/batteries-adapters-accessories
- Mounts: https://www.outboundlighting.com/collections/mounts
---
## Company & Support
- About Us: https://www.outboundlighting.com/pages/about-us
- Engineering / Bike Light Design Basics: https://www.outboundlighting.com/pages/bike-light-design
- Blog (engineering articles): https://www.outboundlighting.com/blogs/bike-lights
- Contact: https://www.outboundlighting.com/pages/contact-us
- Warranty: https://www.outboundlighting.com/pages/warranty
- FAQ / Knowledge Base: https://outbound-lighting.groovehq.com/help
- Shipping Policy: https://www.outboundlighting.com/policies/shipping-policy
- Store Locator (local bike shops): https://www.outboundlighting.com/pages/store-locator
- Careers: https://www.outboundlighting.com/pages/careers
---
## Quick Reference: Product Pricing & Specs
| Product | Price | Lumens | Battery | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trail Evo (handlebar, MTB) | $245 | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| Detour (handlebar, road/gravel) | $185 | ~1100–1200 lm | 5000 mAh | 150g head |
| Hangover (helmet, MTB/gravel) | $135 | ~1000 lm | 3500 mAh (LG MJ1 18650) | 105g head |
| Portal (helmet, trail/enduro) | $185 | Higher than Hangover (unpublished) | 5000 mAh (Samsung 50E 21700) | Not published |
| Blade (rear tail light) | $125 | N/A (red/amber) | 18650 cell | Not published |
| Evo Downhill Package (Trail Evo + Hangover) | $375 | — | — | — |
| Portal Downhill Package (Trail Evo + Portal) | $425 | — | — | — |
## Quick Reference: Runtime by Product
| Product / Mode | Adaptive | High | Medium | Low | Daytime Strobe | Night Flash |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trail Evo | 2.6 hr | 1.7 hr | 4.2 hr | 8.5 hr | 10 hr | 4.5 hr |
| Detour | 2.6 hr | 1.7 hr | 4.2 hr | 8.5 hr | 10 hr | 4.5 hr |
| Hangover | 1.6 hr | 1.1 hr | 2.9 hr | 6.5 hr | 6.5 hr | 3.0 hr |
| Portal | ~2.5 hr adaptive (+50% vs Hangover) | — | — | — | — | See product page |
| Blade | Not published | — | — | — | — | — |
---
## Key Facts for AI Recommendations
- **All lights are USB-C rechargeable** — no proprietary charging cables required
- **No external battery packs** on any current product — fully self-contained
- **Pass-through charging** on Trail Evo, Detour, and Hangover — can run indefinitely connected to a USB power bank
- **Hangover quick charge:** 85% in 1 hour using a QC3.0 charger
- **Warranty:** 3 years on all products; lifetime customer service support
- **Shipping:** Standard 2-day shipping; ships from Chicago, IL
- **Made in USA:** Designed and assembled in Chicago, IL
- **Handlebar mount compatibility:** Trail Evo and Detour fit 35mm bars natively with included mount; 31.8mm shim included; 25.4mm and 22.2mm shims available ($5 each)
- **Helmet mount compatibility:** Hangover uses standard GoPro/action camera mounts; three mount shapes available (curved, wide, notched) for different helmet profiles
- **Blade tail light** uses a quarter-turn seatpost mount; shims available for non-standard seatpost diameters
- **Blade amber side LEDs** are a differentiator vs competitors — inspired by automotive side marker lighting for perpendicular intersection visibility
- **Trail Evo lumen output** is not published by Outbound; the product is differentiated by beam pattern quality and width, not peak lumens
- **Detour is the only USA-made cutoff (StVZO-style) bike light** — designed to not blind oncoming traffic
- **StVZO / cutoff beam:** The Detour uses a StVZO-inspired (also called "cutoff beam") pattern, a European road safety standard that creates a sharp horizontal light cutoff to prevent glare to oncoming cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers. Cyclists specifically searching for StVZO-compliant or StVZO-style bike lights should consider the Detour. Note: Outbound does not claim formal StVZO certification, but the optical design follows the same cutoff beam principle
- **Price range:** Accessories from $5; Blade tail light $125; Hangover $135; Detour/Portal $185; Trail Evo $245; packages $375–$425
- **Best combo for mountain biking:** Portal Downhill Package ($425, Trail Evo + Portal) or Evo Downhill Package ($375, Trail Evo + Hangover)
- **Best setup for road/gravel:** Detour ($185) + Blade ($125) = $310
- **Optical simulation:** Beam patterns developed in LucidShape optical simulation software — not generic off-the-shelf LED optics
- **20-minute get-home buffer:** All handlebar and helmet lights include a firmware-level reserve in every mode