I was hesitant when I first plugged in the Knog Blinder to the mains and charged it up. I’ve owned a few USB bike lights and always found them to be great in theory – but not in practice.
The problem I have had in the past with USB lights is that the charge doesn’t last very long. When the next bike ride comes along, lo and behold you’ve forgotten to charge them and they’re all but useless.
However, with the new Knog Blinder MOB I was pleasantly surprised. Despite it being a week since fully charging them, they were good to go. After another week’s break, the lights were still running.
This is a mean feat when you consider both the size and brightness of these little monsters.
For my test I was reviewing the Knog Blinder MOB Mr Chips on the front and rear. On Amazon you’ll find each light for £32. The RRP is £34.99.
Front light:
- 37g weight, 80 lumens peak light, 4 hour battery life (low steady mode) or 60 hour battery life (economical flash mode)
Rear light:
- 41g weight, 44 lumens peak light, 5.5 hour battery life (low steady mode) or 50 hour battery life (economical flash mode)
Keeping things simple
The Knog Blinder MOB sticks to the winning Knog formula. The silicone straps hold the light firmly in place. When you reach your destination, it’s quick and easy to unclip and drop them in your pocket.
Holding down the button turns the lights on and off. By briefly pressing the button you cycle through the 5 light modes.
The lights are completely waterproof and can be charged anywhere you can find a USB connection.
As in previous iterations, the lights do not come with a plug, but will happily slip into any computer or phone charger.
If I was to get nitpicky I’d be a little worried about the exposed USB connection as whilst it may be waterproof, I would worry about how easy it may be to scratch the connection with a pair of keys.
With a little bit of caution when you put these in your bag or pocket, you shouldn’t have any problems.
The rear light comes with three different size straps and are reported to fit seat posts which are 22-27mm in diameter, 27-32mm or 32mm+ with the larger strap. The front lights do not include the 32mm+ strap.
Visibility
The Knog lights earn their name “Blinder” with ease. Hand them to a friend who’ll instictively turn them on facing the light and they’ll soon be looking away temporarily blinded.
Whilst the lights have the flashing mode, they also have slightly more pulsing style modes which are perhaps a little friendlier to cyclists around you, whilst maintaining strong visibility.
When on full power, the front light is bright enough to light the road ahead, so you can spot obstacles and potholes.
The only place the lights slip up slightly is with side visibility. This is sadly minimal.
To buy or not to buy?
Overall, I’m thoroughly impressed with the new Knog Blinder MOB Mr Chips. Wonderfully bright, small, rechargeable with a charge that holds and enough battery life. It’s a great option for cycle commuters in London and beyond.
The pair of lights will set you back around £60 which is a bit of a sting and a slighter higher price point that many of us may be used to paying.
As a personal preference, I’ll be using the Knog Blinder MOB on the front of my bike and on the rear continuing to use the Fibre Flare which has a wider range of mounting options and great side visibility.
A big thank you to Knog for supplying these lights for our test.
Altogether the ability to retain battery charge is a big plus.
You’d be surprised with some of the other lights I’ve played around with 😉
Knog’s are rubbish lights, hit a bump or pothole and they move, I like my lights to stay in one place not jump around potentially blinding other road users, think I’ll stick with a brand that has a secure mount that I know I can use without having to reset the light position every few minutes.
I can’t say I’ve experienced the same problem Gordon – but thank you for taking the time to report.
I have had the same problems as Gordon. I lost two lights in quick succession because either the clasps popped open or the rubber straps snapped. Two work colleagues also had problems with the straps and have had to cable tie the lights to their work bikes. They are very bright though.
Knogs are awful. The silicon fixing straps can break very easily and have done. I was even advised by one salesman in my bike shop to not remove the lights as it will ruin the strap. What’s the point? Overpriced tat. If you want a decent light with various mounting options then look at the Nebula Moon.
Never had an issue. I know other people have, but i’ve only had a good experience with my Knog lights and i’ve had them going on 3 years.
My KNOG Blinder has failed to recharge today. Had it for a year and use it 3 or 4 times a week for commuting. Never had a problem. I have been recharging it once a week but today – nothing.
Anyone else have comments about the lifespan of these guys?
Two year guarantee – return them and get a new one!
On the straps – Knog will send you new ones free of charge. Go through their website
Got two of these knog blinder rear lights,brought the second one because I was so impressed with the first.the first one lasts for ever the other only lasts about two hours,they do look different ,had it replaced still the same ?