Torch Bar End Beamer lights

Bar end LED lights are nothing new but have largely been limited to tiny static/flashing bulbs inserted into road bike end plugs. By contrast, Torch’s imaginatively christened bar end beamer lights look like something straight out of Blakes7 with their combined white/ red lenses boasting greater surface area for improved visibility. However, the pronounced design is most effective on flat or butterfly type bars unless you’ve a pair of Scott drop-ins on the winter trainer – you won't get any real benefit on drops.

Weighing a respectable 80g per pair and powered by four tiny SR44 watch batteries means only the most anorexic of bikes and obsessive owners will notice. Quoted run times are broadly accurate with ours managing 24hours on constant and 47 flashing. Despite some initial scepticism, to my surprise they’ve slotted securely into most diameters of handlebar end and even a space saver type handlebar extension bracket thanks to clever silicone sleeves. However, while not directly in the firing line of dirt and water, they’re only water resistant so a slither of Vaseline on the contacts is a wise precaution-especially on bikes in hard service.

Toggling between modes is simple-even with gloved hands thanks to sensible rubberised switches and while very bright for a complementary system boasting visibility from up to a third of a mile-impressive but not on a par with the latest generation of blinkers and the flashing mode feels slightly pedestrian.

Summing up, they’re no substitute for good primary and secondary lighting but offer welcome extra security-especially on tag-alongs/trailer bikes that are particularly vulnerable along poorly lit rural roads. However, the otherwise clever concept requires re-designing to work well with traditional drops.

Verdict

Clever idea but relatively short burn times and needs redesigning for traditional drops