Weighing a mere 8g and measuring 35mm x 24mm x 22mm it threads on to anything with a drawstring from casual hoodies through to training jackets and tents. In a pinch you can mount it to your handlebars using a zip tie. Illumination is surprisingly good - enough to get home in an emergency should your main lighting system fail.
Quoted run-times (50 hrs flashing, 20 hours low beam, 12 hrs high beam) won’t set anyone’s inserts ablaze but appear accurate and given that it’s intended as a contingency tool, direct comparison with bike-specific LED lamps is unfair.
It's supposed to be weather resistant but the battery cover definitely benefits from a slither of Vaseline. Ours failed after being dropped into shallow water but made a full recovery when dismantled and allowed to dry.
The Cord Lock light is a very clever idea that could prove invaluable for nocturnal riding but build quality and weather sealing need improvement.
road.cc test report
Make and model: Black Crater Gear Cord lock light
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?
The Cord Lock Light is aimed at cyclists, walkers, climbers, runners and any other outdoor pursuits.
Tell us some more about the techincal aspects of the product?
Three LED lighting modes powered by two watch size batteries with run times ranging from 50 hrs flashing through to 12 in high beam. Weighs 8g.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
6/10
Needs better weather seals, fails when it gets too wet.
Rate the product for performance:
7/10
Surprisingly good output given the size.
Rate the product for durability:
6/10
Fine in showers but dropped into shallow water caused ours to fail, demanding it was stripped and dried thoroughly.
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
10/10
Doesn't really weigh anything!
Rate the product for value:
6/10
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
It performed very well when used as an emergency light but was let down by build quality.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Unobtrusive, tactile switch.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Effectiveness of weather seals.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes, with reservations
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes, with reservations
Age: 35 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,
Safety is far more important than a few grammes. I've not found anything to beat (or match) standard Shimano QRs so far - reliability, the...
Same back then. Oh, also Codeine. https://www.dopeology.org/people/Sean_Kelly/
I have a fair bit of trust in Rene Herse, they seem to go for quality and performance. Shame if this product doesn't match my impressions....
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thanks for the ideas....
Indeed - but it's no more inconsistent than our current road design - very often UK high streets are "for shopping" and also a busy through route....
If you ask the world's leading economic commentators how many people have been rescued from abject poverty by capitalism the average answer would...
loads of parking
I hate it when I can't find the obvious source of a puncture.
Now, if we're talking gravel bikes, that's a whole different story. Gimme, gimme, gimme! Apologies for the Facebook link....