Rear light

Blackburn’s aptly named fleas are one of the most exciting contingency LED lights I’ve used in a long time thanks to tiny dimensions, robust construction and a claimed output of 40 lumens each. Powered by a 1.5 volt rechargeable Li-On battery complete with a unique micro-charger increases the wow factor but charging from 1.5 volt AA batteries is a double edged sword: fantastic as you’ll find them pretty much anywhere but pricey if regularly charged from disposables.

The Backupz LED front and rear light set is a pair of keyring sized units that deliver a reliable, if limited, supply of light for riding at night.

LED lights have developed at a blistering pace to the point where even half a watt’s output is becoming commonplace.

The aptly named Cherry Bomb features two retina burning modes and incorporates a collimator, (basically a lens which projects the light in a specific direction).

In the case of the Cherry Bomb it spreads the light giving much better peripheral visibility which should help make negoating roundabouts and emerging from junctions less dicey.

Twelve quid can buy you a lot these days; the LD130 is a very decent rear lamp that comes with Cateye's excellent twist-to-lock mount. You even get the batteries thrown in.

The LD130 is a pretty standard-spec unit, using 2AAA batteries to power three LEDs. They're not hugely powerful but fine for use about town, and the lower output compared to some of the new high-power LEDs means that the battery life is very good, especially in flashing mode, making it good for fit-and-forget commuting duties.