BBB Signal Brake in the test: The battery-operated rear light has a brake light, many different modes and its individual adjustment options. We have taken a closer look at the racing bike taillight and will show you our impressions here.
The very bright battery-powered rear light Signal Brake BLS-167 from BBB arouses our curiosity as soon as we unpack it. The only rear light in our test has an on/off button on the back of the lamp, which means that you can practically operate the button indirectly by pressing the lamp slightly against the seat post at the bottom. After a short period of getting used to it, this is an absolute plus, as you don't have to hit a small button while riding, but can simply press the lamp at the bottom against the seat post.
You can also choose between five different modes with the Signal Brake BLS-167: continuous light (20 lumens), flash light (3 lumens), day flash (50 lumens) and constant flash (10 + 20 lumens) and also just that in automatic mode Activate brake light. The brake light function offers further safety in road traffic; When braking, the lamp automatically lights up for 2,5 seconds at 50 lumens.
Another feature of this lamp is the parking mode: the lamp detects when the bike stops longer than a rental and then continues to shine with 2 lumens. After three minutes of standing time, the lamps go into standby mode. When you start driving again, the lamp lights up again in the previously selected mode. After an hour in stand mode, the lamp switches off automatically.
The BBB Signal Brake also offers the option of manually adjusting the brightness in lumens. To do this, select the desired mode, press the on-off button for more than three seconds and then turn it off at the desired brightness. This means you can adjust the very bright lamp to be a little less bright.
Facts & figures
| weight with bracket | 28,3 grams |
| Lighting time max. | 20h |
| Lighting time min. | 2,5h |
| Page visibility | 180 degree |
| StVZO approved | No |
| Stoplight | Ja |
| Lumen | 20 normal / 50 in flash mode |
| Charging time | 1:45 hours |
| Price RRP | 42,95 Euros |
Our test impression of the BBB Signal Brake BLS-167
packaging and assembly
We like the completely plastic-free packaging of the BBB Signal Brake, but unfortunately you can no longer put the lamp back in the packaging for storage. Installation with the included rubber band is very easy and intuitive. Thanks to the rubber protection at the top and the rubber button at the bottom, the lamp is very stable on the seat post. We liked the many holes on the rubber band, so the lamp can be easily adjusted to all seat posts.
Operation and battery life
As already mentioned, the operation via the button on the back is well solved and stands out from the others Tail lights in the test away. After a short time getting used to it, we see this as an absolute advantage. The many different modes and the individual adjustment of the individual levels offer many possibilities, so operation is not quite as easy as with simpler lamps with just one mode. Since there is only one button and the parking mode also offers advantages, the BBB Signal Brake is also very easy to use after a short time.
In normal continuous mode, the rear light has a battery life of around 20:2 hours at 30 lumens. In flash mode, the manufacturer states the battery life is up to 40 hours. Depending on the individual adaptation, the battery life will also vary. The charging time is 1:45 hours with the included micro USB cable. A small LED at the top of the lamp serves as a battery level indicator; If the battery charge falls below 30%, this LED flashes; below 5%, it lights up permanently.
At 28,3 grams, the BBB Signal Brake doesn't weigh much for its size. The side visibility is completely fine at 180 degrees. Unfortunately, the Signal Brake is not StVZO certified due to the flash mode, but it can also be used in continuous light mode and definitely ensures more safety on the bike.
What is allowed, what matters?: Battery taillights
Battery-powered rear lights: When it comes to lighting, cyclists today benefit from uncomplicated rules and high-quality technology. However, it can't hurt to know what the StVZO requires - here's a brief overview. Cyclists in particular have benefited from the new version of the legal regulations on bicycle lighting in June 2017: the requirement to carry battery-powered lights has been lifted; Today, bicycles only have to be used “during […]
