Cycle Torch Shark 500 Lumen Bike Light
Shark 500 w/ handlebar strap
On button glowing blue
front of light
USB charging cords for both front and tail light charging
Close up of flat shape beam
Tail light illuminated
Tail light turned off
Tail light unscrewed from mount to show USB charging port
I had the opportunity in the past few weeks to test and review the Cycle Torch Shark 500 Lumen super bright bike light along with a taillight, both USB port rechargeable. The beam in which the light emits is what they are calling a flat shape beam. This is done as to not blind oncoming traffic or others in front of you. I believe this is due to the shape of the front of the light. The mount is very easy to install with the provided silicone straps letting the light be attached to bars with a diameter of 20mm to 34mm. The headlight has four modes. A high, a medium, a low and a flashing / strobe mode. If the light was to be used in the high mode ( using all 500 Lumen) the battery would last about an hour and a half. If the battery was used on medium ( 250 Lumen) the battery would last three hours. If the battery was used on low ( 50 Lumen) is would last about 15 hours, and finally if the light was used in the flashing mode the battery is expected to last longer than 30 hours before needing to be recharged.
To find out how much charge is in the battery, simply hold down the on button for three seconds. The light will flash from one to ten times. The more flashes the more power the battery has. So one blink indicates the battery is nearly dead and ten indicates the battery is fully charged. Also the light switch will glow red when the battery level is low and will turn off automatically is the battery is too low. The light is powered by a 18650 / 3.7V-2400 mAh Li-ion battery with the light source being a CREE XML T6 ultra bright LED. Charging the unit takes between four and ten hours with the simple USB cable port on the back of the light.
The tail light it comes with is what they are calling a Nano I. To access the USB charging port it must be unscrewed apart from the rubber attachment strip. There is a small light inside that glows letting you know the battery is charging, which will take about two hours to fully charge. Depending on the mode in which it is used in the light can last from two hour to 20 hours. It can also be attached to bars / seat posts with a diameter of 20mm to 34mm. The tail light operates in three modes, steady light or fast or slow blinking.
I was sent the Cycle Torch light at no charge. The first light I was shipped did not charge and the body of the unit was hot. There was something wrong with the unit. I requested another one to replace the faulty one. Their great customer service helped out and another one was quickly on its way. That being said, the light comes with a 100% money back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied with the light within a year of purchasing. No questions asked.
