Cateye RR-550 Clip-On Reflector
The Cateye RR-550 clip-on reflector is a best-in-class passive rear reflector known for its high-quality optics and secure clip mounting that suits seatposts and rack stays. It holds its position by offering reliable, maintenance-free visibility at a low price point, making it a practical complement to active USB lights like the Blackburn and Serfas models while providing broader, legally compliant reflectivity than spoke-only options such as the MEC reflectors.
High visibility
Tool-free clip
High visibility
Tool-free clip
Review Summary
"Small, well-built clip-on reflector that's reliably visible and simple to attach; occasional reports of the clip loosening on rough roads."
Roadside sparkle
Tool-free clip-on design fits most wheel rims for quick installation
Roadside sparkle
Tool-free clip-on design fits most wheel rims for quick installation
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Eco-Friendly Living
The Cateye RR-550 clip-on reflector is a best-in-class passive rear reflector known for its high-quality optics and secure clip mounting that suits seatposts and rack stays. It holds its position by offering reliable, maintenance-free visibility at a low price point, making it a practical complement to active USB lights like the Blackburn and Serfas models while providing broader, legally compliant reflectivity than spoke-only options such as the MEC reflectors.
High visibility
Tool-free clip
Roadside sparkle
Tool-free clip-on design fits most wheel rims for quick installation
High-visibility retroreflective surface for passive night safety
High visibility
Tool-free clip
Roadside sparkle
Tool-free clip-on design fits most wheel rims for quick installation
High-visibility retroreflective surface for passive night safety
MEC Safety Spoke Reflectors
MEC Safety spoke reflectors deliver lightweight, very low-cost wheel visibility with simple clip-on installation across spokes, making them an excellent value add for multi-angle visibility. They stand out financially for their bulk affordability and quick fitment, but they are best used in combination with a rear reflector or active tail light (Cateye, Blackburn, Planet Bike, Serfas) because spoke reflectors offer strong lateral visibility yet limited front/rear signaling.
360° visibility
Easy snap-on
360° visibility
Easy snap-on
Review Summary
"Inexpensive, easy-to-install spoke reflectors that noticeably improve side visibility; some users find them a bit flimsy and not long-lasting."
Kid-friendly bling
Bright colored reflectors clip onto spokes to provide 360° side visibility
Kid-friendly bling
Bright colored reflectors clip onto spokes to provide 360° side visibility
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
MEC Safety spoke reflectors deliver lightweight, very low-cost wheel visibility with simple clip-on installation across spokes, making them an excellent value add for multi-angle visibility. They stand out financially for their bulk affordability and quick fitment, but they are best used in combination with a rear reflector or active tail light (Cateye, Blackburn, Planet Bike, Serfas) because spoke reflectors offer strong lateral visibility yet limited front/rear signaling.
360° visibility
Easy snap-on
Kid-friendly bling
Bright colored reflectors clip onto spokes to provide 360° side visibility
Sold in multi-packs so you can outfit both wheels and multiple spokes
360° visibility
Easy snap-on
Kid-friendly bling
Bright colored reflectors clip onto spokes to provide 360° side visibility
Sold in multi-packs so you can outfit both wheels and multiple spokes
$6-12 CAD
Blackburn Mars Click USB Rear Light
The Blackburn Mars Click USB is a compact, rechargeable clip-on rear light designed for riders who want bright, tool-free mounting on seatposts or racks and the convenience of USB charging. It earns a market-leader spot by balancing strong daytime visibility, multiple flash modes, and a mid-range price — offering superior active illumination compared with battery-only options like the Planet Bike Blinky 3H while costing less over time than disposable-battery models.
USB rechargeable
Click-mount simplicity
USB rechargeable
Click-mount simplicity
Review Summary
"Bright, rechargeable rear light with solid battery life and a secure mount; a few users note the rubber mounting strap can wear or stretch over time."
Daylight flasher
USB rechargeable rear light offering convenient plug-in charging and long runtimes
Daylight flasher
USB rechargeable rear light offering convenient plug-in charging and long runtimes
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
The Blackburn Mars Click USB is a compact, rechargeable clip-on rear light designed for riders who want bright, tool-free mounting on seatposts or racks and the convenience of USB charging. It earns a market-leader spot by balancing strong daytime visibility, multiple flash modes, and a mid-range price — offering superior active illumination compared with battery-only options like the Planet Bike Blinky 3H while costing less over time than disposable-battery models.
USB rechargeable
Click-mount simplicity
Daylight flasher
USB rechargeable rear light offering convenient plug-in charging and long runtimes
Compact, weather-resistant housing with a secure click-mount for seatposts
USB rechargeable
Click-mount simplicity
Daylight flasher
USB rechargeable rear light offering convenient plug-in charging and long runtimes
Compact, weather-resistant housing with a secure click-mount for seatposts
Planet Bike Blinky 3H Rear Light
Planet Bike Blinky 3H is a long-standing value leader in rear safety lights, prized for its simplicity, long runtime on standard batteries, and wallet-friendly price for routine commute use. It outshines some competitors on cost-per-hour of use and ease of replacement batteries, but it is less bright and less convenient to recharge than USB models (Blackburn Mars Click, Serfas Thunderbolt) and offers less wheel-level coverage than spoke reflectors like MEC.
Triple-LED punch
Six-mode flash
Triple-LED punch
Six-mode flash
Review Summary
"Lightweight, affordable blinky tail light suitable for casual commuting, but not as bright or feature-rich as modern USB-rechargeable models."
Blinky charm
Three bright LEDs in a compact clip-on package for noticeable rear flashing
Blinky charm
Three bright LEDs in a compact clip-on package for noticeable rear flashing
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Planet Bike Blinky 3H is a long-standing value leader in rear safety lights, prized for its simplicity, long runtime on standard batteries, and wallet-friendly price for routine commute use. It outshines some competitors on cost-per-hour of use and ease of replacement batteries, but it is less bright and less convenient to recharge than USB models (Blackburn Mars Click, Serfas Thunderbolt) and offers less wheel-level coverage than spoke reflectors like MEC.
Triple-LED punch
Six-mode flash
Blinky charm
Three bright LEDs in a compact clip-on package for noticeable rear flashing
Multiple flash and steady modes to suit commuting or casual rides
Triple-LED punch
Six-mode flash
Blinky charm
Three bright LEDs in a compact clip-on package for noticeable rear flashing
Multiple flash and steady modes to suit commuting or casual rides
Serfas Thunderbolt USB Tail Light
The Serfas Thunderbolt USB tail light positions itself as the performance option with high-output LEDs, wide-angle optics, and fast USB recharge tailored for clip-on seatpost/rack mounting. It commands a premium for brightness and visibility that typically exceeds simple reflectors (Cateye RR-550, MEC spoke) and many compact lights, making it the go-to for riders prioritizing active nighttime visibility despite a higher upfront cost than basic blinky lights like the Planet Bike.
High-lumen blast
USB fast-charge
High-lumen blast
USB fast-charge
Review Summary
"Very bright and versatile USB-rechargeable tail light with multiple modes and good build quality; a minority report shorter-than-advertised runtimes or occasional mount slip."
Strobe thunder
High-output LEDs deliver strong rear visibility suitable for traffic-heavy roads
Strobe thunder
High-output LEDs deliver strong rear visibility suitable for traffic-heavy roads
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
The Serfas Thunderbolt USB tail light positions itself as the performance option with high-output LEDs, wide-angle optics, and fast USB recharge tailored for clip-on seatpost/rack mounting. It commands a premium for brightness and visibility that typically exceeds simple reflectors (Cateye RR-550, MEC spoke) and many compact lights, making it the go-to for riders prioritizing active nighttime visibility despite a higher upfront cost than basic blinky lights like the Planet Bike.
High-lumen blast
USB fast-charge
Strobe thunder
High-output LEDs deliver strong rear visibility suitable for traffic-heavy roads
USB rechargeable with quick charge times and several brightness/mode settings
High-lumen blast
USB fast-charge
Strobe thunder
High-output LEDs deliver strong rear visibility suitable for traffic-heavy roads
USB rechargeable with quick charge times and several brightness/mode settings