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Lights - front
Lucas KOTR City 85F Front lightLucas KOTR City 85F front light

Lucas KOTR City 85F Front light

8
by Steph Mann
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Dec 26, 2014

0
£34.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Highly visible light that makes drivers notice you, but can be distracting
Weight: 
48g
Contact: 
www.lucasbikelights.co.uk
How we test

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The Lucas KOTR City 85F front light is a smooth little piece of kit, with good looks and 85 lumen output, it's a lot brighter than you might expect. At 47 grams it's not that heavy and can last 6 hours on a single charge.

The light feels solidly constructed, is pebble like in shape and just nicely finished. The design is fairly slim which will appeal to minimalists. It uses lots of LEDs to give a light that's perfect for city riding. The power switch is easily accessible when the light is mounted, and can be on either the top, bottom or side depending on mount preference.

It mounts easily to your bars with a silicone strap that stretches grab your bar and can be mounted horizontally or vertically depending on your preference and space. The whole thing just unhooks when you need to charge it. It takes 2.5 hours to charge via a USB port. The port has a decent cover to stop rain, mud and so on getting into it. The charging cable is extremely short, but really not a huge issue.

The light has three modes. One press will get you a high light, the next is medium and then there is flashing. It lasts for up to six hours in the latter and claims three hours for the former two (though I found it actually gave 10 minutes less than this when on high). Flashing is much better for lower lit areas because of the 180 degree visibility design, it makes you obvious to other road users.

The downside to the 180 degree aspect is that it doesn't only make you visible to drivers, it is very noticeable to you as the rider. The light design means it is right in the corner of your eye. On full and medium modes it's not distracting and you get used to it. However in flashing mode, it's very visible and can pull your eye towards it easily.

Verdict

Highly visible light that makes drivers notice you, but can be distracting

The light comparator

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Lucas KOTR City 85F Front light

Size tested: Translucent

Tell us what the light 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 light is aimed at road cyclists for use in city and towns. It claims to increase visibility to 180 degrees. I feel it lived up to all these claims when I used it.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the light?

LED Type - multiple LED's giving 85 Lumens output

Power Source - 580mAh Battery

Light Modes - 3 functions (high, medium and flash)

Run Time - 3hrs in High mode and upto 6 hours in Flash mode

Charge Time - 2.5hrs, Weight - 47g

Extra Features - 180 degree visibility

Mounting - Integral Silicone Mounting Strap

Rate the light for quality of construction:
 
8/10

It's well made and feels solid.

Rate the light for design and ease of use. How simple was the light to use?
 
8/10
Rate the light for the design and usability of the clamping system/s
 
8/10

The clamp system offers two sizes.

Rate the light for waterproofing. How did it stand up to the elements?
 
8/10

I found the light didn't become waterlogged in the rain.

Rate the light for battery life. How long did it last? How long did it take to recharge?
 
7/10

The light lasted the length of time the manufacturers claim for the most part, but a little less time in high mode.

Rate the light for performance:
 
7/10

It preformed as it should have.

Rate the light for durability:
 
8/10

This light seems very durable and can take some knocks.

Rate the light for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the light for value:
 
8/10

Tell us how the light performed overall when used for its designed purpose

The light lived up to its claims of visibility.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the light

The design was very good.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the light

The flashing mode was distracting.

Did you enjoy using the light? Yes.

Would you consider buying the light? Maybe.

Would you recommend the light to a friend? Yes.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 34  Height: 158cms  Weight: 61kg

I usually ride: Giant defy  My best bike is:

I've been riding for: Under 5 years  I ride: A few times a week  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, sportives, general fitness riding, mtb,

 

Lucas KOTR City 85F front light
Lucas

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