What Is CatEye? The Japanese Bike Light and Cycle Computer Brand Explained
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CatEye (styled CATEYE) is a Japanese cycling brand best known for bike lights, reflectors and cycle computers. If you’ve seen a small rubber-strapped headlight or a classic wired bike computer, there’s a good chance it was a CatEye.
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CatEye in Brief
According to CatEye America, the company was founded in 1954 in Osaka, Japan, and describes itself as a leading manufacturer of cycle computers, lights and reflectors.
Key Milestones
CatEye America lists these milestones in its history:
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1954 | Founded in Osaka, Japan |
| 1964 | Created the first flashing lamp for bicycles |
| 1981 | Released its first cycle computer |
| 2001 | Created the first bicycle head lamp using white LED technology |
The company also highlights its OptiCube lens technology for LED headlights.
What CatEye Makes
- Headlights: commuter and road lights, including the AMPP line
- Tail lights and daytime safety lights: including the ViZ line
- Reflectors: a long-time specialty, as the brand’s name suggests
- Cycle computers: wired and wireless speed and distance computers
How CatEye Compares
| Brand | Known for |
|---|---|
| CatEye | Simple, reliable lights and computers, reflector heritage |
| Cygolite | Day and night modes, bright tail lights |
| Magicshine and Ravemen | High lumens for the price |
| Garmin | Radar tail lights and bike computers |
| NiteRider and Lezyne | Premium lights with strong runtime features |
For side-by-side picks, see our best bike lights.
A CatEye Example
- 500 LUMEN HEADLIGHT WITH SIDE VISIBILITY: Safety first, the 500 lumen AMPP500S comes equipped with a high intensity LED and OptiCube lens technology for a wide beam; Wrap around lens design provides excellent side visibility for safety.
- USB-C RECHARGEABLE: 2200mAh USB-C rechargeable Li-ion battery runs up to 60 hours and recharges in just 4 hours via USB-C cable (not included for sustainability reasons); Low battery indicator turns red when the battery is under 20%.
- 5 LIGHT MODES WITH MODE MEMORY: Be prepared for all conditions with 5 light modes (High, Middle, Low, Daytime HyperConstant, and Flashing); mode memory function remembers the last mode used.
- DOUBLE CLICK FOR HIGH MODE: Double-click from any mode to activate the full 500 lumen high mode to illuminate the way ahead.
- EASY ON AND OFF: Includes adjustable FlexTight bracket that fits handlebars up to 35 mm in diameter; Our improved release button makes it easy to take the light off to charge.
The CatEye AMPP is a USB-rechargeable headlight for commuters, road cyclists and mountain bikers.
Is CatEye a Good Brand?
CatEye has decades of experience in bike lighting and reflectors, and its lights are widely sold. Whether it’s the best choice depends on what you need. Riders who want maximum lumens per dollar may prefer other brands, while those who value simplicity and a long-standing maker often choose CatEye.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is CatEye from?
Osaka, Japan, where it was founded in 1954, according to CatEye America.
What does CatEye make?
Bike lights, reflectors and cycle computers.
Is CatEye the same as “cat eye” reflectors on roads?
No. Road “cat’s eyes” are a different invention. CatEye is a cycling brand.
Are CatEye lights waterproof?
Many are rated for rain. Check each model’s water resistance rating.
The Bottom Line
CatEye is a Japanese cycling brand founded in 1954 that makes bike lights, reflectors and cycle computers. It’s known for practical, long-running designs, and it competes with brands like Cygolite, Magicshine and Garmin.
