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review
Lights - rear
Fibre Flare Single Tail rear lightFibre Flare Single Tail

Fibre Flare Single Tail rear light

8
by Shaun Audane
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Nov 28, 2013

18
£29.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Superb light system for anyone but better than most for tandems and similarly specialist configurations.
Weight: 
93g
Contact: 
www.extrauk.co.uk
How we test

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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Fibre Flare's Single Tail rear light is a truly ground breaking, iconic lighting system that holds its own in pretty much any context. It uses fibre optic technology, a huge visible surface area and 'wand' shape that puts its visibility. You can see it from 425 metres in the sticks, dipping to 300 through rush hour traffic.

However, while it seems very likely to prevent sorry-mate-I-didn't-see-you hits, it is defined as a portable safety device, so pair it with a regular back light, especially if you've hung it on a rucksack or messenger bag to prevent an otherwise negligent driver wriggling away on a technicality.

Available in a range of colours and several lengths, it's consists of a phenomenally strong, flexible solid core with two high power LEDs, which are in turn, amplified by fibre optic components for captivating effect. It's powered by AAA batteries, a more practical choice for Audax and touring contexts as yo can get replacements anywhere, although the Single Tail's robust weather seals make roadside replacements a little fiddly.

The Fibre Flare Single Tail passed my hosepipe test and laughed at wet coastal roads despite being hung horizontally on a low-slung touring trailer. Its silicone 'ladder' straps wrap round tubing diameters between 10 and 60mm. If you don't like clutter, they're easily trimmed.

The shape and attachments straps open up plenty of possibilities for creative illumination. With a Fibre Flare down each seat stay and an extra light on my wedge pack I was able to mimic the highly visibly light layout of a contemporary French car.

Laying a Fibre Flare horizontally along my trailer's top rails was similarly effective and eliminated moments of going stealth when turning right or entering traffic flow. Of its two modes, flashing has been my default and is distinctive enough to avoid being lost among competing light sources .

The steady mode is hardly impotent but consumes juice at nearly twice the rate, though the run times are pretty frugal at 28-33 hours in steady mode against 62-68 hours in flash, depending on cell type and quality.

The switch is positive enough that you're unlikely to turn it on or off accidentally, but it's a faff if you're wearing winter weight gloves.

Verdict

Superb light system for anyone but better than most for tandems and similarly specialist configurations.

If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website

road.cc test report

Make and model: Fibre Flare Single Tail rear light

Size tested: n/a

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?

Fibre flare is a personal safety device rather than bike light in the traditional sense. "o 360 Degree Illumination - Be Seen from All Angles!

o Massive Illuminated Surface Area for Ultimate Safety

o Ultra Bright - Visible from Over 300 Meters

o Super Light Weight - Only 80 grams (including batteries)

o Excellent Burn Time - 75 Hours Strobe or 24 Hours Constant

o Silicone Attachment Slings - Fits all Bikes, Clothing & Bags

o 2 x AAA 1.5V Batteries

o 12 Month Warranty"

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

Solid core employing two LEDs whose intensity is amplified to phenomenal effect by fibre optic technology.

Rate the light for quality of construction:
 
8/10

Very well made. I've been running one for several seasons without the faintest hint of trouble.

Rate the light for design and ease of use. How simple was the light to use?
 
7/10

Incredibly simple to use, although the switch can prove a little tricky to locate and engage wearing heavy tog winter gloves/mittens.

Rate the light for the design and usability of the clamping system/s
 
7/10
Rate the light for waterproofing. How did it stand up to the elements?
 
8/10

Resisted wet coastal roads, hosepipe torture testing etc handsomely.

Rate the light for battery life. How long did it last? How long did it take to recharge?
 
8/10

Managed between 62 and 68 hrs in flashing, 28-33 steady depending on battery type/quality.

Rate the light for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the light for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the light for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the light for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the light for value:
 
8/10

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

So long as all urges to bend or contort the wand are resisted, Fibre flare is a phenomenally effective means of illuminating bike, rider or indeed accessories and is particularly well suited to trailers, tagalongs, recumbents and tandems too.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the light

Pretty much everything.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the light

Nothing, though the switch can prove a little obstinate.

Did you enjoy using the light? Yes.

Would you consider buying the light? Definitely.

Would you recommend the light to a friend? Without hesitation.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 40  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,

 

Fibre Flare Single Tail rear 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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