Sigma Nugget Flash Rear Light

Sigma's Nugget Flash rear light has changed very little over recent years and it's easy to see why: it's a versatile, easy-to-use design that ticks all the boxes for a commuter light. Stick on a competitive price tag and it's a winner all round.

'Nugget' is a perfect description of the light: a compact (approximately 4 x 3 cm) unit with a tapered depth that results in approaching traffic getting the full force of its beam. It's pretty small in comparison with many lights out there, but the 0.5 watt LED is bright enough to be seen from roughly the 400m that Sigma claims. The Nugget features a Fresnel lens – a ring-shaped design that helps to distribute the light evenly and so maximise brightness; the 220-degree angle will not be beaten by many other lights of this size or price.

Battery and charging

The integrated lithium-ion battery recharged inside the stated two hours and an indicator light switches from red to white when this has been done. Once charged, the light I tested ran for just over the stated times in each of the three modes: on high power a little over 3 hours, on high flashing over 8 hours, and on standard 7 hours 15 minutes. These are pretty decent run-times for a short recharge time. Certainly sufficient for a few commutes for most people.

A tiny indicator light on the lens face turns red when the battery is running low. This wasn't when at 30% power remaining as claimed, it was closer to 20%, but hardly an issue. Detecting this light means you have to look straight at the LED – not ideal. I resorted to covering the bulk of the lens with my hand in order to look.

One click cycles you through the modes: high-standard-flashing-off. There's no mode memory function and you have to go through 'off' to get back to high. The pimple switch is easy to locate and operate, even in gloves. Bulky winter ones were an issue and it was certainly quicker to just take them off.

Mounting

The Nugget comes with two different mounts: an adjustable silicone bike one and a plastic clip. The bike one fits snuggly to the Nugget and a large curved face of silicone comes into contact with the frame or seatpost, while a strap wraps around with various attachment openings for 24-36mm tubing. Forget aero posts though – the mounting interface is designed specifically for cylindrical tubing. It's a perfect fit on a seatpost, and could easily be mistaken for an integral part of the bike – not a bad thing to deter opportune light thieving buggers.

A decent bit of force attaches the alternative mount to the back of the Nugget and transforms it into a tidy cuboid of light that can clip onto a whole range of things: bag, belt, head torch strap... choose whatever you want. Unlike the bike mount backing, the clip needs a twist of a coin to remove it, there is no chance it's coming off any other way.

Rated to IPX4, the Nugget withstands showers and spray. Sigma doesn't claim that it is fully waterproof but it has been fine during recent seasonal showers and downpours.

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The Nugget makes a great light for commuters. It is bright enough to be used on its own, though most cyclists tend to have at least two rear light these days. The wide angle makes it ideal for riding in traffic.

Overall it's a decent investment: a tool-free mount, decent recharge and run-times, no more modes than needed, all with a reasonable price tag. You can spend less – the Moon Alcor that Neil tested is £15.99, with five modes, a mode memory function, and between 4 and 80 hours' run-times – but the Nugget's simplicity really appeals.

Verdict

Very good little commuter light: no unnecessary modes, a quick recharge, two tool-free mounts and not overpriced