Wooly undies (&lamp set) in Aldi - must be autumn

[simonineaston]

Popped up in my Twix feed this morning.

screenshot of Twix post

As I promptly commented, at 100 luxos or lumens or whatever they’re called, we better hope that bloomin’ reflector is properly designed so the poor sucker (me?!) coming the other way doesn't get dazzled into oblivion… however I suppose as Aldi is a German co., there is a sporting chance that will be the case!

[rjb]

The rear light is advertised as having a brake light. How does that work?
I have heard of riders mounting their rear lights on a spring which then wobble as they brake. No idea how effective that is either.

[simonineaston]

Rear brake light - nice! I missed that tidbit. I had a B&M back light with that feature, which rather typically for the doughty German manufacturer, rather over-egged the pudding in that it looked for a drop in output from the dynamo, via the feed from the front lamp, and interpretted that as the rider slowing down. It did work and I used to brake a bit now and then just to catch a glimpse in some handy reflective surface, the rear lamp getting brighter. Now I’m converted to 36v battery power on my 2 main bikes, I can no longer enjoy that little game.
I’m off to Aldi this arvo!

[Jdsk]

Rear brake light - nice! I missed that tidbit. I had a B&M back light with that feature, which rather typically for the doughty German manufacturer, rather over-egged the pudding in that it looked for a drop in output from the dynamo, via the feed from the front lamp, and interpretted that as the rider slowing down. It did work and I used to brake a bit now and then just to catch a glimpse in some handy reflective surface, the rear lamp getting brighter.

TTBOMK this works by detecting the frequency of the AC output of the "dynamo".

Jonathan

[rjb]

Yes but those brake lights in aldi are battery powered, no dynamo involved. Perhaps they are fitted with accelerometers. Not Through The Back Of My Knut TTBOMK
https://www.aldi.co.uk/bikemate-led-bik ... 2798426200

[Jdsk]

Rear brake light - nice! I missed that tidbit. I had a B&M back light with that feature, which rather typically for the doughty German manufacturer, rather over-egged the pudding in that it looked for a drop in output from the dynamo, via the feed from the front lamp, and interpretted that as the rider slowing down. It did work and I used to brake a bit now and then just to catch a glimpse in some handy reflective surface, the rear lamp getting brighter.

TTBOMK this works by detecting the frequency of the AC output of the "dynamo".

My comment was a reference to B+M dynamo lights.

Jonathan

[simonineaston]

Shopping done - I do like Aldi’s gratifyingly fatty (10%) yoghurt - the lamp set arrives here at BF Towers. It’s the sort of pressed-together plastic construction you’d expect for approx. a tenner. USB charging & light weight suggests relatively small battery capacity, but the good news is that the reflector does seem to enjoy some responsible design, having a sharp, flat cut off at top of beam. Haven't used it in anger yet as I’m usually tucked up in bed with r4 and a cup of cocoa well before sundown…

Beam shape

Busy led display

[rjb]

Curious to know how long it takes to fully charge your new light. Does it use a universal bar mount. Will you be tracking those white balls heading your way.
I'll put my helmet on.

[simonineaston]

Re charging, I don't know yet as I charged it overnight. Here’s a piccie of the lamps partially inserted into their respective mounts. Of course, what I’m really interested in is the brake light feature but I haven't experienced that yet!

Bar and back mounts

[squeaker]

Re charging, I don't know yet as I charged it overnight. Here’s a piccie of the lamps partially inserted into their respective mounts. Of course, what I’m really interested in is the brake light feature but I haven't experienced that yet! IMG_2700.jpeg

Good to see a proper (B&M compatible?) light mount. The brake light trigger will be an accelerometer (like what's in your phone). Previous experience of such CatEye brake lights suggests that potholes can trigger them (due to cross-axis sensitivity).
100lux in a controlled beam for £13 with a rear light included is an absolute bargain IMO, but as the 2 previous similar incarnations from Lidl (50lux) I own are still going strong, I'll pass this year!

(edited to clarify that earlier bargain lights were from Lidl)

[edocaster]

I saw this today, but didn't buy. Looks like Aldi didn't used to do StVZO lights in the UK? In any case, this one ups the Lidl lights slightly (the mount looks better at least).

I'm assuming it doesn't flash (if it's StVZO-compliant)?

[irc]

I saw this today, but didn't buy. Looks like Aldi didn't used to do StVZO lights in the UK? In any case, this one ups the Lidl lights slightly (the mount looks better at least).

I'm assuming it doesn't flash (if it's StVZO-compliant)?

Correct. Good points - usb C charging. Good beam cutoff line.

Not so good. There is a big difference in brightness from the area below the cutoff 15 or 20 ft ahead of the bike and the area immediately ahead of the bike. I will need to try it on an unlit path to see how it works actually riding.

I bought a light set for £20 off Amazon in January this year. Not StVZO but for use anywhere a cutoff is not needed far far brighter.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09MKGPTVJ/

[st599_uk]

Yes but those brake lights in aldi are battery powered, no dynamo involved. Perhaps they are fitted with accelerometers. Not Through The Back Of My Knut TTBOMK
https://www.aldi.co.uk/bikemate-led-bik ... 2798426200

Some of them have a switch that goes in the brake cable, pullting the brake pulls the switch against the cable grommet on the end of the cable.

[Bmblbzzz]

Of course, what I’m really interested in is the brake light feature but I haven't experienced that yet!

And you won't be able to – unless you manage to ride very quickly in a very small circle and end up behind yourself!

As for the front light, the beam looks good, especially for £13, but the sheer number of LEDs on the top would distract me.

[mattheus]

Not so good. There is a big difference in brightness from the area below the cutoff 15 or 20 ft ahead of the bike and the area immediately ahead of the bike. I will need to try it on an unlit path to see how it works actually riding.

Generally that's how you WANT a shaped-beam to work. Of course it can be too extreme ...