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review
2022 Topeak Taillux 25 DF - 1.jpg£34.99
VERDICT:
Reasonably priced with a wide lighting spread and a handy accessories mount, but not powerful enough for very bright days
Duo Fixer mounting system
IPX6 water resistance
Long runtimes
Wide 240° illumination spread
Not powerful enough for bright days
Weight:
64g
Contact:
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.
What the road.cc scores meanGood scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.
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The Topeak Taillux 25 DF is a well-designed rear light that tucks in neatly under your saddle for a clean look. Its simple four-mode operation makes it quick and easy to use and it lived up to its waterproof credentials. One of its main selling points is that it's part of Topeak's Duo Fixer range, which lets you easily attach cycling accessories such as a saddlebag, mudguard or mini pump underneath the light. However, it may not be quite powerful enough as a daytime-running light on brighter days.
> Buy now: Topeak Taillux 25 DF for £29.99 from Cyclesolutions
This rear light from Topeak packs 25 lumens at maximum output on its pulse setting that has a claimed 30-hour runtime, which might not rival the Cateye Viz 150 Rear Bike Light in terms of output, though I did find the output sufficient for all but the very brightest of days. And if you are after a new rear light, do check out our best rear bike lights buyer's guide.
I think the eight red LEDs are responsible for providing enough illumination for night-time riding to keep you seen on unlit roads, where your all-round visibility is helped by the Taillux's 240° spread of light.
The four modes are exactly what you need, and no more. And personally, I only used two of the modes: blink and pulse. These have the longest runtimes, with 30 hours in the pulse setting and nearly two days – an impressive 40 hours – in the blink mode.
In constant mode you're only getting three and half hours, and you'll get 20 hours in its 'sequence' mode.
As the light sits just underneath the saddle, Topeak has placed the function button on the side of the light's body. And though the button is small, I found it easy enough to operate even when I was wearing thick winter gloves.
Charging is a lead-free affair. To charge it you rotate the light to release it from the mount that stays connected to the saddle rails, which reveals the male USB-A portion. You just plug this into your laptop or a wall-mounted charger and three hours later the light's charged. Simple.
As the light sits underneath your saddle, there are no straps to mount the light to your seatpost. There's just a single bolt to clamp the mount to the saddle rails, and there's no play or looseness in the system once it's in place. This system also means that your seatpost won't get scratched by any light fitting, which may be a consideration for some of us.
The IPX6 water-resistance rating is very welcomed in a rear light, which can expect to receive a lot of high-speed, road-borne spray, especially if you're riding without mudguards. The IPX6 rating means the light can resist high-pressure blasts of water and though I found water would sit around the USB port, the light has still not been disrupted by it.
Value
Retailing at £34.99, the Taillux 25 DF might be a bit more expensive than a commuting rear light such as the non-Duo Fixer model Topeak Taillux 25, which Jamie found did the simple things well.
The £32.99 Topeak Taillux 30 only has five extra lumens over the Taillux 25 DF, and Shaun didn't find it any better than the Taillux 25 DF in bright riding conditions. But it may be an option if you already have a compatible Topeak saddlebag.
Super-bright rear lights are always going to cost you a bit more. But Steve had lots of good things to say about the Lezyne Zecto Drive Max 250. Yes, at £52 it's pricey for a rear light, but he found its 250-lumen output ensured you'd be seen even riding in daylight.
Conclusion
Although not the brightest rear light, the Taillux 25 DF will keep you seen most days and the 240° of illumination it offers will help keep you visible approaching junctions and roundabouts. Topeak's Duo Fixer system is a real selling point, allowing you to attach other cycling accessories underneath your saddle, keeping your seatpost and frame clear of clutter.
Verdict
Reasonably priced with a wide lighting spread and a handy accessories mount, but not powerful enough for very bright days
road.cc test report
Make and model: Topeak Taillux 25 DF
Size tested: 25 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?
Topeak says: "Compact, 8 super bright red LEDs rear light hides beneath the saddle with included Duo Fixer which allows fast and easy tool-free mounting and removal. It provides dual use with Topeak Duo Fixer system accessories, including Topeak QuickClick saddle bags, Tubi tools, CO2 inflators, and fenders. Features convenient cable-free charging with a direct USB port plug."
If you want to mount a light and other Topeak accessories beneath your saddle using Topeak's Duo Fixer attachment system, this is for you. I liked the fact it kept my seatpost looking neat without a light attached.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the light?
MAX LUMINOUS INTENSITY - 25 Lumens
LAMP - 8 super bright red LED's
BATTERY - 3.7V 200mAh Lithium Ion (integrated)
CONTROL / BURN TIME (APPROX) - 4 modes:
Constant - 10 lm (3.5hr)
Blink - 10 lm (40hr)
Pulse - 25 lm (30hr)
Sequence - 12 lm (20hr)
CHARGE / CHARGE TIME (APPROX) - USB-A / 2-3 hr
INPUT - 5V 500mA
LAMP HOUSING - Engineering grade polymer
ATTACHMENT - Duo Fixer on saddle rail
COMPATIBILITY - Topeak QuickClick saddle bags, HybridMaster Mini, FreePack, and FlashFender DF with lower bracket
SIZE - 7 x 5.4 x 2.9cm / 2.75 x 2.1 x 1.14in
WEIGHT - 30g / 1.06oz
WATERPROOF - IPX 6
Rate the light for quality of construction:
8/10
The polymer the light is constructed from feels very sturdy and should survive impact in the case of dropping.
Rate the light for design and ease of use. How simple was the light to use?
10/10
A side button to filter through ON/OFF and its various modes keeps it very simple. And with only four modes to filter through it's quick as well as easy.
Rate the light for the design and usability of the clamping system/s
8/10
The light is mounted securely to the saddle rails using a hex/Allen bolt. I found it a bit of a pain taking the light off its mount, as the light would often catch on the saddle rails.
Rate the light for waterproofing. How did it stand up to the elements?
8/10
No problems. I did find that water sat around the USB port but it didn't affect the light's performance.
Rate the light for battery life. How long did it last? How long did it take to recharge?
10/10
It took around three hours to fully charge, and with the light set to blink I managed two weeks of riding – around 40 hours – without needing to recharge it.
Rate the light for performance:
8/10
Not quite powerful enough as a daytime-running light for bright sunny days.
Rate the light for durability:
9/10
Rate the light for weight:
9/10
Polymer construction keeps weight down although the mounting surface does mean a bit extra weight.
Rate the light for value:
5/10
If you're planning to pair it with other Topeak accessories using Topeak's Duo Fixer system the price makes sense. But as a standalone rear light, it's not quite powerful enough for its £34.99 price.
Tell us how the light performed overall when used for its designed purpose
On a dark day or during the evening, I had no problems being seen with visibility helped by the light's 240° illumination. I found it easy to fit attachments to it and used it as the rear light on my gravel bike with a saddle bag mounted underneath it; a neat setup.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the light
The design keeps the light hidden and neatly tucked in below the saddle.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the light
The low power output meant it wasn't great for being seen on bright sunny days.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
It's in the region for most rear lights.
Did you enjoy using the light? Yes
Would you consider buying the light? Yes
Would you recommend the light to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your overall score
Really nice light to use, especially when paired with the Duo Fixer system that allows you to carry other cycling accessories. I felt it was only let down by the water gathering near the USB port, which could potentially cause trouble. And you do also need to ensure your saddle has enough clearance to fit it.
About the tester
Age: 22
I usually ride: Dolan Rebus My best bike is:
I've been riding for: Under 5 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Semi pro
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, commuting, club rides, Always love some off-road with some mates.
Latest Comments
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Car crashes into front of home in Briggs Mead, Wymondham...
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I've worked my way through a gifted box of these, and the review tallies exactly with my own experience.
- chrisonabike 55 min 52 sec ago
Scrub that, they should just pass round a box for donations.
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I think you are correct, but I (and I think that goes for the author of this article too) was speaking in broader terms, as in 'a Look branded bike...
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I was going to quip that a less expensive Pinarello must mean dentists were feeling the pinch, but I didn't feel the joke had any teeth.
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"No, it's OK, really", replies cycling.
Add new comment
11 comments
I noticed that Exposure do a saddle rail mount for their little rear lights.
Of course much more expensive than this one.
But Exposure...
There are also other mounts out there for the same Exposure lights, but designed and 3D printed by others.
they also do a mount for fixing one of their small front lights to aero bars, which is great for fixing their traceR lights to seat stays* if you lack real estate on the seatpost due to saddle bag or luggage
*short length of dead inner tube to act as a shim.
https://www.exposure-use.com/Brands/Exposure-Lights/Products/Bike/Bracke...
I like having an intrusively flashing rear light while riding in daylight because it draws the attention of the motorist who sees 'past' you.
It won't matter to people who actively look out for cyclists while driving. They shall see you regardless.
It won't matter to drivers who dont care about you even when they see you and who hate cyclists. They will still intentionally take risks around you.
But it might draw the notice of those people who drive in their own world and who see you but do not 'see' you. Not strictly malicious but generally incompetent drivers. Those people who seem to drive in a dream and aren't on their toes. It's like a beacon that is hard not to acknowledge. If a flashing rear light saves your life because it means one of these airheads noticed you and doesn't drive into you or turn left across you then it's worth having. Plus in the event of an accident in this system that is inherently anti cyclist and expects you to meet certain criteria before you get considered a victim of dangerous driving, it ticks one of those boxes.
That's my viewpoint, anyway.
I get the impression I'm given more respect when using daytime lights. I speculate that lights with a pulse or constant flash mode are mistaken for camera's?
Do we need daytime running lights on bright days? I have never failed to see a cyclist without lights in daylight.
I do remember seeing one chap from about half a mile away, and only noticing his light at 200m and even then it was outshone by his bike frame.
Unless it's poor visibility, I don't run lights in the day. I think I am less likely to be noticed than more.
Please explain that logic. I can understand claiming they don't help, but less likely to be noticed...?
My logic is, when drivers don't see you, it's not because you're not visible. You are completely visible for someone who is actively looking. The reason drivers don't see you is because they are only looking at other vehicles. They are looking for motor vehicles that might impede them or they are taking their clues from the motor vehicle in front (which is why you get so many shunts at junctions).
My view is that running lights during the day just bleeds that non attentive focus... they don't see the person on the bike. I think I get better treatment with no lights, no helmets and entirely unsuitable cycling clothes. I also think it's worse now cars have daylight running. The lizard brain may register a light but it's not a vehicle so it's been discounted.... until you are accused of appearing out of no where.
One guy once accused me of appearing out of nowhere and was somewhat surprised when I explained we have overtaken each other about three times.
If visibility was the issue, I'd agree lights help. But I really don't think it is. The intrusive flashing light probably would help but I don't want to run that.
Something that has helped recently is a optical illusion on my helmet. I have a hi-vis cover, and I have put it on wonky. The helmet is on straight but to an approaching motorist it looks 'off' and they notice me.
If you failed to see a cyclist in daylght you would not know that you had failed to see the cyclist.
That's the problem.
Well I haven't hit any, nor have I been surprised by an cyclists "coming out of nowhere" and had to take last minute avoiding action.
So since I don't generally drive around slightly over the centre white line for no reason, and UK road lane widths are typically in the dangerous for passing cyclists range (wide enough to suggest an overtake might be possible without encroaching, but not wide enough to be safe without encroaching). I'm pretty sure I am not routinely passing cyclists that I just don't see.
Regular clothes are perfectly visible in bright daylight from quite some distance (more than a typical rear bike light). On rainy days, and overcast days lights have value, but any driver not seeing a cyclist in bright sunshine is simply not looking, and lights won't help that.
If you consider the mechanics of vision (Central vs peripheral, Innatention blindness, Distractions, Fixations vs saccades, etc) we ALL mis seeing things.
"I did not see the cyclist" is the most common explanation given by motorists after a collision.
Have you ever looked in your rear view mirror? There is probably a trail of unseen cyclists lying in the road.
Riding into the shadows under overhanging trees can turn day into night. Most vehicles on the roads now have DRLs, on the bike you are competing with them to be noticed by other road users. Flashing daytime lights can only help.