Bontrager Ion 700 RT front light review

With a claimed maximum output of 700 lumens, the Bontrager Ion 700 RT front light sits at about the brightness you’d expect for a front light of this sort of price. This is more than enough for getting through nighttime commutes, even along the occasional unlit lane providing you know the roads well enough to know where the big potholes are to avoid.

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The Bontrager Ion 700 RT comes with a choice of five modes: three constant with varying levels of brightness (700 lumens, 450 lumens, and 200 lumens), and two flashing modes (one standard and one irregular that’s sure to catch the attention of even the most inattentive motorist).

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These varying modes also mean varying battery life, ranging from 40 hours on the irregular strobe down to an hour and three quarters on the highest setting – not too bad considering the compact body and the lack of external battery pack. Charging is also nice and easy thanks to the micro USB port, although the five hour charge time is a little lengthy.

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The single LED light contained within a really compact body, that’s nice and light (pardon the pun), and easy enough to slip into your back pocket once the sun comes up and you don’t need it clogging up your cockpit.

The Sync bracket mount is also nice and secure, and I didn’t have any problems with the Bontrager Ion 700 RT moving when I hit potholes. However, the rubber strap that goes around the bars is far too short, making it a real struggle to attach to oversize 31.8mm diameter bars, while you can forget it if you’re running aero bars.

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One nice feature is the ability to control this light wirelessly alongside other Bontrager lights using ANT+. This can be done through a Bontrager Transmitr remote (available separately for £49.99), which attaches to your bars and can control up to seven lights. Perfect if you want to look like a Christmas tree.

For more details head over to the Bontrager website.