Test: Sigma is proud of the new StVZO-compliant lighting duo Lightster and Nugget. We found out whether it was right in the Velomotion test. The change in the lighting regulations for bicycles almost two and a half years ago (§ 67 StVZO) have significantly expanded the scope for cyclists. Where dynamo lighting was previously mandatory (except for racing bikes under eleven kilos), the following now applies: what is allowed is what shines brightly enough, does not flash and is approved by the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) - recognizable by the K number and wavy line.
That makes things much easier in one fell swoop, because instead of having an old dynamo lighting system repaired, you can simply install rechargeable battery lights; In addition, bicycles that were bought without any lights – MTBs or cross bikes, for example – can now be “legalized” in just a few simple steps. Of course, the various reflectors should not be forgotten.
Manufacturer Sigma Sport offers one way of being on the road at night in compliance with the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations with its new Lightster, which is characterized by its compact design: the spotlight is around 85 mm long and its diameter at the thickest point is around 35 mm. A battery that is charged via USB is permanently installed in the plastic housing; A high-quality Cree LED is used as the illuminant. The lamp weighs just 67 grams, the included holder 25 grams; so the Lightster fits comfortably in a jacket pocket, courier bag or handbag. Racing cyclists should also be happy with the compact light, because they have to carry a lighting system with them - in their jersey pocket, for example.
With 25 lux or 15 lux in power-saving mode (small picture), the Sigma light is pretty bright, at least on paper - let's see what it can do outside. Positioned 16 meters away, the white e-bike cannot hide from the Lightster: it is clearly visible in both light modes; the 25 lux level would have lit it up too, had it been five to ten meters further away. This shows that the Lightster can also be used in complete darkness - for example, if you are surprised by the night at the end of the road bike tour in the city forest - even if you assume that the Sigma will be used in illuminated areas, i.e. in the city.
However, there is a problem with the near-field illumination: If the lamp is aligned in such a way that you can see well in the distance, the first five meters in front of the front wheel remain dark.
The lamp also emits a little light to the side, through narrow, rubberized windows. The round disc in front of the reflector is wavy, which looks very pretty. The plastic housing makes a solid impression, only the button on the top of the pre-series model isn't quite convincing: the lamp only has to tip over on the desk and it's on. In the series, the pressure point of the switch should be changed so that something like this doesn't happen again; however, it would be better if you had to press a little longer to activate the lamp.
When new, the holder can only be removed from the lamp with difficulty; in practice he will probably stick with it anyway. It is attached to the handlebars with a ratchet and is very secure thanks to the thick rubber coating. The USB socket is located at the back on the underside of the housing; it comes with a pleasingly short cable that doesn't get in the way on the desk. The specification of the charging time - 3,5 hours - is just as realistic as the light duration, which is 7 or 3,5 hours.
The Lightster is available on its own or in a set with a rear light called the Nugget. The 29-gram light plastic block emits a bright, all-round visible light; Thanks to the large rubber coating and rubber band, it holds securely to the seat post. The switch and USB port are on the bottom of the case. A clip is also included with which the nugget can be attached to a backpack, for example.
Sigma Sport calls for very fair prices for its lights: 39,95 euros for the Lightster, 19,95 euros for the Nugget and 57,50 euros for the set. But there is a lot of light in attractive packaging, completely legal thanks to the K number and the lack of a flashing function.
Pro
- Compact, lightweight lights
- Comparatively bright
- Legal thanks to the K number
Contra
- Lack of close-range illumination
prices and web
- 57,50 euros (individually 39,95 or 19,95 euros)
- www.sigmasport.com
Matthias says
Unfortunately, the thing with the button has been saved in the series - if you carry the lamp in a bag (regardless of whether it is a jacket or backpack), it comes on and is guaranteed to be dead when you need it. It only became useful when two glued-on IKEA Imbus keys framed the button and it was transported in a Tupperware box. After a year and a half of use, I bought a bike with a hub dynamo and a reliable lighting system, which is a shame, because the light and the look of the bike are really convincing. If anyone is interested: I'll make a good price.
Oliver says
I have had to drive home several times without lights because the exact problem arose that the battery was empty because the lamp in the jacket pocket or backpack had switched on. Then I'll probably have to tinker something.