Thanks! The RN 1200 does indeed offer a lot of features and output for the price. We only wish it had a removable battery like the Magicshine Allty 2000 or Monteer 1400, as it already has a universal Garmin mount and USB Type-C charging/discharging.
Thanks for this review. I've been looking for a new light for my eMTB, for which I was after a bit more reach. The garmin mount for this was selling it for me as I have an unused computer mount waiting for it and your review was all the recommendation I needed to pick one up on offer.
Glad the review could be helpful. You can't really go wrong with the Magicshine RN series. They all have the USB-C / Garmin mount + multi-level battery status indicators. If you need more power, there is even a RN 3000 that can light up the road.
What I find crazy is how they were able to include an ambient light sensor in the rear light but nothing interesting in the front light which is unfortunate.
Unfortunately, it cannot be flipped. We hope Magicshine adds that feature or offers a dual sided mounting option, as mounting it upside down on an out front mount really cleans up your handlebars. We'd recommend the Allty 1000 or the new Allty 1500 if you want a similar light that can be run upside down.
@@TheSweetCyclists just wanted to say i love your content and this question is exactly what i was looking for! its very helpful to people like me.. does the Magicshine RN1500 also have the lens flip feature as i plan to do the same and mount my light under my bike comp, but i cant find the answer anywhere
Their info-graphic is definitely exaggerated. This a 'soft beam cutoff' and is similar to the Fenix BC21R V2. If you look at the beam side shot specifically (10:04) you can see there is more light on the ground compared to standard light. So it definitely helps reduce glare and improves the overall beam, but it is not a StVZO style beam cut-off.
@@TheSweetCyclists Yes, I agree with you. Clearly the advertisement has a confusion of terms. Examples of cut-off line lights are the Ravemen CR900 or the Fenix BC25R. The RN1200 is just a light with a "glare-reducton" line.
Yes, the RN 1200 has a standard Garmin style mount and even comes with a Garmin to GoPro adapter so you can adjust the angle of the light. Note if you place the light upside down you will need to tilt it downward as the anti-glare deflectors on the lens are designed to work with the light mounted right-side up.
Good question, most bike lights still use propriety designs but offer at least optional GoPro adapters (Bontrager / Light and Motion for example). All of Magicshine's lights use Garmin style mounts which one of our favorite features of the light. If you are looking at other lights I recommend looking at the product photos carefully or checking to see how much the adapters cost before buying.
Is the mount secure enough that it won't detach easily if it was nudged by accident? Am considering this bike light but am not quite confident with a quarter turn lock for a mount.
Yes, the Garmin quarter turn style mount is very secure and used for GPS computers and heavier lights. It clicks into place and only remove if you grab it and rotate it. The included plastic mount is strong, but I'd recommend a out-front mount like the one pictured in the thumbnail to put the light directly in front of your stem.
@@TheSweetCyclists I just received my order. I was able to get a RN1500. You are right. The mount locks securely. I also bought a Seemee 200 and it works great too. Everything checks out from your reviews. It was a good decision to watch your reviews first before making the purchase. Keep up with the great reviews. And speaking of reviews, I’d love to know your thoughts on the Nitecore BR35 and BR25. These were my other choices before I decided to go with Magicshine. Cheers.
That depends on your riding style and speed. The RN 1200 is quite bright, but if you're doing faster and more technical mountain biking you'll want a dual helmet/handlebar setup to see around corners and further ahead.
@@TheSweetCyclists I have a Bontrager stem, which has a shape ways element bolt v2 high mount, Integrated, and I really like that location of the computer (center and out front). I want the bike light to sit adjacent to the stem center on the handlebar, but not shine on the computer because it dims the computer at night. What do you recommend? Mounting the light beneath the computer is not an option because I have cable conflict
We switched over to the RN 1500 around last year, but haven't had issues with either light setup. It's a pretty robust design with single LED and power button.
@@JitinMisra This is the review for the Magicshine version but the Olight lights are simply rebranded Magicshine lights. Some of the Olight variations have less features or lower output, but they appear to share the same housing / lenses for the most part. I'd highly recommend either as the Magicshine lights are budget friendly and quite bright. Something like the RN 1200 or RN 1500 are more than bright enough for night time riding.
@@TheSweetCyclists but are these lights your favorite ? I have the amp1100, I find the battery only lasts 1.5 hours at 1100 lumens and dies, and is kind of bulky
ALLTY 1000 is more multi functional, RN 1200 with cutting line to level off upper lights, which is more friendly for road cycle. From the look, ALLTY 1000 is more compact. While RN 1200 can work as a power bank. So you can decide.
Great question. The RN 1200 has a few advantages over the Allty 1000: brighter (1200 vs 1000 lumen), higher-tech (USB-C vs Micro USB), cheaper ($75 vs $85) and optics (Soft Beam Cutoff). I do still like the Allty 1000 a bit more, as it has the DRL (day time running light) and sleeker power button.
Thanks for sharing your observed runtime. It's surprising to see such a big difference, maybe Magicshine improved the LED or battery spec and forgot to update runtimes.
great review. seems like a well-rounded light at an excellent price point. Very nice to see the usb-c type charging.
Thanks! The RN 1200 does indeed offer a lot of features and output for the price. We only wish it had a removable battery like the Magicshine Allty 2000 or Monteer 1400, as it already has a universal Garmin mount and USB Type-C charging/discharging.
Thanks for this review. I've been looking for a new light for my eMTB, for which I was after a bit more reach. The garmin mount for this was selling it for me as I have an unused computer mount waiting for it and your review was all the recommendation I needed to pick one up on offer.
Glad the review could be helpful. You can't really go wrong with the Magicshine RN series. They all have the USB-C / Garmin mount + multi-level battery status indicators. If you need more power, there is even a RN 3000 that can light up the road.
What I find crazy is how they were able to include an ambient light sensor in the rear light but nothing interesting in the front light which is unfortunate.
That's a good point. It would be great to see an ambient light sensor to switch between DRLs/main LED similar to the Lupine SL has.
hi mate, what would you pick... magicshine rn1200 or knog blinder 1300... ?
Personally, I like the Magicshine lines a bit more as you have a Garmin quarter turn mount that's compatible with just about anything.
@@TheSweetCyclists thank you man. Appreciate it 👍🏼
Can the lens be flipped? Best to mount upside down for competitive road riders.
Unfortunately, it cannot be flipped. We hope Magicshine adds that feature or offers a dual sided mounting option, as mounting it upside down on an out front mount really cleans up your handlebars. We'd recommend the Allty 1000 or the new Allty 1500 if you want a similar light that can be run upside down.
@@TheSweetCyclists just wanted to say i love your content and this question is exactly what i was looking for! its very helpful to people like me.. does the Magicshine RN1500 also have the lens flip feature as i plan to do the same and mount my light under my bike comp, but i cant find the answer anywhere
Nice review! I see that is not what Magicshine advertises; I don't see the cut-off line anywhere, it looks like a common round beam light 9:22.
Their info-graphic is definitely exaggerated. This a 'soft beam cutoff' and is similar to the Fenix BC21R V2. If you look at the beam side shot specifically (10:04) you can see there is more light on the ground compared to standard light. So it definitely helps reduce glare and improves the overall beam, but it is not a StVZO style beam cut-off.
@@TheSweetCyclists Yes, I agree with you. Clearly the advertisement has a confusion of terms. Examples of cut-off line lights are the Ravemen CR900 or the Fenix BC25R. The RN1200 is just a light with a "glare-reducton" line.
@@nelsonmejia4023 Which one would you choose? This or the Allty1000?
@@twosix_00 I don't like any of them, I prefer the Ravemen CR1000. But between theses ones I'd go for the RN1200.
@@nelsonmejia4023 What do you think about CatEye lights? Have you use someone?
i have garmin out front mount , if i buy this light can i mount it under neat my garmin computer? or a need to buy extra adapter or so ?
Yes, the RN 1200 has a standard Garmin style mount and even comes with a Garmin to GoPro adapter so you can adjust the angle of the light. Note if you place the light upside down you will need to tilt it downward as the anti-glare deflectors on the lens are designed to work with the light mounted right-side up.
@@TheSweetCyclists thanks a lot for the answer! Is there any other good light in the market that comes with Garmin and go pro mount in the box ? I
Good question, most bike lights still use propriety designs but offer at least optional GoPro adapters (Bontrager / Light and Motion for example). All of Magicshine's lights use Garmin style mounts which one of our favorite features of the light. If you are looking at other lights I recommend looking at the product photos carefully or checking to see how much the adapters cost before buying.
My phone uses normal USB input, where can I buy a cable to take advantage of the Powerbank that is type C input
You should be able to find use any USB-C to Micro USB cable to charge the RN 1200 with. Amazon / Newegg and other sites sell them.
Is the mount secure enough that it won't detach easily if it was nudged by accident? Am considering this bike light but am not quite confident with a quarter turn lock for a mount.
Yes, the Garmin quarter turn style mount is very secure and used for GPS computers and heavier lights. It clicks into place and only remove if you grab it and rotate it. The included plastic mount is strong, but I'd recommend a out-front mount like the one pictured in the thumbnail to put the light directly in front of your stem.
@@TheSweetCyclists Thank you so much for the feedback. I appreciate it. Cheers.
@@TheSweetCyclists I just received my order. I was able to get a RN1500. You are right. The mount locks securely. I also bought a Seemee 200 and it works great too. Everything checks out from your reviews. It was a good decision to watch your reviews first before making the purchase.
Keep up with the great reviews. And speaking of reviews, I’d love to know your thoughts on the Nitecore BR35 and BR25. These were my other choices before I decided to go with Magicshine.
Cheers.
@@PutitoCorner very good lights! I have a RN1500 too and an Allty1000,with the Seemee200 and Seemee180,very happy with my lights :)!
Will this be enough for trail riding?
That depends on your riding style and speed. The RN 1200 is quite bright, but if you're doing faster and more technical mountain biking you'll want a dual helmet/handlebar setup to see around corners and further ahead.
@@TheSweetCyclists I have a Bontrager stem, which has a shape ways element bolt v2 high mount, Integrated, and I really like that location of the computer (center and out front). I want the bike light to sit adjacent to the stem center on the handlebar, but not shine on the computer because it dims the computer at night. What do you recommend? Mounting the light beneath the computer is not an option because I have cable conflict
@@JitinMisra Great timing with the question. Have you seen the MJ-6500 mount for the RN lights? magicshine.com/collections/mount/products/mj-6500
Hey question: after 2 years of use. Is there any issues with it?
We switched over to the RN 1500 around last year, but haven't had issues with either light setup. It's a pretty robust design with single LED and power button.
@@TheSweetCyclists Is it the magic shine or Olight variant ? Are either of these the best lights you recommend for road riding at night ?
@@JitinMisra This is the review for the Magicshine version but the Olight lights are simply rebranded Magicshine lights. Some of the Olight variations have less features or lower output, but they appear to share the same housing / lenses for the most part. I'd highly recommend either as the Magicshine lights are budget friendly and quite bright. Something like the RN 1200 or RN 1500 are more than bright enough for night time riding.
@@TheSweetCyclists but are these lights your favorite ? I have the amp1100, I find the battery only lasts 1.5 hours at 1100 lumens and dies, and is kind of bulky
can be use as a power bank?
Yes I believe so. The USB Type-C can discharge or charge devices which is a nice perk.
Between the Allty 1000 and this one, which one is better and why?
ALLTY 1000 is more multi functional, RN 1200 with cutting line to level off upper lights, which is more friendly for road cycle.
From the look, ALLTY 1000 is more compact. While RN 1200 can work as a power bank.
So you can decide.
Great question. The RN 1200 has a few advantages over the Allty 1000: brighter (1200 vs 1000 lumen), higher-tech (USB-C vs Micro USB), cheaper ($75 vs $85) and optics (Soft Beam Cutoff). I do still like the Allty 1000 a bit more, as it has the DRL (day time running light) and sleeker power button.
@@MagicshineLights So which one would be better or more effective for uneven terrain and dirt?
@@twosix_00 ALLTY 1000. But I will suggest our off road light, like MJ 906 /900, or Monteer 8000S /6500S magicshine.com/
@@MagicshineLights why is the RN1200 bad for mtb riding? I am looking for a MTB light that does not have an external battery
I tested the claimed run times and this is what I found
CLAIMED ACTUAL
Low. 6.5 13.5
Med. 3 5h 10m
High. 1.5 2h 25m
(Flash 1) 7 13
(Flash 2) 5 11
Thanks for sharing your observed runtime. It's surprising to see such a big difference, maybe Magicshine improved the LED or battery spec and forgot to update runtimes.
They basically copied Olight rn1200
I believe Magicshine and Olight are working together. Most of Olights products are just rebranded or slightly modified Magicshine lights.