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SOC15: Bontrager adds ANT+ Transmitr remote control for lights now, cycling computers & more in future!

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Bontrager Transmitr Remote ANT+ remote control for bicycle lights cycling computers and more

Bontrager just released the ultra bright Flare R tail light designed for use on daytime rides to keep you visible even during full sunlight, but the future of that product was already brighter.

Centered around their new ANT+ Transmitr Remote, the combo of the new Flare RT and Ion 700 RT lights create a wirelessly controlled front and rear light setup. Which sounds a little ridiculous, until we found out this is only the beginning…

Bontrager Transmitr Remote ANT+ remote control for bicycle lights cycling computers and more

Using a combination of buttons, the Transmitr can control up to seven devices, switching between modes or cycling a compatible device on or off. So, you could just link front and rear lights and turn them both on and off simultaneously using only the center button. Or you could get creative and put a tail light on each pannier and use them as turn signals.

Bontrager Transmitr Remote ANT+ remote control for bicycle lights cycling computers and more

Or you could almost certainly rightly assume that Bontrager has way more Transmitr compatible products up their sleeves. Like cycling computers, which could benefit from more ergonomic button placement now that we’re all putting them far out in front of our handlebars. Or helmet mounted lights, who’s buttons aren’t always easy to use with full finger gloves.

The Transmitr Remote goes for $69.99 with CR3032 battery. The Flare RT comes in at 79.99 (a $20 premium over the non-ANT+ Flare R).

The Ion RT headlight runs $159.99 and pumps out a max of 700 lumens with a focused beam plus side lighting for 270º of total visibility (yours and others seeing you). Like the Flare, it’s intended to make you visible during the day as well as letting you see where you’re going once the sun’s set.

So, what would you like to see the Transmitr control? Our vote is a garage door opener…leave yours in the comments!

Bontrager.com

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BeerEnergy
BeerEnergy
9 years ago

Keg fridge!

Justin
Justin
9 years ago

As long as these don’t suffer from the reliability issues I have seen with so many Bontrager branded electronics (namely computers such as the Node), I am all for it.

Craig
Craig
9 years ago

These are very cool. I don’t need to buy lights the moment but will be checking these out when I do. Being able to set up for turning indicators sounds like a great feature for commuting.

Ilya
Ilya
9 years ago

I like the idea, but prices are ridiculous. $70 for a meager set of buttons and ANT controller, seriously?

Ultraclyde
Ultraclyde
9 years ago

How about a high beam / low beam headlight switch? Would be useful when commuting so you could see in the dark spots but not blind oncoming pedestrians / cyclists/ etc? How about more phones with ANT+ compatibility so you could start/stop a ride app with the remote (Strava, MapMyRide, RideWithGPS, etc)?

I’ve run a Node 2.1 unprotected in all kinds of weather for 2 years – swapping it between my mountain bike and my road bike – and I haven’t had any reliability issues. It seems like I’m in the minority given what you read on the ‘net though.

T
T
9 years ago

I would like it to control the motor hidden in my seat tube. I would also like it to control the wireless shifting of the people I am racing against.

T
T
9 years ago

Oh wait, if it could control wind direction and speed, that would be helpful too.

Dave B
Dave B
9 years ago

The ability to turn a tail light on and off without stopping the bike or reaching back blindly for the switch would be a real benefit, particularly if it’s mounted on a rack, not the seatpost.

Also, the turn signal idea has merit.

Jack
Jack
9 years ago

As you get to more complex setups (headlight, taillight, bar light, maybe your cycling computer..) it would be good to have an app to configure profiles / templates so you don’t end up fiddling with push buttons to sync everything.

Daylight commute / night commute / trail / rain / Bike 1, Bike 2 / could all have different templates that would be easy to configure in an app, but a PITA with pressing ‘Mode’ buttons over and over.

JohnD
JohnD
9 years ago

I’d love to be able to launch an Electromagnetic Pulse to disable the cars of a**holes who yell, honk, throw something or otherwise act up. Please and thank you.

Zack
Zack
9 years ago

@Ultraclyde
If you press the center button while the lights are on, it automatically cycles the headlights back to their high-beam setting.

LA
LA
9 years ago

Bontrager NEW products are NOT available in Singapore.

I”ve been trying to get Ion 700 ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3V4gJa6zUk ) from local Trek bike seller,vendor ( http://www.treknology3.com/mega-showroom/ ) since the product launched but the answer is always same “we don’t have that model”.

Since this is not available from local vendor(s) , make new products available through chainreactioncycle.com or amazon.com.

Thanks.

Bazz
Bazz
9 years ago

The wireless part is exciting for pannier-mounted turn signals. No problem in removing a pannier for shopping, unlike with a wired system. Pannier mounting gives a wider horizontal separation than frame-mounting, for better chance of being seen as turning lights (vs. frame-mounting).
Oh excellent, from the Flare manual (FCC filing) they did a perfect job with light behavior and interface “Turn Signal Configuration”!
==========
–Turn Signal Configuration limits the Flare RT to a Steady-Low (primary mode), and flashing (activated when turning.)
— Remote operates the turn signals similar to a motorcycle: one press turns on the signalthe signal; another press turns the signal off.
— The remote will show the signal flashing on the paired button for that light
==========

So, only problem with buying this for my panniers: costs $230: $70 remote + (2 x $80 lights). I’m also a little puzzled by their use of ANT+, shouldn’t a forward-looking item like this use Bluetooth Smart so can speak to phones?
Other comments: Great for a light mounted on the rear helmet; there’s no way to check that one without de-helmeting. The remote has its own indicator lights to confirm what lights are on and (from a quick demo I was given) even what patterns they are flashing.

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