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review

Niterider Solas 40 rear light

8
£34.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Robust and useful rear light with handy less-dazzling group mode
Weight: 
78g

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The Niterider Solas 40 rear light is a little gem. Forty lumens doesn't sound like a lot, but in the modes offered here, it's very effective at increasing your visibility.

A few years ago, 40 lumens was a lot for a rear light; now it's about standard and that makes this a good light for town and city riding, or if you are in a group of cyclists where you are all lit up.

This is also where what Niterider calls 'group ride mode' comes in. The light has four modes and they all have a decent battery life. The first mode is a rapid flashing mode that runs for a good 18 hours. The second mode pulsates and lasts for around 7 hours. The third and fourth modes are both constant, the third being brighter than the fourth. In the third mode it will last for 4.5 hours and the fourth '' group ride mode '' mode will last a massive 36 hours. The claimed run times have all been pretty accurate, with the charge time (4 hours) being very accurate.

The idea of the lower-power steady mode is that it won't be dazzling or annoying to other riders, an idea you'll appreciate if you're ever followed a rider closely in the dark who has a really bright rear light.

It comes with a battery indicator that works by flashing blue five times when there is above 25% battery power left, or by flashing red five times when the power falls below 25%. You get these flashes each time you power off the light.

The light comes with the micro USB charging cable, which isn't that long, but it doesn't need to be. There is also a very sturdy seat post mount included, from which the light can detach very quickly and easily. The strap is very robust too, but with just enough give in it that it would fit most larger seat-posts, and certainly most thinner ones too.

The RRP for this light is £34.99 and I feel this is not too bad at all. The modes, the durability and the ease of use make it worth the price, but shop around and it will be cheaper.

Verdict

Robust and useful rear light with handy less-dazzling group mode

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Niterider Solas 40

Size tested: n/a

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Niterider says: "A great light for all types or riding, the NiteRider Solas 40 Rear Light even features a special group ride mode for when you're out with friends or on a club ride."

The light has various modes and it's a good choice for all sorts of riding.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

40 lumen super bright tail light

Group Ride Mode – be seen without annoying fellow cyclists

USB rechargeable

Super bright day time flash mode

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

The light is well made and feels like it will last.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for weight (if applicable)
 
8/10
Rate the product for value:
 
6/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Worked well, making me feel visible, especially in the flashing modes.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The four modes.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your score

It's a decent price, has really good battery life in each mode, and feels like it will last.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 35  Height: 158cms  Weight: 61kg

I usually ride: Scott Contessa  My best bike is:

I've been riding for: Under 5 years  I ride: A few times a week  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, sportives, general fitness riding, mtb,

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2 comments

Avatar
Augsburg | 6 years ago
1 like

I've owned this light for over 2 years.  Use it on every ride - in flash mode.  The light even survived a trip through the washing machine when I forgot it in the pocket of my bike shorts when it was brought inside to charge.  Still running strong.  Rubber strap mounting has been versitle and easy to use.  I found a rack mount fitting this light so I  an transfer the light to my bike with a rear rack.  I've found the 40 lumens to be plenty bright.

Avatar
ktache | 7 years ago
0 likes

I have one of these as my bag light, with elastic used to add security to the clip.  Very bright, with low battery usage in the first flash mode, used on the roads day and night.  The "group ride mode" is an excellent idea and I switch to it when on cycle tracks.  I do like Niterider lights, went through several iterations of the cherry bomb, gaining in power, and this seems like the ultimate in bag lights.  Simple power level indicator too.

I know it's expensive, I did get a good deal as I remember, but the recharging has saved a lot on the AAAs, and the added modes really add to its usefulness.

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