- 4 / 5 Bee's Knees -
I am a sucker for simplicity and so-too are many. Whether its electronics, tools, household goods or yes bike products, simple products can be the best fitting gloves. In some respects, the Solas 150 is a cut and dry, simple, rear taillight. But there is slightly more to it than that, have a gander.
Sitting on the shelf at your LBS, the Solas 150 looks very anticlimactic. It has a simple shape, 2 emitters, a single button and a strap mount. Even so, this latest version of the Solas delivers exactly what most riders need: safety and simplicity. Construction of the light is typical of NiteRider, consisting of durable plastics in an IP64 water resistant case. What does seem quite new to NiteRider however is the mount. While the light maintains its traditional clip style mount for attaching the light to a jersey pocket for example, the clip now interfaces with a rubber flex mount that also accommodates aero seatposts. With the growing popularity of aero road bikes, it’s no wonder that someone would take notice and accommodate riders of these bikes. Of course this mount also works with standard seatposts and does so with ample padding and protection. Additionally, this mount has both a pitch adjustment and 360 degrees of rotation for odd mounting locations. All that being said, the mount looks chunky against the light itself.
More on that light. Like the Sentinel 150 I just finished reviewing, the Solas 150 also floods out 150 max lumens of eye catching light. Daytime visibility is the name of the game for all lights badged: DVF (daylight visible flash). It also has the same 2 flashes and 2 constants organized in linear fashion. A remaining charge indicator LED flashes after turning off the light to advise the rider of its remaining charge. Just as I concluded with the Sentinel, the flash settings are dazzling in the day and are sure to grab a motorists attention but I am underwhelmed with the lack of lower output flash settings for longer nighttime riding. Either of the constant settings seem appropriate for nighttime use but the flashes are almost too intense, I’m curious of other peoples opinions on this as well. Aside from this possible concern the light operates just as I would hope. While the flash settings may be overkill for night time use, these are thoughtfully programed and serve their purpose well. Although the mode button is just as small as the Sentinels, I find myself accepting the design on this light because there is only one button…no wrong button to press.
Additional features include an IP64 waterproof rating, USB charging in as little as 4 hours and LED charge indicators.
With such a brief review I hope I do the Solas some justice. It seems fitting however because the Solas 150 appears to be designed with simplicity in mind. Offering 4 settings, massive output, an attach-to-anything mount in a sleek package, this light appeals to those riders who demand products that just-work. Although I praise its simplicity, I do wish this light offered more flash settings at various outputs for less intense night outputs with longer runtimes.