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review
Lights - rear
Lucas KOTR City 25R rear lightLucas KOTR City 25R rear light

Lucas KOTR City 25R rear light

9
by Caroline Dodgson
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Jan 10, 2015

1
£34.99

VERDICT:

9
10
Great all-rounder - literally, with 180° visibility
Weight: 
50g
Contact: 
www.lucasbikelights.co.uk
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The Lucas KOTR City 25R rear light is the sister to the recently reviewed KOTR 85F front light.

The 25-lumen output is really well used. The LEDs and casing are designed so that the light is very visible from side on as well as from the back. The upshot of this is that you can be better seen when crossing a junction, and from all angles. I found that it was one of the brighter beams out on the road and that's backed up by our light comparator, below.

The KOTR City 25R can be attached vertically to the seatpost, or horizontally onto the back of a basket or similar. The light attaches with a simple silicone gripper strap which I found both simple to use and which stayed in place. This made whipping it off at the end of a ride simple, and the 50g weight meant that it could be stowed in a pocket and forgotten about easily until the end of the evening.

There are three run modes to choose from: bright, a little less bright and flashing. The on/off button was well-placed and easy to operate even with thick winter gloves on. The problem faced with the equivalent front light, namely being distracting to the cyclist herself in flashing mode, is not applicable for the back light.

The KOTR lasted about three hours in a run down test on full beam, but flashing (the light not you) will at least double this. Its 580mAh USB rechargeable battery is a breeze to recharge and the micro USB charge point is well hidden from the elements when out on the bike.

At around 2.5 hours for a full recharge, I wasn't left hanging around waiting to go out. I did have to guess when I needed that recharge, though, as the light went from nice and bright to dead without warning.

I really like the look and design of the City 25R. It is smooth and sleek and doesn't make your bike look like an ill-decorated Christmas tree. If you value the aesthetics of design on your bike, the KOTR will not detract from the sleek lines you have chosen.

In other news, it is also great for attaching to your dog and can be clearly seen through heavy foliage. In case you needed to know that.

Verdict

Great all-rounder - literally, with 180° visibility

The light comparator

If you have a nice big screen you can click here for the widescreen version (1400x1000px)

road.cc test report

Make and model: Lucas KOTR City 25R rear light

Size tested: n/a

Tell us what the light is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

The slim line KOTR City 25R rear light boasts an impressive 25 lumen output with 180° visibility to keep you seen from both sides as well as the rear, very effective when crossing junctions. The light can mounted horizontally or vertically on your bicycle, depending on your preference, whilst maintaining 180° of visible light. Plus, the relatively small form factor packs a 580mAh USB rechargeable battery which will deliver 3-6 hours of light from a quick 2.5 hour charge. Simply detach using the integral silicone strap (which leaves no brackets on your bike) and charge via your PC, Laptop or USB mains charger (Micro USB lead included). So there's no need to ever worry about replacing batteries!

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the light?

he KOTR City25 rear LED light produces 25 lumens of output and 180 degree visibility for improved safety.

Technical specifications;

LED Type - multiple LED's providing 25 Lumens output

Power Source - 580 mAh Battery

Light Modes - 3 functions (high, medium and flash)

Run Time - Long run time upto 6 hours

Charge Time - 2.5hrs, Weight - 47g

Extra Features - USB Re-charge

Mounting - Quick release silicone strap

Rate the light for quality of construction:
 
9/10

A sturdy little light which braved the elements without fuss.

Rate the light for design and ease of use. How simple was the light to use?
 
10/10

A big on button made operation in gloves a cinch.

Rate the light for the design and usability of the clamping system/s
 
8/10

A fairly standard silicone grip clamp. Effective.

Rate the light for waterproofing. How did it stand up to the elements?
 
10/10

No ingress.

Rate the light for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the light for durability:
 
9/10

No bits have fallen off yet.

Rate the light for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10

50g

Rate the light for value:
 
8/10

Worth the £35 - this light should see you through a fair few seasons.

Tell us how the light performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Very well.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the light

The visibility.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the light

Nothing.

Did you enjoy using the light? Yes.

Would you consider buying the light? Yes.

Would you recommend the light to a friend? Yes.

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 36  Height: 5'7  Weight: size 16

I usually ride: Trek 7.5 WSD  My best bike is: Turquoise Cruiser

I've been riding for: Under 5 years  I ride: A few times a week  I would class myself as: Novice

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, general fitness riding, Leisure

 

Lucas KOTR City 25R rear light
Lucas

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1 comments

Avatar
andyp | 9 years ago
0 likes

[pedant mode on]
'Great all-rounder - literally, with 180° visibility'

180? That'll be a half-rounder, then 3

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