Lezyne Zecto Drive Max rear light review

With lots of lumens, loads of modes and multiple mounting options, the Lezyne Zecto Drive Max is a powerful and versatile light for commuting or cycling at night.

Based around a trio of very bright LEDs hidden behind a watch-like casing, the Zecto Drive Max offers eight modes. These include two day-flash options, the 250-lumen version of which lasts a respectable nine hours.

When the evening rolls around, and in the interests of not dazzling drivers, the Zecto drops down 35 lumens (with a claimed run time of six hours) or less.

There are eight modes in all, with the most economical of those offering 24 hours of claimed run time – a good choice for riders who don’t want to recharge too regularly, and who need only limited output.

Lezyne Zecto Drive Max in use

The Zecto Drive Max is operated via a single button, which is a little stiff to activate, though that does mean there’s little chance of turning it on by accident in a bag.

A single click shows charge remaining, a press-and-hold turns the light on, while further clicks scroll through the modes.

Four disco-like multi-coloured indicator lights down either side of the light show the current battery status.

Given the choice on offer, it’s nice to find the Zecto features a memory function, enabling it to return to the last selected mode rather than requiring you to flick through every time you turn it on.

Details such as these make the Zecto Drive Max one of the best bike lights out there if you’re looking for a rear lamp.

With a metal bezel around the lens, a rubberised bumper surrounding the main body of the light and an indestructible-feeling plastic back, the Zecto Drive can stand plenty of rough and tumble.

It’s possible to either attach the light to the seatpost via its rubber strap or slip it directly onto a bag or belt, thanks to the addition of a built-in clip on the reverse – a useful addition if you’re someone who might use the Zecto as a second light when cycling to work.

That said, while it’s very versatile, this combo does leave the whole assemblage on the bulky side. Another minor grumble is that the lack of an additional bumper on the back means a wrap of electrical tape is a necessary addition to your seatpost if you’re worried about it being marked.

Lezyne Zecto Drive Max visibility

Once in place, the light’s three LEDs are extremely visible when viewed from behind, while visibility at more obtuse angles is decent thanks to its broad face.

At 90 degrees, side-on illumination is less pronounced than on some lights, although it’s questionable how much extra safety this adds in the real world anyway.

Either way, the Zecto is so bright there’s little excuse for anyone to miss it, whatever their angle of approach.

Lezyne Zecto Drive Max bottom line

The Lezyne Zecto Drive Max is a rear light that can do it all, thanks to the variety of modes on offer, generous battery life and dual-mounting options, though that does mean it’s bulkier than most.

Lezyne Zecto Drive Max modes and claimed run times