A rear light designed to reduce close passes, an electric mini pump from Truflo + more cool stuff from Rapha, Ortlieb and Pragmasis

In this week’s edition of Five Cool Things, we have a rear light from L-Bow designed to make you "appear wider to faster moving traffic", the latest electric mini pump from Truflo, a rain jacket from Rapha, heavy duty wall anchor from Pragmasis and a two-in-one backpack and bike bag from Ortlieb. Here are the previews before our full reviews go live... 

L-Bow Mk-2 rear bike light (£24.95)

2025 L-Bow Mk-2 rear bike light - from rear 2.jpg (credit: road.cc)

> Best rear bike lights

Designed to reduce close passes, the second-generation L-Bow rear light claims it “encourages vehicles to pass you at a safer distance, drastically reducing close passes… because the L-Bow’s unique design makes you appear wider to faster moving traffic.”

Weighing in at 190g on the road.cc Scales of Truth, the light delivers a maximum of 120 lumens and is USB-C rechargeable. It fits round seatposts only (not aero) and can be aligned in three different positions. Josh Price is currently putting it to the test, so check back soon for his full review.

Buy from L-Bow for £24.95

Truflo Electron Compact Electric Pump (£49.99) 

2025 Truflo Electron Compact Electric Pump - front.jpg (credit: road.cc)

Truflo has been making bike pumps since the 1980s, and the Electron Compact Electric Pump is their mini electric offering. Priced at £49.99, the Electron Compact is cheaper than most electric mini pumps we’ve tested and promises an accuracy range of ±1 PSI.

The brand claims it can inflate three tyres from flat on a single charge, with a maximum pressure of 120 PSI.

Is it time to ditch the fiddly mini pump/or avoid the hassle of CO₂ cartridges and go electric? Jen George will be putting it to the test and sharing her verdict soon.

Buy for £49.99 from Freewheel 

Rapha Men's Core Rain Jacket (£140) 

2025 Rapha Men's Core Rain Jacket.jpg (credit: road.cc)

> How to choose the right waterproof cycling jacket 

The Rapha Men’s Core Rain Jacket is described as “fully waterproof, wind resistant and light", made from a 100% recycled polyester construction.

Rapha’s Core range is designed with a regular fit to suit a wide range of body types, sitting looser than the brand’s close-fitting Pro Team range. The jacket is lightweight at 158g, and Henry Winchester is currently testing the Ultraviolet colourway. It’s also available in grey, dark green, black, navy, cornflower and bright orange, with six sizes from XS to XXL.

Buy from Rapha for £140 

Pragmasis Super Shed Shackle (£79.95) 

2025 Pragmasis Super Shed Shackle.jpg (credit: road.cc)

> Which type of lock is best for your bike?

This heavy-duty wall anchor is designed to be used with a Pragmasis chain to deter even the most organised thieves from trying to steal your pride and joy. It has a Sold Secure Gold security rating and is designed to create a secure anchor point in wooden sheds, bike stores, and timber outbuildings.

The Super Shed Shackle is 8mm thick and the brand claims it can be installed in 15 minutes. Has it given Matt Page some extra peace of mind? His verdict is coming soon.  

Find out more information here

Ortlieb Vario Lite (£155)

2025 Ortlieb Vario Lite.jpg (credit: road.cc)

The Vario Lite from Ortlieb combines a waterproof backpack with a bicycle bag in a clever design, featuring a roll-top closure and Ortlieb's Quick-Lock mounting system that's designed to fit almost any luggage rack. 

It has a reversible Powernet flap for switching between backpack and bike bag mode, and there's 22L of storage on offer. An outer pocket provides quick access, while internal organisation includes a padded laptop sleeve. 

Buy for £155 from Ortlieb

For all the latest full test reports on road.cc, head over to our reviews section. For more advice before splashing the cash, you can check out our buyer's guides, and head over to road.cc Recommends to find all our top-rated products in one place.