Bookman’s Block lights might remind you of the ultra-basic £1 blinkers available from loads of places – small, lightweight and handy to keep in a back pocket. I once had a set of those borderline disposable lights. They were alright for what they were: something to stick in a pocket just in case the pub trip turned into a late-night ride home. They kept you legal, but not much more than that. The front light was next to useless for actually seeing anything, and the rear barely more visible than a glow stick.
The Bookman Block lights share a similar look, but that’s where the comparison ends. After testing both the front and rear lights over several weeks of commuting and pre-dawn riding, it’s clear they’re a major step up. With rechargeable batteries, modern LEDs and a clever lens system, they’re simple but genuinely useful – ideal for commuters or riders wanting a neat secondary setup.
Bookman Block rear light: small size, big performance
The rear Block light is the standout of the pair. A shaped lens spreads the 18-lumen output wide enough to provide real visibility, not just a pinprick of light. It’s certainly at its best in the dark, where it cuts through traffic and streetlight noise. But even during the day, it holds its own as a daytime running light. That’s rare in a unit this small.
For my own commuting, I found it perfect as either a primary rear light on short urban trips or a secondary flasher on longer ones. It never ran flat on me either – with up to 25 hours of runtime, there’s no daily charging panic. And when it does need juice, a full recharge takes just two hours via USB.
What I appreciated most was how visible the light was from side angles. It’s not a pinpoint LED that’s only effective from directly behind – it spreads well, making it safer in traffic or at junctions where side visibility matters.
Bookman Block front light: ideal as a second flasher
The white front Block light uses the same lens design as the rear, and again, it improves the light distribution noticeably. But let’s be clear – this is not your main beam for navigating country roads. At 50 lumens, it’s not enough to light the way on unlit lanes. Instead, it excels as a second light.
That’s how I ended up using it: paired with a more powerful front light set to a steady beam, the Block served as a flashing attention-grabber to oncoming traffic. It’s bright enough to get noticed, and the flash modes are punchy without being annoying. Just be careful when switching it on – I made the mistake of looking directly at it once and got a quick reminder that even small lights can pack a visual punch.
The beam pattern isn’t focused like a high-end front light, but it doesn’t need to be. It does the job of making you visible, and for city commuting or as a backup light, that’s exactly what it’s there for.
Mounting and day-to-day use
The attachment system is simple: a flexible rubber strap loops around your handlebar or seatpost and slots into a groove on the light itself. I was sceptical at first – it felt too minimal, and I imagined it bouncing loose on rough tarmac. But I was wrong. Over speed bumps, potholes and gravelly cycle paths, the lights stayed put.
In fact, the simplicity becomes one of its best features. There’s no bracket to leave on the bike, no fiddly clip mechanism, and no worrying about theft when locking up in town. Just take it off, slip it in your pocket, and go. That kind of everyday convenience really matters if you’re using these lights every weekday through winter.
The lights themselves are small enough to fit easily in a jersey or jeans pocket. Controls are straightforward too – a single button cycles through the four modes, and you get visual feedback when the battery’s low.
Verdict
The Bookman Block lights are a clever refinement of the basic blinky light idea. Rechargeable, compact and thoughtfully designed, they’re perfect for commuters who want easy-to-use, no-fuss lights that still do the job well. The rear light is excellent – bright enough for nighttime and useful as a daytime flasher. The front one is better used as a secondary light rather than your main beam, but it’s more than capable in that role.
For £22 each, they offer excellent value, especially considering the build quality and USB charging. They’re not going to replace your high-lumen front light for night rides in the countryside, but that’s not the point. These are commuter-friendly, pocketable, and smartly executed lights that punch well above their weight.
Who are they for?
- Urban riders needing quick on-off lights for daily commutes
- Cyclists who want a backup or secondary light with decent performance
- Riders who appreciate simple, well-designed gear
Who should look elsewhere?
- Anyone riding fast on unlit rural roads at night
- Those needing focused beam lights with long-distance throw
If you’re after compact, stylish and easy-to-live-with lights that just work – the Bookman Block lights are well worth the £22 each. Keep them charged, clip them on in seconds, and ride with peace of mind.
