Knog Blinder Road 2 front light

Available in black, red, grape and gunmetal, the Knog Blinder Road 2 light resembles an old school high power twin lamp system that some batty boffin passed through a matter-shrinking device. Look elsewhere if you're seeking that level of see-with firepower mind, since all guns blazing it'll manage a very modest two hundred lumens. That said, this remains sufficient for navigating less challenging semi- rural stuff and the wealth of settings mean it's easily tailored for commuting and contingency duties.

Up front we've a beautifully executed CNC-machined housing, which is not only sturdier than a resin case but regulates heat more efficiently, so it's kinder to the LED circuitry and the lithium polymer battery. Collimator optics bend and project light most efficiently, banishing halos and similar imperfections.

The compact layout means the switches are very intimately positioned and a little tricky to use in full finger gloves but they're increasingly intuitive with use. There are three power levels '' flood, narrow and dual '' with five themes and the option of mixing things up. High eco flash sounds a bit rude but means one lamp provides a clear, static beam for picking out the detail, while the other dances a very distinctive samba. It's particularly effective through built up areas where the ambient glare can drown out powerful blinkies and it optimises economy and run times into the bargain.

An integral battery indicator means being plunged into darkness will be a blue moon event, though these aren't idiot proof; getting the very best from each five hour charge cycle requires intelligent deployment. Highest setting is a case in point. Unleashing the full 200 lumens crosses into see-with territory and I've been able to tackle semi-rural stuff to around 16mph but the setting races through the battery reserves in 53 minutes; less when temperatures tumble.

All settings are extremely extrovert, unleashing a very intense white hue that captivates, rather than mesmerises to around four hundred metres. Eco flash is the most frugal and hopeless for navigational duties but its strobe speed means it's visible to 500 metres without dazzling the rider. That makes it an absolute lifesaver should a dynamo wire snag, or time slip away on those late summer evenings.

Low wide and low dual are another useful option around dusk, casting a reasonable pool of light around you and generally adequate for suburban stretches, returning 1 hour 47 minutes from a complete charge cycle.

Irrespective of setting, peripheral prowess is better than its design would suggest, devoid of obvious blind spots when entering traffic flow or negotiating larger roundabouts but nonetheless, I took the liberty of adding small retro reflective stickers.

Now a quick word about the fitting kit. Thoughtfully, helmet, standard and oversized lips are included for a host of options, whether complementing a more powerful bar mounted systems or swapping between different diameters.

Standard manages bars between 25.4 and 26.4, allowing for cork and similarly dense handlebar wraps, though the oversized sibling struggles with beefy 31.8 Godzilla types and while the nylon clasp is arguably kinder to Dun/similar finishes, it's a faff, especially in gloved hands.

Knog claims the Blinder Road 2 is completely waterproof. That's a tall order from a plug-in rechargeable light but ours sniggered at five minutes sustained hosepipe torture testing and in any case a two year warrantee comes as standard.

Verdict

Well made, versatile light for clutter-phobic riders who generally ride within city limits.

The light comparator

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