Spotlight: Lezyne Strip Drive Pro rear light review
Spotlight is a new series on CyclingTips that we’re using to briefly showcase new products we’ve just received, and/or products that require just a short review. This regular and short-form tech coverage replaces our previous Tech Round-Up series. Be sure to check out all the photos in the sliding gallery above.
I’m a long-time believer in riding with day-time-running lights, and given they’re a safety-related product, I’m constantly on the hunt for something better. I recently bought myself the Lezyne Strip Drive Pro, a mid-priced rear light that’s the equal-brightest option in the company’s extensive range. It’s impressed me enough that I thought I’d share it.
Lezyne claims the Strip Drive Pro offers a peak output of 300 lumens, and while I don’t have the measuring equipment to confirm this, I can confirm that the five LEDs pack a punch that can be seen from a long way away (and with surprisingly good side visibility, too). My usual go-to rear light is a previous-generation Bontrager Flare R, and the Lezyne Strip Drive Pro is noticeably more blinding to look at.
In its brightest day-flashing mode the light is claimed to last for just three hours, while less-bright settings will go noticeably longer. There are a total of 11 modes, and while that feels like too many when you’re clicking through them, the light thankfully remembers and reverts to the mode you last used.
First released in 2019, the Strip Drive Pro recently received a small refinement that moved it from an integrated USB stick to a more traditional cable-based Micro USB port for charging. This port is sealed by a large rubber cap that provides a robust seal and a reassuring “pop” when opening.
Most often it’s the mounting bracket that lets down otherwise good lights, but thankfully Lezyne has kept things simple with a strong co-moulded build that’s held in place with a replaceable band strap (an 0-ring could be used, too). The light angle is fixed and, strapped in place, it retains a narrow 36 mm profile that avoids leg rub.
The rubber backing is flexible and deep, shaped to handle both skinny aero seatposts and regular round posts, and included is a rubber chock/wedge for use on flat-backed seatposts (D-shaped). In my experience, the light fits best with seatpost shapes that don’t require this wedge. There is no angle adjustment available.
Lezyne also offers this light with an “Alert” feature which uses an accelerometer to brighten the light upon sudden braking. This feature adds US$5 / AU$10.
Weight: 62 g (with mounting strap)
Price: US$55 / AU$90
More info: ride.lezyne.com
There are 11 different flashing and continuous light modes to make varying use of the five inline LEDs. 
The Lezyne Strip Drive Pro (v2) is pictured here on a 2021 Giant TCR Advanced Pro seatpost. 
The Strip Drive Pro is 78 mm in length and 36 mm at its widest. 
Lezyne claims that the Strip Drive Pro offers 270º of visibility. It’s certainly the brightest square-on, but it provides plenty of side-on visibility too. 
Lezyne has kept the mounting system quite simple, and I like that. 
The light’s co-moulded rubber backing is shaped to work with a variety of seatposts. 
The large rubber plug consumes the base of the light and offers a tight fit. 
The button offers a tactile feel and is well sealed from the elements. 
There is a small LED indicator for battery life.
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