SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING

Performance

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I ride long distances along unlit B roads and lanes. Though competent, I found the Ugoe 1000 slightly underpowered for serious speed-work, especially when a little coastal mist was thrown into the mix. Unleashing the full 2000 made the difference I was hoping for. https://www.facebook.com/sevenday.cyclist/videos/1936979909931130/?notif_id=1541452998093392&notif_t=feedback_reaction_generic 

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Given the price point and specification, I wasn’t surprised to find the purity slightly behind Moon Meteor Storm Pro at 1700 lumens, though there was ample warning of potholes and less destructive debris. Similarly, the Ugoe is vastly superior to an auction site special, boasting comparable output.

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The Ugoe kept pace with my efforts. No problem at 25mph along the winding back doubles and I was able to scream along my favourite 1in7 at 35mph. I could’ve pushed things harder still, were it not for the limits of a 79inch fixed gear. Another huge surprise was despite the relatively fierce output, when angled correctly, this was assertive, rather than aggressive. Most oncoming traffic, SUVs included dipped at around 35 metres, but no one flashed their lights, or otherwise indicated they were being dazzled. The odd kamikaze squirrel and rabbit were a little confused, resulting in a spirited tango, or two. Common sense applies, drop to the 1000 (or indeed, lower) when environment allows.

 

Relying on the full 2000, I’ve had 2hrs 53 from a fully charged cell and in temperatures ranging between 2 and 12 degrees.  About charging; a full charge requires 5 hours, which is on par with other lights of comparable output. However, unlike the latest generation of torch types, its mains only. A consideration, even if workplace refuelling isn’t frowned upon.

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I was expecting medium (1000 lumens) to be indistinguishable from the smaller Ugoe. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover quality of useable light is slightly superior. This meant I could still cope, along the twists - up to around 23/24mph, with a pretty clear view of conditions and potential hazards. Although we are talking clear nights. Anything murkier demands an upward shift.

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5hrs 53 (6 quoted) from a full charge is pretty good. Easily enough for a week’s middle - distance commuting and post work playtimes afterward. 500 lumens are certainly adequate for being seen and navigating better lit, semi-rural sections. Overkill in town perhaps but again, inoffensive at close quarters.

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A few minutes shy of the full twelve hours, between charges isn’t to be sniffed at either. As for the flashing. Well, 1000 lumens aren’t that uncommon these days and its unmistakable in bright daylight, let alone overcast winter afternoons.

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Other traffic picked me out at a good 120 metres, 90 through town, although too fierce for the stop-go stuff.  A week, playing backing singer to my Trelock dynamo lamp along semi/rural sections suggests it was visible at 200 metres, further on clear nights. Fantastic for those concealed junctions and a potential life saver, should situations dictate. Again, within 4 minutes of the 12 hours cited, which only the most pedantic will moan about.

 

Conclusion

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The Ugoe 2000 is for those riders who, primarily navigate pitch black roads, but still want to scoot round town, without frying retinas. Some would describe the Ugoe as basic, slightly old fashioned. 

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On some levels, I agree.

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Those wanting a dedicated trail lamp and/or needing greater tunability, will need to spend more. Nonetheless, decent output; run times and user-friendly design keep it relevant, for road and less intense trail work.