Blackburn’s Voyager front LED combines bold stylish design, brilliant optics and generous burn times in a package perfect for mile eaters needing a compact, capable companion nestling next to the dynamo. Sure, desk jockeys might prefer the convenience of USB charging and two modes won’t win bragging contests down at the clubhouse but the quality of light is adequate for tackling town centre traffic, mending roadside punctures and nursed us safely home when my old school Lead-Acid system unexpectedly ran out of juice.
So called because of the clever “click it” combined lens and switch, the Voyager slips effortlessly and with an anaconda like purchase around all handlebar diameters thanks to the rubberised tool free bracket. This has pronounced sideways cutouts for peripheral visibility while a shapely shroud carries the brand logo, shielding the rider from glare-especially in flashing mode.
Flipping it over and removing the rubber handlebar shim provides access to the hatch and two CR2032 batteries. Opening the cover is reminiscent of older computer head units-simply a matter of inserting a coin and turning anti clockwise. Weather resistant as opposed to weather proof, I’d be inclined toward a precautionary blob of Vaseline on the contacts but driving rain and my garden hose torture test have made negligible impression and under normal circumstances, the marques legendary no quibble warrantee gives further piece of mind.
The system is designed with full “sausage finger” winter gloves in mind, prod the switch and it engages, prod again and to choose static or flashing modes. The action is a very smooth, yet definite click, easily operated on the fly but unlikely to engage in pockets, panniers or messenger bags.
Quality of light is excellent- in either mode and if you simply wanted capable contingency lighting for the best bike, it’s hard to see where you’d go wrong. Blackburn doesn’t specify output but there’s ample for moderately lit town and city centres. Visibility seems to be from around 300 to 350 metres in steady/flashing modes respectively while the surface area pricks driver consciousness at the usual danger spots. Used primarily in flashing mode, ours has chalked up 134 hours from the original batteries, six short of the claimed optimum but impressive nonetheless.
Verdict
An extremely well executed back up light – highly recommended
road.cc test report
Make and model: Blackburn Voyager Click front ligh
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?
"Two super-bright White LEDs
Unique Click It Lens switch
No tool battery installation
Powered by 2 x CR2032 batteries (included)
Simple strap on mounting system".
Does exactly what it says on the tin and to an extremely high standard.
Compact, fully recyclable, interactive packaging with Try Me feature"
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
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 comfort, if applicable:
8/10
Rate the product for value:
8/10
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes, without hesitation
Age: 36 Height: 1m 81 Weight: 70 kilos
I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,
I'd like to think that in addition to the very well exposed supply chain argument made by Patrick, the simply outrageous price of Shimano...
That bike with clearance for 33c, tracklocross style, could be a winner.
Hellish! Barely used, clearly dangerous, slowing competent cyclists down while pandering to the clueless, a serious threat to pedestrians, won't...
"I ran into the back of him because I was traumatised by seeing the latest petrol prices, m'lud"
Are you sure? Norway is socialist and has a very high quality of life.
Glad I got mine before that change in ownership.
And 3 of the 'workers' are just leaning!
Same sketch everywhere, or so it seems. Take Whitelegg Way in Bournemouth. Wide cycle lanes put in both sides of a (formerly very wide) two lane...
Sounds cool. I haven't taken an "unnecessary flight" since 1992. Flown many times since then for work, but you can't patrol the Iraqi desert, or...
My first thought on reading the headline was "ooh, has Clevedon put in covered bike parking now?".