A guide to rear bike lights
A rear bike like is there to get you seen and depending on where you ride you’ll need to consider what sort of light you need. Just riding to the shops? A simple flasher light will do. Riding at speed in the countryside or backroads? Something a little brighter and long-lasting will be necessary. Take a look at our handpicked selection rear bike lights.
Exposure Lights Tracer Rear Light
The TraceR is the ultimate answer for the cyclist who needs a super compact rear light, with USB convenience and superb build quality. Featuring Optimised Mode Selector, 3 brightness levels, side illumination and Fuel Gauge displaying the remaining battery life using a traffic light system making it clear when you need to recharge, the TraceR ensures you stay visible, both day and night, in the urban jungle and on rural roads.
Key specifications
- Cable Free Design
- Day Bright Mode
- Intelligent Thermal Management
- Optimum Mode Selector
- Fuel Gauge
- Micro USB charging
- Hand Made in the UK
Our verdict
Having ridden behind many of these in the past we can honestly say they will get you noticed. Very bright and will last the whole ride. The light is well built and easy to fit. It’ll also fit neatly around an aero seatpost. You can’t go wrong with one of these!
Where to buy
Moon Comet MK II Rear Light - 50 Lumen
The Moon Comet MKII has been designed so that you are safer and can be seen by all road users. The light boasts 50 Lumens with a wide beam pattern which is the key to catching’s peoples attention. The rechargeable light makes for easy and convenient charging, simply plug the USB cable (supplied) into a laptop, desktop, wall plug or even on the go charging devices. The Comet MKII is a really versatile light, you can change its mode settings to suit the conditions you are riding in or to cope with the battery life you have left (Low / Standard / High / Over drive / 10% Flashing / 50% Flashing / 100% Flashing / Strobe) you are spoiled for choice with selection of light modes.
Key specifications
- 50 Lumens
- Rechargeable lithium polymer battery
- Run time: up to 20:40hrs
- Charge Time: 2.5 hours
- Tool Free mount
Our verdict
We’ve listed a couple of Moon lights in this guide as you can’t really go wrong with them. Having owned a few of them now, including the two listed on this page, they provide great value for money. They will easily last your bike ride on higher lumen modes and last days when set to flash. This Comet is a great buy in this price bracket.
Where to buy
Moon Nebula Rear Light
Moon Nebula Cycle Light offers 100 lumens from a single (50 Chips) round ring COB high brightness red LED. The Aerolite has a total angle of 270 degrees with a spot angle of 60 degrees. The combination of O-ring mounting with the belt clip design allows for the light to be mounted either on the handlebar or on a saddle bag, jersey, pocket, etc. With a charge time of 3 hours the Aerolite provides a runtime of up to approximately 20.6 hours, depending on mode.
Key specifications
- High Brightness Red LED (100 Lumens)
- Water Resistant (IPX 4)
- USB Rechargeable
- 8 Different Light Modes
- Quick Release Universal Bracket RB-22
- Quick Release Saddle Rail Mount
- Battery Level Indicator
- Automatic Fully Charged Cut-off System
- Weight 44g
Our verdict
The Moon Nebula rear light is pretty much the ultimate rear light. Very bright with all the light modes you could want. It comes with a saddle mount as well as seatpost bracket which comes in handy. Convenient USB charging that’s also pretty quick. Highly recommended!
Where to buy
Cateye Rapid Mini USB Rear Light 25 Lumen
Specifically designed for minimalists, the USB-rechargeable Rapid mini offers 4 modes of eye-catching illumination. At only 22 grams, whether it’s on a seatpost, Fizik saddle or messenger bag, extra weight and bulk are no longer excuses for not being seen. Small in size but big on safety, Rapid mini has all the features of its big brothers Rapid X and X2, including low battery indicator, Battery Auto Save and mode memory.
Key specifications
- Up to 25 lumen output
- USB recharge
- O-Ring attachment with adapter included
- Modes: Constant / Flash / Rapid / Pulse
- Runtime: 3–30 hrs depending on mode
- Weight: 31g
- Battery auto save
- Low battery indicator
- Light mode memory
Our verdict
Cateye makes some very decent lights and this Rapic Mini USB is a great option if you’re not looking for the brightest light around. 25 lumens will get you noticed and will last a good while. A good option at this price!
Where to buy
Blackburn Central 50 Rechargeable Rear Light
The Blackburn Central 50 rear light has five powerful LED’s pumping out up to 50 lumen in a broad, high visibility beam for extra safety on night time rides. The Central 50 bike light is sleek, lightweight and USB rechargeable for easy charging through any USB port, ready for the ride home. A simple mount lets to fix and remove the Blackburn Central 50 to your bike or equipment in seconds for security
Key specifications
- Amazing 180-degree bezel allows for excellent side visibility
- LED fuel gauge/charge indicator
- Lithium-ion battery
- Waterproof to IPX-4 standard
- 3 hour recharge time.
- Lumens: High 50, Flash 50, Strobe 50
- Runtime: High 3, Flash 9, Strobe 12
- Distance: High 12, Flash 12, Strobe 12
Our verdict
Another great light in the under £20 price range. Short charge times and a good light output and spread makes this a great buy.
