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review
Lights - front
Electron Pico Super 2 front lightElectron Pico Super 2

Electron Pico Super 2 front light

6
by Caven O'Hara
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Jun 12, 2014

1
£24.99

VERDICT:

6
10
Effective light that is let down by lack of bracket options
Weight: 
54g
Contact: 
www.madison.co.uk
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The Electron Pico Super 2 is a good front light to be seen by, as long as you don't have 31.8mm-clamp bars.

Lights aren't so crucial at this time of year but there is still the odd morning where the sun fails to shine. Grey cloudy starts, lacking a decent sunrise can leave you a little vulnerable if you don't have a front light.

Electron's Pico Super 2 front light will fit the bill for a light to be seen by. Comprising two half-watt LEDs, it provides a decent spread. At just under £40 and using AAA batteries you are getting a light that shows itself well and doesn't break the bank.

The light unit mounts to your bars using a quick release bracket, but it only fits skinny bars. There was no possible way the bracket would stretch to fit and then be able to secure it on 31.8mm bars. This was disappointing and, given the proliferation of these size bars, slightly odd.

That aside, the Pico performed well. The unit is water resistant and robust so will deal with the wet weather without complaint. You have three modes, two flashing and one constant. Run time is claimed to be six hours on constant, in the high setting and I got close to that: not bad on two AAA batteries.

Toggling between the settings is just a case of pressing the easy to find button on the front of the unit. The Electron Pico Super 2 is an easy light to use. Setup is simply a matter of inserting the batteries and then attaching the unit to the bars. Taking the light unit off the bracket is a simple task but while in place remains secure despite being subjected to the jolts you get on the UK roads.

The Pico is good value but limitations in terms of the bars it fits it will put a lot of people off.

Verdict

Effective light that is let down by lack of bracket options

The light comparator

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Electron Pico Super 2

Size tested: LED

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?

If you're after a light to be seen with rather than illuminate your way home then this is an ideal choice. It's easy to fit and use and only uses two AAA batteries. The lack of bracket size options will limit its suitability for many riders.

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

The two 1/2 watt LEDs offer a decent beam and this can easily be seen by on-coming traffic. The is some side on spread that will allow other road users to see you from the side rather than directly head on. With three modes it will be sufficient to get you home although the flash mode might be a little irritating for other road users.

Rate the light for quality of construction:
 
8/10

The case and light cover are made from a tough plastic which offers a robust feel to the light. The Pico 2 from Electron feels solid and having dropped it once has shown no signs of wear and tear or suffering from it.

Rate the light for design and ease of use. How simple was the light to use?
 
9/10

The light is easy to use. The button on the front is to use although it is quite deeply recessed so over time this may cause an issue but over the couple of months I've been using it there have been no problems. Swapping the batteries is straight forward, remove the case with a flat head screw driver and the front cover comes away. There is a thick rubber seal that sits between the battery housing and the lens to make it water proof.

Rate the light for the design and usability of the clamping system/s
 
6/10

The clamp is easy to use, one screw connects the light unit clip to the bracket. The downside is the limitation is that it won't fit 31.8mm bars. A pretty serious flaw. Getting the light out of the bracket is easy by pressing the clip on the rear of the light unit.

Rate the light for waterproofing. How did it stand up to the elements?
 
9/10

The thick rubber seal does a good job of keeping the unit weather proofed.

Rate the light for battery life. How long did it last? How long did it take to recharge?
 
8/10

Close on six hours from two AAA batteries is not bad but unless you have some rechargeable versions you will have to continue to fork out for them.

Rate the light for performance:
 
9/10

The three modes offer a decent spread of light and give you enough options to make sure you'll be seen in most conditions.

Rate the light for durability:
 
8/10

The Electron Pico 2 has proven to be robust without suffering any adverse effects to the weather or being inadvertently dropped.

Rate the light for weight, if applicable:
 
9/10

The light and bracket don't add much weight to your bars.

Rate the light for comfort, if applicable:
 
6/10

Other road users may find the flash mode quite annoying.

Rate the light for value:
 
8/10

At £24.99 it doesn't represent a big spend but you will have to factor in the on-going cost of batteries, or consider rechargeables.

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

Overall I'd rate the Pico 2, it isn't expensive but you don't have a re-chargeable option. The bracket isn't suited for all bars but you will get other road users having no excuse for not seeing you

Tell us what you particularly liked about the light

The ease of use; the light is simple to use and fit.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the light

The limitations of the bracket and the flash mode will detract from what is a decent light.

Did you enjoy using the light? I did.

Would you consider buying the light? No.

Would you recommend the light to a friend? Potentially if they had the right size bars.

Anything further to say about the light in conclusion?

The Electron Pico 2 would score more highly if they provide a bracket to fit all bars and temper the flash mode.

Overall rating: 6/10

About the tester

Age: 45  Height: 178cm  Weight: 80kg

I usually ride: Currently riding a Pinnacle Evaporite Three  My best bike is: As above

I've been riding for: Under 5 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, sportives, mtb, Not yet but looking to dip my toe in the world of TT

 

Electron Pico Super 2
Electron 2014
Electron

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1 comments

Avatar
bikebot | 10 years ago
0 likes

It looks identical to the Metroflash rear light, that's been a top seller on Amazon for just £11.

If so, there is another problem with that light. The clips that hold the cover on break quite easily, and as soon as you lose one the cover will bounce off with any big bump. Shame, as the Metroflash was a good backup light.

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