Thank you OneBike Asia (Distributor for Exposure Lights) for sponsoring this product for my review when I first started Bike Guru in 2020. I was excited to receive Exposure Lights because it has always been a premium lights to use on a bicycle when I first knew about this brand in 2012.
I spent 2 years and 6 months to review this product during road cycling, commuting on PCN as well as cycling up Cameron Highlands. I hope the following information below on my views of this product will help you decide if it is suitable for your cycling needs.
What I like about the Exposure Lights Trace and TraceR, Front & Rear Lights set
- Small in size
Back in 2012, Exposure lights are known to be huge and powerful in its light beam. In 2020, Exposure released the Trace and TraceR to make it popular among cyclists. As a road cyclist, I like my lights attachment to be small for weight saving and aerodynamic efficiency.
- Build structure is metal
Having used many types of bicycle lights in the years of my cycling, I have seen small lights usually made of plastic and when you accidentally dropped it on the floor, the structure have a tendency to crack. Trace and TraceR are metallic built, which means they are stronger. I encountered several occasions where I accidentally dropped it while wiping the lights at chest level. The lights continued to be functioning well. I am impressed with its quality.
- Strong light source for visibility
When I attached a light on my handlebar and seatpost, I will want it to illuminate the surroundings for my safety. Trace (Front light) output to 110 lumens while TranceR output to 75 lumens. Cycling up the mountain at night with Trace is the perfect choice as the roads are pitch-dark. As a driver, I was able to see the cyclist using with TraceR at a far distance.
- Light in weight
Both the Trace and TraceR is featured at 35 gram in weight. I measured using a weighing scale and it turns out to be 34 gram. It is light and definitely a perfect choice of lights to use for safety and visibility.
- Charging mechanism
Unlike the olden days of bicycle lights, this is USB charged devices where you can plug into any USB cable and charge it up. The charging port is hidden below a silicone band around the head of the light. When I rode in heavy rain, the light continued to function. An advice for cyclists is to wipe dry the lights when you reached home.
- Interesting light modes
I am super impressed with the 3 light modes offered in the Trace and TraceR.0- Constant mode: Especially if the road is pitch-dark
- Pulse mode: Preferred mode to use
- Day Bright mode: Irregular flashing to draw attention of road users to you.
- Mounts
I like the mounts offered by Exposure as it fits on conventional round seatpost and aerodynamic seatpost.
- Made in Great Britain
A quality product made in Great Britain is attractive to consumers. It is well built and lasting.
Improvements I look forward in the Exposure Lights – Trace and TraceR Front & Rear Lights set
- Custom coloured body
The modern cyclists are creative in choosing coloured bicycle parts such as seatpost and handlebar to match their liking. It will be attractive if the product allows cyclists to custom order to their preferred colours to better match the bicycle parts.
In conclusion, I strongly recommend the Exposure Lights (Trace and TraceR) to all genre of cyclists. It costs $145 for a set of (Trace and TraceR). If you prefer a stronger light source, consider going for the Exposure Lights (Boost and BoostR). I am in the process of reviewing it.
