Trek is known primarily for its bikes, but under the Bontrager umbrella it has long produced some truly outstanding bike lights. The Flare RT, for example, has long been included in our guide to the best bike lights, as has our selection of front lights.

The Bontrager name has been somewhat overshadowed in recent years, but from today's news, it appears that product development is continuing unabated, with a brand new flagship light with built-in radar technology called the CarBack in the Trek product line. Trek's new product line includes a brand new flagship light with built-in radar technology called the CarBack. [Trek's new product combines the performance of its market-leading rear light technology with a rear radar that warns of approaching traffic from behind.

According to Trek, it can connect to a cycle computer via ANT+ or a smartphone app (presumably via Bluetooth) to see where the following vehicle is on the road and at what speed it is approaching.

Like the Flare RT rear light, Trek describes this as a daytime running light, promising visibility from up to 2 km away. Meanwhile, the new integrated radar is said to be able to detect vehicles up to 240 meters away.

The radar technology has been well received by product testers at Cycling News. However, Trek knows it faces stiff competition from Garmin, whose Varia radar and rear light combination has already been on the market for more than half a century.

But Trek is confident. In its media release for the product, Trek clearly calls out its competitors by promising a "best-in-class experience compared to Garmin Varia and other competitive products."

Those other competitors are currently few in number; DC Rainmaker reports that Garmin's patent on the technology will expire in 2021, and two lesser-known companies are planning to launch their products in the summer of 2022, Brighton with Gardia and Magene with Magicshine Seemee, both of which were quick to capitalize on the current trend.

Trek's entry into the market may be a bit late by comparison, but on paper the specs look competitive: USB-C charging, IPX7 water resistance, and the ability to connect to major cycle computers. It also boasts a newly designed mount that Trek says is compatible with all bikes, including the Madone Aerobike.

Priced at £169.99 / $199.99 / €199.99 / $299 Australian, it is available immediately at Trek Bikes.