Product reviews
WORDS BY: Nat Bromhead
Made in England, Exposure lights stand out from the crowded bike light space due to their sturdy construction and ‘made to last’ attributes. Bike lights are predominantly plastic these days, and there’s an astonishing number of options available. We have a lineup of front and rear lights here on the Ride On test bench, it’s fair to say there’s everything from the smaller and newer manufacturers right through to options from brands that have been making lights for twenty years or more. The two Exposure lights we have the Trace (front) and TraceR (rear) lights stand out due to their anodised aluminium finish, level of weather sealing, quality of the LED lens, sturdiness of the mounting system and security of the rubber straps. Today were are focusing on the TraceR (rear light), with the white front light to be featured in a future review. We’ve been riding the Mk2 versions of the lights. However, Exposure now offer the latest Mk 3 versions. The main point of difference with this is the inclusion of a more relevant USB-C charging connector. In hand, the first you’ll notice with these lights is the build quality, feel, overall design and attention to detail. Every aspect of the light seems to have been acutely studied, honed, tweaked and perfected. Exposure lights a more substantial initial investment, yes they cost more than a lot of lights on the market. But these are the kind of lights you buy once and rely on for years. Meeting up with the Exposure team at Eurobike, the world’s biggest annual cycling industry trade show, it was fascinating to hear more about the brand and just how passionate they are about bike lights and British manufacturing. Other than crafting a wide range of lights, some of their work is in service and maintenance – long-time users sending lights in for a battery, lens, seal, mount and general check-up. This is virtually unheard of in this increasingly throw-away society. Unrivalled Build Quality Holding the light in the hand, the aluminium casing doesn’t just look tough—it is tough. Compact and robust, the TraceR feels like it has been engineered for aircraft or marine use. The sturdy plastic bracket is equally dependable, with the light clicking into place firmly and reassuringly. A quick look on the Exposure website, and you’ll read reviews owners using it for more than a decade, and the TraceR feels destined to continue this tradition of longevity. Performance and Beam Quality The single LED, paired with a precision lens, punches above its weight, making the most of its claimed 110 for the front and 90 lumens for the rear. While this output may seem modest compared to some rivals, the clever lens design ensures that light is effectively distributed, offering impressive visibility. The flash sequence is another point of difference. Based on the European flash code – Exposure specifically use a flash pattern that mimics that emitted by emergency vehicles. Exposure claims a 180-degree beam with up to 240 degrees of general visibility, and real-world use backs this up. The TraceR delivers intense, attention-grabbing rearward illumination without being blinding, while also providing above-average side visibility—a crucial safety feature. Battery Life and Modes In high-output mode, you’ll get three hours of continuous use, while medium and low modes extend this to six and 12 hours, respectively. Switch to a flashing mode, and those times double, giving you up to 24 hours of use on a single charge. Mounting System If there’s one area where the TraceR veers from sleek to utilitarian, it’s the mounting bracket. The design is industrial and 100% effective. Easy to fit and adjust, the bracket is rock-solid, holding the light securely even over rough terrain. Our Verdict Exposure’s TraceR DayBright isn’t just a rear light, it’s a long-term companion for serious riders. The light offers a combination of toughness, thoughtful design, and solid performance. While it may not be the absolute brightest light out there, it offers exceptional durability, ease of use, and dependable visibility making it one of the best on the market. Exposure lights are distributed by Bike Box – to find your nearest retailer visit https://www.bikebox.com.au/
Exposure TraceR Rear Light Tested
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