SON Ladelux High/Low Beam Headlights

After years of R&D, the new SON Ladelux headlights are here! It’s fair to say that these are the ultimate generator-powered bicycle headlights. The goal was simple: Make a headlight that has a high and a low beam, and that allows charging your electronics by directly plugging them into the headlight.

As so often, to do this right required a lot more than anybody thought at first. Charging electronics isn’t as simple
as plugging them into the output from a generator hub. Cycling speeds fluctuate, and generator hubs are designed to offer just enough power for headlights, but not much more—otherwise their resistance would be too great. Speed fluctuations cause the charging circuit to switch on and off frequently—not a good thing for the batteries of electronic devices. And a high beam tends to draw so much power that it’ll just dim the headlight unless you’re going at very high speeds.

To avoid these issues, the new Ladelux headlight incorporates a rechargeable battery that buffers power fluctuations of the generator hub. It will charge your phone or GPS until the built-in battery is down to 25% charge, and it won’t start charging again until it’s back up to 28%. This provides a buffer that avoids constant on/off cycles when charging electronics.

The battery also powers the high beam, so you can use it at all speeds—as long as there’s enough charge in the inbuilt battery. Even when you’re stopped! That’s actually quite useful when trying to read road signs that are too high for the low beam, which is cut off at the top to avoid blinding oncoming traffic.

Generator hubs don’t have a fixed output: They generate more power if the connected headlight requires more. The electronics of the Ladelux are very sophisticated, and they draw up to 12 watts from hub. That allows charging your electronics even at moderate and low speeds. There are other headlights with charging ports for external devices, but the sophisticated electronics of the Ladelux—both to protect the longevity of the connected devices and to maximize the charging current—are unique and unequalled.

Beyond the ability to charge external devices, the Ladelux also moves the goalposts when it comes to what a headlight is mostly for: illuminating the road ahead. In addition to the layered low beam—similar to the Edelux II, but brighter—the Ladelux features a high beam that doesn’t just reach further, but also illuminates curving roads better. Like all SON headlights, a strong all-aluminum housing and scratch-resistant sapphire glass increase durability and reliability. Excellent cooling and careful location of the LED in the reflector ensure maximum light under all conditions.

The Ladelux is operated by a handlebar-mounted switch. The machined housing contains a pressure sensor: It’s activated by flexing the housing itself. That makes the switch completely waterproof. And since the switch reacts to pressure rather than touch, it can be operated with gloves and also when it’s wet.

A long push turns the light on or off, while a short push switches the high beam on or off. Following car practice, a green LED indicates that the light is on. A blue LED shows that the high beam is operating. The LED pulsates when connected devices are charging. If you push the switch and the LED flashes 3x, the inbuilt battery doesn’t have enough charge for the high beam/charging function.

A magnetic port on the switch allows attaching a charging cable for electronics. Putting the charging port on the switch makes it easy to reach, even when riding. The switch includes a handlebar clamp. It can also be mounted on the Delux 3D Handlebar Mount.

Charging cables are available for USB-C and Apple ports, in two lengths (30 and 100 cm). The magnetic connection is secure and won’t get damaged by accidentally pulling on the cable. It also prevents water from entering into the switch. Unlike other ports that can get clogged, the magnetic connector is easy to clean—just wipe off any water or dirt.

The Delux 3D Handlebar Mount rotates in all directions, allowing you to aim your light exactly where you want it. Machined from aluminum and with an innovative band clamp, the 3D Handlebar Mount is sturdy and stays in place, even on rough terrain.

It works with all European-style headlights, not just the new SON Ladelux. It’s available with an adapter to attach the remote switch for the Ladelux headlight directly to the mount, rather than use two separate handlebar clamps.

The Ladelux comes with SON’s classic spade connectors. Of course, you can also attach SON’s excellent coax connectors. We’re also offering the coax cable with a male coax connector installed, in two lengths (60 and 140 cm).

What else is there to know?

• The Ladelux is for standing attachment only. Don’t mount it upside down, as the layered beam will give very poor lighting.
• The Ladelux is compatible with Rene Herse racks with integrated standing light mounts, as well as all separate Rene Herse light mounts.
• The Ladelux connects to the generator hub with the same 2-strand coaxial cable as other SON lights (center wire, photo above).
• The connection to the switch is a 4-stand wire with a pre-installed specific connector (left wire).
• The connection to the taillight is a 2-strand coaxial cable, with a female coax connector installed (right wire).
• If you aren’t using the taillight connector, cover and seal it with heat-shrink tubing to prevent water causing a short circuit.
• If you power your taillight from the Ladelux, use a 2-wire connection. (Don’t use frame as return path for taillight current.)
• The Ladelux is compatible with the connector-less SL system. For the headlight, the frame/fork can be used for the return path of the current.
• Special attention has been placed on battery safety. At extremely low or high temperatures (<-4°F/-20°C or >140°F/60°C), the battery will not charge/discharge. Then high beam and charging may not be available.

The new Ladelux and associated parts are now in stock, but quantities are extremely limited. Production is ramping up slowly to ensure 100% reliability of all the new parts and electronics. We only received a handful of the new lights, and we don’t know when there will be more.

More information:

• Lights in the Rene Herse program
• Generator hubs