What’s your favourite rear light? Tell us in this week’s People’s Choice poll.
The days of feeble incandescent-bulb rear lights are thankfully long gone, swept away by LED devices visible from hundreds of metres away with long battery life. You’ve a huge range of options from tiny backup flashers to intense units that are brighter than car rear lights. So what do you choose? Rechargeable or battery-powered? Steady or flashing? Or one of each?
Here’s your chance to tell us.
Old school (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 acme08/Flickr)
Here’s how it works:
- Post a comment to nominate a product. Check it hasn’t already been nominated. Add a link to the product wherever you can.
- Like a comment to vote for that product. Remember to like your own comment if you’re nominating something.
- One comment per product. Any multiple comments will be deleted and their likes will not count towards a product’s score. The first nomination will be the one that is counted.
- One product per comment. Otherwise the voting doesn’t make any sense.
- Maximum 30 nominations per award. Once we hit 30 nominations we will close the nomination process.
- All votes will be counted up until the closing date. Votes after this may appear but will not be counted.
- We reserve the right to remove any comment at our sole discretion.
- Closing date is 10am, Wednesday, November 4.
Over to you!
71 thoughts on “What’s the best rear light for cycling? Help decide the road.cc People’s Choice”
Exposure TraceR
Exposure TraceR
http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/exposure-tracer-rear-light-57502.html?gclid=Cj0KEQjw5MGxBRDiuZm2icXX2-sBEiQA619bqw716LAIWy9hfT5vdDpkcZYuVB5JHH3CWZkE4Dis-tEaAoGv8P8HAQ
A brilliant litle light. Well built. British made. Bright & Light.
Hope District+ rear
Hope District+ rear
http://www.hopetech.com/product/district-plus-rear/
Fantastic light – British built and very bright.
Cateye Rapid X2
Cateye Rapid X2
http://www.cateye.com/intl/products/detail/TL-LD710-R/
USB rechargeable so I easily charge it, compact, good brightness and quick to mount and remove. I though the elastic band would prove a faff, but it hasn’t
Exposure Blaze
Exposure Blaze
http://www.ultimatesportsengineering.com/exposure-lights/cycle-lights-2015/blaze
Have used this rear light for well over a year now. Excellent quality. Only have to charge it once a week. Fixes securely so it doesn’t come off during off-road parts of my commute.
Light & Motion Vis 180
Light & Motion Vis 180
http://www.westbrookcycles.co.uk/light-motion-vis-180-rear-cycle-light-p253807
Excellent rear and side visibility, incredibly bright, USB charge (at work), has served me well for 3 years + commuting in all weathers, reassuringly expensive!
Smart Lunar R1 (1W)
Smart Lunar R1 (1W)
These lights are very good value; especially for use in a pair with one set to flash & one on steady.
Seconded
Seconded
Mine has gone through successive winters on flashing mode without a battery change. Well designed/made, bright, reliable, simple to use, and at £9 by ‘eck it’s cheap compared to some of the new fangled lights.
For properly dark conditions
For properly dark conditions without fog, Cateye TL-LD 1100 – all round visibility, bright enough to be seen, but not ridiculously so. Different opinion in daylight or fog.
Best light ever
Best light ever
http://www.orfos.bike/
Lezyne Zecto Drive (rear)
Lezyne Zecto Drive (rear)
ZECTO DRIVE REAR
Nice little light, easy to attach and quite robust. Charges on USB. For longer night rides or more visibility, I just take a second one.
Exposure Flare.
Exposure Flare.
Hope District+
Hope District+
http://www.westbrookcycles.co.uk/hope-vision-district-rear-light-inc-battery-and-charger-kit-p262114
I get nothing but positive feedback from fellow work mates saying how far up/down the road they can see me from on my 13 mile commute. You can’t put a price on safety and being seen.
+1 for the Cateye LD-1100
+1 for the Cateye LD-1100 used with both banks of LEDs on permanently seatpost mounted but I also use a Niterider Solas 2 watt – on flash on my saddlebag – seriously bright!
Sevenfold wrote:
Had one for over ten years now, its bright, with easy to find or recharge AA batteries and they last weeks between charges on winter commutes. Bright at the back, lights on the side too to help. Easy to use and well built. I would +2 if I could!
ones that don’t dazzle people
ones that don’t dazzle people behind you…
I have a Philips Saferide Lumi Ring rear light mounted on my rear rack. The diffuser spreads the light out over a large area and makes it more obvious from the sides and the light also incorporates a large reflector
http://swhs.home.xs4all.nl/fiets/tests/verlichting/achterlampen/Philips_saferide/index_en.html
Lezyne Micro Drive (rear)
Lezyne Micro Drive (rear)
http://www.lezyne.com/product-led-sport-microrear.php#.VjC9O67hCgs
[img=300×390]http://www.lezyne.com/images/product/Product-led-microrear-zoom1b.jpg[/img]
PhillBrown wrote:
I’ve gone through many rear lights and this is the only one thats waterproof and still working. In my opnion being waterproof is the number 1 consideration, you can have the brightest light in the world but get caught out in the rain and a rear light is soon useless.
Not only is the Lenzyne Micro Drive indestructable, but you dont need a cable or batteries, just unscrew the end cap and the light plugs directly into a USB socket. I’ve done 100 miles with it , automatically goes into a power saving mode near the end of the battery life and I’ve been told my a motorist that its even bright in the daytime. I cant fault it.
Ben12345 wrote:
Sadly I have one of these sat broken in a bowl of salt hoping it will dry out and come back to life. The screw/seal failed and water got in during a rain shower and now it don’t work! A shame because otherwise it is nice…
I like my Velocity Light:
I like my Velocity Light:
https://www.velocitylight.com/
I like my Velocity Light:
Or Moon lights
Original See.Sense light.
Original See.Sense light.
Topeak Redlite Mega. Good 180
Topeak Redlite Mega. Good 180 degree visibility, with yellow LEDs at the side. Solid construction, good battery life and very bright. Just dont try and mount on a topeak rack!
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/topeak-redlite-mega-rear-light/rp-prod83893
Fly 6
Fly 6
https://cycliq.com/product/fly6
Not the brightest light out there, but certainly bright enough. But the camera feature is awesome – no fiddling about, just turn in on and it’s recording. I only ever bother to review video footage if there has been a specific incident, but just knowing it’s there and recording at all times is a great insurance policy.
Fixes securely, easy to transfer between bikes, audible beeps give a clear indication of battery life left. No real negatives to my mind…
Cateye TL-LD600.
Cateye TL-LD600.
Cheap, bright and reliable. 2 x AAA (rechargeable) usually last 5 days constant in both directions in winter. Easy to switch from all 5 LEDs to single when riding in company. Fit to seat post using the Cateye tail light bracket and SP-5 / SP-6 clamp rather than the flimsy one supplied in the box.
http://www.cateye.com/intl
http://www.cateye.com/intl/products/detail/TL-LD635-R/
The Rapid mini, for an all year round rear light on a road bike where you’re weight conscious.
Giant Numen Plus Spark TL
Giant Numen Plus Spark TL
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/gear/product/giant.numen.spark.tl.taillight/582/61888/
Great compact little light that sits nicely on the seatpost. Intensley bright on the highest setting, lasts well and charges via usb. Uses a COB LED which looks great.
I particularly love the slow glow mode which goes between dim and very bright every second or two without the fit inducing intense flash that can be horrible, especially for fellow riders following on their bikes.
Without doubt :http://www
Without doubt :
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/exposure-blaze-mk1-rear-light/
No other light will beat this.
mcchalkley wrote:
May not beat(light op) but certainly as good
Cygolite Hotshot 2 watt output less than £30
B&M Toplight Line Plus – both
B&M Toplight Line Plus – both dynamo and battery versions
http://www.bumm.de/produkte/dynamo-ruecklicht/toplight-line-plus.html
Nice light, with a bright horizontal line and standlight facility.
See.Sense lights, looking
.
Smart R2. 2 x 0.5W for
Smart R2. 2 x 0.5W for brightness, pulsing mode for attracting attention. Run day and night, battery lasts forever. Now USB chargeable, and only £10. ‘Mazin.
Gizmo_ wrote:
According to a review on a certain other bike website, John Stevenson is quite the fan too… 🙂
Would that Smart light work
Would that Smart light work on a chainstay? I.e. would the mount fit on something narrow and would the light have clearance when rotated down?
Goyt wrote:
I don’t think so, the mount it comes with is designed for seatpost size diameters.
Nick0 wrote:
Thanks Nick0
Goyt wrote:
The R1 comes with a chainstay mount as well as a seatpost. Can’t guarantee it’ll fit your chainstay though!
DaveE128 wrote:
News to me, sorry Goyt!
Bontrager Flare R
Bontrager Flare R
http://www.bontrager.com/model/13202
Really bright with an excellent daytime mode and USB charge.
http://www
http://www.ultimatesportsengineering.com/exposure-lights/cycle-lights-2015/tracer
Exposure TraceR. Use it all the time, day and night (with a Smart R2 in reserve ). Excellent light with a great bracket, and USB rechargeable.
Smart R1.
Smart R1 (1W version).
Cheap
Bright
Sensible selection of modes including always on with simultaneous bright flash
Decent mount
Unfortunately it’s been discontinued.
Best used with a mudguard.
DaveE128 wrote:
Not so! http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/LISMRTR1W/smart-lunar-r1-rear-led-bike-light-1-watt
This Radial light is
This Radial light is basically the same as the Smart ones. bombproof, reliable but a few quid cheaper. Doesnt have a zillion flashing modes either which is a plus.
https://www.radialcycles.co.uk/radial-blaze-0-5-watt-rear-light.html
WBRSteve wrote:
got this a few months back to just stick on the commuter as it was cheap and cheerful (after the last one was pinched) and can’t fault it so far, seems plenty bright enough to me….
Lezyne Strip Drive Pro Rear –
Lezyne Strip Drive Pro Rear – http://www.lezyne.com/product-led-sport-strippro.php#.VjELRK7hDEY
Reassuringly bright and flashy. USB charging, and the rubber strap can easily go round an aero seat post.
+1 for the TraceR. I’ve had
+1 for the TraceR. I’ve had mine a few years and it’s bright and bulletproof.
+1 for the TraceR. I’ve had
+1 for the TraceR. I’ve had mine a few years and it’s bright and bulletproof.
http://www.seesense.cc check it out,
http://www.seesense.cc check it out, also the new ICON
Moon Shield 60
Moon Shield 60
BBB wrote:
Best light bar none – the strobe setting is great for really bad conditions. With great power come sgreat repsonsibility – don’t angle it up into drivers’ eyes!
That Lezyne Stripdrive Pro is
That Lezyne Stripdrive Pro is good but does not last near long enough. As a car driver, the flashing rear lights make a huge difference to visibility, more than overall brightness. I have a Hope District Plus which is a pain to charge but lasts ages and is super high quality in terms of build and very bright. That would be my best.
Exposure TraceR – like all
Exposure TraceR – like all their lights bright and easy to charge – and the latest ones have a much improved rubber ring to stop anything nasty getting into the micro USB charging port
Been running the rear Magnic
Been running the rear Magnic Light iC (http://www.magniclight.com/MagnicLight/index.php/en/hikashop-menu-for-categories-listing/product/show/187-magnic-light-ic-rear-light/category_pathway-54) for a few months now and it’s frickin’ awesome. More than bright enough for day or night running but designed so that it doesn’t dazzle anyone behind (cars or clubmates), flashing & brake light functions (if you go for those things), stand light that lasts several minutes, great side visibility, compact sealed unit with good build quality (time will tell on the longevity). All of the positives of a dyno light but in a contactless unit that can be fitted to any bike and doesn’t give any noticeable drag. Hopefully the last rear light I’ll ever buy.
BTW – website doesn’t seem to allow liking of your own post.
see sense . have had lezyne
see sense . have had lezyne and bont R NOTHING compares. 10 hour battery life
+1 for the SeeSense
+1 for the SeeSense
Sigma MONO RL – small, bright
Sigma MONO RL – small, bright, very easy to charge, and looks good too.
http://sigma-inmotion.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/titel.jpg
Poundland rear lights – clip
Poundland rear lights – clip a couple to your back pockets or backpack. 🙂
http://www.poundland.co.uk/my-cycle-5-led-back-bike-light
Exposure Tracer, well built
Exposure Tracer, well built metal construction, bright, doesn’t touch legs when on seatpost.
Another one for the TraceR.
Another one for the TraceR. Small, very bright, well made, pulse mode, USB charging, long battery, easy to attached and remove… What else could you want?
I say Cygo Hotshot rear light
I say Cygo Hotshot rear light w/USB rechargeability and 30-50 hours of usage. My only problem is the undersized screw on their seatpost bracket (too easy to strip out).
Knog Blinder Rear here.
Knog Blinder Rear here. Especially now you can replace the mounting band.
The VeloCityLight. As well
The VeloCityLight. As well as being one the brightest lights available it also has the speed and brake function which gets you noticed by drivers and cyclists a like. The battery life is awesome and the whole light just makes me feel more distinct . http://www.velocitylight.com
Giant Numen Aero+ TL
Giant Numen Aero+ TL
Struggled to find a light that would securely fit my seatpost until I found this one. Fairly cheap (I paid £17.99) rear light that fits perfectly on an aero seatpost. Look great, seems fairly aerodynamic and it’s very light – the perfect rear light to put on your TT/Aero bike when doing night TT’s! It’s not the brightest light out there, but side visibility is excellent.
see.sense – very noticeable
see.sense – very noticeable decrease in close passes, have used one day and night for a year now.
RSP Messon 5 – seat stay
RSP Messon 5 – seat stay mount means light isnt obscured by my saddlebag, and is angled correctly for line of sight from behind.
Veglo Commuter http://www
Veglo Commuter http://www.veglo.cc/
Big, bright, and gets a lot of respect from cars on the dark country lanes.
Smart R1 for me
Smart R1 for me
Smart R1 for me
Smart R1 for me
Smart R1 for me
Smart R1 for me
The best rear light by far is
The best rear light by far is the NiteFlux Red Zone 8. Extremely visible light. Vehicles give me a wide bert and more room on the road. Outstanding! 10/10.
The Red Zone series achieve exceptional visibility with up to 400lm (in red) over 300 degrees viewing angle. That is around 10x what other lights can deliver and is easily seen well past horizontal. https://www.niteflux.com/buy/red-zone-8/
NiteFlux Red Zone 8. Simply
NiteFlux Red Zone 8. Simply the best. Visible over 300 degrees.
+1 for the SeeSense…the
+1 for the SeeSense…the best lights I’ve ever had