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Reelight SL100 Flash Compact
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Reelight SL100 front

BikeRadar verdict

45 out of 5 stars

"Simple, innovative, robust and green – perfect back-ups to your lights"

By Warren Rossiter

Reelight is a Danish brand new to the UK and the SL100 is a simple but very clever light system. 

A white front and red rear flashing unit with large (1½in) reflective lenses mount via simple stainless steel brackets to the hub axles on the front and rear of the bike, then two large magnets are fitted to the spokes so they pass the centre of the light's head unit; as the wheel spins, each pass of the magnet creates enough power to make the unit flash. Simple but brilliant. Fitting is an absolute doddle and although the instructions say the magnet must pass within 3mm of the light unit we found this somewhat over cautious; the light still operated at more than twice that distance.

The units are very robust and have stood up to adverse weather extremely well. Obviously these aren't lights to see by, but they do a great job of helping you be seen and they comply with the UK's legal standards for flashing lights. As a back-up system I'd recommend these wholeheartedly as they never need batteries and are fixed permanently to your bike, without the drag or increase in tyre wear found on traditional dynamos, or any delicate wires or cables to worry about.

The only downsides we've found are that, on this the basic system, when you stop, they stop, and also, the axle mounted position is quite low although if a car is close enough that they can't see the light they are already too close to you.

A version with battery back-up is also available, which will flash for two minutes after stopping. The version tested here is for fixed/single or hub geared bikes. A derailleur version is also available  which has its rear bracket shaped to fit around the cassette.

In all we would recommend the Reelight wholeheartedly for your winter/commuter or training bike as you'll never forget your lights or run out of battery power again.

User Reviews

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  • User review of Reelight SL100 Flash Compact

    Hello from Reelight in Denmark.

    Thanks for the praise of our product.

    We just want to clear up one thing:

    It is correct that this model (SL100) stops, when you stop. It is also correct that we have a version with a backup-power feature (SL120). This version, however, DOES NOT USE BATTERIES. The lights continue flashing for up to five minutes after you have stopped. But this is thanks to a built-in capacitor which stores power while you are cycling.

    Both lights are using nothing but pure induction power - so both are battery-free bike lights.

    Kind regards

    Reelight

    0.3
  • User review of Reelight SL100 Flash Compact

    I bought the SL120 set. I agree that these items are a fantastic idea but I have a few niggles:

    1. The stainless steel brackets supplied are fairly weighty. I understand they need to be robust to cope with knocks and also the power of the magnet but I believe they could be made lighter.

    2. I have not been able to use the front light as the deep-dished drop-out of my 2001 Rockshox SIDs are too extreme to accomodate the bracket. I don't think this will prove a

    problem for any rigid fork but those with springs up front should check clearance.

    3. After riding in heavy rain the rear unit is showing signs of water ingress- condensation and water droplets inside the lens. The unit is (surprisingly) still working fine but these lights are designed to be left on your bike permanently and as such should be totally weatherproof. Could this just be a one-off fault with my particular light? Either way, when I get a replacement under warranty I will waterproof it with silicon or electrical tape.

    The fact that I am seeking a replacement not a refund shows how much I still like these lights. These truly are 'fit & forget' items after spending some time setting them up...and making sure they are waterproof.

    0.3
  • User review of Reelight SL100 Flash Compact

    Further to my previous comments:

    I now have the rear light returned under warranty; it is working fine. However, I started to use the front light (on a new bike with rigid forks) but this has now ceased working after a few hundred miles. It stopped working without any obvious cause eg. water or impact. It too will be going back for exchange!

    Perhaps this is just my bad luck. Perhaps this is indicitive of the product not being able to cope with more than a ride to the cafe? I seem to remember reading on the manufacturer's website claims they had one running at a permanent 80kph for weeks........

    0.3

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Specification

Name:
SL100 Flash Compact
Built by:
Reelight
Price:
n/a

Description:
Light set for hub/fixed/singlespeed bikes. Battery back up version SL120 available at £32.99 and geared bike version £32 (flash) £37.99 (back up)
Weight (g):
350 g
Available Colours:
Black
Position:
Both

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