Just in case - Lights

[Gary E]

I've just bought my first road bike and although I'm not planning any night riding I want to put lights on (just in case I get lost or have a break down).
I'm not too worried about the lights lighting up my route (my rides will be on well lit roads for the most part), what I want is the minimum amount of extra tackle/weight to do the job.
Any suggestions/recommendations?

 

[Graham1426]

Cateye are bright and lightweight, and reasonably priced.

 

[rollinstok]

Hi Gary,

The Cateye Uno is pretty good for a front light. Just one AA battery. It will provide a decent beam for its compact size and is great for lit roads. It will flash as well if you prefer.
A Knog Gecko for the rear.
There are many more to choose from but I can vouch for the reliability of these.

 

[derrick]

Cateye again.

 

[gaz]

I'm surprised so many people are rating cateye, they are the biggest pile of plastic junk I have ever used.
If you want something that is minimal on the bike, then look at Knog lights.

 

[NormanD]

My son has just bought this combo excellent price too

 

[HovR]

What gaz said. In my experience, Cateye are falling well behind compared to other lighting manufacturers. My Blackburn Mars 4.0 is a great rear light, but as you you want them just in case, maybe the Blackburn Flea would suit you? Front and rear lights, nice and bright, small form factor and charge via USB.

 

[coffeejo]

I've got the Knog Frog front and rear as my 'just in case' lights for the road bike, served me very well indeed coming home this afternoon, in the rain and much later than intended.

 

[gaz]

maybe the Blackburn Flea would suit you? Front and rear lights, nice and bright, small form factor and charge via USB.

That is a very good recommendation, better than my knog ones

 

[Deleted member 1258]

I'm surprised so many people are rating cateye, they are the biggest pile of plastic junk I have ever used.
If you want something that is minimal on the bike, then look at Knog lights.

One of the front lights on my fixed is a cateye, the light itself is good, its the bracket thats crap.

 

[HLaB]

For the front I like a Cateye EL410 as it fits on any bike including the flat profile bars on the Bianchi and as the bracket is integrated, its no problem to shift about and no ugly bracket is left With the rear I like to get a wedge bag that has a loop (I like the Topeak ones) and a light that has a good clip like the Smart Superflash or Blackburn Mars 4.0 again no bracket is needed and transfer between bikes is fast.

Edit and I've not had a problem with either Cateye, Smart or Mars and they have stood up so far to the rigours of our club evening training sessions with 21mph + laps.

 

[skudupnorth]

Not had a problem with Cateye myself but i have Fibre flare,Smart and Niterider in my collection and all are just as good.

 

[DCLane]

I've a Cateye Uno on the front and, like Gaz, think it's not great. A Knog light does as a back-up as well, just in case.

If I'm certain I'm coming back in the dark then I've got a T6 Cree light to add on.

The Cateye 5-light rear's better. And again there's a Knog backup light.

 

[Aiden_23]

I have the same issue, however I will be cycling in the dark at 0430 for my commute. I usually use cheap wired lights from Tesco on my MTB, but as I have just bought a new Roadie I am concerned that with the added speed comes added danger!!! I have been looking at the Cateye EL020 Hybrid/TL-610W Light Set has anyone had experience with this.Was thinking I could sling it at the window in work for a charge. Any recommendations welcome.

 

[CopperCyclist]

The Blackburn Flea is a good light, but has a design flaw. I've had mine fail twice, and end up refusing to charge. Both times I've had to send it off for a replacement, which has been done without an issue to be fair, but the seller has told me its a common problem.

The Blackburn Mars 4.0 is a decent rear.

Both lights aren't as good IMO as the Exposure Flash and Flare, which are what I currently run - however 70 quid for 'just in case' lights might be stretching it. Knog are a good budget choice.