SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING

Powering up defaults to high - 825 lumens - press again to unleash the ultra high (1300), subsequent prods staircase down to medium 450 and low comes in at a town friendly 120 lumens. 

 

The bar mounted remote trigger makes selection considerably easier mid-ride, say leaving the sticks and entering city limits.

 

Battery life is communicated “traffic light” fashion via the lamp mounted switch. It’s easy to read; green indicating 100%-75% Blue 75-25%, whereupon it turns red. I’ve managed 3hrs 23 when using the ultre-high setting (1300 lumens), 50minutes on red before I was unexpectedly plunged into darkness. Thankfully, I cruised the final miles home with a set of blinkies and a 200 lumen helmet lamp.   

 

Like most high power systems, given forty minutes in the highest settings it also generates a fair bit of heat - even allowing for cooling air generated while riding.  At a more moderate 450 lumens, we’re talking three hours. That said; while it’s the sort that will thaw out icy digits, it won’t singe them when you’re locking in the street and stripping the bike of tempting goodies. 

 

I accidentally left ours running overnight in the high setting - a good 9 hours. It was still running in green and though hot, still temperate enough to touch, suggesting the thermal conduction system works very well.  I then managed a further four hours in high!

 

Quality of output is also impressive. As our bar cam footage illustrates, the full 1300 provided sufficient detail for 30-35mph (faster on the descents) even into the corners, which isn’t always the case at this end of the market. Combining flood and spot ensures a decent spread of light, while alerting bigger, faster vehicles to my approach.

 

Most oncoming traffic dipped their beams at around 120 metres and wherever possible, I reciprocated. However, occasional moments of forgetfulness haven’t induced angry retort.

 

Trail riding proper demands both bar and helmet lighting, although there’s sufficient bite in this mode for impromptu forest and bridle path fun. I’ve managed 3hrs 26 minutes from a full charge, although intelligent use of power meant I’ve been able to get a week between charges.

 

High is 825 lumens, which proved a good match for my hub dynamo powered Exposure Revo light - more than adequate for rural contexts to around 23mph. Other traffic dipped their lights in recognition from 80 metres and though bright, according to friends, I didn’t scorch their retinas. I’ve managed a similarly impressive seven hours - adequate for a week’s middle distance winter commuting.

 

Mid is another sensible choice, producing 450 lumens. Tame enough for town centres, yet providing all the presence and advance warning of potholes, broken glass you could want. Like the torch type commuter fare boasting similar numbers, it starts feeling decidedly underpowered for semi-rural navigation beyond 15mph, although being seen wasn’t an issue. 

 

Low is quoted as being 120 lumens but feels more powerful and literally sips reserves - I’ve managed the full 38 hours and within 20 minutes using an older, compatible unit. 

 

However, so-so peripheral bleed stopped short of being ideal for town duties. Strobe’s 420 lumen and pulse rate is better in these contexts and assertive enough when used as a daytime option. 

 

With religious dipping down and using all four modes, letting rip with the full 1300 along the darkest lanes to neon soaked city centres using mixes of 120 and pulsing, I have still managed ten hours from a fully charged battery.