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Fenix BC26R Reference ManualUpdated 20 minutes ago

The Fenix BC26R is an LED bike light. This summary is drawn from the manufacturer's official user manual — see the downloadable PDF reference manual on the product page for complete details.

Warning

  • The bicycle light is a high-intensity lighting device capable of causing eye damage to the user or others. Avoid shining the light directly into anyone's eyes.
  • This bicycle light will accumulate a lot of heat when used for extended periods, resulting in a high temperature of the light shell. Pay attention to safe use to avoid scalding.
  • Do not shine an object at close range, to avoid burning the object or causing danger due to high temperature.
  • The LED of this bicycle light is not replaceable; the entire light should be replaced when the LED reaches the end of its life.

Overview

  • 1600 lumens maximum output and 169 meters maximum beam distance
  • Utilizes a Luminus LED with a lifespan of 50,000 hours
  • Includes a 5000mAh Li-ion battery and is compatible with an 18650 Li-ion battery (with an ALF-18 battery holder)
  • USB Type-C charging
  • Quick-release design, two-step assembly and disassembly
  • Easy and fast operation with a single switch
  • Boot-up battery level indication and low-voltage warning
  • Size: 4.45'' x 1.14'' x 1.06'' / 113 x 29 x 27 mm. Weight: 5.47 oz / 155 g (including battery)

Operating Instructions

On/Off: press and hold the side switch for 0.5 seconds to turn the light on/off.

Output Selection: with the light switched on, single click the switch to cycle through Low → Med → High → Turbo.

Flash Mode: with the light switched on, double click the switch to enter Flash mode; single click again to exit Flash mode and return to the previously used mode.

Intelligent Memory Circuit: the bicycle light memorizes the last selected output, excluding Flash mode. When turned on again, the previously used mode will be recalled.

Battery Specifications

  • Fenix ARB-L21 Series (21700, 3.6V): Recommended
  • Fenix ARB-L18 Series (18650, 3.6V): Usable (with ALF-18 battery holder)
  • Rechargeable Li-ion (16340, 3.6V): Banned
  • Rechargeable Li-ion (18650, 3.6V): Banned
  • Rechargeable LiFePO4 (16340, 3.2V): Banned
  • Rechargeable LiFePO4 (18650, 3.2V): Banned

21700 Li-ion batteries are powerful cells designed for commercial applications and must be treated with caution and handled with care. Only using quality batteries with circuit protection will reduce the potential for combustion or explosion; cell damage or short circuiting are potential risks the user assumes.

Battery Replacement: unscrew the tail cap and insert the battery following the polarity marks, then screw the cap back on.

Charging

Switch off the light and open the USB cap to reveal the USB Type-C charging port; plug the USB A socket of the charging cable into an electrical outlet, then connect the USB Type-C socket of the charging cable to the light. The indicator will display red while charging and will turn green when fully charged — be sure to tighten the light head afterward to maintain dustproof and waterproof ability. The normal charging time of the included ARB-L21-5000 battery is approximately 4 hours from depleted to fully charged; recharge a stored light every four months to maintain optimum battery performance. Low output is available while charging, but the charging time will be prolonged.

Battery Level Indication

Each time the light is turned on, the indicator will show the battery level for 3 seconds (works only with the Fenix ARB-L21 series 21700 rechargeable Li-ion battery): green on (saturated, 100–85%), green flashing (sufficient, 85–50%), red on (poor, 50–25%), red flashing (critical, 25–1%).

Technical Parameters (ANSI/PLATO FL1)

  • Turbo: Output 1600 lumens, Runtime 3.5 hours*, Distance 169 meters, Intensity 7158 candela
  • High: Output 600 lumens, Runtime 9.5 hours, Distance 101 meters, Intensity 2560 candela
  • Med: Output 200 lumens, Runtime 18 hours, Distance 57 meters, Intensity 834 candela
  • Low: Output 50 lumens, Runtime 65 hours, Distance 28 meters, Intensity 206 candela
  • Flash: Output 600 lumens

Impact Resistance: 1.5 meters  |  Submersible: IP68

Note: Specs measured by Fenix using one Fenix ARB-L21-5000 Li-ion battery at 21±3°C / 50–80% humidity; real-world performance varies. *Turbo output is measured in total runtime including output at reduced levels due to temperature or the built-in protection mechanism.

Intelligent Overheat Protection

The light will accumulate a lot of heat when used at relatively high modes for extended periods. When the light reaches a temperature of 60°C or above, it will automatically step down a few lumens to reduce the temperature; when the temperature drops below 60°C, it will allow the user to reselect the mode.

Low-Voltage Warning

When the voltage level drops below the preset level, the bicycle light is programmed to downshift to a lower brightness level until Low output is reached. At Low output, the battery level indicator constantly blinks red to remind you to recharge or replace the battery (works only with the Fenix ARB-L21 series 21700 rechargeable Li-ion battery).

Usage and Maintenance

  • Disassembling the sealed head can cause damage to the light and will void the warranty.
  • Fenix recommends using only a high-quality protected battery.
  • If the light will not be used for an extended period, remove the battery for proper storage.
  • Unscrew the tail cap or remove the battery to prevent accidental activation during storage or transportation.
  • Long-term use can result in O-ring wear — to maintain a proper water seal, replace the ring with an approved spare.
  • Periodic cleaning of the battery contacts improves the light's performance, as dirty contacts may cause flickering, intermittent shining, or failure to illuminate.
  • If issues persist, contact your authorized distributor.

What's Included

Fenix BC26R bicycle light, ARB-L21-5000 Li-ion battery, USB Type-C charging cable, quick-release bike mount, spare O-ring, user manual, and warranty card.

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