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TECH NEWS
SeeSense_Bike4See.Sense intelligent bike light automatically flashes brighter and faster to improve visibility
The See.Sense is billed as a smart light that automatically flashes brighter and faster to improve your visibility when you most need to be noticed. It was successfully funded through Kickstarter last year (which we reported on) and it’s now available to buy costing from £45.
See.Sense, the idea of Belfast-based Philip McAleese, uses a combination of an accelerometer and a light sensor to monitor speed and light levels to provide more brightness in certain situations.
The accelerometer can detect whether you are slowing down, say when approaching a junction, roundabout or traffic lights, and flash brighter and faster. The light can also respond to situations like approaching vehicle headlights and boost the brightness accordingly. During the daytime the light can adjust to sudden changes in light such as when you ride through a tunnel or under the shadow of trees.
The sensors measure acceleration and orientation up to 800 times a second and a micro-computer analyses the data to identify the scenario and the flashing and brightness pattern is calculated.
There are no on/off switches on the light. You simply use motion gestures to activate it. The stays on when you’re waiting at the traffic lights so no concerns with it going out when you’re stationary for a long period of time. The lighting modes can be adjusted to preference, switched between flashing or steady beam, and whether you want the light to react to the light or environment.
The inventors of the See.Sense light have also worked on promoting side visibility of the lights, and used a Fresnel lens element to increase the viewing angle of the light. They claim this spreads the light over more than 180 degrees.
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They have used CREE LED’s, and the company claims a 12 hour run-time. That depends on usage though of course, you might get shorter or longer depending on what time of day you’re using it. The lithium ion battery is easily charged via a USB lead, and a ‘Fuel Gauge’ gives you a clear indication of the remaining juice.
The light is small, just 5.8 x 3.8 x 4.8cm and weighs a claimed 55g. It’s claimed to be water resistant and with a Lexan polycarbonate case should be plenty tough enough for the demands of daily winter commuting.
See Sense - The intelligent bike light. from See.Sense. on Vimeo.
The See.Sense was successfully funded through Kickstarter and is now on sale through their website. A front and rear set costs £79.99 or you can buy an individual light for £44.99.
We’re going to try and get one in for review as we’re intrigued to see how the See.Sense actually works on the road.
David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes.
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30 comments
If you want to buy them buy direct as you'll have the latest update. I bought from a shop and I'll have to send back for the update.
On mine the only way to switch off is to repeat the three turns 180 degree that you used to turn them on. So if its on a bike - its impossible. The new ones go inactive after a few minutes stopped.
I like mine - brighter than my Smart Half Watt and I got at least 7 hours from one charge. The new update gives you longer apparently.
If you want to buy them buy direct as you'll have the latest update. I bought from a shop and I'll have to send back for the update.
On mine the only way to switch off is to repeat the three turns 180 degree that you used to turn them on. So if its on a bike - its impossible. The new ones go inactive after a few minutes stopped.
I like mine - brighter than my Smart Half Watt and I got at least 7 hours from one charge. The new update gives you longer apparently.
We now have stock of all the latest models, with the updated auto on and off. Feel free to email us at sales [at] racewaredirect.co.uk for further details.
Leyzen? Lynze? I bet Lezyne are pleased they chose such an unforgettable name.
I have just got these lights and on first impressions I'm very impressed! I am a commuter and these lights certainly seem to catch the attention of other roads users and I certainly feel as if I am being given more room as vehicles pass me than was previously the case.
I appreciate that everybody will have their own thoughts & preferences on the lights that best suit them for the type of cycling that they do but as a commuter these lights really do appear to do a very good job as a 'be seen' light. In addition I think it's refreshing to see a new start up UK company taking a fresh look at a product and making something which is innovative and I'm certainly happy with a good product which helps other road users to see me whilst I'm commuting.
*dyno light user chuckles smugly, shakes head*
I think it would be pretty annoying to be sat on somebodies wheel on the club run who has one of these.
You can say that about *any* super bright rear light in a group riding situation.
I don't get all the whinging - if you don't like it don't buy it.
The reacting to ambient light bit is no different to any modern smartphone which will auto-adjust screen brightness depending on ambient light. Viewing the phone in sunshine? It'll brighten the screen up.
Same here, the light can flash away on quarter power saving battery then when it senses a car behind it'll auto-brighten to be more noticeable.
Some Exposure front lights now have built in accelerometer/inclinometer sensors which auto-dim the light if you're going slowly or uphill and fire it up to full power automatically as you speed up or start descending. Saves fiddling round for a switch while riding. This light is not really that different.
The price is similar to most other high end lights out there (Exposure Flash/Flare combo is £70-ish). I just bought the new Cateye RapidX rear light for £35 so an extra £10 for auto/smart features isn't excessive.
These lights are an excellent answer for commuters. Don't underestimate how bright they are without testing them. Very clever design and good value. I use them in conjunction with an exposure Diablo for the roads with no street lights but if your sticking to main roads they do the business.
Well, that was interesting. Right up to the price.
Increasing visibility by flashing faster and brighter? Or, you could just use a standard bike light, on constant mode. Hey presto. You can see better, and others can see you better. Who'd have thought...
I'm sucker for lights, and I'd be interested in these for commuting in traffic. An Uberlight at the front and LYNZE rear light take care of business at the moment, with a second set of LYNZE as backups. I ride a lot of unlite country lanes so having some power and backups on hand is important.
I would consider these for dull days and as secondary to my main front light. Having said that my LYNZE Micro drive rear light and backup front light takes some beating.
Toys for the boys at Christmas ?
Thank you for the info chaps.
I bought a cheap light off Amazon that flashes and also has additonal steady leds. The flashing LED is so bright it burns your retinas and its my dull day riding lamp. Cost about £12. Batteries last ages. Too expensive despite the "smart" technology.
Very interesting product. I look forward to reading your review.
Just get two RSP Astrums and mount them close together. They may not be "smart" but certainly brighter and much cheaper.
Too complicated and expensive for a rear light. It's bound to break/malfunction/leak. I'll stick with what I've got which works fine.
Had this for a few weeks and been using it in late evening. REALLY do notice that cars are giving me more room. It is the evolution of rear lights. Active and re active i would say.
If it keeps a rider safe. Worth every £
How is it in the rain and battery life? Does it have any other type of mounting option?
Thank you
I don't run mudguards and haven't had any issues . As you can see inside the working, it is weary to see if any water got in from hard tyre spray and none yet. a 1 hour commute in rain and nada.
What i do like is the Batter life flashes to know charge level when you switch on. I have a nice Leyzen rear that lasts only 2.5 hours at not much cheaper. This led is BLINDING. I feel safer
£45?
Could have 2 excellent rears for that.
Too expensive.
interesting! i'd be quite interested to see a review as well.
Look forward to the review. Could you give it a 'shaken in the bag' test to see it comes on and also a water and how long it actually lasts (or a estimate)
Although I like a big red beam on my rear I am interested in this maybe going on my rucksack, will it come with a bag attachment or just frame mounted?
Thank you.
They pass a shake in the bag test (unlike both my other removable lights). Turning them on (current version) involves rotating them about 3 - 4 times whilst vertical by 180 degrees. Turning them off involves putting them face down for a few seconds. I like them. They don't turn on in pockets / bag, small / lightweight, even in daylight they're bright flashing, going through a tunnel sees them flash brighter for more time etc, so does slowing down suddenly. Battery life is great, you can operate them with gloves on. Charging is via standard mini usb. You can even configure them manually using a bizarre combination of movements so can change them to say, be constant on instead of flashing, or not react to light or motion etc. They've been well thought out. They're expensive but they're bright when they need to be and the wide lens really does help you be seen from the sides. They keep the water out well too. I really rate them
No off switch?
So, the sensors will drain the batteries and the light may come on while it's banging around in my bag then...
I was given a pair of these as a present. I haven't had time form much of an opinion of them yet, but you can turn it off by pointing the lens at the ground. I think after you do that it will only come on with a specific movement which is unlikely to happen by accident.
The sensors are smart so the lights do NOT activate when in your bag. In fact, with the new version you can turn them off by simply facing them to the ground for a few seconds.
I have been using these lights for months and they are effective as lights "for being seen". Also, as far as I can tell from my usage, they are keeping the water out. My only small gripe is that you need some Sugru or somesuch to make them sit comfortably on an aero seat post. Otherwise they are my fave lights for the job.
not sure the point of these lights...for the price bracket you can have some pretty powerful lights anyway so why bother with this???
Err, because it's nice to have options? Mars bars are about the same price as Snickers, but they both seem to sell ok.