2013 Lights Shootout, Bike Light, BTR20, fenix, Lights, Lights Shootout - January 15, 2014

Review: Fenix BTR20

The Fenix BTR20 is a good light with a dual beam pattern coming out of one head. Using special lens optics, they are able to project a wide beam and a focused spot beam at the same time. This is great for cyclists as this is what’s really needed to see peripheral objects at low speed and the far away trail features at high speed.

Does it work? We think so. There is indeed a spot that throws far ahead on the trail as you can see in the beam pattern shot. But you will also notice that the grass is lit up for good peripheral vision. Light color is good too with a slightly yellow tint that’s easy on they eyes that reveals contrast and trail contours.

There is a remote light switch that can turn the light on and off and change levels mounted right beside the handlebar grips. And there is a battery indicator with four LEDs that show the user the battery charge percentage.

Battery, charger and other accessories have good build quality and performed well during our test.

Specifications

Price: $150 approximately
Claimed Lumens: 850 Lumens
Measured Lumens: 875 Lumens
Measured MTBR Lux: 88 Lux
Lumens per $: 6.25 Lumens
Lumens per gram: 44 Lumens
Time on High: 1:50 Hours
Charge Time: 2:00 Hours
Mounted Weight: 358 grams
Category: High End, Commuter

Strengths

Good innovation with lens optics
Good beam quality
Remote switch
Battery case and charge indicator

Weaknesses

Should be 1200 Lumens to make a good dent in this competitive field

Mounting

An excellent bar mount is included and an independent helmet mount is available as well. The light can be aimed left to right.

Mtbr Light Meter Measurements

This light measured 88 Lux on our ambient light measurement facility. The light output measurement is performed by placing a Lux light meter beside the light. Both are pointed at the ceiling (five feet above) of a dark room. This measurement uses the ambient light produced by the bike light.

Integrating Sphere Measured Lumens

This light measured 875 Lumens in an integrating sphere. Claimed Lumens by the manufacturer is 850 Lumens. The Lumen-hour graph below shows how the light performs over the first three minutes of its battery cycle.

Beam Pattern Photo

We photographed the lights in the same location setting with the same camera settings. The photos were taken in the back yard that is approximately 25 yards long. These photos feature many objects and a distinct background to analyze detail and beam pattern.