Niterider Solas 40 rear light

The Niterider Solas 40 rear light is a little gem. Forty lumens doesn't sound like a lot, but in the modes offered here, it's very effective at increasing your visibility.

A few years ago, 40 lumens was a lot for a rear light; now it's about standard and that makes this a good light for town and city riding, or if you are in a group of cyclists where you are all lit up.

This is also where what Niterider calls 'group ride mode' comes in. The light has four modes and they all have a decent battery life. The first mode is a rapid flashing mode that runs for a good 18 hours. The second mode pulsates and lasts for around 7 hours. The third and fourth modes are both constant, the third being brighter than the fourth. In the third mode it will last for 4.5 hours and the fourth '' group ride mode '' mode will last a massive 36 hours. The claimed run times have all been pretty accurate, with the charge time (4 hours) being very accurate.

The idea of the lower-power steady mode is that it won't be dazzling or annoying to other riders, an idea you'll appreciate if you're ever followed a rider closely in the dark who has a really bright rear light.

It comes with a battery indicator that works by flashing blue five times when there is above 25% battery power left, or by flashing red five times when the power falls below 25%. You get these flashes each time you power off the light.

The light comes with the micro USB charging cable, which isn't that long, but it doesn't need to be. There is also a very sturdy seat post mount included, from which the light can detach very quickly and easily. The strap is very robust too, but with just enough give in it that it would fit most larger seat-posts, and certainly most thinner ones too.

The RRP for this light is £34.99 and I feel this is not too bad at all. The modes, the durability and the ease of use make it worth the price, but shop around and it will be cheaper.

Verdict

Robust and useful rear light with handy less-dazzling group mode