Dynamo-powered bike lights have been around since the end of the 1800s, but until relatively recently, they didn’t have the finest reputation – not super-efficient, draggy, lacking in reliability/durability and perhaps worse of all, not very powerful. With the launch of their new Revo5 dynamo powered light, Exposure think they have solved all the issues and created in their words “one of the most significant product launches in the brand's history.”
“Delivering up to 2,000 lumens, the Revo 5 is the brightest dynamo light on the market” In a lighting arms race, more is definitely more, according to the press release for Exposure’s new Revo5 dynamo-powered light. Just being super-bright isn’t enough, though – riders tackling ultra-distance events or long bikepacking trips in remote areas need certainty and consistency as well as brightness and this is where the Revo5 plays its trump card – “Incorporating a 1,600mAh Li-ion battery, the Revo 5 is effectively a hybrid, allowing riders to pre-charge the light to get maximum output as soon as they set off.”
The Revo5 comes equipped with two “intelligent” programme options:
- Infinite runtime mode – This mode uses just the power created by the dynamo and is designed for riders wanting duration, rather than consistent light output. The power of the light will vary based on the relative speed of the rider. In this mode, riders are able to both use the Revo5 light and charge auxiliary devices such as bike computers, smart phones, power banks etc.
- Fixed output mode – This mode is aimed at riders who need the maximum possible output but over a shorter duration. It uses power stored in the Revo5’s built-in battery to generate the light output, just like a traditional battery-powered Exposure light. The dynamo will recharge the internal battery as the rider pedals along – the faster the speed, the longer the battery life will be. In this mode, the internal battery of the Revo5 can be topped up from an external powerbank.
As you might expect for a light designed and built in the UK, not exactly well known for our perfect weather conditions, the Revo5 can cope with some pretty hideous weather conditions. It’s been tested to IP68 standards, which means it’s fully waterproof to 1.5m and a total submersion time of 30 minutes. We’re assuming not many prospective owners are going to be riding through a 1.5m deep puddle for 30 minutes, so it should be fine for a typical multi-day bikepacking ride/event. The Revo5 will work from -20°C to +40°C and has IK09 impact resistance. The Revo5 is covered by Exposure’s 3-year warranty and will also benefit from Exposure’s renowned long-term serviceability standard.
On the rear of the Revo5, you will find the following features: Stainless steel On/Off switch, a single dynamo connection point and a single bi-colour LED. The LED has a “traffic light system” which shows the rider “battery and mode selection feedback”. There are also two USB-C ports: one to power Exposure’s RedEye 3 rear light and the other to either give or receive power (depending on which mode the light is being operated in).
The full technical specs of the Revo5 are as follows:
- Up to 2,000 measured lumens
- 1,600 mAh internal battery
- IP68 waterproof tested
- IK09 impact tested
- On/Off switch
- Two Program options: Infinite Runtime & Fixed Output
- Three modes per Program: High, Low, DayBright pulse
- One dynamo input port
- Two USB-C ports (input & output)
- 45-minute charging time from mains source
- 45-minute charging time from dynamo @ 15mph, with lights off
- Battery-only runtimes: High 30 minutes, Low 3 hours, DayBright pulse 12 hours+
- Compatible with all AC dynamo hubs
- 1.2m connection cable supplied
- 12° spot beam
- CNC-machined 6063 aluminium body
The Revo5 is available now with an RRP of £355, €355 or US$390. You can find full details on the relevant Exposure Lights webpage.