Jul

Buying cheap bike lights: Knog Frog Strobe Reviewed

Paul McWilliams Category

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Long gone are the days of the old torpedo-style bike lights working off a dynamo (apart from the odd retro hipster type you see on their rusting old Dutch bikes). In one way it’s a shame because try buying cheap bike lights and you’ll soon find massess of brittle plastic and boring designs.

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The Frog Strobe twinpacks can be mounted almost anywhere.

Those old chrome lights did have a lot of charm. The charm usually lasted about three weeks before the rust set in.

Then there was the fact the light they cast was about as bright as the combined casts of TOWIE and Made in Chelsea. And if it rained, you could forget all about it working at all.

So, what is there that will light your way and fit in your pocket without emptying your wallet? Hello Knog Frog Strobe, time you got reviewed!

Modern day illumination

These days bike lights are a little more sophisticated. And a little brighter too. Leading the way (or should that be lighting the way?) is Knog. You might have seen our Knog Blinder reviewed post a few months back (and very favourable it was too). But we thought we’d get back to basics and have a look at one of their slightly simpler light: the Knog Frog Strobe.

This small wrap-around silicone light has become something of a bike light design classic in a very short space of time. Lightweight, easy to attach and remove and available in many different colours. It seems that there is little not to like about this little beauty.

For something so small it even packs a bit of a punch when it comes to light too, thanks to surface-mounted LED. With four different settings you can even pick your favourite, although it’s much of a muchness really.

It’s also pretty cheap, which means even if you do love it, you won’t be heartbroken if some swine nabs it when you back is turned.

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The Knog Frog Strobe, lightweight and easy to attach.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery

The Knog Frog Strobe is often imitated. Everyone who makes bike lights makes a small wraparound silicone light these days. And they’re often cheaper. So why go for the Knog? Basically it’s the sweet looks, ulta-flexible silicone and battery life.

Cheap imitations rarely last anywhere near as long as the Knog and when you accidentally turn them on (the easily-pressed by accident top switch is a slight draw back of the Frog Strobe itself) you could use up a couple of hours precious battery before you realise.

Even replacing the Knog power source isn’t a question of digging out a couple of AAs from the kitchen draw or prising them out of the alarm clock. This little battery is one you have to hunt for. You can still find them pretty easily but if it runs out on your way home then you’re going the rest of the way without any lights. Never a good idea.

The verdict

The battery and on/off switch aside, for a few pounds and looking as good as this little critter does, you can’t really argue with it as value for money. Get one that matches the colour of your bike and it’s almost impossible to see, which will go someway to keeping other jealous hands away from it.

Price: 9/10
Power: 6/10
Practicality: 9/10
Looks: 7/10
Battery: 6/10

Overall: 7.5/10

Perfect for popping out down the shops or to a friends. Serious night riders should maybe look elsewhere.

For more cycling blogs and guides, check out: Italian Bike Tours: Powered by Pasta / Buying a road bike and living with it / 5 cycle safety tips for commuters /Carrera Virago Reviewed: Tech Specs/ Mountain Bike Nutrition: How to choose an energy bar