Guide
Small bike radar guide: which is best?
by Patrick Bardelli
My new favourite device? Testing BBB Cycling’s Signal Radar
9.1.2026
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
Pictures: Patrick Bardelli
Smart rear lights with a radar function add another set of eyes to the back of your bike. They also provide visual and acoustic signals to warn you of vehicles approaching from behind. BBB Cycling’s new Signal Radar does it all wonderfully.
See and be seen. The be-all and end-all for cycling, especially during darker months. This is where smart rear lights with an integrated radar function come into play. That particular feature aims to alert you about any vehicle approaching from behind. To activate the alert, you pair the light/radar with your compatible bike computer, smartwatch or smartphone.
Launched around ten years ago, the Varia from Garmin was the world’s first radar system for bicycles. Meanwhile, plenty of providers for such devices have emerged. You can find a handy guide here:
Signal Radar by BBB Cycling
Dutch brand BBB Cycling recently launched its version of a rear light with a radar feature. Signal Radar can detect up to eight vehicles from as far as 190 metres and an angle of up to 35 degrees. There’s always something going on behind you when you’re cycling on busy roads, so the constant visual and acoustic alarms become really annoying after a while. This is one of the reasons why I try to avoid busy roads on my gravel bike as much as possible, mostly riding on country lanes and easy trails.
Away from busy roads, however, the benefits of the radar really come into their own. BBB Cycling’s Signal Radar has already warned me of the odd stray car, fast-approaching S-Pedelec or ultra-fit, fully-organic biker. Good start.
I can’t judge whether it really hit the maximum 190 metres and 35 degrees, it’s not like I’m standing by the road measuring distances and the like. However, the Radar works similarly to my previous Garmin, my current benchmark for such devices.
More features
- Attachment: Strap Aero/Standard
- Dimensions: 95 × 40 × 22 mm
- Modes: 6
- Light output: maximum 80 lumens
- Lighting duration: maximum 14 hours
- Weight: 78 grammes
ANT+ and Bluetooth connection
I connected the Radar Signal to my bike computer via ANT+. At the moment, I’m using an Edge 1040 Solar by Garmin. It can also be paired to a smartphone via Bluetooth. To use the full functionality, however, you need the Cannondale app (for iOS and Android). This works perfectly with my bike computer, but I haven’t tested control via the app.
Acoustic warnings
There’s a loudspeaker installed in the Signal Radar. Thanks to this, you can also use it as a stand-alone lamp without connecting it to a bike computer or smartphone. The acoustic signal will warn you at a maximum of 85 decibels of approaching vehicles . That’s definitely loud enough to hear, in my opinion. The speaker can also be switched off if required.
Finally: a battery indicator
My favourite feature, however, is the battery display on the side of the radar. A direly needed addition, in my opinion None of the products I’ve used so far have this feature. Without it, I always have to remember to check the app whether I have enough juice left before I set off. Of course, I’d forget sometimes, and the Radar stopped working after a few kilometres. But those days are over with the Signal Radar. Yes!
Light modes and battery life
A total of six light modes are available for the Signal Radar:
- two continuous light modes
- a radar-only mode (tail light switched off)
- three flash modes
BBB Cycling has developed what is known as Peloton mode. With it, the rear light will shine continuously at only five lumens. This means you’re still clearly visible to other traffic, but won’t dazzle cyclists if you’re riding in a group. According to the manufacturer, one fully charged battery will last up to 14 hours. One dot in the display corresponds to about 20 per cent. After a good five hours of riding in Peloton mode (a maximum of nine hours are possible according to the manufacturer), my battery was still around 60 per cent full – consistent with the information provided.
In my opinion, the only weakness of the Radar is its fastening to the seat post. I’m not a fan of these straps. They just don’t look nice. I prefer Garmin’s solution here. Why? Because once the mount is attached to the seat post, you simply click the rear light on and off again. Of course, that’s just my opinion and a matter of taste.
In a nutshell
Signal Radar from BBB Cycling has got almost everything right
This device has the potential to become one of my favourites. Oh, what am I saying? It already is! The only thing that bothers me is the strap, something I’d have to deduct half a star for. But since we don’t do things by halves here, I’m rounding up to the maximum. Five out of five.
Apart from that strap, the Signal Radar looks really cool. Yes, even the design gets to shine with me. What’s more, everything works perfectly from the word go, which isn’t always the case with other similar products. And I wouldn’t want to go without the built-in battery indicator either.
Verdict: I’m completely satisfied.
Pro
- Cool design
- Solid battery life
- Good value for money
- Battery display
- Stand-alone feature with acoustic warnings
Contra
- Strap fastening
Header image: Patrick Bardelli
Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.
Bike
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
These articles might also interest you
11 comments
later