Safelite vs Single Trail Rack Light Board
Safelite vs Single Trail Rack Light Board: Which is Best?
Single Trail Rack is an Australian brand focused on the mountain biking transport niche. Their Number Plate Light Board ($199 AUD) features a sturdy aluminium backplate and a distinctive elasticised toggle attachment system that the brand claims will not damage bike rims or decals. How does it compare to the Safelite Light Bar?
At a Glance
|
Feature |
Safelite Light Bar |
Single Trail Rack Light Board |
|
Price (NZD) |
$160 |
AUD $199 (NZD $221) |
|
Material |
UVP Waterproof Aluminium Composite |
Sturdy aluminium backplate |
|
Attachment |
Bungee cords with proprietary Safe Clips (included) |
Elasticised toggles |
|
Plug |
7-pin flat |
7-pin flat |
|
Number plate mounting |
Pre-positioned holes with bolts included |
Bolt holes to fix number plate |
|
Supplementary plate service |
Yes (bundle available) |
No |
|
Shipping |
Free NZ-wide |
Free Australia-wide |
|
Processing time |
Not stated |
3 to 5 days (up to 3 weeks on back order) |
|
Warranty |
2 years |
Not stated |
|
Made in |
New Zealand |
Australia |
The Attachment Innovation: Toggles vs Safe Clips
Single Trail's elasticised toggle system is the brand's most distinctive feature. The toggles loop around the bike wheel rather than clamping onto the rack frame, which Single Trail claims prevents damage to rims and decals. This is a thoughtful design for cyclists who are protective of their wheel finishes.
The Safelite Safe Clip and bungee cord system attaches to the rack frame itself, not the wheel. This means there is no contact with the wheel at all, which is also a non-damaging approach. The Safe Clips provide a positive, locked connection to the rack, and the bungee cords maintain constant tension.
Processing Time: A Potential Issue
Single Trail's website notes that processing times are 3 to 5 days, with back orders taking up to 3 weeks. If you need a light board urgently before a trip, this could be a problem. Safelite ships from New Zealand with free NZ-wide delivery and no stated back order issues.
The Supplementary Plate Difference
Single Trail does not offer a supplementary plate service. Safelite's Panel with Supplementary Plate bundle ($210) handles the entire NZTA ordering process for New Zealand customers.
The Verdict
The Single Trail Rack Light Board is a well-designed Australian product with a genuinely innovative toggle attachment system. For Australian cyclists, it is a strong option. For New Zealand cyclists, the Safelite Light Bar is the better choice: it is locally made, costs less, ships faster, and offers the supplementary plate bundle.
Shop the Safelite Light Bar →
Single Trail Rack product specifications and pricing based on publicly available information as at April 2026. Single Trail Rack is a registered trademark of its respective owner. Safelite is not affiliated with Single Trail Rack.