Redshift Arclight Pro pedals review + 15% discount code (smart bike lights tested)
Hands-on Redshift Arclight Pro pedals review. Tested on night commutes and gravel tracks, bio-motion smart lights explained, pros and cons, and 15% discount code BIKESANDBACON.
Winter commuting or navigating city streets at night isn't exactly a walk in the park. Beyond your standard helmet and frame lights, the goal is to be seen from every possible angle.
The Arclight PRO Flat Pedals by Redshift aim to solve the visibility problem by putting lights where drivers are most likely to notice them: on your moving feet. I've been testing them out to see if they live up to the hype.
Quick verdict: are the Redshift Arclight Pro pedals worth it?
If you ride at dawn, dusk, or in dark wet winters, the Redshift Arclight Pro pedals provide a genuine step-change in visibility. Because human drivers are hardwired to notice biological pedaling motion, circular moving lights trigger recognition up to 57% faster than a static seatpost blinker.
Pros
- Unbeatable bio-motion visibility: Moving pedal arcs stand out instantly in busy urban traffic.
- Auto-color orientation: Smart sensors automatically keep front LEDs white and rear LEDs red, regardless of how the pedal spins.
- Modular USB hub charging: All four modules pop out with a magnetic click and charge together on the 4-port USB dock.
- High-grip platform: CNC machined 6061-T6 aluminum body with replaceable traction pins provides rock-solid grip in wet weather.
Cons
- Theft risk when locked up: The quick-release magnetic pods must be pocketed when leaving your bike locked on city streets.
- Weight: At ~440g (flat) or ~510g (clipless), they are heavier than minimal road or XC pedals.
| Specification | Arclight Pro Flat | Arclight Pro Clipless |
|---|---|---|
| Body Material | CNC 6061-T6 Aluminum | CNC 6061-T6 Aluminum |
| Cleat Interface | Replaceable traction pins | Dual-sided Shimano SPD compatible |
| Battery Life | 3h (Solid), 11h (Flash), 36h (Eco-flash) | 3h (Solid), 11h (Flash), 36h (Eco-flash) |
| Weatherproofing | IPX6 waterproof rating | IPX6 waterproof rating |
| Charging | 4-port USB charging hub (included) | 4-port USB charging hub (included) |
Why these pedals are actually "smart"
Usually, when a cycling component is called "smart," it means there's an app you'll never use. In this case, the "smarts" are built directly into the hardware to make your life easier.
- Auto-Color Orientation: The pedals use internal sensors to figure out which way is forward. No matter how the pedal flips, the front-facing LEDs stay white and the rear-facing ones stay red.
- Auto On/Off: They feature motion-sensing technology. They wake up the moment you start moving and shut down after you park to preserve the battery.
- Bio-Motion: Human brains are hardwired to recognize the specific motion of a person pedaling. By placing lights on the pedals, you are instantly recognizable as a cyclist rather than a random flickering light.
The light inserts: the genius and the gamble
The real talking point here isn't just that the pedals have lights - it's how those lights are integrated. Redshift went with a modular, magnetic design that changes the user experience entirely.
The Good: Engineering Done Right
- The "Snap" Factor: The magnetic locking system is incredibly satisfying. You don't need tools, clips, or brute force. They slide in and "thunk" into place with a level of security that survived my worst pothole encounters.
- Charging Simplicity: Because the inserts are modular, you aren't bringing your dirty bike to a wall outlet. You pop the four modules out and stick them into the included 4-port USB dock.
- No Flimsy Plastic: Most bike lights fail at the mount. By using magnets and a recessed housing, there are no plastic tabs to snap off and no rubber bands to perish in the sun.
The Bad: The Commuter's Dilemma
- The "Quick-Release" Curse: The same magnetic design that makes them easy for you to remove makes them just as easy for a thief to pocket. If you leave your bike locked outside a shop, those £40 modules are essentially sitting there behind a "free to a good home" sign. To keep them safe, you have to develop the habit of "harvesting" your pedals every time you lock up. It only takes five seconds, but it's one more thing to remember.
Who are they for?
These are a perfect fit for commuters and e-bike riders. If you're already riding a bike that weighs 20kg+, you won't notice the few extra grams these pedals add in exchange for the massive safety boost.
It is also worth noting that Redshift caters to both camps here. The Arclight PROs come in two versions:
- Flat Pedals: (The ones I've reviewed here) perfect for everyday shoes and urban riding.
- Clipless Pedals: A dual-sided SPD-compatible version for those who want the safety of the lights but prefer being clipped in for efficiency.
I originally planned to keep the flats on my gravel bike for those murky winter night rides. However, after my wife saw them in action, she "requisitioned" them for her commuter bike immediately. I think that's the ultimate glowing review 😅
Get a Discount on Redshift Gear
If you're looking to pick up a set of Arclight PROs or any other Redshift gear (like their famous ShockStop stem), I have a 15% discount for you, just use this link and make sure to use this code at the checkout:
BIKESANDBACON
Just a heads-up, this won't work during sales, and a few accessories might be excluded.
