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review

Gaciron W12BR-200 Smart Brake Warning Bicycle Shelf Braking Light

8
£22.15

VERDICT:

8
10
Solid, bright and waterproof light with good modes and a handy braking function, though the mount could be better
Handy modes for most types of riding
Large surface area
Solidly made
Good weatherproofing
Long run times
Quick charging
Inexpensive
Bracket lacks refinement
Limited mounting options
Weight: 
94g

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The Gaciron W12BR-200 Smart Brake Warning Bicycle Shelf Braking Light is solid, waterproof and very bright and comes in at a very modest price. In addition to its 200 lumen maximum output there are modes suitable for most riding situations, and the running time is very good. My only concern is the slightly restrictive, plasticky mount. Yes, it's functional enough but it does feel decidedly low rent.

> Buy now: Gaciron W12BR-200 Smart Brake Warning Bicycle Shelf Braking Light for £22.15 from Gaciron

The light has a slightly old-fashioned look and feel, due in part to the twin diodes and integrated reflectors, which are designed to reflect light from other vehicles' lights.

2024 Gaciron W12BR-200 Smart Brake Warning Bicycle Shelf Braking Light - side 2.jpg

The unit, though quite large at 100 x 31 x 32mmm isn't unduly weighty and feels reassuringly solid – more so than it looks might suggest. The lens has a large surface area and is claimed to illuminate in a 300-degree arc.

It has an impressive IPX6 resistance to the elements, which means it can survive high-pressure water spray from any angle. There's a generous switch-cum-battery charge indicator and a well-sealed USB-C port.

2024 Gaciron W12BR-200 Smart Brake Warning Bicycle Shelf Braking Light - USB port.jpg

It's powered by a reassuringly powerful 1200mAh lithium-ion battery. Braking function aside, there are five modes, two steady and three flashing. The steady two, at five and 15 lumens, may sound a little underpowered on paper but that didn't feel the case in practice.

There's also a 200-lumen 'fog', a 15-lumen fast flash and a 5-lumen low-and-slow flash; the braking function output is 60 lumens.

This works using a decelerometer, which is the same system other bike braking lights use. Strictly speaking, it's a slowing sensor that will sense a drop in your pace and trigger the 60-lumen light for three seconds. There's a stop-start function which, as the name suggests, detects whether the bike is stationary, or moving, turning it on, or off to conserve battery.

This seems to be 'hard wired' and you can't overwrite it, but I've not found this problematic. Stop for two minutes, it'll turn itself off and seems to re-engage within a few pedal strokes. Useful for rest stops, or if you're a little forgetful.

Mount

The light comes with two mounting options – one for saddle rails, the other for a rack. This might be a little limiting for some, as I tend to use seatstays or luggage loops. Given I use bigger wedge packs and SQR luggage, saddle rail mounts are of little use to me.

2024 Gaciron W12BR-200 Smart Brake Warning Bicycle Shelf Braking Light - saddle mount.jpg

However, I found that with the power of the mighty zip tie, I could mount it to a trailer, including one with box-section tubing. And with a little perseverance I was even able to attach it to my ancient SQR Tour bag.

2024 Gaciron W12BR-200 Smart Brake Warning Bicycle Shelf Braking Light zip tied to bag.JPG

I fitted ours to a Topeak rack and I found the mount reliable, with no rattling over lumpy lanes, railway crossings and bridlepaths.

2024 Gaciron W12BR-200 Smart Brake Warning Bicycle Shelf Braking Light rack mounted.jpg

Switch

The switch's location is convenient and easy to locate and operate even with weighty full-finger gloves. A three-quarter second press turns the light on and off and the memory function ensures it starts in your last mode, while a single firm push will cycle through the modes

I was pleased to discover you can disengate the braking function by selecting any mode and depressing the switch for three seconds, when it will flash for three seconds to confirm the choice. The same process will turn the braking function back on again.

Output

I found the light's output brighter than the numbers would suggest. Okay, save for a bail out, the steady 5-lumen setting wouldn't be my first choice for unlit backroads but it still has sufficient punch for a shared-use path and to some extent in well-lit town centres – especially with the braking function activated.

In practice I tended to use the 5-lumen slow flash or 15-lumen steady. Other road users seemed to take note at about 20 metres, or further back when riding on unlit roads. And for this reason I reckon it's a good call for group rides, where it's bright but not retina-burning. Though do turn the braking function off...

2024 Gaciron W12BR-200 Smart Brake Warning Bicycle Shelf Braking Light - side 2.jpg

Fellow cyclists said they could spot the 15-lumen output at around 40 metres even at dusk, the tempo halping it to be quite noticeable.

I used the braking function to maximise visibility at roundabouts and during stop-start traffic. I also feel that mounting it vertically on a rack or trailer arguably gives the peripheral punch a further boost.

In the countryside a farming friend reckoned he could pick me out at 75 metres – or at more than 180 metres with the 60-lumen braking function engaged.

The 200-lumen fog mode certainly cuts it as a daylight running light. It's powerful and the tempo is striking, with a neighbour commenting he could see me from 500 metres away after dark, and I reckon Gaciron's claimed 1,000m visibility isn't that far from the mark.

Run & Charge Times

Life's not long enough to check the claimed 100 hours in the flashing 5-lumen mode – but it's still going strong, with no hint of the red charge light indicator. With the braking function deactivated I returned runtimes within a few minutes of the times claimed.

The high steady mode gave me 17 hours 15 minutes compared with the 18 hours claimed; the 15-lumen quick flash 61 hours 54 mins (62 claimed); the 200-lumen fog mode gave me 9 hours 55 (10 hours). These were recorded in temperatures from 4-13°C and runtimes would go down in lower temperatures. Braking will inevitably also have some impact but it's difficult to pinpoint how much and will vary with how many hills you tackle and the amount of stop-go traffic you ride in.

Charging is pleasingly quick, going from pancake flat to fully juiced within the claimed 90 minutes, especially when using the mains. A lithium-Ion battery will have the best chance of a long life if you charge it frequently, and given its rapid charging speed, this shouldn't be a hardship.

Finally, if you're putting your bike or light into storage, make sure you charge it at least every three months.

Durability

Ours arrived during a very wet and wild spell and the light lived up to its IPX6 rating with no kinks in the armour. I'd still be inclined to add a precautionary slither of silicone grease to the charge port cover but I've had no issues to date. The occasional hit from stones have had no effect and caused no scratches.

How well the mount will fare in the long-term remains to be seen but again, there have been no isses so far.

Value

Its £22.15 RRP is extremely hard to argue with given its spec, and for that I'll forgive the slightly underwhelming bracket.

The Cateye Viz 100 costs £24.99 and only puts out a maximum 100 lumens. It also only has IPX4 weatherproofing, there's no braking function and the mount could be better.

I remain a huge fan of Topeak Mega Rear Light which comes in at £24.99. It's been around a good while, visible to 850 metres and is extremely frugal. Its AAA cells now look a little old-school but replacements are readily available.

The Magicshine SeeMee 180 Bike Taillight V2 costs £29.99 and has a 180-lumen braking function and features an ambient light sensor, which adjusts its output to ambient lighting conditions, theoretically maximising runtimes and without dazzling other traffic. I was impressed with its predecessor, though the braking function did put a dent in runtimes.

For further favourites check out our best rear bike lights buyer's guide and our best bike lights buyer's guide for a wide range of lighting options.

Conclusion

I've been impressed by the Gaciron W12BR-200 Smart Brake Warning Bicycle Shelf Braking Light. It's powerful, versatile enough for most types of riding, it's quick to charge and generally well made – though I'd have preferred a better, more versatile mount.

Verdict

Solid, bright and waterproof light with good modes and a handy braking function, though the mount could be better

> Buy now: Gaciron W12BR-200 Smart Brake Warning Bicycle Shelf Braking Light for £22.15 from Gaciron

road.cc test report

Make and model: Gaciron W12BR-200 Smart Brake Warning Bicycle Shelf Braking Light

Size tested: 200 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?

Gaciron feels the light's design and purpose is self-explanatory. My feelings are that it's very solid, bright light with sensible modes and run times, catering for most riding situations. However, while the mounts are perfectly serviceable, they are a little low rent and unless you are willing to modify, they do limit mounting options.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the light?

5 modes 3 flashing (200, 15 and 5 lumens) and two steady (5 and 15 lumens) braking function (60 lumens)

Auto stop-start sensor

1200mAh lithium-ion battery

2 diodes

Integrated reflector

USB C charging

Mounts for saddle rails or rear carriers

Meets IPX6 for weatherproofing

Braking function can be switched on/off by depressing switch for three seconds-light will flash to denote function on/off.

Rate the light for quality of construction:
 
7/10

The light is very solid and well sealed from the elements. And though the mount feels functional enough, it does feel a little low-rent.

Rate the light for design and ease of use. How simple was the light to use?
 
8/10

Very intuitive to use, well-chosen range of modes for most types of riding and the sensibly sized switch was easy to operate in gloved hands.

Rate the light for the design and usability of the clamping system/s
 
6/10

Functional and ultimately reliable, albeit a little crude.

Rate the light for waterproofing. How did it stand up to the elements?
 
8/10

IPX6 is increasingly standard and ours has soldiered on despite being pelted with mud, slurry, and similar wet stuff thrown up along country lanes. No sign of ingress at the snug-fitting port cover either, so there's no reason to think it shouldn't serve you for a fair few seasons with basic care.

Rate the light for battery life. How long did it last? How long did it take to recharge?
 
8/10

Generally accurate run times with frugal battery use, especially in the lower settings, thanks in part to the battery's large capacity. Charge times are also pleasingly quick.

Rate the light for performance:
 
8/10

Looks quite quaint by modern standards but the output is surprisingly good, and the sensible stair-casing of modes means it's assertive, rather than aggressive, in built-up areas.

Rate the light for durability:
 
7/10

I have some slight reservations about the mounting hardware's durability but otherwise, the light feels very solid – and is proving to be solid in use.

Rate the light for weight:
 
6/10

At 94g it's not something you'll really notice.

Rate the light for value:
 
9/10

Excellent, taking everything into account, though I'd sooner pay a few quid extra for more refined mounting hardware.

Tell us how the light performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Overall, I've been pleasantly surprised by the Gaciron W12BR-200 Smart Brake Warning Bicycle Shelf Braking Light. A bit of a mouthful and the light is bit of a beast perhaps but the output caters for dark nights, congested town centres and most types of riding. I've never felt invisible and the lower settings not only eke out the reserves but lend themselves to group riding. Its quick charge makes it suitable for commuting and the claimed runtimes have proven consistently reliable.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the light

Impressive output, well-chosen modes, quick charge times, and seemingly solid build quality.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the light

Mounting kit would benefit from refinement.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

£24.99 gets you a Cateye Viz 100 that pumps out a maximum 100 lumens but the runtimes are decent. There's no braking function and the weather resistance rating is a lower IPX4.

I remain a huge fan of Topeak Mega Rear Light, which has been around a good while. It's visible to 850 metres and super frugal, and while the AAA cells are old-school replacements are easy to find.

The £29.99 Magicshine SeeMee 180 Bike Taillight V2 has a 180-lumen braking function and I was impressed with its predecessor, though I did find the braking function dented the runtimes.

Did you enjoy using the light? Yes

Would you consider buying the light? Yes

Would you recommend the light to a friend? Yes – if they were on a budget, and especially for trailers/tagalongs.

Use this box to explain your overall score

Quirky looks but a solid light for very little cash, though a better bracket would have earned it a higher mark.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 51  Height: 1m 81cm  Weight: 70kg

I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

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3 comments

Avatar
wtjs | 1 week ago
2 likes

These 'advertising' comments are not very convincing! Room for improvement from these bogus 'posters'

Avatar
ktache replied to wtjs | 1 week ago
0 likes

Dodginess of the comment aside, your reply to it did mean I read the article, which I had not previously considered, and I'm impressed by this little light.

Nine hours at a 200 output seems excellent, my quite a bit more expensive niterider solas 250, purchased as a bag light, really can't do anything like that.

If I was on the market for a cheap, powerful, controllable, well powered rear, with "braking" function, I'd be in.

Avatar
Cathycycling | 1 week ago
0 likes

The Gaciron W12BR-200 is impressive in terms of brightness, durability, and battery life, offering great value for money. I especially like the different modes, which are suitable for various riding conditions.

As for the mount, while the material might seem a bit basic, I think the design is quite practical and does a good job of securing the light to most bikes. Given the price of the light, the mount is functional and meets daily usage needs. If there's room for improvement in the future, making it more refined and premium would definitely make it even better! Overall, I’m very happy with the performance of this product.

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