BBB Spot Rear Light

The BBB Spot is a very simple rear light that forgoes any tricks to give simple but reasonably effective service. Even at this end of the market, build quality is a little cheap and there's a distinct dearth of run modes, but it's quick to charge and actually works OK.

• Pros: Very short charge time, easy belt clip or bracket mounting
• Cons: Plasticky build, only three modes, not as cheap as it could be

On the face of it, a rear light that boasts a decidedly plasticky construction and only three run modes (well, four if you include 'off') would be on a hiding to nothing. But the BBB Spot isn't actually as much of a lost cause as you'd imagine.

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For example, although it is plastic, it does come with the option of using an integrated belt clip for attaching to bags and rear pockets. Or you can clip it into the included clamp, which, with the help of the two shims, should fit around almost any seatpost.

It's easy to live with, with a micro-USB charging point located on the bottom of the unit protected by the ubiquitous rubber bung, and a rubber button on top to cycle through settings.

There is only a limited number of functions – constant low (2 lumens), constant high (4 lumens) or flash (also 4 lumens) – although, you could argue: how many modes do you need? Those modes come with fairly average run-times. Constant high will go for three hours before it reaches 30% of battery remaining, when it'll automatically change to flash mode (and go for another four hours). This function is particularly useful to let you know it's time to recharge.

According to BBB's official figures, flash mode will run for 10 hours. But in my experience, you should get a little longer out of a full charge. And BBB says it'll take an hour from empty to fully rejuvenate the integrated battery, but I recharged my test model in just 45 minutes.

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And as for output, while 4 lumens is not going to win any awards, the single LED used by the BBB Spot is surprisingly effective at piercing through gloom – it's certainly good enough for urban roads. The surrounding lens does little to spread the light, though, so it has a strong albeit small presence (which is probably where it derived its 'Spot' from).

Value and conclusion

Although the BBB Spot is one of the cheapest rear lights we've tested, it still seems a little pricey. For example, the far more advanced and downright funkier ETC Mira costs just £1 more at £16 and, with a full 20 lumens, it also outguns the Spot on pure output, too. Meanwhile, the £15.99 Moon Alcor has a far better battery life, mode choice and output.

But I've come to quite like the plucky little BBB Spot. My only significant concern is, in the long-term, how well the plastic body will stand up to robust daily use. It's been fine and certainly dealt well with rain-soaked roads and unpleasant conditions so far – its waterproofing is excellent. But I worry that an ill-fated drop or impact might damage it fatally.

That said, this is an unpretentious little light that will act as a good second rear defence or back-up. It's not big, or clever, or smart but it is quick to charge, easy to use, quite effective on the road, and a fairly cheap (although, perhaps not cheap enough) way to make you more visible.

Verdict

Although the little BBB Spot has its talents, compared to the competition it's found wanting