Moon Zircon-R (90lm)

The Moon Zircon-R is a distinctively designed COB LED with a maximum output of 90 lumens and six different settings from which to choose. It’s attractively priced and comes with extras that allow you to mount it to securely to your bike, bag or backpack, which adds to its versatility.

> Buy now: Moon Zircon-R for £13.99 from Tredz

For more options, check out our best rear bike lights buyer’s guide.

Set up

In the box you will find: the rear light, USB-C charging cable, two elastic straps (one shorter, the other longer), aero and round rubber pads and a couple of O-rings, one for seatposts 20-35mm in diameter, the other 35-52mm. This should cover most options.

The two different rubber pads ensure the mount sits securely on the seatpost. These inserts clip into the mount and they have an indentation shaped for an aerodynamic seatpost.

In addition to this, the rear of the light has a sturdy hook or belt clip that you can attach to a backpack, jacket and it also fitted well on my bikepacking bags. This is a handy feature when a lot of us use the seatpost for mounting bags.

Performance

I was impressed with this light for both night riding and as a daytime light. It’s easy to attach and the brightness of the COB (hip on board) LED is very good, illuminating through a 160-degree range.

It’s good to have a choice of six modes too, though at times I was a little unsure which was best to use. I ended up mainly going for the Mode 1 option, a constant 35 lumens and Flash 1, also 35 lumens.

This output may not seem that much but it was still noticeable – and easily bright enough for me to feel safe. The full-whack Dayflash setting daytime does what it sets out to do and also makes you highly visible when you’re riding in the dark.

The battery life in Mode I is a little disappointing, where it worked for around two hours before it died. I’d certainly like a bit more than this if I was using it in this mode at night. That said, the battery life in Flash 1 is a claimed 10 and a half hours, with 19 hours in the Dayflash mode.

The light is charged using a USB-C cable that enters a port at the bottom of the light that’s protected by a rubber flap. When it’s fully charged – which takes just about the claimed two and a half hours – it turns green.

Its resistance to the elements is IPX5, sufficient to keep it dry against low-pressure water jets, so it should survive the vagaries of the British climate.

The Zircon-R comes with either a black or khaki outer, though in total you can choose from 14 bright colours – or ‘vibrant’ as Moon would have it. Though you’ll have to pay extra for these.

Value

The Moon Zircon-R is yours for a very modest £22.99, which makes it very well priced, especially given its quality feel and the functions it offers.

The Knog Blinder Link has a slightly brighter 100-lumen maximum output, though it’s much more expensive at £56.99. That said, the Knog does have the advantage of longer running times.

The £24.99 Cateye Viz 100 Rear Bike Light has the same 100-lumen output as the Moon but has two fewer modes and takes longer to charge.

For a quid more than the Cateye, the Magicshine Seemee 100 has the same output but adds a brake light feature to the mix.

Conclusion

This is a very good little rear light. It’s bright enough for the cycling I do, and the ability to mount it to your belt or bag is extremely handy. About the only downside is the limited battery life in Mode 1, but it’s definitely one to consider if you’re looking for a versatile and well-priced rear light.

Verdict

Well-priced, versatile, distinctively designed and at a very good price

> Buy now: Moon Zircon-R for £13.99 from Tredz

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