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review
Lights - rear
RSP City Bright R - Rear LED LightRSP City Brite R

RSP City Bright R - Rear LED Light

6
by rob_simmonds
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Dec 6, 2011

0
£19.99

VERDICT:

6
10
A modest homage to a classic design, but not as good
Weight: 
75g
Contact: 
www.raleigh.co.uk
How we test

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The City Brigh R rear light from RSP bears more than a passing resemblance to the classic Smart 1/2w Superflash, with a single 1/2 watt led set on top of two more humble leds. Think of it as tribute act.

It's a sturdy little unit with the switch on top, rather than on the bottom, which makes it less vulnerable to spray from the rear wheel if you don't run mudguards. There are just three modes including steady, which is enough for anyone. RSP don't quote a runtime but I switched the light on in steady mode two days ago and it's still going, albeit with a rather muted flash. That's pretty good going, seeing as it only takes two AAA batteries.

The clip (long and ideal for belts and light loops) attaches to a basic but rather clunky seatpost clamp. To alter the angle you have to remove the light, fiddle with a separate screw, refit the light, check and repeat if required. The word 'primitive' springs to mind and it certainly doesn't have the simple versatility of the silicone rubber clamps that some more modern designs come with.

The biggest drawback of this light is the translucent front casing. It's too shallow and too dark, which seriously reduces side visibility and muffles the power of the main led. Side by side with a Smart 1/2w the RSP is almost drowned out, despite having identical power.

At full RRP (£19.99) this would be a poor choice, but I've seen it online for less than a tenner. That said, the Superflash can be had for about the same price.

It's not a bad light, it just suffers from not being as good as the design it copies.

Verdict

A modest homage to a classic design, but not as good.

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road.cc test report

Make and model: RSP City Bright R - Rear LED Light

Size tested: Black/Red

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?

Distinct lack of blurb from distributor Raleigh. 'A great LED for additional visibility and safety'. Woo-hoo...

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

1/2w main led

Rate the light for quality of construction:
 
8/10

Solid and robust

Rate the light for design and ease of use. How simple was the light to use?
 
8/10
Rate the light for the design and usability of the clamping system/s
 
5/10

Primitive but functional

Rate the light for waterproofing. How did it stand up to the elements?
 
8/10

Survived the hose test and top mounted button should mean the electrics are less vulnerable to spray.

Rate the light for battery life. How long did it last? How long did it take to recharge?
 
7/10
Rate the light for performance:
 
6/10

Dark casing muffles the main led and dampens side glow

Rate the light for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the light for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the light for value:
 
6/10

Expensive and poor value at full retail price (£19.99) but a reasonable light for less than a tenner.

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

Ok - but not great

Tell us what you particularly liked about the light

Reliable, good runtime

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the light

Not as bright as it should be

Did you enjoy using the light? Mostly

Would you consider buying the light? No

Would you recommend the light to a friend? No

Anything further to say about the light in conclusion?

Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but it doesn't guarantee something as good as the original.

Overall rating: 6/10

About the tester

Age: 42  Height: 5' 8  Weight: er....85kg

I usually ride: Kona Dew Drop, Dawes Century SE, Carlton Corsa  My best bike is: Guess SC1 scandium

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: time trialling, commuting, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, Audax and long distance solo rides

 

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