The Igaro C1 is a dynamo front light and USB charger, offering extensive adjustment and personalisation. It delivers a flicker-free beam and has plenty to recommend it. However, the reliance on an app-based system won’t appeal to everyone. The road-focused beam pattern also features some dark spots, making it less effective among the best mountain bike lights or lights for off-road-specific use.
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Modern dynamo systems require a dedicated dynamo hub, with popular options including SON, Shutter Precision (SP), and Shimano. Dynamo-powered lights and USB chargers are favoured by ultra-distance racers, bikepackers, and riders who value self-sufficiency and generating their own power. With a dynamo light, there’s no need to worry about battery levels—as long as you’re moving, you’ll have light. USB chargers are typically sold as separate, standalone units that connect to a dynamo hub, allowing you to recharge electronic devices while on the move.
Igaro is a small UK-based company specialising in dynamo-powered products. Its range includes the C1 front light and USB Power Converter, the R1 rear light, and the D2 standalone USB Power Adapter.
Igaro C1 Dynamo Lights and USB Power Converter – Technical details
I used a SON28 hub, mounted within a dynamo-equipped Hunt Wheels Proven Carbon XC wheelset.
The C1 combines a dynamo front light with a USB device charger and boldly claims to be the world’s best dynamo hub light. Central to its functionality is the companion app, available for both Android and iPhone. The app allows users to update the device’s software and fine-tune settings if the factory defaults don’t suit their needs. Importantly, the app isn’t required for basic operation, which will appeal to those who prefer the simplicity of traditional dynamo systems.
The C1 housing is constructed from a single section of CNC-machined aluminium with a glass front and a custom internal reflector. It can draw up to 14.3 watts from a dynamo hub and is compatible with all common dynamo hubs, including SON, SP, and Shimano.
Similar to most other dynamo lights, the C1 is supplied with spade connectors that need to be soldered onto give the most secure connection. A one-metre length of heat shrink is also included to tidy and protect the cable.
The light’s beam pattern meets German StVZO requirements, although it isn’t officially certified. It also complies with legal standards in other countries, including the UK, France, Austria, and Germany.
Rated to IP69, the light unit is set to be highly resistant to dust and water ingress. However, the cable ports at the back of the light are exposed, so water can get into that area, though Igaro has designed all areas of the light, including the USB board, to be replaceable should it be required.
Due to the requirement to meet German beam pattern regulations, the C1 is available in two light configurations, depending on mounting requirements. A variety of mounting options are available from Igaro and, for this review, I used their GoPro adapter to mount the light to a Bontrager Kovee stem using a stem mount, giving a very neat overall setup.
Igaro gives a lot of figures on the specification page, which covers all key information, including efficiency and the wattages produced using specific dynamo hubs. The light unit alone, not including any mounts or the cable, weighs 158g.
Igaro C1 Dynamo Lights and USB Power Converter – Performance
To thoroughly test and compare dynamo lights, I carried out real-world riding and a controlled outdoor setup. For the latter, the bike was mounted on a set of rollers and with a stationary camera placed to record the beam pattern and brightness. This allowed for a consistent and repeatable environment to assess performance for this light, and was performed alongside the Sinewave Beacon 2 and kLite Ultra dynamo system. I pedalled at set speeds - 10, 15, 20, and 30kph - to reflect typical riding conditions and to observe how each light responded as speed (and therefore power output) increased.
I was initially sceptical about the use of an app, feeling that it complicated a product that naturally appeals to riders seeking a purely mechanical solution. I was concerned that potential issues or connection problems might impact performance. However, these concerns proved unfounded. The app is only required initially to update the software to the latest version. Beyond that, it offers the option to adjust the light’s settings or view system data – such as the power being generated and how it’s distributed between the front light, rear light, and USB charging ports. Crucially, the app doesn’t need to be open during regular use, nor does the C1 require a constant phone connection.
The C1 connects to the app via Bluetooth LE, which remained stable and user-friendly throughout testing. To initiate the connection or adjust settings, the light needs a small amount of power within the supercapacitor, which can be generated by either riding a short distance or spinning the front wheel while the bike is stationary.
The C1 produces a broad, flat beam, mounted almost horizontally to the ground, which is typical of StVZO-compliant lights. Igaro rates the light at 700 lumens per CREE XD16 emitter, with a 5000K colour temperature. While comparing light output from dynamo-powered lights is complex due to fluctuating power levels, the C1 stands out as one of the brightest dynamo lights I’ve used.
It's worth noting that manufacturers often quote Lux figures, but these only measure brightness at the beam’s most intense point and don’t reflect overall light output. Lumen figures can also be misleading—while six emitters producing 700 lumens each might suggest a 4200-lumen total, a simple multiplication doesn’t give the exact true amount of light produced. With dynamo lighting, variable speeds further complicate direct comparisons.
From the first ride, several features of the C1 stood out. The beam pattern, while powerful, has blocky areas and some black spots, which can affect visibility, particularly when riding off-road. However, the light excelled at lower speeds, delivering strong illumination with no flicker – a common issue with many dynamo lights. Igaro credits this to its substantial internal power buffer provided by the supercapacitors.
For those unfamiliar, a supercapacitor is an energy storage device that charges and discharges rapidly, offering high power density and a long cycle life, albeit with less total energy capacity than a traditional battery.
Although the C1 eliminates flicker, it does exhibit noticeable steps in brightness, primarily at slower speeds, although I didn’t find this problematic during real-world use. During a bikepacking trip to Morocco, which included steep climbs, some longer than 10km (some requiring hike-a-bike), the light still provided plenty of light, even at walking speeds. The lowest level in brightness only occurred after a sustained period, around five minutes, of very slow movement. The steps don’t happen instantly, so it was never a factor when taking on technical, slow-speed sections. Above roughly 10kph, the light was consistent with fewer steps in the power and, at higher speeds, it was impressively powerful for a dynamo system (though the beam pattern, with dark spots, is always evident).
The beam is wide with a defined cut-off to prevent dazzling oncoming traffic, complying with German StVZO regulations, but this can impact off-road riding, especially mountain bikes with suspension forks, due to the fork diving under braking. This issue isn’t unique to the C1 – most bar-mounted lights struggle on technical terrain but the flat beam made it more pronounced.
The app offers extensive customisation, which can feel overwhelming at first. I’d recommend starting with the default settings until you become familiar with the system. Through the app, you can adjust brightness levels and how the light behaves under different conditions, including three brightness thresholds: dark, dim, and light. You can also control when the light transitions between these modes. For example, I found it transitioned from light to dim modes while still bright outside, but a change within the app allowed the threshold to be changed.
Charging performance was better than expected. On a two-hour 45-minute ride, comprising a mix of gravel and road at an average speed of 22.8km/h, the C1 fully recharged a 10,000mAh power bank from empty. Igaro states that devices can be charged directly from the light itself, thanks to the large supercapacitors. This contrasts with most dynamo USB chargers, which typically recommend charging to a power bank first. However, I still preferred using a power bank for flexibility and ease of swapping between devices.
On a six-day bikepacking trip, I was able to keep a Wahoo Roam 2 GPS, Exposure Lights Zenith headlight, smartphone, and GoPro fully charged through a power bank without issue. The default settings prioritise lighting when it’s dark and charging during daylight hours but the app allows you to run both simultaneously if needed – something not possible with other switched dynamo systems.
Using a dynamo hub inevitably adds some drag, which varies based on the hub model and how much power is being drawn. The C1’s high peak power could, in theory, result in increased drag, but the ability to reduce power output through the app means you can minimise this if it’s a concern. Lab tests suggest a maximum drag of around 10 watts, but during rides, I didn’t notice any significant resistance.
All connections, including the dynamo hub input, two USB-C ports, and a rear light connection, are located at the rear of the unit, facing downward. While the C1 is rated IP69 for water and dust resistance, the exposed ports can still collect water and mud, especially when riding off-road. Although this didn’t affect performance during my tests, and the reason it isn’t covered is due to housing the outdoor light sensor. Some form of protection could improve usability.
During the testing period, I did encounter a couple of issues. On one occasion, the light switched off suddenly mid-ride and needed restarting via the app. Another time, it repeatedly powered on and off in rapid succession. Both problems were software-related and quickly addressed by Igaro, with software updates made available within 24 hours. The second issue stemmed from my custom setting, where I’d allocated 100% of the power to the front light, not requiring the rear light and USB charging.
While the reliance on software won’t appeal to everyone, the level of customisation and versatility it enables wouldn’t be possible otherwise. There were moments when I felt like a beta tester, helping to iron out bugs. Since the updates, however, the C1 has performed flawlessly, functioning reliably as both a light and a USB charging device.
Igaro C1 Dynamo Lights and USB Power Converter – Verdict
The Igaro C1 is priced just under £380 for the basic light, with several popular add-ons available. The GoPro mount converter costs £24, the bolt-on stem mount is £33.60, and the R1 rear light is priced at just over £25.
When comparing other premium dynamo lights, the Sinewave Cycles Beacon 2 is the closest alternative. It’s the only other option that integrates both a light and USB charger within a single unit and is similarly priced at £380. The Beacon 2 is a more compact unit, and the beam is broader but lacks the lighting punch out front that the Igaro C1 offers, and while it has a low/high switch, it isn't possible to customise the settings. Another well-regarded brand is kLite, with the Australian company offering the Ultra in two configurations: flood or spot beam. In the UK, all kLite components must be purchased separately, with the light costing £225, the USB charger £85, and the cabling, including a switch, an additional £75, bringing the total to £385. The Supernova M99 is another high-performance option, priced at £390 for the light alone, and features a switched high/low beam, though it lacks integrated USB charging.
Although the early issues with the C1 were frustrating, its overall performance has far exceeded my expectations. My initial concerns centred on the app, feeling it added unnecessary complexity to a product many would prefer to be simple. I imagine some riders will dismiss the Igaro C1 purely because it relied on an app. However, after the initial setup and software update, the default settings provide what many users will want: a bright, reliable light and the ability to charge devices—no further tinkering required.
For those who value customisation, the C1 offers unparalleled versatility, allowing riders to tailor its functions to suit specific needs—something no other unit currently matches.
The Igaro C1 stands out for its adjustability, impressive brightness, and rapid USB charging capabilities. While the beam pattern isn’t flawless, with minor black spots off-centre and a flat profile that needs an additional headlight for technical riding, it remains completely flicker-free and maintains excellent brightness even at low speeds.
Packed with features in a compact and tidy design, the C1 delivers a level of performance and flexibility unmatched by any other dynamo light on the market.
2 comments
Your concerns answered by Igaro:
1. The connectors have had no failures in over a year since release.
They were chosen partially for the ease of quick disconnect. This in
past experience is a major issue for damage to dynamo lights
specifically where wires are tidied too much or the rider drops the
wheel for packing in a box and forgets to disconnect the hub.
In the unlikely event a female side fails the rear PCB board is
replaceable, but it is more likely to be the male part of the
connector which goes first, and spare leads are available in this case.
2. The super-capacitors don't vent and are non-replaceable. They will
last the life-time of the product, which at equal usage is at least 10
times the life of any dynamo light containing a li-ion battery.
hmm, not sure about that connector PCB with what looks to be a 3D printed rain cover (are 3D prints even waterproof?!). Those look like JST connectors in the middle, which you generally only find on the inside of electronic products. They're not usually rated for the elements or mechanical strain and often have maximum mating cycles in the 10's.
Also, the supercapacitors look to be potted in the main housing. I thought capacitors needed some form of venting - especially large ones. Whilst they can last longer than batteries, they do eventually wear out and if they've been potted, it's not going to be an easy replacement.