S-Sun L121R
A failing that many rear bicycle lights have is that they are only visible from the rear, leaving the rider invisible to drivers on either side. S-Sun has solved this problem with their SS-L121R taillight. It features a clear red plastic body, allowing light to permeate the perimeter of the case and making the rider visible from any direction. The SS-L121R is weatherproof (it's even waterproof to 100 meters), and it runs for 15 hours on three AAA batteries. In a review extolling its visibility, Paul Smith of Cycling Plus called the L121R "the visible-everywhere light to rule them all."
Princeton Tec Swerve
Once featured as Bicycling.com's gear of the day, Princeton Tec's Swerve taillight uses a unique dual-action light to get motorists' attention. In addition to a steady illumination option, the Swerve also features a blinking setting that alternates between two types of lights: a wider diffused beam and a more focused collimated beam in an effort to draw the eye. In addition to a whopping 70 hours of run time on two AAA batteries, the Swerve also features a versatile mounting system, allowing it to clip onto a messenger bag or rear pocket as well as a seat post.
Blackburn Design Mars 3.0
Hailed by BikeRadar.com as "astonishingly bright--possibly the brightest rear light we've seen," Blackburn Design's Mars 3.0 rear light features five red LED lights for rear viewing an amber LED on either side for lateral visibility. With a flashing run time of 150 hours on two AAA batteries and three operating modes, the Mars 3.0 won't leave riders in the dark.
Article Written By Billy Brown
Billy Brown is an outdoor sports writer living in Northern California.
An avid rock climber and trail runner, he's been writing about outdoor activities, fitness and gear since 2005. He regularly contributes to "The Record Searchlight," uncooped.com, and Trails.com, as well as other print and online publications. Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Simpson University and is a NASM-certified personal trainer.
