Just in at RoadCyclingUK – the RX480 front light from RSP, the parts and accessories brand of Raleigh.
The RX480 is the most powerful light in RSP’s range with, as the name suggests, a claimed output of 480 lumens. That, in theory, puts it on the periphery of being a serious, ‘see by’ light suitable for training rides on unlit roads. We’ll see whether that’s the case.
The light is operated by a single, rubber button. Press the button to turn it on, press it again to scroll through the four modes (low, medium, high and flashing) and hold it to turn the light off. A low battery indicator in front of the on/off button is designed to indicate when, well, the battery is low.
The RX480 is charged by USB. RSP provide a cable which plugs into the light via a port on the underside of the unit which itself is covered by a rubber cap when not in use. Charge time from empty to full is a claimed seven hours, while run time is said to be six hours on full beam. That’s impressive for a light of this size and we’ll be running it through its full battery cycle to find out if that’s the case.
The water resistant unit is made from plastic, which gives it a budget feel compared to more upscale, aluminium-bodied lights. Side illumination comes by way of small ‘slit’ windows on either side of the unit.
The light itself slides into the provided mount and a firm click indicates when it has been secured. The mount is fixed to the handlebar by a quick release thumbwheel and is designed to fit either a regular or oversized ‘bar by removing the rubber band which lines the clamp.
That said, the clamp need a fair bit of encouragement to fit the oversized, 31.8mm ‘bar in our pictures. We got there, just, but it wasn’t easy and we’ll be trying the light on a number of bikes over the course of our test.
All that’s left to mention, then, before we hit the road for further testing is the price – £59.99.
