Best Rear Lights

One thing that stuck in my mind when cycling to the recent 100 mile Time trial was driving there. It was about 5 am, and still dark. I was on a dual carriageway, I was pretty alert and driving at around 60mph. I then saw a fairly dim flashing light and the brief outline of a cyclist. I also was shocked how close the cyclist was. In other words, it was not until quiet late that I made out the cyclist – a rear bike light is much less conspicuous than the two powerful car rear lights. I was able to overtake the bike no problem. But, it felt uncomfortable. I realised how difficult it can be to pick out cyclists. Of course, motorists should always be sticking to the speed limit and having full focus. But, it is an unalterable fact that their will be motorists who don’t always stick to speed limit and sometimes are not paying full attention. In these cases, the cyclist becomes vulnerable.

There is a cyclist in this picture.
Of course, you might say there’s no need to be riding along a dual carriageway in the dark. But, this observation would also apply at different times.

Best Rear Lights

In the time trial, most cyclists affixed a rear light to their bike, even though it was day time. This turned out to be a  good move, as it was a fairly murky morning. Overtaking quite a few cyclists, gave me the option to see the visibility of different rear lights.

The thing that stood out is how some rear lights are practically worthless. They are so small and feeble that you have to be really close before you can see them. Sometimes, hi-viz clothing can be seen before the light. Also, hi viz in unexpected places – like some one was wearing some hi-glow socks which were pretty effective for visibility.

Another thing that often happens when people commute is that there rear light becomes covered by a long coat or pannier. Also, it is surprising how many people will fix a rear light to some obscure part of their body. Like a helmet pointing to the sky, as if they were signalling to UFOs in the sky. I don’t think they would be picked up by car drivers anyway.

1. Cateye TL-LD600

cateye

This Cateye TL – LD600 rear light, is quite powerful for an LED rear light, it’s popularity is well justified as it can be seen at a good distance. It also fits nicely behind the seat post either vertically or horizontally, though if you have an awkward carbon seat post, the attachment may not be long enough.

With LED lights, the battery endurance is good, and it gives a light equivalent to an ordinary non-LED light. You can pick up the 600 series for £15 at Wiggle

2. Cateye TL-LD610

The Cateye TL-LD610  replaces the 600 series. It is 60% brighter with double the battery time. In short, a substantial improvement on a pretty good rear light.

Cateye TL-LD610 It is £25 from Evans Cycles

3. Knog Boomer

The Knog Boomer is an easy to use wearable rear light. It is bright and really stands out. It also looks pretty cool. The disadvantage is that at £20, it’s not the cheapest. You can definitely get a cheaper clip on rear light, but some of the clip on lights are quite weak. This is strong. See full review of Knog Boomer Rear light

4. Knog Blinder

The Knog Blinder is a fully rechargeable rear light, with 44 lumens of light power. It is very easy to clip on and off a standard seat tube. An advantage of the USB recharging is that you don’t need to worry about batteries. In the eco – flashing mode, it can last for up to 50 hours. The new 4V model is also nice and aerodynamic.

• Full review of Knog Blinder

Related

• Rear Lights at Wiggle
• Best Cycle Lights