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review
Lights - front
BBB High Integrate LED front lightBBB High Integrate LED

BBB High Integrate LED front light

6
by Shaun Audane
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Jan 20, 2011

0
£33.95

VERDICT:

6
10
By no means a bad lamp but output and run times need boosting to compete with rivals
Weight: 
131g
Contact: 
www.greyville.com
How we test

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Available in three classic colours, BBB's High Integrate LED towers over the single watt seen-by competition in aesthetic terms courtesy of graceful flowing contours that complement pretty much any genre of machine from town hack to titanium trophy. Similarly, the lens generous surface area projects a broad arc of light for maximum exposure. Sadly although it's a looker and by no means a bad lamp, when it comes to its primary function the output’s intensity feels distinctly impotent in comparison to its peers and nine to 19 hours run time from four AAA cells is only impressive by old fashioned filament bulb standards.

Enjoying a similarly sleek profile to ultra modern dynamo headlamps, the business end comprises of a single watt main and two micro LEDs and three levels- high, medium and low but no flashing. Prising the lens from the body allows the bulb and battery tray to slide out. Build quality is generally impressive withstanding persistent winter downpours, not to mention passing my garden hose test with flying colours. A recessed central switch is well positioned, positive while easily engaged in full-weight winter gloves without doing so accidentally in the bottom of bags or jersey pockets; while the quirky rubberised mounting strap is an acquired taste but moulds perfectly to all handlebar profiles and diameters with no hint of lemming tendencies.

Medium is the default setting and adequate around town to 14 mph; it gives a reasonable peripheral light spill and credit where due, captures driver attention quicker than some high power cube types. Pressing the switch again brings the two tiny micro LEDs to life; cancelling the main beam for a concentrated contingency/economy setting that is arguably best if teamed with a basic dynamo light.

Full power combines the two, fine for navigating unlit cycle paths with sufficient presence for safety along unlit rural roads but weak intensity makes judging conditions difficult at speeds over 10 mph in this context.

Verdict

By no means a bad lamp but output and run times need boosting to compete with rivals.

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road.cc test report

Make and model: BBB High Integrate LED front light

Size tested: white

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?

"Modern designed headlight which perfectly integrates with the handlebar.

•Powerful 1 Watt LED on top with power beam, ideal for dark tracks.

•Two regular micro-LED's on bottom with wide beam to increase visibility. Ideal for city use.

•Due to it's special mounting system this headlight fits most handlebar shapes and diameters."

A novel take on the traditional commuter lamp. More attractive than most and pleasant to use but performance and economy are distinctly average.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
6/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the product for value:
 
6/10

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Possibly

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Possibly

Overall rating: 6/10

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,

BBB High Integrate LED front light
BBB
LED
LED commuter light
LED front 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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