The Knog Blinder Rear Bike Light is a compact, USB-rechargeable rear light designed to maximise visibility and personality for cyclists navigating urban streets, rural lanes, and everything in between. With its punchy 100-lumen output, waterproof build, and quirky design options, the Blinder aims to be more than just a safety device—it’s a statement piece for riders who want to be seen and remembered.
Design and Build Quality
Knog has long been known for its unconventional approach to cycling accessories, and the Blinder Rear Light is no exception. With a square faceplate and a range of graphic designs—including skulls, peace signs, and geometric patterns—the Blinder adds a touch of flair to your seatpost.
The body is constructed from a combination of anodised aluminium and polycarbonate, giving it a solid feel without excessive weight. The rear is wrapped in a UV-resistant silicone strap, which is both durable and gentle on your bike’s finish. The stainless steel clasp ensures a secure fit, even on rough terrain.
The light is IP67-rated, meaning it’s fully waterproof and dustproof. This makes it suitable for year-round riding in all conditions, from torrential rain to dusty gravel paths. The materials are chosen to resist corrosion and sun damage, ensuring long-term durability.
Light Output and Visibility
The Knog Blinder Rear Bike Light produces 100 lumens of rear-facing light using Chip On Board (COB) LED technology, which delivers consistent brightness across the entire faceplate. This makes the light highly visible from up to 450 metres, according to Knog’s specifications.
Unlike traditional single-point LEDs, the COB layout creates a uniform glow that’s easier for drivers and other road users to spot. The Blinder also offers side visibility, which is crucial for intersections and roundabouts where lateral awareness can prevent collisions.
There are eight lighting modes, including:
- High steady
- Low steady
- Eco flash
- Pulse flash
- Day flash
- Random flash patterns
These modes are designed to suit different riding environments, from daytime commuting to night-time training rides. The flash patterns are particularly eye-catching, helping you stand out in busy traffic.
Mounting System
The Blinder uses a tool-free silicone strap that fits seatposts ranging from 22mm to 32mm in diameter. This covers most standard and aero seatposts, and the flexible strap ensures a snug fit without damaging paint or carbon finishes.
Mounting is quick and intuitive: wrap the strap around the post, hook it into the clasp, and snap it shut. The light sits flush against the post and doesn’t rattle or shift during rides. However, some users have noted that the light can slide out of its mount on very bumpy terrain, so it’s worth double-checking the fit before heading out.
There’s no rack or saddle rail mount included, so if you’re running a rear rack or saddle bag, you may need to reposition or remove gear to accommodate the Blinder.
Charging and Battery Life
One of the Blinder’s standout features is its integrated USB-A connector. Instead of using a cable, the light plugs directly into any USB port—laptop, wall charger, or power bank. This eliminates the need for cables and port covers, reducing clutter and potential failure points.
Charging takes around 4 hours, and the battery indicator ring around the power button changes colour to show charge status:
- Red: low battery
- Green: charging
- Off: fully charged
Battery life varies by mode:
- High steady: ~2.5 hours
- Eco flash: up to 60 hours
This range makes the Knog Blinder Rear Bike Light suitable for daily commuting and longer weekend rides. The COB LEDs maintain brightness for up to 90% of the battery burn time, so you won’t experience a sudden drop in visibility as the battery depletes.
Real-World Performance
In practice, the Knog Blinder Rear Light performs exceptionally well for its size. It’s bright enough to be seen in daylight, and the flash modes are effective at catching attention without being distracting. The light remains secure on the seatpost during typical road and gravel rides, and the waterproofing holds up in heavy rain.
The integrated USB charging is a major convenience, especially for commuters who want to top up at work or on the go. The light’s compact size means it fits easily in a jersey pocket or saddle bag when not in use.
One limitation is the lack of a dedicated rack or saddle mount, which may be a drawback for touring cyclists or those with complex rear setups. Additionally, while the flash patterns are fun and distinctive, they may not appeal to riders who prefer a more understated aesthetic.
Comparisons and Alternatives
The Knog Blinder competes with several other rear lights in the 100-lumen category. Here’s how it stacks up:
| Light Model | Lumens | Mount Type | Battery Life | Waterproof | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knog Blinder Rear Light | 100 | Silicone strap | 2.5–60 hours | IP67 | £39–£45 |
| Lezyne Zecto Drive Rear | 80 | Clip + strap | 3–11 hours | IPX7 | £35–£40 |
| Bontrager Flare RT | 90 | Seatpost mount | 4–15 hours | IPX7 | £50–£60 |
| Garmin Varia RTL515 | 65 | Seatpost mount | 6–16 hours | IPX7 | £130–£150 |
The Blinder stands out for its design, USB-A charging, and flash variety, while competitors like the Garmin Varia offer radar integration and smart features at a much higher price point.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Bright 100-lumen COB LED output
- Integrated USB-A charging (no cable required)
- Waterproof and dustproof (IP67)
- Eight lighting modes with unique flash patterns
- Lightweight and compact
- Tool-free mounting with silicone strap
- Side visibility for added safety
Cons:
- No rack or saddle rail mount included
- May slide out on very rough terrain
- Flash patterns may not suit all riders
- USB-A plug may not fit all charging setups without extension
Verdict
The Knog Blinder Rear Bike Light is a stylish, high-performing rear light that delivers excellent visibility and convenience in a compact package. Its 100-lumen output, wide beam, and quirky flash modes make it ideal for urban commuting and road cycling, while the waterproof build and cable-free charging add real-world practicality.
While it’s not the most feature-rich light on the market, it excels at what it’s designed to do: keep you visible, safe, and looking sharp on the road. If you’re after a rear light that combines performance with personality, the Knog Blinder is a smart choice.
