Brightside - Side Lighting for Cyclist Review

SIDE LIGHTING FOR CYCLISTS

"Brightside"

I've had the pleasure of doing a review on a great new Safety Idea which is new to the market, if your a keen cyclist or even just a leisure rider, the "Brightside" bike light will make you very visible, especially at junction's and roundabouts during the day and at night!

How does it work: The Brightside is a smallish light that shines a Amber light to the Left and Right, it is simply mounted on your frame with the Frame clip mount and strap supplied.
Press the on button to change from each flash mode, from a fast flash to get you noticed to a slower flashing mode, and a constant setting. check the youtube video out on the link.
The light really does get you noticed I feel out on the road that little bit more which is a good thing.

How did the Brightside light come about: I met up with the inventor Aidan Gribbin a while back at the Cycle show, we got chatting and he asked me to do a review on the Brightside Side light, once it was fully up and running from the design and manufacture side of production. This is where we are now, with a full production model that can be purchased directly from their website right away! you will find the link to the Brightside Side Light on how the idea came about and it's construction below....

http://brightside.bike/about/

Whats in the box:
1 X Brightside bike light.
1 X USB Cable.
1 X Frame Clip Mount.
1 X Frame Strap.
1 X Instruction Booklet.

Brightside light, Mount, Strap, Charge lead and Instruction sheet.

Fitting to your bike.

The Brightside light comes with a universal strap which attaches to the frame clip mount, I tried it on several bike frames, as I was interested to see how well it would be seen at the front.

Fitting to a Specialized Allez 2014 Road Bike

Firstly I tried it on the Specialized Allez Alloy frame bike.

Typical road bike frame is the one by Specialized, so my first try was at the front, on and around the Head Tube section, this position would put the Brightside Light up in front.

No problem with the fitting, the frame strap was strong enough to go around the Head Tube without any extra force or stretching of the strap.

Brightside in place, fit's behind the brake cable.

I found with the light fitted on the front head tube, I had trouble turning the Brightside light on whilst wearing thick cloves, no problem though, I simply removed it and then turned it on to the setting I wanted, and then placed it back on the frame clip mount.

In place and working a treat!

Brightside fitted to the bike.

Fitting to a Ribble Carbon frame road bike

Fitting to the Specialized was easy, but the frame on the Ribble has a very different Head Tube, much thicker than most Alloy frame bikes, so I now tried fitting it on to the Ribble.

Head Tube much thicker on the Ribble.

The frame strap stretches around the Head Tube enough to fit the frame clip mount to.

Brightside light fits the Head Post

I felt that the large Head Tube width of the Ribble stretches the strap to the maximum, if the light was going to be used on this bike for a while and then transferred to another bike frame, I have a feeling the strap may be stretched too far to give a firm fitting on the frame clip mount, so I have decided to re-fit the clamp to the top tube to see how I get on with the light there.

Brightside fitted to the top tube.

Having moved the Brightside light to the top tube position I thought it was a better place, saves the strap from stretching and becoming too loose for use on other bikes, of course I made sure I had passed the strap under the brake cable on the top tube.

Fitting to a full suspension bike.

The next bike to tried it on was a full suspension bike a Specialized Camber, if there was going to be any bike to present a problem, I thought this would be the one!

On the Camber I found the same problem with the head tube making the strap stretch a bit.

Re positioned the Brightside to the headset position.

Fitting to a Hard-tail frame

I found the easiest frame to fit the Brightside to was a hard-tail bike frame.
Easy to fit, and sits right up at the front of the bike, where it will be seen by drivers.

Verdict: I found the Brightside side light to be a nice well thought out light, it makes you visible to other road users. I had a lot of people looking at me on the bike as I cycled past them on a ride out, it has a nice flash mode. Mounting wise I thought the stretching of the strap on the Ribble bike was at it's limit, I'm not sure if the strap would remain a bit too loose if it was then transferred to another bike with a smaller frame after a period of time, only time will tell! mind you not everyone has as many bikes as me..... so the need to keep changing the light between bikes would not be an issue.

Did it fall off: On the all rides I did with the various bikes that I had, the Brightside never moved, apart from when I adjusted the light to the top tube, it was fine whilst cycling along, but when I came to a stop my right knee hit the Brightside dislodging it off of the mount.

Brightside on the floor!
When I picked it back up the light has switched itself off.

No real problem with the mount, just the position I had mounted it on the top tube, so my advice is if you get one just take your time on positioning and mounting the clamp.

Charge times: Had no issues with the charge times, the light was excellent and the charge lasted well, the On/Off switch is a bit hard to operate when wearing winter gloves [ but so are most things including your mobile phone]!

Spares: I would like to see a spare Frame Clip Mount and a spare Frame strap in the options menu on their website, this would be handy if like me you own more than one bike, and this light is a must for dark evenings and nights.

Casing: After I knocked the Brightside light off the top post, I picked it up and found the light casing had no scratch marks or scuffs on it, so a well thought out and durable design, although the light did turn itself off as it hit the ground, on both occasions this happened I had no problem turning it back on again. The case is made of a tactile rubber, that is warm to the touch that would not split or crack when dropped.

Test ride: On the test ride the Bright side gave good side visibility for drivers at junctions and crossing the road between cycle paths, many people I passed gave my bike a look, and even had a nice comment about the Brightside being really a great idea to be seen with..

http://brightside.bike/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/brightside.bike

Twitter Feed: https://twitter.com/brightsidebike

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightsidebike/

I Like this a lot!

A well thought out and designed Safety Light. That makes you visible from the side, not just from the front and back like most bike lights.

Great if you are a commuter cyclist.

Price rrp

£34.99

Have noticed a 20% off discount code on Brightside Twittter feed page!

The 20%discount code is BSBL20

More on the Flash mode settings: On the rush to get this out to you all, I thought I had better just recheck to see if I had explained the Flash Modes on the Brightside light, so here is just another recap!

On: Light turns on to the fast flash mode.

On second push: The brightside has not got a memory switch (Yet) so the first press of the button brings to life and the second press will take it to constant mode setting.

Third push: Will take it to Power Save mode.

Fourth Press: Takes the Brightside to Steady Flash mode.

Take a look at the youtube video on the flash modes of the Brightside light.

Do you own a independent bike shop and want to stock the Brightside light then give Aidan Gribbin a call on 07931 103211
Tell him I sent you!

( For larger orders and trade enquires, please contact us direct)

UPDATE

now available at Evans Cycles shops.

https://www.evanscycles.com/brightside-side-lights-EV274020

UPDATE

Released at the Birmingham bike show was a new light from Brightside, check it out on the website as there is a deal for the two lights...........

Please Feel Free to Support Our Sponsors Adverts. Thank You.
Foot Note This is not a Paid Advertisement for Brightside Bike Lights
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@TDF79

Thor Cycle Light review from Spanninga

THOR Review

From Spanninga

http://www.spanninga.com/products/headlamps/thor/

A very powerful cycle light from a company called Spanninga, who are based in the Netherlands, [the home of recreational cycling].
A little more about Spanninga, they started out in 1918 and are a family run business, and the rest they say is "History" read the full story here on the link below, it is a very interesting story. http://www.spanninga.com/company/values/

Before I start this review I would like to Thank Spanninga, for the chance to do this review on a great "no Frills cycle light", one that does exactly what it is designed to do, and that is "Light up the path in front"

A quote from a cyclist in front of me whilst out on a night ride " with your light on I might as well turn my light off and save my battery!"

The Thor Light is "Bright" ! yes very "Bright"!

Whats in the Box!

The Thor does not come in a Box, it comes in it own " Transportation Case"!

Open the zipper to reveal the contents of the case.

Contents protected by a foam filler, that neatly keeps everything tightly in place.

Whats in the Case.

Light source: CREE XM-1 L2® LED 1100 Lumen
Power source: Samsung Lithium Ion 8.4V 5200 m A/h rechargeable battery, in water resistant neoprene sleeve
1A wall socket charger
120cm extension cable
   Helmet mount
    Head mount
     2x O-ring brackets (Ø 40mm & Ø 50mm)
   Velcro® cable tie

The Thor Light

Thor by Spanninga has a alloy housing.
It is shock resistant and waterproof as well.
Spanninga say on their website that the Thor has a IPX-8 and is suitable for continuous immersion under water at 2m!
(Foot note See details at bottom of review blog re the IPX test)

New performance battery pack from Spanninga. This soft shell Samsung high-capacity battery pack is well suited for helmet mounted lights The 75 gram battery including neoprene pouch can be placed inside a Camelbak or jersey back pocket. It can also be secured on to your upper arm just like an I-Pod arm strap.

The Thor comes with a wall charger that has a Red neon light that will automatically turn Green when fully charged.

Charge Times: 6 Hours from fully discharged (Flat)

3 Hours charge time if charged up when the Red light shows on the main light unit.

How Good Is The Bulb?

If you are expecting the Thor to have a "Bulb" think again!
this light is fitted with the latest breakthrough in LED's, the output from the CREE® XM-L2® LED is the Highest performing available on the market today!
The XM-L2 LED offers the unique combination of high efficacy and high lumen output at high drive currents.
Plus it will give you 20% more power than the older Cree Lamp.
That explains why it is so Bright!

How Bright Is The Thor By Spanninga.

In simple words it is "Bright"
It has no gimmicks of pulsating flashes, just a two second hold down on the Power button, and it's turned on, the two second hold is a great idea if you have the light packed away in your pocket or a bag, personally I would disconnect the light from the battery pack when keeping it in the Transportation Case.

As soon as the light was charged up I went out into the garden and connected the Thor to the Battery pack, it has a square connector and is fool proof to connect up to.

The light was surprising in Low setting.

Low setting on the Thor.

High Setting on the Thor.
You can see how the high beam has completely lit up the wall

Out on a Ride

Simply mount the Thor light where you want it, this could be on the handle bars, cycle helmet or head strap. The Thor is held on to the handle bars by one of the "O" rings, remember the Thor comes with 2 x O-ring brackets (Ø 40mm & Ø 50mm) so ideal for thinner bars and the thicker ones mountain bike riders use, simply place the "O" ring with the tab at the back and place it on your handle bars!

Big Top Power Button.

The battery pack in the Neoprene waterproof sleeve can be mounted on your top bar, remember this Thor is "Waterproof" so mud and water will not harm it in any way!

Now you are ready to head out on the trail!

Typical Cycle Track found in any Towns or County's.
Dark and not well lit.

Same location with the Thor turned on Low

The same location with the Thor turned on to High, if you look closely you can see the path is lit up much brighter.

Testing the Thor on a towpath, Low setting
Nice wide beam, which shows the path ahead, making riding safer.

Power set to High Beam, notice the main beam has traveled further and is more focused to the front

Out on a test ride.

I found the Thor is the perfect Cycling light, I did not need to have this on full at any time, it was bright enough to expose the pot-holes in the road ahead.
The Photos really does not do this light justice for it's brightness.

A Dark Carpark.

Nice and Bright!

My Verdict on the Thor.

The Thor is an amazingly super bright no frills light, suitable for any sport not just cycling, its water proof so ideal for pot holing adventures down in dark caves, etc!

Out on the road bike around dark country roads, the Thor shines bright in front with a nice beam width.
Push the setting button to high and the road is lit up, in fact a bit too much for the cars coming towards you, so it's good to be able to just adjust from high to low when needed. Ideal for group road riders amongst you.

On a ride around the woods it was amazing! the high beam became a wide beam and lit up the way ahead exceptional clearly, which makes it also ideal for the trail rider.

Best battery meets best Cree = Thor

Simply had no issues with the Spanninga Thor light in any way, the case it comes in a very nice touch to help keep all the parts together.

A top quality head lamp.

Will be adding updates so watch out for the Tweet's vie @TDF79

UPDATE 11/20/2015.

First time I have seen this Red light come on!

The Thor has not been charged for a very long time, I have done several night rides with the Spanninga Thor light and it has performed faultlessly, can recommend this light for the night rides any where!

UPDATE 23/12/2015

A Photo on the Thor out at night with Patrick Lamarre (Phot used with permission)

A Great photo from Parick

Test Level Definitions

IPX-0 No special protection

IPX-1 Protected against falling water Equivalent to 3-5mm rainfall per minute for a duration of 10 minutes.
Unit is placed in its normal operating position.

IPX-2 Protected against falling water when tilted up to 15 degrees - Same as IPX-1 but unit is tested in 4 fixed positions -
tilted 15 degrees in each direction from normal operating position.

IPX-3 Protected against spraying water - Water spraying up to 60 degrees from vertical at 10 liters/min at a pressure of 80-100kN/m2 for 5 min.

IPX-4 Protected against splashing water - Same as IPX-3 but water is sprayed at all angles.

IPX-5 Protected against water jets - Water projected at all angles through a 6.3mm nozzle at a flow rate of 12.5 liters/min at
a pressure of 30kN/m2 for 3 minutes from a distance of 3 meters.

IPX-6 Protected against heavy seas - Water projected at all angles through a 12.5mm nozzle at a flow rate of 100 liters/min at
a pressure of 100kN/m2 for 3 minutes from a distance of 3 meters.

IPX-7 Protected against water immersion - Immersion for 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter.

IPX-8 Protected against water submersion - The equipment is suitable for continual submersion in water under conditions which are identified by the manufacturer.

THOR IS IPX-8 RATED!

Look out for the THOR

http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Women-V-Cancer-Ride-the-Night-2016

Dunwich Dynamo 120 Mile unsupported night ride 16/17th July 2015

https://instagram.com/harlowcycle/

Foot Note This is not a Paid Advertisement for Spanninga

NikWax Review

NIKWAX TX Wash and Tech Wash review

http://www.nikwax.co.uk/en-gb/index.php

What is "NIKWAX" I hear you all saying!

Nikwax is a Cleaner and a Waterproof product for your cloths and more!
Nikwax have come up with a clever micro bead that bonds to anything that is not water-repellent, but leave the spaces between fibers open and breathable, so you have to see it under a Microscope!
Want to read a full in-depth on how it works go here, (But be sure to pop back) http://www.nikwax.co.uk/en-gb/how_nikwax_works/introduction.php
You simply wash or soak your cloths in the Nikwax to make it waterproof, and the good thing is you don't have to do it every time as the Nikwax can handle being washed loads of times to make it a lot easier to use.

NIKWAX TX Direct Wash-in.

NIKWAX Base wash.

Which one to use first?
We all want clean smelling cycling cloths when we are out, help if they are waterproof as well, if you keep washing your cloths in the ordinary detergents you mess up the wicking of the material, and this is the part that helps it to breath and stay water proof.

TX Direct Wash-in.

The No.1 easy to use, safe, high performance wash in waterproofing for wet weather clothing.

I am going to find out just how easy it to use the TX Direct Wash-in.
First thing I need is some dirty cycling cloths!
So watch this space!

Fancy getting your hands on some NikWax, well you can, pop along to +GO Outdoors or if your in our Harlow Cycling Group grab your discount card and head on down to the Harlow branch of Go Out Doors http://harlowcyclingpage.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/nikwax-review.html

Check out the range of Directional Clothing from Paramo High Performance.
https://www.paramo-clothing.com/en-gb/
Facbook page here
https://www.facebook.com/paramoclothing

Please Feel Free to Support Our Sponsors Adverts. Thank You.
Foot Note This is not a Paid Advertisement for NIKWAX
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Lezyne Micro Drive 400XL Review

http://www.lezyne.com/product-led-sport-microxlfrnt.php#.VmW5Br-K5PM

http://shop.upgradebikes.co.uk/Catalogue/Lights-2/Front/Micro-Drive-400-XL

Priced at srp £39.99

Lezyne Micro Drive 400 XL.

Did you all notice the "Price"?

Some thing's in life just get better, and this light is one of those, this the cycle light for the 21st Century!

Lezyne have come up with a light that should cost twice as much as their srp of £39.99 [when you read this review you will understand why!] which is the price that the Micro Drive is selling at!

Read on to find out more.

Lezyne has this one rated as a 400 Lumen's front cycle light, and that is what surprised me! when fully charged and I started to play with the setting's, on the bright mode I had to double check to see if it was a 400 XL rated and not just a straight 400 lumen's because this one seemed a lot brighter than that to me!
The Micro Drive Light has a powerful uniform Power Beam called a "MOR" (Maximum Optical Reflection) that makes the twin lenses kick out a very bright 400 lumen's on its brightest mode, and at the front the Micro Drive has twin LED'S that have a side slot cut out to make the light visible at a very acceptable 180 degrees from the side, that will keep you visible to other road users during the day and night, when coming out of the side turnings etc.
Talking of day, one great thing the Micro Drive has a super bright day running light setting, which uses the max lumen, high-visibility blinking mode which was developed to increase the user safety during daytime commuting, a excellent mode setting.

Twin Headlights!

Whats in the box: Well nothing is in the "Box" because the Lezyne Micro Drive 400XL comes in a sealed plastic bag containing one 400XL light fixed to a card with the instructions printed on it. [less packaging less cost]

Instruction sheet is slipped inside in a small plastic bag sealed to keep it safe whilst in transit to the shop or your door!

Lezyne Micro Drive 400XL attached to its display card.

As stated 400 Lumen's.

Specification:
400 Lumen's.
Weight: 90g.
Charge Time: 3 hrs USB.
Battery: Li-Poly battery.
Run Times: Setting's: 8 modes.
Blast-300 Lumen's, lasting 1 Hour 20 min's.
Enduro-150 Lumen's, lasting 2 hours 45 min's.
Economy mode-75 Lumen's lasting 5 hours 30 min's.
Femto mode-15 Lumen's lasting 25 Hours.
Flash 1-75 Lumen's lasting 11 Hours.
Flash 2 mode-75 Lumen's lasting 11 Hours.
Pulse Mode-75 Lumen's Lasting 11 Hours.
Overdrive Mode-400 Lumen's lasting 1 Hour.

Features: New switch called "Femto" this setting will let you ride for around 25 Hours! ( I have put it here again in case you missed the point above!)

Memory Mode Switch: Very clever mode switch, it will return to the setting that you last used on the Micro Drive Pro, so you find a favorite and leave it at that, next time you turn on the light it will be at last setting used.

Safety: The Micro Drive has a clever front side light design which makes the light visible at 180 degrees, ideal for when you are approaching a "T" junction.

Mounting: Rubber type strap attached to the bottom of the Micro Drive with a Clip hook on the end to attach the rubber strap, works well I thought and had no problems with fitting.

Status Light button: Top of the Micro Drive is the On/Off button which incorporates the condition of the light in a series of colours depending on the power level of the battery.

Body: The Micro Drive is nice and solid, being made out of Aluminum for the body, making it nice and light.

There is a long list of features and settings for the Lezyne Micro Drive 400XL, but once out of the packaging charging was straight forward, you simply remove the bottom rubber cap to expose the USB charge stick and plug in to your PC, it's as simple as that.

The Micro Drive is attached with a Tie wrap, be careful when removing, do not use a knife in case you cut in to the strap.

Remove carefully.


Micro Drive comes with the strap fitted to the body of the light.

Lezyne Micro Drive 400 XL printed on one side

I love the Lezyne name, it's a sign of Quality

USB cap removed to show the in built charge stick.

Attaching the Micro Drive is so easy, just place on bar and bring the strap round to hook on the front fixing hook.

Fits nice and solid.

Fits nicely onto the bars on my Specialized Allez road bike.

The light can be twisted to the side to make fitting a lot easier.

I found I did not need to twist the light to one side to fit the fixing band.

Not too sure how long the swifle design of the fitting bracket would stay in the stiff mode, if the light was used like this on every ride, but it should be covered on the 2 year warranty.

Fit's just as good on the MTB bike bars, but would love to see the name Lezyne on both side of the light.

Strap is a nice strong rubber compound.

Main On/Off button.

Video of the flash modes on the Micro Drive 400 XL.

My verdict.

The Lezyne Micro Drive XL is light weight and sturdy with a machined aluminum body and concealed chargeable USB port, making it fully waterproofed against the great British weather, Super Bright "MOR" lens, a memory mode switch, with great easy fitting, and best of all is what you get for the Price, making this one from Lezyne the "Bargain of the Century"! The brightness is amazing for it's size. With the Clever little light on the top switch that glows to tell you the power level the light is in, check out the beam pattern, nice in front with a great wide beam to light the way ahead on your ride. So if your a commute ride, leisure rider or even the keen MTB rider, give this one a look over at your local bike shop, or give Up Grade Bikes web site a look to find your nearest supplier, well worth it.

Love it,

Down side: Lezyne only printed on one side!

Update 31/01/2016 : Is the Lezyne Waterproof, you bet it is! here is a photo of it being used all day on very wet ride!


Everything was drenched!

On one of those rides where it just did not stop raining all day! and the Lezyne Micro drive sttod up to all the weather could throw at it, and me!

Please Feel Free to Support Our Sponsors Adverts. Thank You. Foot Note This is not a Paid Advertisement for Lezyne UK, UpGrade Bikes, or any Local bike shop.

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