New radar rear light has a maximum output of 90 lumens
Trek has added to the growing number of radar rear lights with the new CarBack.
Launched at the Sea Otter Classic show, the Trek CarBack Radar Tail Light combines a rear light with a radar that, according to the brand, can detect rear-approaching vehicles from up to 240m.
The Garmin Varia is the best-known radar bike light out there, launched in 2015. Garmin’s latest option, the Varia RCT715, combines a rear light, radar and camera.
Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen several competitor options hit the market, including the Magicshine Magene Seemee 508 and Bryton Gardia R300L. Now Trek has joined the Fray with the CarBack.
Taking a closer look at the Trek CarBack, as a light it has a maximum output of 90 lumens, with four modes:
- Day Flash (90 lumens)
- Day Steady (25 lumens)
- Night Steady (five lumens)
- Night Flash (five lumens)
Trek claims the Day Flash mode is daytime-visible from up to 2km away.
The brand has been something of a pioneer over the past decade when it comes to daytime-running lights, with the current Trek Flare RT one of our favourite bike lights.
In terms of its radar capabilities, Trek says the CarBack provides audio and visual alerts through your GPS bike computer.
With both ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity, it can also connect with Trek’s Accessory app to display the position of oncoming cars in real time if you ride with your phone as a bike computer. If you keep your phone in your pocket, the app can provide audio alerts, Trek adds.
Other features include a four-bar LED battery gauge on the side of the light and a USB-C charging port. The light weighs a claimed 87g.
The Trek CarBack Radar Tail Light costs £169.99 / $199.99 / €199.99 / AU$299.99.