Life In The Saddle

The second review of a Moon bike light in as many weeks... they must impress me. This review is of the sleek and slimline Moon Helix and Moon Helix W lights; a red and white (rear and front) light that pack a powerful and intelligent punch out on the road, in both daytime and night-time running modes. The Moon Sport Helix Max is a powerful 250-lumen rear bike light. In the box you receive the light unit, a smart quarter-turn mount that fits to a seatpost or aero seatpost with a flexible rubber strap, two lengths of strap, a saddle-rail mount, and a USB-C charging cable. The Moon Sport Helix Max W is a 350-lumen front bike light. In the box you receive the light unit, a similar quarter-turn mount that fits to a handlebar with a flexible rubber strap, and a USB-C charging cable. Both lights function very similarly; so, from here on when discussing the functions, I will refer to both lights as the Helix Max. Lighting Modes The Helix Max has two static modes: pre-set to 80 lume...

Moon Sport Lights produce some of the best bicycle lights on the market—over the last five years I have intensively used many of their LED front and rear lights, and have been consistently impressed with their quality, performance and design. The Moon Rigel Max front bike light is a compact white LED light, with some intelligent design features and functions. In the box you receive a Rigel Max light, helmet mount, Go-Pro mount adapter, handlebar bracket mount, and a USB-C charging cable. It is worth noting that the Rigel Max quarter turn mount is identical to a Garmin mount—offering you a plethora of further mounting options. Lighting Modes The Rigel Max has two static modes: pre-set to 1500 lumens and 500 lumens (main and dipped beams). However, thanks to Moon's VLS (Variable Lumen System) you can fully customise the set-up to reduce or increase the power of either of the two modes. The VLS system allows you to extend battery life considerably, by reducing the Max output to ...

Cyclists can be a tricky bunch when it comes to Christmas gifts, with their peculiar fashions and particular tastes. These gift ideas for cyclists are my personal suggestions for great presents that almost any bike rider would appreciate. From solutions for smelly feet and long dark wet winter rides, to cleaning kits, care products, and the finest coffee outside of Italy. There should be something for cyclists of all backgrounds and ages—whether you are looking for a Secret Santa idea, special gift, or simply a stocking filler. Muc-Off Rainproof Essentials Case With the Muc-Off Rainproof Essentials Case you can keep your valuables clean and dry as you ride through the winter weather. Made with a water-resistant fabric and featuring a waterproof zipper; the jersey pocket-sized wallet can house essentials like a phone, keys, cards, and coins; or mechanical aids like a multitool and inner tube. The internal divider and zippered compartment mean you can keep objects separated to avoid dama...

The Moon Meteor Storm Dual Bike Light is one of the most technically advanced and versatile front LED bicycle lights on the market in 2020. Featuring two different tone LEDs for enhanced daylight and night-time visibility; a powerful output to illuminate the road or trail; and a highly impressive battery life—the Meteor Storm Dual could be the only front light that you need for year-round bike riding. Straight out of the box, the Moon Meteor Storm Dual feels and looks like a well-made lighting unit. The CNC aluminium case is a compact size to fit on your handlebars; it is fully waterproof and sealed; and it comes with a secure quick release handlebar mount, a helmet mount, and a remote function control button. The light features 2 CREE XM-L high brightness LEDs—one of which is a warmer yellow colour to help with visibility in foggy, misty, or wet weather conditions—by reducing glare. This neat development works very well indeed, and it is simple to change between the 'warm whi...

There are some bicycle components that impress me straight out of the box—the Moon Nebula Rear Light is one such product. Beautifully made, with an impressive 200 lumen output, and an outstanding battery life; this is one of the best rear bicycle lights I have had on review to date. The Moon Nebula has a sleek aluminium body and a featherweight profile of just 44 grams. The slimline casing holds one 50 chip LED—that has an impressive lumen output and offers particularly good side visibility. The Nebula comes with a plethora of attachment options. First there is the Universal Strap Mount, which allows you to securely attach the rear light to any shape or diameter seat-post or seat-stay—whether oval or round. You then also get a belt clip and saddle rail mount—to supply even greater versatility. The Nebula has four steady modes and four flashing modes—toggled between using the mode/power button. The 'memory mode' function means the light stays in your last used mode when it is po...