SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING

Specification

Measuring 52x21x21mm, the NYTE Clip is very bijous but feels reassuringly solid. Behind the polycarbonate lens, COB (Chips on Board) manufacturing means there are 36 diodes crammed together for maximum intensity, projected at 220 degrees. A small aluminium strip dissipates heat, thus giving them and the rechargeable 3.7 V250 mAh lithium-Ion cell and switch a sporting chance of long and productive lives.

 

IP44, the contemporary equivalent of IPX4 sounds a little low rent by modern standards, especially for products marketed at gravel and mountain bike audiences. However, no issues in the real world and the port cover fits snugly.  Sigma also promote it for small compact geometry bikes where space can be more limited. I’ll agree with that too, as a broad strokes statement, but seat posts aren’t the only hosts. I tend to mount Ursula’s rear lights to the rack, seat stays and indeed, luggage.

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Modes & Switch  3.5/5

There are six modes in total and a memory function. Two Steady (high and eco-55 and 20 lumens respectively) and four flashing. These are fast flash (70- lumens), slow flash (80 lumens) disco flash (90 lumens) and pulse flash (100 lumens). 

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The switch is positive- not easily triggered when bounding around in a pocket, or luggage, but user-friendly when wearing middleweight winter gloves. A double press powers up, subsequent presses cycle through the modes, a further double press alternates between steady and flashing. A sustained two-second press powers down.

 

The charge light indicator is similarly straightforward. Green denotes 100-40%, red 40-1% below 1% and it will flash red, then power down promptly- no bailout, auto kick down. In fairness, these features aren't universal, especially at this end of the market.  Talking of which, Sigma cite run times as 2.5 and 10hrs for the steady high and eco modes, 4.5 hours for Fast and Disco flash and 4 hours for the slow flash. Pulse flash is the least economical, returning a claimed 2.5 hours from a full charge.

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The NYTE CLIP doesn’t come with a USB-C charge cable. Two schools of thought, some suggesting penny pinching, others would justly point out most of us already have drawers of USB-C cables for lights, phones, tablets etc. I default to a higher power tablet cable for home and mains charging. A couple of spares tucked in panniers or bar bags means I can refuel from the dynamo, should need, or neurosis strike.

   

Mounts 3.5/5

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The post strap isn’t compatible with aero designs, but has readily entertained 25.4-31.8 diameters without slippage or indigestion. I’ve successfully tethered the Nyte Clip to my Yak homage trailer's box section tubing, albeit using a bigger “O ring (it will also entertain helmets). The clothing clip has proved very reliable on and off-road. I've had no issues tethering it to panniers, messenger bags and jersey pockets.    

 

Output 3.75/5

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Output is impressive, which I attribute in no small part to the number of diodes. Outside of testing, I’ve defaulted to the flashing modes. Given these are 100, 90, 80 and 70 lumens, all can easily serve as daylight running modes and have stood out even in strong, early-season sun. Approaching riders suggested they could pick them out from 100 metres, some suggested 350 at dusk, 400 on a dark, clear night. Slightly shy of the 500 claimed, but should satisfy all but the most pedantic.

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Their tempo and the lenses’ 220-degree projection ensure this isn’t compromised when emerging from side roads, tackling roundabouts and performing right turns. With this in mind, aside from a bigger light’s failure, the Nyte Clip's small surface area means it wouldn’t be my choice for a trailer or tagalong. That said, save for fog and similar bad weather, these modes are too aggressive for town duties, and it would’ve been nice to have a lower flashing option for built-up areas. Arguably, Eco steady is the next best thing. Visibility seems to be 30 metres or so, nearer 50 plus outside of city limits.   

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Of the flashing modes, I’ve defaulted to fast and slow, since these are the most frugal, although run times are relatively short at 4.5 and 4 hours, respectively. Fine for middle-distance training and commuting, just not for dusk-till-dawn all-nighters.   

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The high 50 lumen steady mode is similarly retina-tickling and will certainly discourage wheel-sucking. Around dusk, a couple of riders reckoned they could pick it out at 150 metres, 175 when it was mounted to my helmet. 20 lumens is quite bold enough, but arguably just the right side of too fierce.

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Charge & Run Times 3.25/5

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Sigma cite 90 minutes zero to fully fuelled and my experience has mirrored this, charging from a PC USB port using a bog-standard USB-C cable, dropping to 1hr 10 when mains charged using a 6A tablet cable. On the occasions I’ve gone the dynamo route, it’s been around 2.5 hours, although I’ll confess to being more engaged with the ride and battling the elements.  Run times in cooler temperatures (plus three to fourteen degrees) have also been very faithful to the official figures.

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Ours has been within 6 minutes of these across the board, although once reserves start tumbling and the battery life indicator starts flashing red, there’s not much leeway before it shuts down. This caught me by surprise on a couple of occasions, but no issue, given I default to two rear lights- for additional presence during really dark, or foggy rides and peace of mind.   

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Durability/Care 3.5/5

Sigma suggests the battery should withstand 300 charge cycles before there’s a 20% dip in performance. For these reasons, I’d keep the battery charged more frequently- every ride, assuming you’re out for a couple of hours and using the flashing modes, less frequently if you’re going the steady eco route. Otherwise, ours has been subjected to the usual early-season catalogue of rain, muddy spatter and consequently, regular sudsy bucket washes followed. I’ve deliberately left ours in situ during this phase. No obvious signs of ingress, although I’d be inclined to give the port a periodic squirt of WD40 or MO94 Muc-Off MO94 Multi Use Spray | cycling-not-racing

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Value 3.5/5

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£25 is favourable. Ravemen Cl01 is £24.99, boasts 5 modes, a braking function and post/saddle rail mounts. It also complies with IPX6 for weatherproofing. Kranx Solis 100 Rear Light  Kranx Solis 100 Rear Light | cycling-not-racing comes in at £15.99, offers 100lumens, COB technology, six modes and various mounting options. Steve was quite impressed with its overall performance, but noted the lack of auto kick down and charge life indicator necessitated disciplined charging. The switch could also be a bit tricky to operate, wearing winter-weight gloves.

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 Le Lumia The Beast Rear Light LELUMIA THE BEAST REAR LIGHT | cycling-not-racing has a post, or clothing clip- the latter being particularly effective. Output is impressive, although the run times are middling, there’s no aero post option, no auto kickdown, and at 88g, it’s a good bit heftier than the Nyte Clip.  Infini Tron Rear Light comes in at £34.99 Infini Tron Rear Light | cycling-not-racing . However, while the clothing clip is very effective and output generally good, the mounting hardware could be improved, run times are also a little low in the highest settings. No auto kickdown, either. Steve was impressed by The Moon Sport Helix Pro 150 rear light Moon Sport Helix Pro 150 Rear Light | cycling-not-racing . Meeting IPX7 for weatherproofing and with clothing clip, standard and aero post mounts and one for saddle rails. Run times are generally impressive, save for the 60-lumen steady option.

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Summary      

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Sigma has set out to make a versatile safety light well-suited to cycling but also other outdoor activities and in my view, they’ve generally succeeded. A lower flashing mode for built-up areas, or limping home when the battery's tanking, would be nice. However, the latter feature isn't universal, especially at this price point. 

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Michael Stenning

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3.5/5 Small, mighty and versatile safety light for bright days and dark nights.

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SIGMA - Bike Computer, Bike Lights, Data World