Bright & Brilliant: Knog’s Blinder Blinder 900 and Road Rear 150 Light the Way
We put the Knog Blinder Road Rear 150 and Knog Blinder 900 lights to the test. Discover how these sleek, powerful lights keep you visible—day or night—and whether they’re worth adding to your cycling kit.
When it comes to high-quality bike lights, Knog’s Blinder series has long had a reputation for distinctive design and downright dazzling brightness. Today, we’re shining the spotlight—pun intended—on two of their offerings: the rear-facing Blinder Road Rear 150, and the front-facing Blinder 900. Together, they aim to help you stand out in traffic, navigate dimly lit roads, and make a statement on your ride. Are they just eye candy, or do they deliver where it matters most?
Knog Blinder 900: Leading the Charge Up Front
Now let’s talk illumination on the front end. The Knog Blinder 900 is a front-facing powerhouse that aims to balance raw brightness with everyday practicality. At 900 lumens in its highest mode, you’ll have no problem carving through the night. Yet it’s not a one-trick pony. The four LEDs are arranged to provide both a narrow beam for distance and a wider flood that gives you good peripheral awareness. Combined, that ensures stable navigation on dark roads, without feeling like you’re staring into a black tunnel.
It’s commendably simple: one button, clear mode separation (constant modes in one cycle, flash modes in another), and a straightforward color-coded LED around the button to give you a heads-up on battery life. The USB-C charging port (with a rubber cover) and integrated mounts let you configure your setup easily. And yes, unlike old-school proprietary chargers, we can all appreciate the universal convenience of USB-C.
Pros:
- True, road-focused beam pattern: bright, balanced, and not overly narrow
- Straightforward mode toggling; no need to scroll through disco party strobe modes to get back to steady beams
- Versatile mounting options, including a GoPro-style mount for under-bar placement, so you can keep your cockpit tidy
Cons:
- No side-to-side angle adjustment could mean crooked beam alignment on certain handlebars or mounts
- Power button can be hard to press with gloves (or if you’re fumbling in the dark after that coffee stop)
- Lacks a detailed battery gauge—red means charge now, but more nuanced indicators would help preempt “surprise darkness”
As for run times, the Blinder 900 performs roughly to spec. At the lowest (200-lumen) steady setting, you’ll get 7-8 hours. Medium (450 lumens) hovers around 3.5-4 hours, and cranking it to full-blast 900 lumens gives you a solid 2 hours. For group rides, you’ve got modes like Peloton (2 lumens), ensuring you’re visible without blinding your buddies. And if you need a long-haul commuter option, there are flash modes lasting up to 120 hours, though let’s admit, marathon battery life might require a mental note to charge every once in a while.
Knog Blinder Road Rear 150: Small Light, Big Attitude
The Blinder Road Rear 150 is not here for subtlety. With a maximum 150-lumen output, this diminutive taillight packs more punch than you’d expect from something that weighs a mere 43g (mount included). Thanks to its COB LED array—168 tiny LEDs plus one angled strobe—it isn’t just bright; it’s cleverly bright. The entire face seems to glow red, helping you get noticed from afar during the day and ensuring you’re a beacon of visibility at night.
Pros:
- Bright enough for any scenario, including harsh daylight
- Attention-grabbing dynamic modes that look refreshingly different from your standard red blinkers
- Sleek, stylish design that complements any road bike’s aesthetics
Cons:
- The integrated USB-A male charging interface sits exposed against your seatpost, basically daring the elements to do their worst. While its IP67 rating is reassuring, you’ll need to diligently clean and dry that port after wet rides, lest you tempt corrosion.
Kevin Curry
Once mounted with its rubber band (Knog includes three sizes), the Blinder 150 isn’t going anywhere. Nine modes may be overkill—does anyone really need a full Christmas light show on the back of their bike?—but you can easily settle on a favorite and rely on the mode memory function to pick up where you left off. Burn times meet claims: the high-powered strobe mode lasts around 7.5 hours, making it possible to go days without a recharge if you’re a casual commuter. That’s perfect for those who sometimes forget the bike is wearing a light until darkness falls.
Two Lights, One Cohesive Experience
Individually, each of these lights impresses. The Blinder Road Rear 150 is a dynamo of distinctive red illumination, and the Blinder 900 front light is a workhorse with brains. Together, they complement each other, offering a full illumination solution that’s as stylish as it is practical.
The real head-scratcher is the USB-A male port on the rear light. While it’s a clever cable-free charging idea, exposure to road grime and water is a potential Achilles’ heel. Still, if you’re diligent about drying and cleaning it, it could last longer than your current training cycle.
In a market where many bike lights are either bulky eyesores or frustratingly underpowered, both of these products shine—literally and figuratively. They stand out with thoughtful design, respectable battery life, and unique beam patterns that do more than just cast generic light. If you’re a cyclist who values function with a dash of flair, Knog’s Blinder Road Rear 150 and Blinder 900 deserve a spot on your shortlist.
