We tested Giant's Recon HL 1800 and TL 200 series lights in our recent 2023 Tuscany Trail test
Lights are essential to the riding experience on our gravel rides and cycling adventures.
In addition to allowing us to see in the dark, lights are vital to be seen by fellow road users, especially motorists.
Giant TL 200: small but bright
GIANT RECON TL 200 is a compact and lightweight bicycle light, perfect for those who need a reliable light source during night rides.
In the technical specifications, they advertise a maximum output of 200 lumens, but in real life, this rear light is exceptionally bright and visible from many meters away, even in rainy weather.
One of the main features of the Giant Recon Tl 200 is the versatility of the mounting options. It can be mounted on the handlebars or the helmet, allowing you to choose the best position for your ride.
The light is also durable, with a waterproof and shockproof casing.
In terms of battery life, the Giant Recon Tl 200 performs well, and it has a runtime of up to 8 hours on the lowest setting, making it perfect for all-day outings. The light also has a convenient USB rechargeable design, so you can easily charge it on the go.
Overall, the Giant Recon Tl 200 is a great bike light for anyone looking for a compact and reliable rear bike light. Its brilliant performance, versatile mounting options, and long battery life make it an excellent choice for any cyclist. Whether commuting to work or hitting the trails, we have found an optimal solution in the Recon Tl 200.
Recon HL-1800
First, the power of this lamp is impressive. With up to 1800 lumens, it provides more than enough illumination for even the darkest trails.
Best of all, it outlasts most others, thanks to a 3400mAh Li-ion battery and great mounting options.
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It is capable of running indefinitely at half power or lower when connected to an external battery pack.
One of the things we liked about the Giant Recon Hl 1800 light is its mounting versatility, being able to be either handlebar or helmet mounted. The light also has a rugged design, with a CNC aluminium waterproof and shockproof casing that allows for better heat dissipation.
The Giant Recon Hl 1800 light doesn’t disappoint in terms of battery life. It has a range of well over 8 hours on the lowest setting, which is more than enough for an all-day ride. The light also has a convenient USB rechargeable design, so you can easily charge it on the go.
One of the most exciting features of this light is the length of its beam, which reaches over 20 meters in terms of visibility, with an angle of 45% on the roadside.
Smart Functions
An exciting addition to the Giant Recon hl 1800 is its smart functions, which allow the lights to adapt to environmental conditions and have battery status information on your bike computer thanks to the ANT+ connection.
More information can be found on this dedicated page on Recon lights
