The Trek Commuter Pro RT Front Light is designed with mixed use in mind.
Trek incorporates Kindbeam technology that reduces glare to other road users while providing enough light for use on some off-road routes.
The Commuter Pro RT isn’t quite as powerful as one of the best mountain bike lights (Trek claims it’s “bright enough for trail riding”). Illuminate with a glare-reducing beam.
Trek Commuter Pro RT Specs & Details
A key feature of this light is Trek’s Kindbeam technology.
Although not StVZO compliant, the top of the beam is truncated in the 500 lumen low beam setting to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers and other cyclists.
It tapers inwards toward the front of the bike, but has a bit of light leakage outwards, which helps with peripheral vision.
This is backed up by a more powerful 1,000 lumen output high beam setting that effectively fills in the cutoff section of the beam, much like you’d find in a car headlamp.
There is also an intermittent flash pattern during the day that can be automatically bypassed if you know you will only be using the light at night.
The Commuter Pro RT bracket attaches to the bar via a simple hinge clamp. Secure the light with a click mount.
The light body has a single button for power and function control, and the backlight shows the current mode.
There is a clear 5-dot array on the top of the light body that displays the battery life. In addition to this, there is also a second 5-dot array, used when the Commuter Pro RT is paired with a compatible Trek/Bontrager rear light.
The unit charges via USB-C and can be used for emergency power bank charging with the right cable for your device.
The slim square construction includes two orange side lights and a slight lip at the top edge of the lens.
The Commuter Pro RT does not come with a remote control but can be purchased separately for £29.99. You can also pair your lights with your Garmin Edge computer for automatic activation.
Run time at full beam is given as 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Trek Commuter Pro RT Performance
Initial setup couldn’t be easier. The clamp mount attaches to the bar with an integral knob, so you don’t have to dig out an allen wrench to tighten the bolt.
The light slides into the mount with a positive click and removes with a built-in release lever. Once fixed in place, it is solid with no movement or excessive vibration while riding.
It’s worth mentioning here that Trek also has a unique fitting system called Blendr that will fit any Blendr compatible stem.
This allows the light to be mounted more centrally. A nice solution for those who like a neat cockpit or have limited bar space available.
The glowing mode button was easy to press to change modes on the fly.
Once paired with your Garmin computer, you can set the lights to turn on when you start your ride (or just switch on the head unit) and turn off when you stop. Works the same as the Bontrager Ion 200 / Flare RT light set.
It’s a neat layer of integration and works really well if you’re on your computer and appreciate automation.
Even on bright city streets, poorly lit country roads and off-road tracks, switching between high and low beams was quick and easy as conditions changed.
I decided to use high beams on unlit roads and low beams for oncoming traffic. I mostly used the low beam on well-lit streets and turned the lights up when switching to unlit roads or forest trails.
The Full Beam doesn’t offer the flood quality of many professional MTB lights, but it does offer plenty of reach and perimeter extension for less technical trails, gravel routes or cycle paths.
Trek claims it’s good for trail riding, but on more technical trails you’ll want to use the powerful beam of over 1,000 lumens offered here.
The beam quality is uniform with a consistent fade towards the edges. This proved relatively easy to my eye compared to more dramatically shaped beams where there can be a severe contrast between illuminated and non-illuminated areas. got it.
Additional side lights help increase visibility at junctions, but only marginally increase left and right extremity visibility.
Switching to “low” mode creates a noticeable cutoff at the top of the beam compared to a normal light. Mimics the StVZO effect to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic.
However, unlike the “tunneling” effect often seen with StVZO beams, the Commuter Pro RT maintains good peripheral vision with a uniform gradation.
The light’s power button is easy to press, but we tested this light with the optional remote and recommend it for a more seamless use.
This was especially helpful on busy roads where I often had to change from high beam to low beam and sometimes didn’t want to take my hands off the bars.
A less noticeable plus of the Commuter Pro RT is the slight overhang built into the top edge of the light.
When getting out of the saddle on a difficult climb, the glare of the front lights is often noticeable. This rim acts as a shade and prevents this.
It’s the little details, but combined with the beam quality, the Commuter Pro RT is especially easy on the eyes. We found it versatile across road and gravel riding.
I also liked the build quality and finish of the light which allowed me to use it in heavy rain without issue. The size and shape make it easy to put in your pocket after commuting.
Trek claims 1 hour and 30 minutes of battery life in the high beam setting, and the Commuter Pro RT lives up to that.
Trek Commuter Pro RT vs Trek Ion Pro RT
As a package, the Commuter Pro RT has a lot to offer, but it’s also lighter on your wallet at £150.
Trek’s own Ion Pro RT, featured in BikeRadar’s Best Bike Lights Buyer’s Guide, is £30 cheaper and has 300 more lumens than the Commuter Pro RT.
The lack of anti-glare Kindbeam technology makes it useful when riding is mostly done in urban environments or on busy, unlit roads. It helps.In theory, it could lead to safer roads for everyone.
But when ultimate power is more appealing – spending more time away from other traffic, or needing more lumens and a wider beam to maximize lighting – the Ion Pro RT can be found (among others with higher output). Better deal.
Trek Commuter Pro RT Conclusion
The Trek Commuter Pro RT Front Light is a well-made, compact light with plenty of reach and spread for commuting and riding on roads and gravel.
Cropped draw beam mode gives riders the confidence to maintain speed while respecting other road users without compromising beam quality. That said, his 1,000-lumen maximum brightness combined with the beam isn’t enough to comprehensively illuminate his more technical off-road riding.
If you don’t opt for the remote at the extra cost, it can be a hassle to turn the lights down while on the move compared to other commuter lights where the remote is included as standard.
When it comes to pure brightness, there are definitely better value products out there. Commuter Pro RT is a strong choice.
test method
A front bike light for your bike is a must-have accessory if you plan to ride at night, in dark and dark conditions, or if you just want to be more easily seen on a regular ride.
Here we have focused on a wide variety of modern lights that either comply with StVZO regulations or incorporate some technology or feature designed to reduce glare.
