Forum | Lights

Post edited 6:15 am — Apr 30, 2010 by Duchy Wheeler

We seem to have postings appearing in the various Forum and Comment sections regarding suitable lights, so maybe it’s time to open this new topic to consolidate the subject. These are my thoughts, for what they are worth.

After scouring many websites and links I finally decided to go for the Cordo Castor front and Soma Silver Bullet rear lights. I personally think they look right, in the 1920/30’s Art Deco style, for the Guv’nor, and are good quality products. I would like to post photos of the lights in situ, but can’t fathom out how it’s done, so can any of you computer whiz-kid members advise me how I get images from ‘Pictures’ to GOC ‘Forum’ page?  

Other lights mentioned are the Sogreni light set, I think they are a tad pricey, although they do look to be of nice quality, but they do not have a flash mode and are not easy to source in the UK. Maybe it’s taking the ‘less is more’ look a litle too far?

The Liix front light, which is sold under various guises, it’s the chrome front light with visor complete with bracket, which by the way isn’t long enough . I’ve seen this light and must say it’s rather cheap and nasty and not the quality I suspect a Guv’nor owner would want! 

Safe riding one and all, Geoff  ‘Duchy Wheeler’.

Ooh, I’ll pop out to the garage with my camera shortly. I’ve got some beauties.  I’m a regular at cyclejumbles and earlier this year I bought a number of old lights.  The front one is big shiny and chrome, NOS still in original box from around the 1970’s (I’d guess).  It’s not that good, but it’s impressive.

The rear one was a “chrome plastic” dynamo light, a similar shape to the front and much smaller.  I took it apart, replaced the innards with some LED workings and fitted it onto my “other” guv’nor-a-like (that’s a whole other thread).  Again, not massively effective, but it does the job.

Pics later, promise

Post edited 12:15 pm — May 3, 2010 by Duchy Wheeler

Soma Silver Bullet rear light, fiitted to axle nut using bracket parts suppied.….….…Geoff.

Post edited 5:53 pm — Apr 30, 2010 by Morgan

Andrew: Very nice. Doesn’t look bad at all, and just about fits! I might prefer it without the visor, a little 1950s for me, can it be removed? Also, what is the quality like? Chromed plastic case? Sturdy bracket? Does it have a flash function?

Geoff: Looks well made, and smaller than I expected. Still a little “rocket era” for me. Does it flash? And how is the battery life? Also, I can just about make out your Cordo Castor at the front … some pictures of that, front, side and top angles, would be super!

Post edited 12:17 pm — May 3, 2010 by Duchy Wheeler

Morgan.….… image of the Cordo Castor, as requested. This light along with the Soma rear light have a flash mode and both are supplied with  brackets and batteries, they are LED so battery life should be good also both are very nice quality items.

With regard to style, ‘moderne’  which became know as ‘Art Deco’  from the 1920/30’s, this was the age of streamline designs, so ‘rocket’ and ‘bullet’ would be very appropriate descriptions for items that would be complimentary to the Guv’nor style .….…Geoff

Morgan.….….I’ve found this photo which shows a better side view of Cordo Castor and bracket. Since photo was taken the ‘cyclometer’ has been removed from front axle and Pashley wing nuts fitted, rear Cat Eye light replaced with Soma and Brooks bag now resides on the front bar.….…..Geoff.

Duchy Wheeler said:

   

Morgan.….….I’ve found this photo which shows a better side view of Cordo Castor and bracket. Since photo was taken the ‘cyclometer’ has been removed from front axle and Pashley wing nuts fitted, rear Cat Eye light replaced with Soma and Brooks bag now resides on the front bar.….…..Geoff.

Thank you Geoff, the spacing looks just right, it fits very well. Certainly the current best option on the first hand market. 

Most likely my hopes for a rear Castor are too high, your photo makes me think the aesthetics of a lamp that size on the front and rear might look very odd indeed. Still, at £20 I may give it a go in any case, until something better comes along.

Yes, I heard rumours that the Castor flashed, glad to hear they do indeed. I’ll pop into Bobbins at some point over the next few weeks, see what I find. 

Andrew said:

The bracket needs a bit of modification (I used a hammer, and 2 pairs of pliers ) such that it now has more reach enabling the light to project horizontally. Without such fettling, it points downwards, or ribs against the head tube Pashley badge.

Andrew, just a thought, but perhaps the black bracket Bobbin Bicycles provided Geoff would also fit your light … give you a bit more space between the back and the Pashley badge. I imagine they won’t charge much. I’ll be popping down there myself in a few weeks if you’d like me to ask for a spare.

Post edited 8:48 pm — May 2, 2010 by Duchy Wheeler

Morgan.….…..yes, it can be turned & used inside out, but the seam will show! Medium size cover fits the B17.….….Geoff.