Sigma Aura 80 front light review

Designed for urban riding, the Sigma Aura 80 has a sleek, easy-to-use design that houses a StVZO-compliant beam, which meets German road regulations to ensure it doesn’t dazzle other road users.

It also has side lights all down the body for increased visibility from the side.

An obvious difference between this and most other lights is the lack of lumen rating – instead, Sigma quotes lux (1 lux equals 1 lumen per square metre), which is in effect the brightness of a light measured at a specific distance.

In terms of the beam, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison between lux and lumens. Sigma quotes a maximum lux of 80 but no specific range, so I measured it and got a result of 172 lux at five metres on full beam.

This compares well with other lights I’ve tested. In practice, it translates into a tightly focused beam in keeping with what I’d expect from an anti-glare model, which should have a low cut-off combined with a small spread so that it doesn’t dazzle oncoming traffic.

The Aura’s pattern is a very distinct lozenge shape, though, with a central bright spot that has noticeable ‘steppy’ contrast within it.

The large power button on the top is easy to hit first time with cold or gloved fingers and, combined with the constant LED display showing mode and corresponding battery life remaining, this makes for good functionality.

Its integral mount uses an easy-fit rubber ladder-style strap that holds solid when you’re riding, but there is no lateral adjustment for the light body.

Unusually, this light has no flash mode, and its low IP4 waterproof rating is my minimum requirement for winter riding.

The illumination is not enough on country lanes, but in an urban setting it will help you maintain harmony with other vehicles, and the long, bright side lights are a bonus in the city too.