Cateye Volt 800 £89.99

The Volt 800 impresses with its robustness and solid feel. It features high (800 lumen), medium (400 lumen) and low (200 lumen) output constant modes, giving claimed run-times of two, 3.5 and eight hours respectively. In addition there’s a flashing (claimed 80 hours of operating time) and an always-on with pulse mode (seven hours).

Holding the top-mounted switch down turns the Cateye Volt 800 on or off, and once it’s on a single click cycles the light through its five modes. A double click puts it back to its highest output. This set-up works well and ensures that you are never plunged into darkness when adjusting light intensity.

The top-level constant light output is good for riding on darker roads, and although there are brighter options out there, the Cateye Volt 800 has a good level of output for a light of its size and weight. The flashing mode has quite a high frequency, which certainly attracts attention, while the pulsed mode is quite intense and much more battery-draining. Additionally, the cartridge battery can be removed and replaced and easily purchased online (£19 as reviewed).

The Cateye Volt 800’s bracket fits very securely onto the handlebars without any play, so that the beam stays where it’s pointed, even over uneven ground and off-road. The standard Cateye bar mount has a large knurled knob to tighten it so that it can be screwed firmly to the handlebars. It is also designed to resist all weather conditions.

A downside, however, is that the Volt 800’s recommended recharging time is a lengthy five-11 hours if you want the best performance.

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