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review
Lights - rear
RSP Tourlite LED rear lightRSP Tourlite LED rear light

RSP Tourlite LED rear light

7
by Shaun Audane
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Jan 15, 2011

0
£19.99

VERDICT:

7
10
Big, beautiful LED ideal for commuting, touring and utility riding
Weight: 
127g
Contact: 
www.raleigh.co.uk
How we test

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Bigger in some cases is certainly better and very apt when describing RSP’s new Tourlite. Designed to bolt directly to the rack platform, it might be portly but the half- watt LED flanked by two smaller units and integral reflector pack a mighty punch. Raleigh claims it’s visible from a mile and friendly acquaintances suggest this is no idle boast.

Battery life iis impressive too-especially in flashing mode where I’ve managed 97 hours on a set of double a batteries available pretty much anywhere. However, the universal mount wasn’t ready in time for testing so getting ours aboard my common or garden expedition rack took some ingenuity and a seat rail mounted bottle caddy…

Tipping the scales at 123g (including batteries) it’s a relative Collossus but this is largely unnoticed when bolted to the rack. The width precludes fitting to most universal brackets and the weight needs to be evenly distributed by both screws. Prise the casing open using a flat head screwdriver or coin- this gives you access not only to the battery tray and internals but the screws. A flash of inspiration saw an unused bottle caddy bolted to the carrier and the Tourlite set into to the bottle drillings. Mounting in this fashion also keeps it highly resistant to opportunist theft.

Weather seals are of the waterproof as distinct from water resistant variety; fending attack from heavy rain and garden hose handsomely even around the positive switch there’s no obvious sign of ingress and the time honoured slither of Vaseline around the battery contacts seemed unnecessary.

Illumination in all settings is impressive, helped in no small part by the clever LED and reflector arrangement that produces a warm, red arc that isn’t easily obscured by expedition panniers. That said, peripheral visibility and battery consumption seem markedly better in flashing modes, which are incidetally perfect for tackling roundabouts, side streets and other hazards on overcast evenings.

Verdict

Big, beautiful LED ideal for commuting, touring and utility riding.

road.cc test report

Make and model: RSP Tourlite LED rear light

Size tested: n/a

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?

"Central half watt LED

2 angles high power

LED’s

110 candlepower output

Visible up

Integrated reflector

Fits pannier racks

All-round visibility

Constant & Flashing

modes

Compact, durable &

lightweight design

Water proof construction

Burn time up to 100

hours" Does exactly what it says on the tin-just the ticket for commuting, touring and utility riding.

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

Central half watt LED

2 angles high power

LED’s

110 candlepower output

Visible up

Integrated reflector

Fits pannier racks

All-round visibility

Constant & Flashing

modes

Compact, durable &

lightweight design

Water proof construction

Burn time up to 100

hours

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10

Reassuringly solid.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10

123g (Including batteries)

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

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

The Tourlite might feel frumpy alongside the latest generation of super chic LEDs but owing to the wide surface area, integral reflector and sensibly powerful LEDS it's one of the most powerful I've used.

Burn times at least in flashing are extremely frugal and in a pinch, the humble double a batteries can be bought pretty much anywhere. Affixing directly to the carrier means there's a sporting chance of keeping it when popping into the supermarket/off-licence or library.

Friends tell me I'm visible from about three quarters of a mile away and assuming RSP sort the bracket, it could be perfect for tag alongs and trailers too.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Output, run times, simple, reliable design..Oh and change from £20!

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Just a shame the dedicated bracket hadn't been perfected in time for testing.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 37  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,

RSP Tourlite LED rear light
Rear light
rack mounted light
LED rear light
LED commuter light
LED
Commuter light
Shaun Audane

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

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