Fenix BC05R V2.0 | Expert Review by Koen van der Jagt
One of the most important things when participating in traffic as a pedestrian or cyclist is to be clearly visible. Proper lighting is a must, and can prevent a lot of misery. This review is all about the Fenix BC05R V2.0: primarily intended for cycling, but the light has much more to offer. Read about my experiences!
Contents
First impression
The BC05R V2.0 is tightly packaged in a blister pack. Looks great, but you can't get the light out of its packaging without a knife or a pair of scissors. It is what it is... The light comes with a USB charging cable, and a holder/clip with mounting strap. Alright, as far as I am concerned.
This light is almost entirely made from polycarbonate: light-weight and pretty much indestructible. The back side is made from non-slip rubber, which keeps the BC05R V2.0 securely in place when it's attached to your bicycle. This rubber also serves to close off the USB-c charging port. Notable are the two 'ears' on either side of the light; with these and the included rubber strap, you effortlessly attach the light to your handlebars. The light cannot be opened, the battery is built-in and therefore cannot be replaced. All in all, this light leaves a solid first impression, despite the use of many plastic materials.
When and how
Most descriptions will call the BC05R V2.0 a bicycle light, but this is selling it short. The light comes with a holder that functions as a clip: you can easily attach it to your sleeve during a walk, or to your hat so you can read maps. More possibilities: you can also use it as a signalling or obstacle light thanks to the light modes with different flashing frequencies. Attaching it to your head torch as a 'rear light'? Also possible!
Controls and comfort
The manual of the BC05R V2.0 is redundant: everything works as you would expect. Charging, attaching and operating the light are a piece of cake. You can turn the light on or off with the relatively large power button, and you can also use this same button to do a power check (by shortly pressing it). When the light is turned on, you can switch through the available light options with short clicks. There are two light modes that each have a slow and fast flashing mode; six light modes total. You can see when the battery gets below 25% by shortly pressing the on/off button. If you carry a power bank with you, you can still use the light while it's charging. Super practical! A big advantage of the BC05R V2.0 is its user-friendliness!
This is what I like about the BC05R V2.0
Thanks to the clip and rubber strap the light comes with, you have many attachment options. This light is great in terms of user-friendliness. In addition, the light has several flashing modes, making it very versatile.
This could be improved
15 lumens is sufficient in most situations, but I would have liked it if the light had a brighter setting as well. A higher output would help you stand out even more, which would be useful in city traffic.
Conclusion
The BC05R V2.0 is a big success for Fenix! An affordable and good quality light that you can easily transform from rear light to safety light or signalling light. Of course, there are brighter options available, and in some cases those might be preferable, but this is simply a product that offers great value!
In practical terms
Perhaps the most important question for many is this: how much light does the BC05R V2.0 provide? Scroll down to find out! These pictures were taken at the Veluwe where you have lots of mountain biking opportunities and where it can get really dark!
First, the two light modes on the 'unmanned' mountain bike. The difference between 5 and 15 lumens is clearly visible. The broad beam angle is also notable; you'll be clearly visible from the side as well.
Some pictures of the bike. The light on the front of the bike is a Fenix head torch HL18R-T. As you can see, you'll be very visible even in a dark forest and from a distance.
Koen van der Jagt
Ever since he could walk Koen has been interested in lights, wires and batteries. As a child he was always working with dyno torches, bike lights and electrical boxes. The krypton and halogen lights were replaced by LED lights. A couple of years ago he discovered the ‘professional’ stuff. His first brands were Led Lenser and Fenix. Photography is also one of his hobbies. In addition to nature and meteorology Koen loves to show others what a light can do and what its beam looks like at night. Koen’s reviews can often be found on forums such as candlepowerforums.com and taschenlampen-forum.de. Throughout the years Koen has collected lights in practically any category: from small and compact to enormous powerhouses.
