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SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING
LATEST UPDATE: JANUARY 28th
HOW DO WE DECIDE OUR OVERALL RATINGS FOR PRODUCTS WE REVIEW?
Topeak Redlite 80 Rear Light
80g (complete kit) £39.99
The Topeak Redlite 80 Rear Light is a 5-mode model pumping out a maximum of 80 lumens. Ok, not that earth shattering by contemporary standards but we’re talking steady, not day flash. Modes are sensibly spread to cater for most contexts and there’s an auto kick down should reserves tumble unexpectedly, or you’ve just forgotten to charge it. I’m particularly impressed by the mounting kit and options it offers.
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Pros: Sensible modes and output, relatively quick charging, comprehensive mounting kit, excellent peripheral visibility, memory function.
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Cons: small charge indicator light trickier to see than those integrated with the switch, switch more prone to accidental engagement.
Specification
Measuring 8.1x3.3x3.9cm, its sensibly proportioned but without feeling unduly bulky and the light itself weighs 50g by my scales. Behind the injection moulded polymer lens and housing, Topeak has opted for COB technology, which allows more diodes to share the same space, resulting in a more intense light. However, while freeing up some space, this also requires an aluminium heat sink to protect them.
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In this instance, 30 diodes are projected trough a 240-degree lens which promises excellent peripheral punch. These are fuelled by a 2A/5V 500mAh lithium-Ion cell reckoned to charge in 2hours and good for 300 charge cycles before dipping to 50% of total capacity. Several years regular use with basic care.
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Talking of which, build quality and details are similarly impressive IPX6 for weatherproofing is relatively common (and welcome) these days. However, I was pleased to find the charge port not only fitted very snugly but was positioned atop the light, providing better protection from wet, gritty stuff thrown up by the rear wheel-especially if you’ve mounted it relatively low on the seat stays, or indeed, to a Yak type trailer.
Switch & Modes 3.5/5
This is a flat, black and slightly rubbery affair. It doesn’t incorporate a charge/battery life indicator, which is arguably less convenient than some. However, it’s easily operated in winter-weight full finger gloves. A half second press powers up or down and single presses cycle through the five modes. A memory function takes the faff out of quick getaways.
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There are five, as I said in my opening paragraph. Three steady (80, 40 and 20 lumens) blink (30 lumens) and pulse (50 lumens). There's an auto kickdown, giving thirty minutes grace, which is again, very welcome and seems reliable, thus far. We’ve all been caught out-either out longer than we’d intended and/or forgetting to charge.
Mounts 4/5
The mount package is refreshingly comprehensive and well-conceived. All slot into a channel on the light body’s reverse. There’s one for aero seat posts, one for round and several rubber tags that loop around the light’s lungs and cater for different diameters. In seat post terms, we’re talking 25.4-31.8, which seems to be true real world, too.
Using the aero post mount and the very smallest rubber tag, I've successfully fitted ours to rack and at the other extreme, box section tubing. The light will also tether to helmet vents, should you wish.
Finally, there’s the luggage clip, which is designed specifically for Topeak’s luggage range. I’ve found this a didn’t lock as securely as I was expecting. However, this wasn’t problematic in the real world. I’ve successfully tethered it to their MTX Trunk Dry Bag and their Super Tourist DX rack. No movement, rattling, or similar issues that might lead to light loss.
Output 4/5
Output across the board is impressive, although arguably at its best when the light is mounted vertically. Starting with the steady modes, the full 80 lumens, I’m told it's been visible from 100 metres (125 when helmet mounted) along pitch black lanes on clear nights. There’s some discussion if it would also pass as a daylight running mode, given the COB technology.
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I’m inclined to say it and the 40 lumens are best around dusk, dawn and dark nights. In terms of visibility, the 40 lumen manages 40-50 metres (nearer 60 when helmet mounted) along pitch black lanes. For semi-rural stretches, I’d be inclined to click down to the 20 lumens, which has plenty of presence, while conserving juice. Of the three steady, it’s been my choice for dusk till dawn escapes. Though potent, we’re talking assertive through built up areas and while I’m never complacent, especially at bigger roundabouts and busier junctions, there’s plenty of peripheral throw to avoid stealth moments when tackling these.
Along the open road, I’m told other riders could spot me at 30 metres or so. Conversation (and some uninvited wheel sucking) suggested it was socially acceptable on group rides and something around the 10-15 lumen mark wasn’t necessary.
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Blink and pulse are reassuringly extrovert and brighter than numbers might suggest, given the tightly packed diodes and lens technology. Blink is cited as 30 but a quick straw poll of fellow riders suggested they thought it was nearer 50. If you wanted a daylight running mode that will cut through strong sunlight, there are better options.
That said, it’ll do the business on overcast days- anecdotally a good 100 metres or so, 150, (maybe 175 on clear, cloudless nights) along those pitch black, mysterious lanes I’m so fond of. On a low-slung trailer, I’d run it through built up areas to nail the attention of larger vehicles, particularly when turning. A bit abrasive on a solo, mind.
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The Pulse is 50 lumens and follows the brighter than you’d think narrative. The tempo is all quick enough to rule out potential stealth moments and this one, though not marketed as such is potent enough to stand out in strong winter sunlight. Conversation suggests it’s visible to around the 50-80-metre mark, closer to 200 metres at night and along unlit roads, further when helmet mounted. This mode is incredibly frugal.
Charge & Run Times 3.5/5
Another definite plus is the Redlite 80’s charge times, compared with some other higher power. 2 hours from zero to fully juiced, fifteen minutes or so quicker from the mains. Run times have also proved very faithful to those cited- within a few minutes in temperatures between 16 and 4 degrees.
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The steady modes have returned 3hrs 23 (80 lumens- 3hrs 30 official), 5hours 55 (40 lumens- 6hours official) and 7hrs 27 (20 lumens-7hrs 30 official). Blink did its thing for 19hrs 54 (20 hours) and Pulse, a similarly 39 hours 55 (40 hours) which in the later context, could mean a month between charges if you were doing middle distance commutes. I should also point out the auto kickdown has been faultless when reserves bottom out.
Durability/Care 3.75/5
True to expectation, the Redlite 80 has sniggered at my usual tests- no hint of moisture getting past the port plug during my garden hose tests or left in situ when giving bikes a good sudsy bucket deep clean. Fitted to the trailer, right in the firing line of puddles, dung and silty stuff, the Relite 80 never missed a beat, so heavy rain has been a moot point, and I’ve felt no inclination to add a dab of silicone grease to the port area. The lens has taken the odd direct hit, but again no scratches or more invasive calling cards. Convenient charge times mean there’s no real excuse for keeping it toped up between rides, or, if you’re putting it (or the bike) into seasonal hibernation charge to 50% to protect the battery from degrading in storage.
Value 3.5/5
Competitive but there’s a lot of choice at this mid-price point. Infini Metis 1-465R USB Rechargeable Rear Light comes in at £34.99. It also offers 5 modes, 80 lumens a braking function. However, the run times, especially in the steady mode can’t match the Redlite 80 and the Redlite’s peripheral throw is also notably better. Lelumia The Beast (now £41.99) lives up to its moniker, pumping out 150 lumens and with some distinctive patterns. However, high output across the board means it’s better suited to the backroads, rather than sub/urban duties.
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The Magicshine SeeMee 200 V3 Bike Taillight (£34.99) is also 5 functions and has braking and other sensored tech, including one that tracks ambient light and selects an output between 10 and 60 lumens. It also features a “tracer” light which projects a spotlight around the rider. It also meets IPX6 for weather proofing.
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We’ve not tested it, so can’t comment about real world performance at this stage. Ravemen TR100 USB Rechargeable Rear LED Light is also £34.99. There are six generally sensible modes, catering for most riding environments, including a highly extrovert 100-lumen day flash and IPX6 for weather resistance. However, the 5+ hour charge times may not suit everyone. Then of course, there’s Infini Sword Rear Light is £39.99 has been around a few years and only meets IPX4 for weatherproofing but is brighter than numbers would suggest and has a laughably frugal (200hour) flashing mode.
Summary
I’d prefer to see a more positive switch and there’s a lot of similarly capable competition, some with clever sensored technology for similar money. That said; the Topeak Redlite 80 is genuinely bright and remains a solid contender. Particularly if you wanted a light for most riding environments but didn’t want braking and similar functions. The wealth of mounting options, straight from the box is another major draw, especially if you’re porting it between bikes.
Verdict: 3.5/5 Very practical light for general riding with great fitting options but switch merits improvement.
Michael Stenning
PUBLISHED OCTOBER 2024
