Specification

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Measuring 23x53x27mm, it’s a compact design likely to be a good fit with minimalist bikes and those who don’t like clutter (or indeed those running big seat packs).Behind the polycarbonate lens we have 20 COB (Chips on Board) diodes, a heat sink and a decelerometer, which detects a loss of speed, engaging the braking and emergency braking functions.  

 

These are fuelled by a reassuringly beefy 3.7v 650 mAh lithium-ion battery.  This charges via a USB C port, which is hidden behind a snug fitting port cover. IP44 (splashproof) for weatherproofing is arguably a little low rent, especially at this price point where IPX6 and indeed, IPX7 are more common.

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That being said, though I’d be inclined to give this a quick squirt of silicone spray from time to time-especially if regularly riding without guards, and venturing off road, it’s not been problematic to date.   

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Flip it over and you’ll find an integrated block, which docks nicely with the two mounts, which I’ll discuss later on.  Now, some of you will be thinking it’s a dead ringer for the Hiro 70 and visually, it’s difficult to tell them apart. The Hiro is designed for the German market, where flashing lights are not permitted. The Hiro also has the braking functions and modest maximum run time of 6 hours, whereas the Nyte 70 ‘s reckoned good for 20.  Both employ light-sensitive sensors which must not be obscured but can be mounted horizontally to suit preference and need.

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Modes & Switch 3.5/5

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There are six modes in total, if we include auto mode, which uses ambient light technology, so the light decides the optimum output. Aside from engaging when dusk starts creeping in, it will ramp up the output should you go from a clear road to one heavily sheltered by trees, or indeed, beneath a bride, underpass etc.

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Otherwise, there’s two steady- High and Low (9.5 and 5.5 lumens respectively) and three flashing. The flashing also sound similarly tame on paper- 30 lumens for the day flash, 7.4 lumens for the night flash, while the eco flash is a mere 3. However, in keeping with some others, most notably, Ravemen CLO6 RAVEMEN CL06 SENSORED REAR LIGHT | cycling-not-racing  (which doesn’t employ an ambient light sensor) is much brighter than lumens would imply. Oh, and there’s a memory function, meaning you can just start where you left off.   

 

There’s also a sleep mode, which as the name suggests, puts the light into standby. Nudge or move the bike and it will resume. This does still command charge from the battery, so remember to switch it off when you’re putting bike(s) away.

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The switch is top centre denoted by a black raised, textured surface. Beneath (or to the right, when mounted horizontally) is the charge/battery life indicator and then come two “braking” diodes. Reassuringly firm, it requires two definite presses to power up. I was surprised to find toggling between steady and flashing modes was just a matter of singular prods, cycles through until the preferred setting. Powering down is just a matter of holding the switch down for two seconds. I’ve had no issues commanding it wearing middleweight winter gloves, although more challenging with heavily padded, deep winter designs.

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Mount 3.5/5

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​Mounts plural, consisting of a traditional “watch strap” type that will entertain round seat posts between 25.4 and 31.8. The angle can also be adjusted by loosening a Phillips screw, moving to suit and snugging tight. Fairly universal, save of course for aero sections. Arguably in this instance, you’d opt for the saddle rail mount. This is a fairly substantial composite affair, which fits onto the rails with a reassuringly audible “click”.

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Slackening a thumbwheel allows the Nyte 70 to be aligned correctly so you’re not illuminating your derriere or dazzling approaching traffic. I’ve tried it across various saddle rails from titanium to Cro-Moly and no issues. Back to the “watch strap”, this will also entertain seat stays, some racks, trailer tubing and helmets too.   The light’s been quite tricky to slot in and out, but I’d sooner that than one ejected at the first bump and if locking up in the street, mount and light would be coming with me.

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Output 3.75/5

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While it’s happy being mounted vertically, or horizontally and is very effective either way, general chat suggests vertically has the edge if you’re running panniers. Starting with the daylight flashing- this is retina tricklingly intense and much brighter than 30 lumens would suggest-something I attribute to the close arrangement of diodes. I’ve found it very effective across the board-even in fog. A couple of approaching riders reckoned they could pick it out at 150 metres on a bright, sunny morning, others suggested 250 metres when conditions turned overcast.

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On some clear nights, a neighbour returning from work reckoned they could pick out the tempo from 300 metres, although their description suggested they’d also caught the braking function kicking in. Not a mode I’d want to be wheel-sucking and rather abrasive for built up areas.

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Before I discuss the others, let’s take a look at the ambient light and braking functions. Sensored tech is steadily improving all the time and though responsive, it doesn’t seem to linger unduly- 1.5 seconds seems the consensus, although stop-start traffic, or on a more convoluted climbs will trigger more frequently. Unlike some, it cannot be disengaged, which might be a turn-off for some. I’d say, consideration, rather than con, when everything else is factored into the equation. On balance, despite the smaller surface, with careful positioning, in my view, this also extends its horizons to trailers and tag- alongs.  

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Ambient light is best thought of an auto mode seems fairly accurate, at least by contemporary standards and has selected a broadly appropriate output say when I’ve been come from bright sunlight to heavily sheltered bridlepath, or whizzing beneath a bridge. It’s not instant and anecdotally, there was a pause of ½-3/4 of a second before it registered, but this wasn’t a major concern for me.  

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The night flash feels closer to 25, maybe 30 lumens in the real world- arguably I’d go for the day flash along really murky lanes, but otherwise, truckers and other independent accounts suggested they could pick it out from 100 metres, 125 on a very clear night, further still when I’ve needed to slow, or really pull up sharp to avoid a rogue red deer, thanks to the two braking functions.

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There’s enough peripheral throw for remaining conspicuous, whether I’ve been emerging from concealed junctions, or tackling bigger, busier roundabouts, too. The 3-lumen low won’t ruffle feathers on group rides, primarily due to the slower, pulse, and again, coupled with the braking functions, this has been my default for suburban duties-assertive, rather than aggressive.

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It’s certainly not impotent in semi/rural contexts either, which is good news, should you need to conserve some juice. We reckon it's closer to ten lumens, and a farmer said she could pick me out at 30 metres- full disclosure, I’d taken a wrong turn onto her land, but she graciously took pity on me.  What about the steady modes, Michael? Well, if you didn’t want to go the flashing route, say on a group outing, I’d prod to low steady since it sips 

reserves, but still has reasonable presence.  

 

The high steady is another pleasant surprise, obvious to around 80 metres or so along the backroads and though overkill for town in some respects, it’s still assertive rather than aggressive. Save for testing and unusually foggy conditions (where I’ve gone for the day flash) I’ve defaulted to the low flashing in built up areas, especially when I’m navigating roundabouts and busier junctions.

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Charge & Run Times 3.75/5

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Three hours when fuelling from a laptop, or similar third-party device, I’ve had it from zero to hero in 2hrs 40 from the mains using a 6V tablet cable. Run times in temperatures between 4 and 18 degrees have generally been within a few minutes of those cited. I was pleasantly surprised to discover the braking functions haven’t made much impact. Steep climbs and very slow traffic etc will have a cumulative effect, but less than I’ve come to expect from others with braking functions in comparable contexts.

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Care/Durability 3.25/5

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Sigma say the battery should return 300 charge cycles before dipping to 80% of capacity. However, worth charging the battery frequently and not letting reserves dip too low frequently. Ours has been subjected to heavy rain, boggy trails and the occasional direct hit from rogue stones with no calling cards. Despite only complying with IP44, ours shows no sign of ingress, despite being sloshed with sudsy water while giving bikes a deep clean. The port cover is snug, although I'd give it a precautionary shot of silicone spray to keep it nourished and the elements locked out.  Mounting hardware is sturdy and spares are available, so I see no reason why it shouldn't serve faithfully for several seasons. 

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Value 3.5/5

£30 is a competitive price point and rivals its RL150 Sigma Buster 1600 & RL150 Light Set | cycling-not-racing cousin, which I remain fond of. Magicshine Seemee180 Bike Taillight V2 (£34.99, now reduced to £29.99) produces 180lumens and boasts a braking and an ambient light sensor, adjusting output to suit conditions. It also complies with IPX6 for weatherproofing.  Ravemen CLO6 (Now £34.99) RAVEMEN CL06 SENSORED REAR LIGHT | cycling-not-racing has been around for a few years and shares the Sigma’s output, generous run times and braking function, but also complies with IPX6 for weatherproofing.

 

That said, the sensor doesn’t respond to ambient light.  Gaciron Loop 100 Smart Brake Tail Light Gaciron Loop 100 Smart Brake Taillight | cycling-not-racing (Presently £16.54)enjoys six modes catering for most conditions, a “braking” light, auto stop-start functions, meets IPX6 for weatherproofing and has more presence than size would suggest.

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On the flip side, the mounting kit, though varied, could be improved, and the switch could be a little trickier to command wearing winter-weight gloves. The BBB Signal Brake Rear Light comes in at £36.85, offers four sensible modes, a “braking function”, some app-free tunability and IPX7 for weatherproofing. However, I’ve found peripheral punch could be better, ditto the daylight running mode on very bright days.

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Summary  

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For the most part, I’ve been impressed by the Sigma Nyte 70. Though not radically better than a lot of rear lights on the market, it is very well executed. Modes cater for most contexts, run times are generally favourable and while the braking functions cannot be disengaged, they are very effective and place less impact on run times than I’ve come to expect.

 

Mounts are solid and offer various, reliable options and a lot of thought has gone into the brief. An auto kick down seems a missed opportunity but is only likely to be an issue for forgetful types. Similarly, I would’ve preferred a higher rating for weatherproofing, but several weeks real-world testing hasn’t taxed it.

 

Michael Stenning

 Verdict: 3.5/5 Well executed rear light with good output and particularly efficient braking function.

 SIGMA - Bike Computer, Bike Lights, Data World

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