Fenix BC28R Smart Head & Tail Bike Light Combo
$129.95
The Fenix BC28R is a smart bike light system built for cyclists who demand total control on every ride, delivering a fully integrated front and rear lighting setup. The front light pushes up to 2,500 lumens with an anti-glare cut-off facula that keeps your beam road-focused without blinding oncoming traffic, while a 590-foot (180 meter) throw gives you ample warning distance at speed with a wide 92-degree beam angle. What separates the BC28R from standard light sets is its smart-sync system: the head light and tail light communicate directly, allowing you to control the tail unit from the front and monitor tail light mode status right from the handlebar. The tail light delivers a 20-lumen red output with 100-meter (328 ft) visibility.
Built to handle real-world riding conditions, the BC28R features full-metal housing rated to IP66 waterproofing standards, 1.5-meter impact resistance, and vibration testing for rough and uneven terrain. Both lights charge via USB-C, with the front unit fully charged in 3.5 hours and the tail in just 1.5, and the head light uses a removable, rechargeable battery for added flexibility on long-distance rides. Maximum runtime stretches to 52 hours, while tool-free assembly means mounting and swapping between bikes takes seconds. For road cyclists, commuters, and endurance riders who want a single cohesive system rather than two independent lights, the BC28R is purpose-built to deliver.
Outputs
- Front Light
- Turbo: 2500 Lumens, 2.6 hours, 591 feet, 8083 candela
- High: 1400 Lumens, 7 hours, 417 feet, 4017 candela
- Med: 600 Lumens, 12 hours, 269 feet, 1675 candela
- Low: 50 Lumens, 52 hours, 76 feet, 137 candela
- Flashing: 600/50 Lumens
- Tail Light
- Low: 10 Lumens, 6 hours, 328 feet
- Low w/ Slow Flash: 10 Lumens, 10 hours, 328 feet
- Low w/ Fast Flash: 10 Lumens, 15 hours, 328 feet
- High: 20 Lumens, 3.72 hours, 328 feet
- High w/Slow Flash: 20 Lumens, 6.6 hours, 328 feet
Details
- 2500 lumen maximum output
- Smart-synced front and tail lights with individual control
- Control the tail light using the head light
- Front light displays tail light mode
- Anti-glare cut-off facula
- Full-metal housing
- USB-C Charging
- 180-meter front beam distance
- 20 lumen red light output on tail light
- 100-meter tail light beam distance
- 92-degree beam angle on headlight
- 52 hour maximum headlight runtime
- Rechargeable and removeable head light battery
- Rechargeable built-in tail light battery
- Front light recharges in 3.5 hours, tail light in 1.5
- Quick and easy tool-free assembly
- 1.5 meter impact resistance
- Vibration-tested for uneven terrain
- IP66 rated waterproofing
Batteries
- Included: Fenix ARB-L21-5000 V2 Rechargeable 5000mAh 21700 battery (for head light)
- Built-In: 400mAh rechargeable battery (tail light)
- Compatible: The headlight is compatible with any Fenix 21700 battery.
Size
- Front Light
- Length: 4.33 inches
- Height: 1.14 inches
- Width: 1.57 inches
- Weight: 8.47 ounces (including battery)
- Tail Light
- Length: 1.42 inches
- Height: 1.38 inches
- Width: 1.30 inches
- Weight: 1.98 ounces
- Fenix BC28R Bicycle Head Light
- Fenix BC28R Bicycle Tail Light
- Fenix ARB-L21-5000 V2 Rechargeable 21700 Battery
- Mounting equipment for head and tail lights
- USB Type-C Charging Cable
- Spare O-Ring
- Battery Compartment Key
- Spare Mounting Shim
- Fenix BC28R User Manual
Q: Can the BC28R front light and rear light be linked for synchronized control?
Answer: Yes.
The BC28R supports intelligent synchronized control between the front light and rear light. After the initial pairing is completed, users can operate the rear light not only with the rear light switch, but also directly switch its output levels using the front light switch for greater convenience.
Additionally, the front light can display the current status of the rear light mode, allowing riders to quickly confirm whether the rear light is in constant-on, slow-flashing, or fast-flashing mode during riding, improving both night riding safety and operational efficiency.
Q: How do I pair the BC28R front light and rear light? What should I note when using them for the first time?
Answer: Before first use, the front light and rear light must be paired.
Please follow these steps:
- Press and hold the rear light switch for about 5 seconds to enter pairing mode. The rear light indicator will alternately flash red and green.
- Single click the lower switch on the front light. The rear light indicator will turn solid green, indicating that the signal from the front light has been received.
- Single click the rear light switch again to confirm. Pairing is then complete.
Notes:
After the first successful pairing, the front light will automatically remember the paired rear light, so repeated pairing is usually unnecessary.
During pairing, the straight-line distance between the front light and rear light should not exceed 1.5 meters.
If no operation is performed within 60 seconds, the lights will automatically exit pairing mode.
Q: Is the battery in the BC28R front light replaceable? Which batteries are supported?
Answer: Yes, it is replaceable.
The BC28R front light comes standard with one Fenix ARB-L21-5000 V2.0 rechargeable Li-ion battery. This replaceable battery design allows users to quickly swap batteries during long-distance rides or frequent use, helping reduce range anxiety.
Recommended batteries:
Fenix ARB-L21-5000 V2.0
Fenix ARB-L21 Series batteries
Not recommended or prohibited:
Fenix ARB-L18 Series batteries
Standard 21700 rechargeable Li-ion batteries
This is because batteries may differ in size, structure, and protection design. Using an incompatible battery may affect performance and could even create safety risks.
Q: Why does the front light battery level indicator only work with certain batteries?
Answer: The battery level indication function of the BC28R front light only works with Fenix ARB-L21 Series batteries.
This is because the battery level recognition function is designed based on compatibility with specified batteries. Only matched Fenix ARB-L21 Series batteries can accurately provide the remaining battery level status.
If a non-specified battery is used, the light may still function, but the battery level indication may be inaccurate or may not display properly. For full functionality and more stable performance, we recommend using officially recommended batteries.
Q: Why does the BC28R front light use a cutoff beam design? What are the benefits?
Answer: The BC28R front light uses a cutoff beam design primarily to illuminate the road ahead while reducing glare for oncoming pedestrians, cyclists, or drivers.
Compared with ordinary flood lighting without a defined cutoff, the cutoff beam directs the light more precisely onto the effective road surface area. This helps riders see the road clearly while also meeting the needs of safe and courteous riding, especially in urban roads and daily commuting environments.
Q: Can the BC28R be used while charging? How long does it take to fully charge?
Answer: Yes.
Both the front light and rear light can be used normally in all output levels while charging, making them suitable for long rides or temporary power replenishment.
Approximate charging times:
Front light: about 3.5 hours from fully depleted to fully charged
Rear light: about 1.5 hours from fully depleted to fully charged
The lights use a USB Type-C charging port. During charging, a solid red indicator means charging is in progress, and a solid green indicator means the battery is fully charged.
Q: What should I do if the light flickers abnormally or cannot be turned on?
Answer: If the light flickers abnormally or cannot be turned on, please first check the following two common causes:
Cause 1: Low battery power
Solution: Recharge the battery promptly or replace the front light battery.
Cause 2: Dirty conductive contact surfaces
Solution: Use a cotton swab with alcohol to clean the conductive contact surfaces or contact points on the light or battery.
If the issue still cannot be resolved after the above checks, please contact your dealer or apply for warranty service according to the after-sales policy.
Q: What is the operating voltage of the BC28R?
Charging specifications:
Charging voltage: 5V
Front light charging power: supports up to 15W (5V / 3A)
Rear light charging power: supports up to 2.5W (5V / 0.5A)
Q: What LEDs does the BC28R use?
Answer: It uses one Cree XHP50D white LED and one red COB light source.
Q: If the rear light is turned off by using the lower switch on the BC28R front light during riding, can it be turned on again by pressing and holding the switch?
Answer: Yes. After the rear light is turned off via the lower switch on the front light, it will enter standby mode for one hour, during which the indicator shows a green breathing light. While in standby mode, the rear light can still be controlled normally using the lower switch on the front light. However, if the rear light remains in standby mode for more than one hour without any operation, it will automatically shut down. In that case, the rear light must be turned on manually before it can be controlled again using the lower switch on the front light.
The Fenix BC28R is a smart head and tail bike light combo. This summary is drawn from the manufacturer's official user manual — see the downloadable PDF reference manual on the product page for complete details.
Warning
- Do not look directly at the light sources, stare at the beams for a long time, or shine this product directly into the eyes of anyone.
- Do not place this product in the reach of children.
- Do not place light heads near flammable objects — high temperatures can cause objects to overheat and become flammable/ignite.
- Do not use this product in inappropriate ways such as holding it in your mouth; doing so could cause serious personal injury or death if the lights or internal batteries fail.
- This product will accumulate a significant amount of heat while operating, resulting in a high temperature of the light shells. Pay close attention to avoid burns.
- Turn off this product or remove the battery to prevent accidental activation when the product is placed in a closed and flammable environment such as pockets and backpacks.
- The LEDs of this product are not replaceable; the whole product will need to be replaced when any LED reaches the end of its lifespan.
Overview
- Maximum output 2500 lumens, maximum beam distance 180 meters
- Equipped with high-quality light sources: 1x Cree XHP50D white LED, 1x red COB
- Smart linked-control solution for front and tail lights, efficient and convenient to operate
- Front light displays the tail light mode status in real time, making riding safety indications clear at a glance
- Uses an anti-glare cut-off facula line design to effectively reduce glare, meeting the needs of safe and courteous riding
- Front light is powered by one replaceable ARB-L21-5000 V2.0 battery; tail light features a built-in 400mAh battery
- USB Type-C standard charging port
- Battery level indication and low-voltage warning
- IP66-rated protection and 1.5 meters impact resistance
- Size: front light 4.33'' x 1.14'' x 1.57'' / 110 x 29 x 40 mm, tail light 1.38'' x 1.42'' x 1.30'' / 35 x 36 x 33 mm (excluding mounts). Weight: front light 8.47 oz / 240 g, tail light 1.98 oz / 56 g (including mount, battery, and accessories)
Operating Instructions
Front and Tail Light Pairing: by default, press and hold the tail light switch for about 5 seconds; the tail light indicator will flash red and green alternately, indicating it has entered pairing mode. Single click the front light switch — the tail light indicator will turn steady green. Single click the tail light switch again to confirm, and pairing is complete. Once paired, the front light automatically remembers the tail light; the straight-line pairing distance should not exceed 1.5 meters, and pairing mode times out after 60 seconds of no operation.
Front Light On/Off: press and hold the front light switch for 0.5 seconds to turn it on/off.
Front Light Output Selection: with the front light on, single click the switch to cycle through Low → Med → High → Turbo.
Front Light Flash Mode: double click the switch to enter Flash mode; single click again to return to the previously used General mode output. Flash mode does not work when the front light battery is below 10%.
Tail Light On/Off: press and hold the tail light switch for 0.5 seconds to turn it on/off.
Tail Light Output Selection: with the tail light on, single click the tail light switch (or the front light switch) to cycle through Low → Low Slow-flash → Low Fast-flash → High → High Slow-flash. The front light switch indicator simultaneously displays the tail light's current output status.
Standby Mode: with the tail light on, press and hold the front light switch for more than 0.5 seconds to enter standby. Press either switch to wake the tail light and recall the previously used output; with no operation within 1 hour, the tail light automatically turns off.
Intelligent Memory Circuit: both lights memorize the last selected output, excluding Turbo and Flash. When turned on again, the previously used output will be recalled.
Battery Specifications (Front Light)
- Fenix ARB-L21-5000 V2.0 (21700, 3.6V): Recommended
- Fenix ARB-L21 Series (21700, 3.6V): Usable
- Fenix ARB-L18 Series (18650, 3.6V): Banned
- Rechargeable Battery (21700, 3.7V): Banned
21700 Li-ion batteries are powerful cells designed for commercial applications and must be treated with caution and handled with care. Using low-quality batteries or mishandling batteries (such as short-circuiting or overheating) could lead to combustion and jeopardize the safety of users and property. Using quality batteries with circuit protection will reduce the potential for combustion or explosion. The tail light battery is non-replaceable.
Battery Replacement (Front Light): insert the included battery compartment key into the slot on the front light's tail battery compartment cover, and turn it counterclockwise to open the cover. Insert the battery with the anode side facing inward, then tighten the cover clockwise. Do not use a sharp tool to pry open the compartment.
Charging
Open the anti-dust cover, and connect the Type-C end of the charging cable to the charging port of the front or tail light. The indicator displays a steady red light while charging and turns steady green when fully charged. All outputs can be used normally while charging. When powered off, the normal charging time is about 3.5 hours for the front light and about 1.5 hours for the tail light. Maximum charging power: front light 15W (5V/3A), tail light 2.5W (5V/0.5A) — use only a certified USB charging adapter that complies with local safety standards. Be sure to close the anti-dust cover firmly once charging is complete.
Battery Level Indication
Each time the product is turned on, the indicator will show the battery level for 3 seconds (works only with a Fenix ARB-L21 series rechargeable battery, and only applies to the front light): green on (saturated, 100–85%), green flashing (sufficient, 85–50%), red on (poor, 50–25%), red flashing (critical, 25–1%).
Technical Parameters (ANSI/PLATO FL1)
Front Light — General and Flash Modes:
- Turbo: Output 2500 lumens, Runtime 2 hours 36 minutes*, Distance 180 meters, Intensity 8083 candela
- High: Output 1400 lumens, Runtime 7 hours, Distance 127 meters, Intensity 4017 candela
- Med: Output 600 lumens, Runtime 12 hours, Distance 82 meters, Intensity 1675 candela
- Low: Output 50 lumens, Runtime 52 hours, Distance 23 meters, Intensity 137 candela
- Flash: Output 600/50 lumens
Tail Light — Warning Modes (100 meter warning distance for all):
- Low: Output 10 lumens, Runtime 6 hours
- Low Slow-flash: Output 10 lumens, Runtime 10 hours
- Low Fast-flash: Output 10 lumens, Runtime 15 hours
- High: Output 20 lumens, Runtime 3 hours 43 minutes
- High Slow-flash: Output 20 lumens, Runtime 6 hours 38 minutes
Impact Resistance: 1.5 meters | Waterproof: IP66
Note: Specs measured by Fenix using one Fenix ARB-L21-5000 V2.0 battery (front light) / one built-in 400mAh battery (tail light) at 21±3°C / 50–80% humidity; real-world performance varies. *Turbo output is measured in total runtime including output at reduced levels due to temperature or the built-in protection mechanism.
Intelligent Overheat Protection
The product will accumulate a lot of heat when used at high output levels for extended periods. When it reaches a temperature of 50°C/122°F or above, it will automatically step down a few lumens to reduce the temperature; when the temperature drops below 50°C/122°F, the product will gradually recall the preset output level.
Low-Voltage Warning
When the battery level is low, the battery level indicator will blink red at 3 Hz to remind users to recharge in a timely manner. The product will not turn off automatically, and the indicator will keep blinking until the battery runs out.
Usage and Maintenance
- Disassembling the sealed heads can cause damage to the product and will void the warranty.
- Fenix recommends using an excellent quality battery.
- If the front light will not be used for an extended period, remove the battery, or it could be damaged by electrolyte leakage.
- Recharge a stored product every three months to maintain optimum performance of the batteries.
- Periodic cleaning of the product and battery contacts improves performance, as dirty contacts may cause flickering, intermittent shining, or failure to illuminate.
- If issues persist, contact the distributor.
What's Included
Fenix BC28R front light, BC28R tail light, front light bicycle mount, seatpost mount, mounting strap, ARB-L21-5000 V2.0 battery, battery compartment key, USB Type-C charging cable, spare O-ring, spare bicycle mounting shim, user manual, and warranty card.