Fenix BC05R V2.0 Tail Light

Being seen and seeing on a bike is crucial. Especially with bikepacking, you can easily find yourself riding in fog and low visibility. Without a light, it would be life‑threatening. But this doesn’t apply only to cyclists. It’s not a bad idea to have a light with you for a walk or a run in the woods either—especially if you don’t have any reflective elements. Fenix BC05R V2.0 can satisfy both groups—walkers and cyclists.

At first glance, the light looks simple and minimalist. It weighs just 23 grams and, with IP66 protection, withstands heavy rain. On the lowest mode, it runs for 120 hours. It charges via a modern USB‑C connector hidden under a rubber cover. It includes both a rubber strap for seatpost mounting (2 grams) and a clip (6 grams), which can be used on a saddle bag or, for example, on a backpack.

For a long time I was looking for a usable tail light that:

• Lasts a long time.
• Charges via USB‑C.
• Can be attached to a bikepacking bag.
• Won’t drown in the first rain.

I bought several different lights, but none of them ticked all the boxes. The Fenix BC05R V2.0 comes the closest by far.

Real‑world experience

With many tail lights I had the problem that after riding through persistent rain they died. It manifested as the light starting to turn itself on after a while—or, conversely, off—and it quickly stopped working altogether. The Fenix has IP66 protection, which means—quoting: “Protected against powerful jets of water. Water is directed through a 12.5 mm nozzle from all angles at a flow rate of 100 liters per minute at a pressure of 100 kN/m² for at least 3 minutes from a distance of 3 meters.” In practice, you could drown it if you submerged it. Heavy downpours, which I’ve experienced with it many times, were no problem.

As for runtime, it cycles modes—low 5 lumens (constant light, slow flash, and fast flash) and high 15 lumens (constant light, slow flash, and fast flash). In fast flashing on low mode it lasts 120 hours. In some countries a steady light is required, which on the lower mode lasts 16 hours—still very respectable. On the highest mode with constant light it does 4.5 hours. The light charges in 1.5 hours.

What I appreciate most is the bag clip, which really holds. I’ve lost a few lights before, but the Fenix stays put like it’s nailed on—even when I ride rough terrain.

You can check the charge level with a short press of the button—Solid green = more than 85%, flashing green = over 50%, solid red = over 25%, and flashing red = nearly empty battery.

Summary

The Fenix BC05R V2.0 is a great tail light thanks to its versatility. It can be used on the bike and on foot. For long trips and everyday commuting alike. You can find smaller units on AliExpress that run on button cells, but visibility will be on a completely different level. When it comes to safety, quality matters more.

The bag clip is absolutely brilliant and makes sure you won’t lose the light. I have pretty much a single gripe—the light could remember the last mode on startup instead of always resetting to the default state.