Fenix BC26R

89/100
BikeRide Score
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Facts

Light Type
Mounting
Brand
Bike Type
Lumens
1600 Lumens
Battery Life
3.5 to 65 Hours
Power
Weight
5.47 oz
Water Resistance Level
IP Rating
IP68

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Fenix BC26R. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

8 reasons to buy

  • The Fenix BC26R is waterproof (IP68).
  • Experts feel the secure mount, low weight, and compact design make the BC26R a great helmet light.
  • Testers who praise the intuitive operation find it easy to toggle modes, even with gloves on.
  • The battery is removable and swappable.
  • Small cutouts on the side of the BC26R offer some side-on visibility.
  • Fenix provides a helpful chart showing how brightness drops with battery level in each mode.
  • The BC26R is competitively priced, given its lumen output.
  • The BC26R’s shape makes it suitable to use as a flashlight.

7 reasons not to buy

  • Experts consider the 100° beam angle narrow, one saying it’s insufficient for night riding off-road when used as a primary handlebar-mounted light.
  • Owners say the battery life is lower than Fenix’s claimed run times.
  • The proprietary mount only fits handlebar diameters from 28mm to 35mm.
  • Several buyers complain that the BC26R quickly overheats and shuts off when used at high output, even in cool temperatures.
  • Owners say the mount’s screw loosens with use, causing the light to shift on the bars.
  • The light doesn’t feature a beam cutoff design to prevent blinding other road users.
  • Some owners report their BC26Rs randomly turning off, but Fenix addresses this issue with warranty replacements.

Bottom line

The Fenix BC26R is a 1600-lumen front bike light with a rechargeable, swappable battery and five modes, including flashing. It receives praise for its simple operation, brightness, and versatility as a helmet or handlebar light. Owners and experts complain about loosening mounts, narrow beam spread, and disappointing battery life. However, the most worrying issue is frequent cut-outs due to overheating or faulty batteries. The beam spread is also insufficient for use as a primary off-road light. When it works, the BC26R is deemed good value, especially as a helmet light, but the overheating problem reduces its appeal.

Expert Reviews

90/100 based on 2 rated expert reviews
92
The Sweet Cyclists

Fenix BC26R LED Bike Front Headlight Replaceable Batteries Review

Overall, we found the Fenix BC26R to be a well-designed and bright bike headlight… if you’re looking for a modern bike light with a replaceable battery, the BC26R is hard to beat.

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89
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This review has been given a score. Read more here
Singletracks

The Fenix BC26R Bike Light Is Bright and Water Tight [Review]

As a helmet light or a light for bikepacking, the Fenix BC26R is light, bright, and water-tight.

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Bike Adventures

Fenix BC21R vs BC26R | Can They Be Used as MTB Bike Lights?

It’s quite obvious that these lights were not designed solely with MTBs in mind, but rather for road or commuter bikes.

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Jaymar's Hands

Unboxing, Ride, and Review: Fenix BC26R Bike Light

… this is the best bike light you can get.

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Best Day Ever MTB

Reviewing the Fenix BC26R Bike Light – We Have a Problem!

They both seem to work pretty well…

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Cycle Rider Roy

Best Bicycle Front Light in India | Waterproof | 2-Year Warranty | Fenix BC26R | BC05R Review

The highest intensity of this light… can give you a battery backup of at least one to two hours, not more than that because, after that, this light heats up a lot.

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Hiking and Fishing

Fenix BC26R Light Review

Ultimately, if you need a light for nighttime adventures, you can’t go wrong with Fenix. We really loved the quality and output of this light, and the compact size and weight made it perfect for helmet use.

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Rozładowani

Fenix ​​BC26R Bike Light for Demanding Users With 1600 Lumens (First Impressions) [Polish]

Both the power, the layout of the modes and the nature of the light give the impression that we will really be friends with the BC26R.

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Test: Fenix ​​BC26R & BC05R v2.0 [Czech]

The light modes on the Fenix ​​BC26R are well laid out. I would recommend the Turbo 1600 Lumens for more difficult terrain than a forest road, where the 600 Lumens mode is more than sufficient.

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User Ratings

83/100 based on 86 ratings
  • 5 star
    64%
  • 4 star
    16%
  • 3 star
    5%
  • 2 star
    3%
  • 1 star
    12%

Bike Light Comparison

Fenix BC26R in comparison to averages