Nicola Rutzou
Radar lights continue to grow in popularity with new models launching regularly. Our editor ran the latest model from Magicshine through its paces.
There are plenty of radar rear bike lights on the market, and many big names, like Garmin, Wahoo, and even Trek, join the throng. So, I was interested to see how the Magicshine light performed. It is the first radar light that I’ve tested, so I’m not comparing it to anything other than a standard rear light.
I’ve been using it as my main rear light for several months, and while I didn’t foresee a need for a radar warning system, I’m actually quite a fan now. It’s strangely comforting to know if a car or other vehicle is coming from behind even before you can hear it. It’s also great for quiet vehicles like electric cars or other cyclists.
I was also impressed that it’s compatible with my 10-year-old Garmin 510 bike computer. It was easy to sync, and while I know the newer bike computers offer more features, I’m quite satisfied with how they interact. Magicshine says it is compatible with most bike computers, including Wahoo and Hammerhead.
Radar feature
For those unfamiliar with the product concept, the unit alerts you to approaching vehicles with visual and audible prompts on your computer. Magicshine says it detects vehicles from 140 metres behind with a range of 35°. Although I didn’t conduct a scientific experiment, I assume it is relatively accurate because the visual alert appears in most situations before you hear the vehicle approaching.
In reading other people’s reviews of this and other radar lights, I’ve noticed the annoyance of false positives. I’m sure this happened occasionally for me, but I believe it was accurate most of the time. If a dot appeared and then disappeared, I assumed the vehicle had turned off rather than being a false positive.
On my computer screen, an orange stripe appears on the right-hand side of the screen and a dot that moves up the screen to represent the approaching vehicle visually. If there is more than one, then multiple dots appear. Once the vehicle passes, the dot disappears, and a green strip appears. One thing to be aware of is that if a vehicle approaches and stays behind you at the same speed, it will ‘disappear’ from your screen and reappear once it accelerates. I found this not to be an issue because you can usually hear them when they are close.
Light feature
As a rear light, it definitely did the job. Obviously, when I’m riding, I can’t see it, but my riding buddies told me it was bright and easy to see. It even gets brighter when it detects an approaching vehicle from behind to help alert the driver. It then dims to normal levels when the vehicle has passed.
Magicshine says it is visible for up to 2.4km, which is way more than most people require, but it indicates its illumination levels.
Like most rear lights, it has multiple flashing patterns. You can also turn the radar feature off if you just want the light to operate.
Battery life & charging
It charges in just over two hours via the USB-C port, and Magicshine says it will work for up to 100 hours on the lowest setting. I didn’t measure its longevity, but in all the time I’ve used it, I’ve never run out of power.
Mounting
It has two rubber mounts for a round or an aero seatpost. I tried both on different bikes, and the mount held the radar light snugly in place. The light attaches via a mini-Garmin quarter-turn mount.
The retail price is $199.95.
More info magicshine.com.au
Nicola Rutzou – a long-time contributor and, most recently, the editor of Bicycling Australia. Nicola is a keen Sydney-based road cyclist who writes reviews, news, and destination pieces, as well as the weekly e-newsletter for BA online.
