How to Choose the Right Bicycle Lights
A reliable bike lighting system will help keep you safe and on track whether you're riding home from work, enjoying an overnight tour or caught in a sudden rain storm.
Step #1: Consider Your Options
A well-lit bike includes both front and rear lighting to enhance your view of the road/trail and to make you more visible to motorists, pedestrians and other cyclists.
- Front safety lights - These provide a focused beam of light to illuminate the road/trail in front of you in low-light conditions (such as dusk, dawn or in adverse weather conditions) and to let oncoming traffic know you're coming. Front lights are not intended for extended nighttime riding.
- High-powered headlights - Headlights provide stronger forward-facing light than regular front lights, to help you see where you're going no matter how dark it is or how rough conditions get.
- Rear safety lights - Rear-facing safety lights emit a steady or flashing red light to make you easier to spot from behind. They tend to be lighter and more compact than front-facing lights.
Step #2: Compare Performance Levels
In general, the lighter, brighter and more compact a bike light is, the better. But take durability and performance into account as well. Make sure the lights you choose are tough enough for your style of riding, waterproof enough to handle the conditions you'll be riding in and efficient enough to meet your power needs. A little extra weight on your bike is a small price to pay for powerful, reliable lighting.
Front Lights and Headlights
- Bulb type - Xenon and halogen bulbs provide excellent battery-powered illumination, with less frequent filament burn-outs than other bulb types.
- Number of bulbs - Single-bulb designs are lighter and more affordable. 2-bulb systems can be switched from a longer-lasting, low-power floodlight to a high-intensity beam for better battery conservation and more flexibility in different conditions.
- Battery type -- Rechargeable systems are less expensive (over time) and more environmentally friendly than disposable batteries. Sealed lead (SLA) and nickel cadmium (Ni-cad) batteries can be recharged hundreds of times for hours of trouble-free operation. SLA batteries lose power gradually (so you know when it's time for a recharge), while Ni-cads deliver consistent, even power until 90% of their capacity is exhausted (then quit). Ni-cads are more expensive than SLA batteries, but they pack more energy for their weight and volume.
Rear Lights
- Bulb type - LEDs (light emitting diodes) conserve power and run longer than other types of bulbs, yet still provide adequate visibility. Xenon bulbs provide a brighter, more visible light, but cost more and use power more quickly.
- Number of bulbs - Many rear lights use multi-bulb configurations that enhance visibility without increasing voltage requirements. Most of REI's rear lights can be switched from steady light to strobe. Strobing lights emit attention-getting pulses and use less battery power.
- Battery type -- Most rear lights use disposable alkaline batteries for long-lasting performance.
Step #3: Check for Compatibility
Different bike lights are designed to attach to different parts of your bicycle--from handlebars to fenders to seat posts to bike bags. Some even attach directly to your clothing. Make sure the models you're considering (and the mounting hardware they come with) are compatible with your bike before you buy.
When checking for compatibility, also keep in mind that many modern bike lights have separate battery packs designed to fit inside of water bottles or water bottle cages, to nest on your frame or seat post, or to ride comfortably around your waist. Make sure these battery packs are also compatible with your bicycle and your riding style.
Finally, look for added design benefits that may make riding easier for you, like:
- Lights that attach to a number of different places on you and your bike for added flexibility.
- Lights with quick-release mounting hardware so you can take your light with you when you leave your bike.
- Lights that can be used as a headlamp or area light during other activities like camping or climbing.
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