Giant Recon HL1800 front light review

Complete with a smart mode that’s genuinely useful, a long run time, and excellent mounting options

Giant Recon HL1800 front bike light with badge
(Image: © Josh Ross)

Cyclingnews Verdict

A smart mode that makes a lot of sense and a long burn time are paired with mounting options that fit under the cables, fit oval-shaped aero bars, and an included GoPro mount to make for a genuinely decent light

Pros

  • +

    Includes a GoPro mount

  • +

    Operates while charging

  • +

    Smart mode is useful

  • +

    Mounting system is solid

  • +

    Works with oval-shaped aero bars

Cons

  • -

    Easy to switch on accidentally

  • -

    Still using the outdated micro-USB port

  • -

    Charging port is inconvenient to reach when riding

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We previously reviewed the Giant Recon HL1600 and added it to our list of the best bike lights available, and the Giant Recon HL1800 is a follow up that makes only small changes. The landscape has changed a bit though, and there are a lot of excellent lights available closer to the price and lumens of the HL1800. That leaves the question open, does the HL1800 still deserve a spot on our list?

We've spent the time riding in the dark to figure out what works about the updated HL1800. We looked for anything it may have lost and checked to see if the promises made have been followed through. If you are looking for a powerful, self-contained front bike light, keep reading to see what we think of this new version.

Josh Ross

Josh hails from the Pacific Northwest of the United States but would prefer riding through the desert than the rain. He will happily talk for hours about the minutiae of cycling tech but also has an understanding that most people just want things to work. He is a road cyclist at heart and doesn't care much if those roads are paved, dirt, or digital. Although he rarely races, if you ask him to ride from sunrise to sunset the answer will be yes. Height: 5'9" Weight: 140 lb. Rides: Salsa Warbird, Cannondale CAAD9, Enve Melee, Look 795 Blade RS, Priority Continuum Onyx