Topeak RedLite Mega rear light

The Topeak RedLite Mega rear light is reckoned to be the brand's most technically advanced safety light and I found it to be one of the best performers out there.

It's a surprisingly compact, coffin-shaped design measuring 8x4x3cm so won't hog too much seatpost space and attaches via a cleverly sculpted resin bracket and sturdy rubberised doughnut bands. You should be able to get it onto most seatposts, and also mono-stays, helmets too if you're prepared to take the zip-tie route. There's also a seatstay and clothing option, the latter being most effective while leaving the light much less vulnerable to damage/misalignment.

Plastics and build quality are reassuringly solid, the optical components employing precision lazer guiding technology for optimal projection. Access to its two AAA fuel source is via 2mm a Allen screw, which makes roadside exchanges more involved but along with the stodgy rubber band seal, conspires beautifully against the elements.

Suffice to say ours passed my garden hose and immersion tests with flying colours. Illuminations come courtesy of five LEDs, a single 'high flux piranha' with two red, two yellow band members, which contribute according to selected mode. Five modes in total are commanded by a sensibly located, yellow switch, allowing output to be tuned to conditions with some moderate trade-off in terms of economy. Thankfully this is the sort easily engaged in gloved digits but very unlikely to be blinking away in bags/pockets.

Unlike some there's no inbuilt memory, so constant remains default, next comes flashing followed by 'sequence 1 and 2' (think 'Christmas tree on acid') and finally 'hybrid blinking'; steady reds, pulsing ambers. Powering up produces a warm, rather than dazzling arc, which is very assertive as distinct from aggressive in tone, giving approaching vehicles a much clearer idea of your exact positioning.

Topeak reckon visibility is to around the mile mark and maybe so in ideal conditions-we reckon 850 metres tops and in flashing, dropping nearer 700 in steady on clear, unlit roads. Some suggested the sequence settings were gimmicky but in the main I'll beg to differ, especially through suburbs and town centres where the speed and distinctive colouring come into their own.

Verdict

Another blisteringly effective rear light with replaceable batteries.