Used this on a 2 month tour in Patagonia with dirt roads, rain, etc. Worked great, stayed put on all the bumps, and seemed impervious to wet gravel roads. Only issue is my wife had to go first, because the light was so bright it bothered her, even during the daytime.
The lumens and brightens on this light are second to none. I felt super safe whenever I had to use the light at night.
the rubber seal on the bottom is crap. it won't go back where it was originally. And now the light won't work. I have tried charging it several times, won't work anymore.
Thinking of spending the extra $xx and going for the Bontrager Flare instead. it is very unfortunate that the build quality on such an amazing light is so poor.
Provides great visible flashing modes; but switching between them is not easy. You have to press top rubber button several times to get to the desired mode. Rubber button doesn't respond to a simple push, you have to do it over and over to get to the desired flashing mode.
Also, dismounting the light from its holding bracket is not that simple.
Other than for giving a very clear and good, visible flashing light, I would not recommend this product.
It works really well. Doesnt take a very long time to charge and is really, really bright. I was able to clip it on to my Carradice saddle bag with no problem
I use night rider lights both back and front. The front one helps with the cars pulling out on to the road from a driveway.
This read light is loaded with lots of lumins and is eye catching if you put it on the first setting.
My experience is that a good rear light makes is much more likely that vehicles will give my a wider berth.
First I have to say this NiteRider Solas is the best rear light I have ever owned and believe me Ive gone through plenty.
The brightness, power and flash pattern are the best of any light on the market. The battery life is up there with the top too. I use the strobe mode and got 5-6 hours on full charge when new but about 4 hrs after a year or so of heavy use. I use it during the daytime too.
Its the best light for charging too. Simply open the rubber tab on the bottom and plug in the USB charger and good to to in an hour or so.
Why the one star review?
I bought one and had to replace it in less than a year. I keep the rubber tab on the bottom closed as tight as i can but in heavy rain, water can get inside the unit and when it does its lights out, literally.
I tried letting it dry out but to no avail. Stuffed it in some rice grains to draw out the moisture but nothing.
I contacted NightRider customer care and they basically told me to fk off but very politely.
I went to my local bike store where I bought the light ( a big chain store that recently closed PB). The store manager replaced it right away and told me to pick a new one off the shelf.
Guess what? Less than a year later that new replacement unit got wet and stopped working too.
NightRider told me to get lost again, so back to the bike store. They replaced it with a new one.
Now the 3rd light Im on has just stopped working.
Thats the last straw for me and the Solas250. It really is a great light but the reliability is terrible.
Also the USB connector on the bottom can come apart from the circuit board from overuse.
I also have the front facing NR Lumina 400 light that I got with my first Solas250 and its still working strong.
The light shines brightly no matter which of the four different light modes you use. It really provides a visual signal to the other bikers coming up from behind as well as the cars as the approach from the rear
I was happy with it when it worked. After about 3 months of light use, it quit working. It would not turn off, charge, or respond to the button.
This light works great and at a good price. Multiple lighting settings give you the bike awareness you want.
I mount it on the seat post of my road bike
I prefer the bright flash, and have had rides on group rides catch me at a rest-stop to say this light is clearly visible more than a mile away in daylight. For visibility from the rear, this is by far the best and brightest light I've seen. On long rides (say, a century in the mountains) I find I have to replace after about 6 hours, so I carry two.
Excellent product. Several light options to alert drivers of your presence as they overtake you. Charge has plenty to go after a 3.5 hour ride on the highest alert mode. Bought 2 more for my family members
Use on nightly bike rides. Bright and works great.
I use the NiteRider Solas 250 Rear Light daily, on the road, in day light, in heavy traffic. Also, on rural, single lane, windy roads with very short reaction times. Game changer. This light is a standard issue item with many of the club riders in my area. You will want to use one of the less bright modes on group rides.
The Solas 250 flashes a very effective pattern that should keep drivers aware of you as they're approaching from the rear. The flashes are directed so that anyone riding behind you isn't blinded by them. Charging is easy and quick.
Love the light, when it works! Have owned two and love the various modes for battery life, etc. BUT had to replace both bc they simply stopped working. One day, great. Turn it off, next day it won't charge. Done.
If it worked continually I would give it 5 stars.
Brighter and more visible, especially during the day, than any tail light I've seen or used. If you want to be seen, this is the light.
The on/off switch is not very responsive, and the battery seems to discharge quicker than advertised. The beacon is bright. I ended up eating this one and went to the Bontrager Flare RT.
Love this light. Easy to use and very bright. Good visibility for both night and day riding.
This is hands down my favorite rear light. It's as bright as the sun, and it holds up to water, dirt, and grime.
