Like this site? Help us to make it better.
At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.
Good scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.
The Ravemen CL05 rear light is great for night rides or dull days. The fast charging, the wide and bright face, and headlamp-sensing tech all suit commuting well, while the high quality build makes it more appealing than cheap and basic options. It's a bit costly for its output, though.
While there's nothing really outstanding here, there's nothing much wrong with the CL05 either – it's just basically good at doing what it's supposed to: shine red.
> Find your nearest dealer here
> Buy this online here
It's been on my bike, flashing away redly, in some horrible weather. The rubberised buttons, chunky rubber bung in the USB-C charging port (short lead supplied) and its solid construction remain utterly unfazed. The IPX6 rating means it should withstand high-pressure water jets, and it does.
The mount is very good. The ballpoint pen-type clip on the back of the lamp is well shaped and strongly sprung (the plastics feel great), so it clips onto straps easily and securely.
It also clips very securely into the excellent seatpost mount. This adjusts for angle and can be tensioned with a screwdriver if necessary, while the silicone strap and V-shaped backing mean it sits securely – and vibe-free – on any diameter post, whether aero or round.
It charges from flat in around 90 minutes, and lasts a little over 3.5 hours on full blast. That's considerably less than the claimed 4.5 hours, although to be fair it doesn't actually shut down until 4.5 hours – it spends a final hour on a low-power flash, having switched to it automatically.
While I suppose that's technically 4.5 hours 'in high mode' – you haven't selected any other mode – it's only 3.5 hours of solid 30-lumen light. Still, that covers an awful lot of night rides easily, and won't leave you unexpectedly in darkness.
I prefer it on flashing anyway, and easily got a week's rides between charges – Ravemen claims between 17 and 22 hours in three of the flash modes, and 8 hours for the hungriest (rapid flashing). It's entirely believable – I never had it go flat during a ride, despite regularly thinking I must be pushing things a bit.
As with solid mode, it cleverly switches to a lower power as it nears exhaustion anyway, but then so do I. At 38g, the CL05 isn't going to hasten this moment.
> Buyer’s Guide: 22 of the best 2021 rear lights for cycling
Switching on the headlamp sensor sees it flash at its full, 30-lumen brightness as cars loom near, in the whimsical hope of making drivers look up from their phones. It only activates with very bright lights (over 50 lux, says Ravemen) and while it works, it inevitably chews the battery at a faster, and completely unpredictable, rate.
I don't like the sensor button for two reasons. One, the blue glow that tells you it's activated is basically invisible in daylight (should you have it turned on by accident). And two, it's exactly the same size and shape as the main on/off/mode button, and their markings are almost impossible to see. I still can't remember which button is which.
In mitigation, the CL05 isn't quite bright enough for sunny day use anyway, at least to my mind. And it's much easier to see the indicators if it's overcast, and easy in the dark.
At £25.99, the CL05 is a bit expensive for its output, if not its quality. The Topeak Taillux 25 is almost as powerful and £19.99, for instance, while the Magicshine Seemee 100 is £25.99 but has more than three times the power.
The ETC R65 65 Lumen USB Rear Light is also well worth a look at just £15.99, while Ravemen's own CL06 (full review to come) is brighter, longer lasting, and the same weight for not much more than the CL05 – £31.99.
If 30 lumens is enough for you, the Ravemen CL05 is a good choice, especially for dingy commutes and busy night streets. Its solid build certainly feels like it will last.
Confusing buttons aside, the design and construction of both the lamp and the clamp are great, while the charging and burn times are very useful. Put it on your bike and it will reliably sit there and flash, redly, for ages.
Very nicely made with an excellent clamp, if not the best value for its brightness
If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website
Make and model: Ravemen CL05 USB Rechargeable Lightweight Sensored Rear Light (30 Lumens)
Tell us what the light is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
Ravemen says: "CL05 is a lightweight and easy-to-use rear light. Featuring two COB LED rings and built-in light sensor, it provides a maximum of 30 LED lumens on warning flashing mode, great for busy night street commuting or city riding. With the flexible rubber strap mount and mounting clip, the light could be mounted to round and aero seatpost or clipped to some compatible saddle bags or backpacks directly."
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the light?
Battery: 200mAh/3.7V rechargeable Li-polymer battery
Dimensions (Light Unit): 42.5mm (L) x 23.5mm (W) x 43.5mm (H)
Mount Size: Compatible with 24-36mm round seatpost and aero seatpost
Built-in light sensor to activate max output for warning when detecting headlights from rear approaching vehicles
Auto power save and indicator for low battery
Quick release design for various ways of mounting
USB-C charging port for convenient use
Good life on flashing modes, though sensor mode drags burn times down unpredictably. Charges in 1.5hrs from flat.
It's a quality light, but there are plenty of brighter options that work just fine for less money.
Tell us how the light performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Good for dull or dark commutes.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the light
Excellent mount and large face.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the light
Not bright enough for sunny day use.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
At £25.99, the CL05 is a bit expensive for its output, if not its quality. The Topeak Taillux 25 is almost as powerful and £19.99, for instance, while the Magicshine Seemee 100 is £25.99 but has more than three times the power.
The ETC R65 65 Lumen USB Rear Light is also well worth a look at just £15.99, while Ravemen's own CL06 is brighter, longer lasting and the same weight for not much more than the CL05 – £31.99.
Did you enjoy using the light? Yes
Would you consider buying the light? Maybe
Would you recommend the light to a friend? Maybe
Use this box to explain your overall score
The light unit and the mount are very well made, and while the sensor makes run times unpredictable it can be switched off. With more distinct buttons and either greater brightness or a lower price, this could easily score higher, but it's still good.
Age: 48 Height: 183cm Weight: 78kg
I usually ride: Vitus Zenium SL VR Disc My best bike is:
I've been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: A few times a week I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: general fitness riding, mtb,
We’ve noticed you’re using an ad blocker. If you like road.cc, but you don’t like ads, please consider subscribing to the site to support us directly. As a subscriber you can read road.cc ad-free, from as little as £1.99.
If you don’t want to subscribe, please turn your ad blocker off. The revenue from adverts helps to fund our site.
If you’ve enjoyed this article, then please consider subscribing to road.cc from as little as £1.99. Our mission is to bring you all the news that’s relevant to you as a cyclist, independent reviews, impartial buying advice and more. Your subscription will help us to do more.
I keep being told of the death of satire but clearly it keeps coming back, like a floaty turd, only to suffer death again. Oh dear.[/quote]...
There's a shortage of drivers, so we can't afford to lose any; but there are lots of cyclists.
Probably! I was sure there was a follow up story somewhere but I couldn't find it.
With the light, I would say getting some drivers consideration levels to be increased by at least 5 times would be the key. They can nearly always...
Despite this will be the usual nonsense from politicians which is likely to go nowhere, if a bike is going to be treated like a motor vehicle,...
The deeply conservative and Conservative-run council has been notoriously backward and pro-car, not just within the loop....
Looking a Cube's website, both these and the new aero model seem to come with a 440mm bar in the larger sizes. Would think that's going to be too...
A bit of T cut would sort that
Reliable alert system for being overtaken, with a very good rear light
Capable and keenly priced light, though the mounting kit could be better
Easy to use, good as both a traffic camera and a rear light, and attractively priced
Relatively powerful compact and simple light with a very frugal flashing mode
Editorial, general: info [at] road.cc Tech, reviews: tech [at] road.cc Fantasy Cycling: game [at] road.cc Advertising, commercial: sales [at] road.cc View our media pack
Report an advert on road.cc
All material © Farrelly Atkinson (F-At) Limited, Unit 7b Green Park Station BA11JB. Tel 01225 588855. © 2008–present unless otherwise stated. Terms and conditions of use.