Weighing a respectable 80g per pair and powered by four tiny SR44 watch batteries means only the most anorexic of bikes and obsessive owners will notice. Quoted run times are broadly accurate with ours managing 24hours on constant and 47 flashing. Despite some initial scepticism, to my surprise they’ve slotted securely into most diameters of handlebar end and even a space saver type handlebar extension bracket thanks to clever silicone sleeves. However, while not directly in the firing line of dirt and water, they’re only water resistant so a slither of Vaseline on the contacts is a wise precaution-especially on bikes in hard service.
Toggling between modes is simple-even with gloved hands thanks to sensible rubberised switches and while very bright for a complementary system boasting visibility from up to a third of a mile-impressive but not on a par with the latest generation of blinkers and the flashing mode feels slightly pedestrian.
Summing up, they’re no substitute for good primary and secondary lighting but offer welcome extra security-especially on tag-alongs/trailer bikes that are particularly vulnerable along poorly lit rural roads. However, the otherwise clever concept requires re-designing to work well with traditional drops.
Clever idea but relatively short burn times and needs redesigning for traditional drops
road.cc test report
Make and model: Torch Bar End Beamer lights
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?
These are intended as super bright, tool free fitting bar end mounted LEDs intended as a tertiary visibility aid and work very well on flat, pursuit bars and indeed bar ends.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
LED bulbs with white and red lenses that sit securely in most end diameters thanks to clever silicone sleeves. powered by 4 watch type batteries they deliver a slightly disappointing 24hrs static but more reasonable 47 in flashing mode.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
7/10
Rate the product for performance:
6/10
Not bad but burn times could be better.
Rate the product for durability:
6/10
Vulnerable to knocks in the event of a spill or the bike falling over.
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
6/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
6/10
Rate the product for value:
6/10
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Despite relatively short run times, they're actually quite good at providing additional safety-especially along unlit rural roads and offer a secure, universal fit in the handlebar ends. However, a slither of Vaseline is prudent given they're not waterproof and while fairly robust, the present design is vulnerable to damage-especially fitted to flat bars.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Large surface area, easy to use switches-a great safety aid for tag-alongs, especially when emerging from junctions.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Limited run times.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Possibly
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Possibly
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,
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