AXA Luxx70 2012 Dynamo Powered Front Lights

With Busch & Mueller bring to the market the Lumotec IQ2 Luxos range of dynamo front powered lights I thought it was an opportune time to take a brief look at one of its competitors, the AXA Luxx70 which comes in the Plus model, the Luxx70Plus and in a lower specification model, the Luxx70.

AXA Stenman Industries is an old Dutch company, with its history dating back to 1902. From the cyclist perspective AXA are known for their locks and their lights. My interest here is their new dynamo lights the AXA Luxx70Plus and the Luxx70.

The key difference between the Luxx70Plus and the Luxx70 is that Plus has what AXA call, Intelligent Beam Technology and an ability to charge USB devices. Unlike the Busch & Mueller Lumotec IQ2 Luxos the Luxx70Plus’ USB charging connection point is on the light bracket and not on the handlebar as is the case with the Lumotec IQ2 Luxos.

The USB charging requires a speed of 15 km/h or higher and does not work simultaneously with the light, i.e., no daylight light if you wish to charge a device.

According to AXA the Intelligent Beam Technology is designed to vary the light distribution according to your speed. The light beam is short and wide at low-speed, so you have an ideal view on the road in front and beside you as your speed increases the beam changes to a long throw of light at high-speed to offer light further ahead. It is unclear how far ahead we are talking but AXA state that the light beam is 95 metres “too see” and 6,000 meters, that is six kilometres “to be seen.” If the latter is anywhere close to being true that is some amazing distance. There is but some doubt about the 95 metres too see claim. I suggest treating such claims with caution.

Other features of both models are:

• 70 Lux LED light. The Busch & Mueller Lumotec IQ2 Luxos is also 70 Lux but with the 179U having a 90 Lux flood as well;
• Optional steady function. A parking light which glows for four minutes: handy at traffic lights and when parking your bike;
• Detachable retro reflector;
• Comes in a hub or a tyre dynamo configuration;
• Auto switch which switches the light on and off automatically. Personally I am a great fan of this option and use it on my Busch & Muller Lumotec IQ Cyo Senso Plus;
• Water and shock resistant;
• Comes with various mounting brackets. From what I can gather there are two, maybe four brackets that are connected below the USB charger. These brackets provide the different mounting options.

I would have to say but whilst the AXA Luxx70 Plus with its intelligent beam technology is interesting I think I would still go with the Busch & Mueller Lumotec IQ2 Luxos. I guess my experience with Busch & Mueller is swaying me here.

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