news
December 2008: XB2 upgrade now available
The exciting new Solidlights XB2 replaces the 1203D dynamo light, using new LEDs to give 2.5 times as much light output. This new development is being made available first to existing customers who can have their 1203D or 1203DR light upgraded with the new LEDs, thanks to Solidlights modular design.
Click on the XB2 upgrade page to find out more.
August 2008: Service and Repairs available through the online shop
To make it convenient for Solidlights users to keep their lights in top condition, we've added a couple of new items to the online shop in a new category, Service and Repairs. It's now possible to pre-pay for a light repair on a simple scale of charges: £25.00 for repairs to cables and connectors on lights, and £50.00 for other, possibly more complex, faults.
April 2008: Solidlights and Molten Rock
The latest exciting development at Solidlights is a complete lighting system for the Boma electric off-road wheelchair, produced in the UK by Molten Rock. Boma is the solution for off road mobility for individuals with mobility impairments such as paraplegia and tetraplegia. It has all-round independent suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and powerful 36V motors driving both rear wheels, and it's light in weight and easily to transport.
Lighting for such a capable vehicle needs to be seriously tough, so Martin-Jones Technology Ltd has worked in partnership with Molten Rock to develop a custom light system. The system includes headlights with a special wide beam for off-road use, tail lights, brake lights, direction indicators and even hazard lights, all operated from weatherproof, easy-to-use controls. Solidlights LED technology means that there are no fragile bulbs to burn out or break, and electronics custom-designed for the Boma means that the lights run from the same battery as the wheelchair's motors, so they're effortlessly convenient.
There's more information at
October 2007: Frequently Asked Questions page added
To help prospective Solidlights customers choose the right light for them, and help current customers get the most from their lights, we've added a new page containing the answers to some frequently asked questions.
You can read it here.
June 2005: Solidlights supports Revolve Pedal Cab Company
Solidlights is now the official lighting supplier to Revolve Pedal Cab Company in Eugene, Oregon, USA. The expanding fleet of Revolve Pedal Cabs provide ecologically sustainable public transport throughout the city. They have successfully been using Solidlights for several months, and are now proud to display the logo on the cab sides.
For more information about the Revolve Pedal Cab Company, check out http://www.revolvepedalcab.com/
May 2005: Solidlights announces sponsorship of Cambridge University Cycling Club
Solidlights is proud to announce official sponsorship of Cambridge University Cycling Club, one of the oldest cycling clubs in the world. Founded in 1874, CUCC has produced outstanding riders across the range of cycling disciplines. Sponsorship from Solidlights, in partnership with Alpine Rootz, will enable the club to continue its programme of training and racing as well as leisure riding.
The club has already produced outstanding results this season: CUCC rider Andy Cockburn achieved first place in the Specialized EnduroPlus 2005 at Catton Park in April, and Emma Pooley took the women's gold medal at the BUSA 10 mile time trial just a few days later.
For more information on the club, its riders and activities, take a look at http://www.cucc.co.uk/
April 2005: Dynamo light now available
All the Solidlights advantages of brightness and ruggedness are now available for hub dynamo users, in time for the summer season of touring and Audax rides. The new 1203D model, as previewed exclusively at The Bike Show, is suitable for use with Schmidt and Shimano hub dynamos and is available in the online shop at a special introductory price of £140.00.
Click here to read more about the features of the 1203D.
March 2005: Solidlights at The Bike Show
Solidlights will be exhibiting at The Bike Show, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, UK, on stand M122. Come and see us for 'hands on' demonstrations and to talk about Solidlights products.
Click here for more information about the show.
October 2004: New beam photos now on-line
There have been plenty of requests for photographs comparing the brightness and beam pattern of the 3 Watt 1103 and 10 Watt 1303 Solidlights, and here they are. Check the brightness page for the pictures.
September 2004: Success at Dusk till Dawn
Amongst the many riders using Solidlights at the Marin Dusk Till Dawn 12-hour overnight mountain bike race were Scott and Sophie Mansell, who put in a determined effort and won first place in the tandem category. Keeping a tandem going through Thetford Forest's trademark tight, twisty singletrack takes some serious skill. The victorious pair are pictured below with their tandem, which was even decked out with coloured fairy lights for the occasion!
The Solidlights support truck was on hand throughout the event, dispensing charged batteries and the occasional cup of hot chocolate to weary riders.
August 2004: Solidlights riders achieve podium placings at SITS 2004
The weekend of 14/15 August 2004 saw the Shimano Sleepless in the Saddle 24 hour mountain bike race take place at Trentham Gardens in the UK. More than 500 teams battled it out on the excellent 7.5 mile course which included more than 1000 feet of climbing per lap. Conditions were gruelling, with the ground soaking wet from the previous day's rain, and overnight fog on parts of the course adding to the challenge. Many sets of Solidlights were in use at the event by sponsored riders as well as Solidlights customers.
Jon Ellis: 2nd in Solo Men
Rider Jon Ellis, pictured above first from the left, made his solo 24 hour debut at SITS 2004 with a splash, achieving 2nd place in the men's solo category. He covered an amazing 22 laps in 24 hours and 38 minutes. His helper Tom Webster made sure that Jon and his gear were always in tip-top condition.
Jon rode with a Solidlights 3 Watt 1103 on his helmet and a 10 Watt 1303 on his bike. The rapid charging of the Solidlights Lithium Ion batteries meant that he could ride with just one battery on his bike, changing over to a second battery after two laps. Meanwhile Tom charged the first battery while the second was out on the course. This simple system meant that Jon's bike-mounted lighting system weighed just 295g.
Andrew Cockburn and Joe Grundy: 3rd in Pairs Men
Men's pair Andrew Cockburn and Joe Grundy, pictured above on the right, formed a formidable team and achieved an excellent 3rd placing in their category. Special mention must go to Joe for having stepped in at the last minute after Andrew's original teammate broke his bike! They covered 28 laps in 24 hours and 14 minutes.
Andrew and Joe both used Solidlights 10 Watt 1303 lights on their bikes, each with a pair of batteries for double the run time. One extra spare battery was enough to see them through the hours of darkness and maintain their fast lap times.
Congratulations to all involved for an outstanding effort over the weekend. Full race results are available at www.singletrackworld.com.