SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING

Specification

Tipping the scales at 98g and measuring 64x32x35mm, the See Mee 400 ANT+ is a sizeable beast. A nicely finished machined 6061, anodised aluminium alloy housing serves two purposes. Aside from looking really sharp, it will protect against everyday carelessness and serves as a heat sink, ensuring diodes, switch and circuitry go the distance.

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Run times are refreshingly generous thanks to the beefy 1600mAh lithium-ion battery. This is fuelled by the now- standard USB-C cable, which is included in the bundle. The port cover fits snugly, so I can’t see any weak spots in the weatherproofing. IPX6 is also increasingly common these days and means it will withstand high-pressure water from any direction- rain, waterlogged roads, hosepipes etc.  Not full-blown immersion, mind.

 

In real terms, I’ve never had any issues with lights meeting this standard-on or off-road.  There are three diodes in total, two vertical units projected through a similarly sturdy polycarbonate lens. The third “Optitracing” unit is basically a diode that sits in a turret beneath and projects a beam onto the road, casting an arc around the rider. A concept that’s been employed elsewhere in the Magicshine range and one I’ve found very effective.

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Modes & Switch 4/5

There are five modes in total. Two steady, three flashing, which is practical without feeling complex. The steady and segregated into low (15 lumens all round) and high (90-lumens all round) Night flash ranges between 45 and 75 lumens for the vertical diodes, the “Optitracing” unit 60l-lumens.  The latter does not engage in the day and eco flash settings (400 and 30 lumens, respectively).

 

There’s also a 400-lumen braking function, which works to the same decelerometer principle as competitor designs i.e. the inbuilt sensor detects decreasing speed and triggers the light for 2-3 seconds. This can be disconnected by pressing the power switch for three seconds when the lights on. The switch will emit a steady blue light when the braking function is engaged, flashing blue when off. Pressing and holding the switch for three seconds also engages “transport" mode, meaning the light won’t accidentally power up in a pannier, pocket etc.   

 

Sensored technology includes a sleep mode triggered after 5 minutes if movement stops for 5 minutes. Once motion is sensed, it will re-engage. After two hours, it will shut the light down completely. Not essential but useful at mid-ride breaks and café’ stops. Or of course, if you’re forgetful. Talking of which, there’s an auto kickdown that will engage eco-flash, disable the braking and “wake up” functions once reserves tumble below 10%.

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The switch is a top-mounted affair incorporating a charge-life indicator. A very brief prod will communicate the charge level. A sustained one-second press powers on/off. Subsequent prods cycle through the modes and the memory function defaults to your last selection. The switch is sensibly proportioned and positive-I’ve had no issues operating it wearing full-finger gloves. ANT+ connectivity ensures you can connect and tailor modes and outputs seamlessly, via compatible head units.  I’ve been unable to do this using the Coospo CS600 Coospo CS600 GPS | cycling-not-racing. Others have struggled to achieve a reliable connection between light and Garmin and Wahoo units. According to the manual, the Seemee400 can also be paired to Magicshine’s MJ6558 remote (which can be purchased separately for £19.99).

Mount 3.5/5

 In common with others in the See Mee family, the 400 employs the micro-turn pattern, which is remarkably secure, yet easily dis/engaged when required. Two are included in the package- a traditional watch strap and a rail mount. The forrmer has proven equally reliable on posts between 25.4 and 27.2- there’s scope for 31.8, but 27.2 is as girthy as my fleet gets. It has also played nicely with my Yak homage’s box section tubing. At the other end of the spectrum, no issues with pencil-thin seat stays and I’ve found it reliably tethered to 10mm rack tubing.  

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The rail mount has snapped beautifully into place on the Ergon SR All Road Ergon SR All Road Men’s Saddle | cycling-not-racing and All Road Core Comp rails Ergon SR All Road Core Comp Saddle Men | cycling-not-racing.  Depending on rail shape, you may need to use the supplied zip-ties to ensure correct alignment. Otherwise, it's proved very secure, on and off-road.

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Output/Performance 4.25/5

Potent, yet not oppressive-rider error allowing. I commenced testing with the day flash and was immediately struck by its potency, even on some very bright morning and early evening meanders. 400 lumens aside, the tempo is similarly extrovert. Post-mounted, approaching riders reckoned they could spot it from 550 metres in harsh autumn sunlight. A neighbour in their car and a resting trucker agreed.

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Casual conversation suggests this dipped a bit when mounted low-say on the trailer, but consensus agreed 400-450 metres, which should be adequate warning and braking distance for competent road users. Characteristics that lend it particularly well to recumbents, tandems, trailers, and tagalongs. Night flash ranges between 45 and 75 lumens from the main diode and is boosted by the Opti tracing diode's 60 lumens.

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Way too intense for town centres, I’ve found this mode particularly welcome along faster A-road sections and when tackling bigger roundabouts, the Opti tracing diode throwing a large arc of light around me, like the proverbial spotlight, A neighbour reckoned they spotted the primary diodes at 200 metres on a cloudy night, but commented that the Optitracing's red arc seemed to encourage vehicles to give a wider berth when overtaking.

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Again, particularly effective when I’ve tethered the Seemee 400 to my low-slung Yak, the Coospo TR70 Radar Taillight to the bike’s seatpost, providing light and radar.  Coospo TR70 Radar Taillight | cycling-not-racing.  The trailer’s chrome effect finish further amplified the Seemee 400’s Opti tracing diode. In this context, the same neighbour reckoned the trailer was obvious from 250metres.

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15 lumen low, at least on a solo, is about right for suburban and town work, while still having enough presence along darker roads. Practical enough when needing to conserve some juice, or your ride combines all three environments and you didn't (or couldn't) fancy adjusting via head unit or remote.

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Visibility was cited around the 35-60 metre mark-lower in built-up areas, given the competing illuminations and traffic density. That said; the arc of light cast by the Opti tracing diode provides a big cloak and ample presence in stop-go traffic scenarios.  These qualities lend it well to group riding, where you want to remain conspicuous but without being antisocial at close quarters.

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The steady modes lack the outright punch of the flashing but are still mightily effective. Low (15 lumens main, 15-lumen Opti trace) arguably hits the sweet spot for group and town riding, while still having a surprising amount of presence further afield and riding solo. There are two settings for the Optitrace-steady and flashing. Both are incredibly effective. I’ve been inclined toward the flashing along open roads and steady through town.  

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Casual observation suggests the main light was visible between 40 and 60 metres. Despite being steady, its high counterpart isn’t something I’d select for city limits, save for fog, since it’s too intense at close quarters. 90 lumens apiece come into their own through the sticks. A resting trucker reckoned 250 metres plus on an overcast and distinctly autumnal dawn outing.

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Braking Function 3/5

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The braking function, though not unduly sensitive, will put a dent in run times-as much as 5 hours when grinding along longer climbs and if you're doing a lot of stop-start traffic. However, it's easily disengaged and I have found it effective when at the front of a group or needing to stop sharply in a long queue of traffic.

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Run & Charge Times 3.75/5

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Zero to hero charging takes 2.5 hours, faster from the mains-I’ve had ours fully juiced in 2 hours 10 minutes using a tablet charge cable. Run times in temperatures between 21 and 7 degrees have been within seven minutes of those cited, with the braking function disengaged.  The auto kick-down to eco mode is similarly reliable, although I was surprised by how rapidly it turned from green to flashing red when in the 400-lumen day flash. Crucially, the light has never plunged me into darkness and as with lights generally, frequent charging is good practice.

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 Care/Durability 3.75/5         

Factors such as mudguards will play their part, but grime can collect around the lens surrounds- easily cleaned with a medium soft brush. Tooth brushes seem particularly effective for this sort of detail work.  I've also gone this route with the mount since it can also turn a little gritty, leading to swirls and scratches on posts or paintwork. No worse than similar designs and a point of note, rather than criticism, or con. 

 

Our sample has sustained direct hits from stones and similar projectiles without any ill-effect, or blemish. I’ve left ours in situ while giving bikes sudsy bucket deep cleans and naturally called Magicshine’s bluff by subjecting it to a 3-minute, close-range hosepipe blasting. No hint of ingress and suggests it will resist winter’s wettest days. A quick shot of silicone spray on the port cover will keep it supple and snug-fitting. Otherwise, disciplined charging will give the lithium-ion battery a sporting chance of going the distance. 

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Value 3.75/5

Given the specification, the Magicshine Seemee 400 ANT+ represents excellent value for money, although some may baulk at paying an extra £20 for a wireless remote (assuming it won’t tether to your head unit), Being picky, I’d like to see the remote thrown in with the package, even if it meant a small hike in the price. That out of the way, its closest price point rival is arguably Ravemen’s TR600 USB Rechargeable Rear Light with Brake-Detection Function in Black (£69.99). This produces a maximum of 400lumens. It also promises a jaw-dropping 360-hour runtime, although it’s worth noting this is only in the 2-lumen slow-flashing mode.

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There are 6 other modes, including a 600-lumen daytime flash. There’s also a smart mode that automatically selects according to lighting conditions. Not forgetting a braking function and auto on/off that works on movement. If the bike's stationary for two minutes, it'll engage a sleep mode. Moving the bike will wake it. I remain fond of The TR500 Ravemen TR500 Rear Light | cycling-not-racing but haven’t had the opportunity to play with the TR600, so cannot make direct, real-world comparison with the Seemee 400ANT+.

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If sheer output wasn’t your priority Coospo TR70 Radar Taiil light Coospo TR70 Radar Taillight | cycling-not-racing offers 7 modes, a maximum output of 70 lumens. This sounds modest in comparison, yet still effective in all riding contexts. It can also be paired with a head unit (or phone app) for visual and auditory warning of approaching traffic. As I’ve indicated, the output, day-flash in particular, doesn’t rival the Magicshine Seemee400 ANT+ but the light's other “intelligent” technology may be more appealing.

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The Lezyne Strip Pro AI Alert 400+ Rear Light is almost £10 cheaper than the Seemee 400ANT+. It offers a more sophisticated braking sensor, theoretically less reactive than those employing accelerometer technology. IPX7 for weatherproofing, it also features a 400-lumen day flash mode, 270-degree reach and a 5-lumen FEMTO mode reckoned to last 80 hours from its 1900mAh cell. However, though impressive on paper, it falls a good bit short of the Magicshine’s 30Lumen Eco-Flash, and the See Mee 400 has that third, Optitracing diode for increased presence.  

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Exposure Boost-R with ReAKT and Peloton is another sophisticated light featuring clever, sensored technology. This is also reflected in the price (£90). The outer 6063 aluminium alloy body houses a 1400 mAh Li-Ion battery and a red XPE-R LED. The Re-AKT function serves two roles. Triggering a 150-lumen braking light, but also an ambient light sensor tailoring light and environment.

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Continuing this theme, we have the Peloton mode, which automatically tones down the output to avoid dazzling approaching riders-arguably of greatest benefit on a group run. It works by detecting light from an approaching headlamp. Weatherproofing is slightly higher than the Seemee 400 (IPX65). Mind you, though very good, output and runtimes still fall noticeably short of the Seemee400 ANT+.     

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Summary

I've been very impressed by the Magicshine Seemee 400 ANT+. Its powerful, yet intelligent features cater for most riding environments and are very user-friendly. Horses-for-courses. Clutterphobic riders with bikes on calorie-controlled diets may want to look elsewhere. However, the ANT+ large surface area, output and Opti tracing lens lend the Seemee 400ANT+ particularly well to recumbents, tandems, trikes, and trailers.    

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Michael Stenning 

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Verdict: 3.75/5 Powerful, yet practical and user-friendly light for most riding conditions 

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Magicshine UK | Bike Lights for Road, MTB & Commuting

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