Bicycle headlights: what are they, how to choose and install?

Bicycle light is an important part of the safety of riding a bike, as you often have to move in poor visibility conditions or at night. This is especially true in winter and off-season, when it gets dark even before you finish your evening walk. And here the question of choosing a headlight for a bicycle becomes important.

When choosing a bicycle light, the first question to be answered is the manufacturer. If you need headlights, it is not immediately clear which is better - inexpensive products from the Middle Kingdom or original branded lighting devices. It should be noted that the Chinese masters have gone a long way and are now releasing both their own developments and, according to the old tradition, copying branded items. In any case, the price is quite affordable.

Branded headlights certainly have higher build quality and higher quality parts. But brands do not always keep track of the latest developments in a timely manner, so often LED headlights in their performance look expensive, but already obsolete products. Chinese craftsmen make small batches using new diodes.

A bicycle can have several headlights: front, sides, rear. Such massive illumination will definitely make the cyclist visible to other road users, which will significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.

Cyclists today have access to entire lighting systems that are rechargeable and provide as much light as possible. They are brighter than conventional safety lights, but also more expensive. Headlights and lights, which are attached to the sides and front, are needed to illuminate the road in front of the rider, and the taillight serves to indicate the vehicle.

LEDs are energy efficient and long lasting, which is why they are loved by bicycle owners today. The units of brightness are measured in lumens, manufacturers must indicate this indicator.

The batteries that power the headlights can be both disposable and reusable, which can be recharged hundreds of times or more. Battery headlamps usually have a charge indicator so the cyclist can see how much power is left. The best option is a lithium-ion battery, which holds a charge for a long time.

Almost all bicycle headlights can work in either a constant light mode or an intermittent flashing. The second is permissible to use in the daytime, while in the dark it is safer and more correct to use a constant glow. Rechargeable devices also have additional features - the cyclist has the right to independently decide which operating mode is preferable for him: powerful constant light or continuous mode with reduced power.

The familiar and traditional position of the headlight is on the steering wheel. This makes it possible to receive illumination of the path when cornering. Some manufacturers, such as e-bikes, mount the headlight on the frame, which significantly limits the view in the dark, since the light only goes straight. Cyclists who need good lighting in the dark when riding on a dirt road or in a forest can install a headlight on a helmet, and some use two options at the same time - they install lights on both a helmet and on a handlebar or frame.

As an excellent option for the front light are used tactical flashlights... They have special mounts, there are models with powerful LEDs or, conversely, with moderate lighting. You can choose a model that allows you to choose the light mode yourself. They are easy to mount, so tactical flashlights are considered mobile and convenient. If you need to get away from the bike in the dark, you can always take the light source with you. Disadvantages include short run times and the need for disposable or rechargeable batteries. It is better to have the latter with a margin and carry it with you, since no one knows when the lantern will suddenly "go down".

If you are willing to pay a little more for reliable lighting, then you should pay attention to headlamp. This is a brighter light source, which will shine longer, but it will certainly require space for the battery. The headlights are equipped with powerful LEDs, they are easy to attach, they work for a long time, some can be recharged on the go from the powerbank. Disadvantages include the requirement for more space on the bike for installation, as well as the higher cost.

Signal light - an option that is clearly not enough to highlight the road with high quality at night, but quite enough to mark your vehicle for other road users. True, you will have to drive slowly and carefully. Such a lighting device takes up little space, attaches easily, shines dimly.

There is also a retro version - dynamo headlightsthat work when driving from a spinning wheel.While the wheel is spinning, the lamp shines, as soon as the bike stops, it goes out.

The easiest way to attach a headlamp is to buy inexpensive elastic silicone straps. With these attachment devices, the lights can be attached virtually anywhere on the bike. But they cannot guarantee the safety of the equipment.

Removable fasteners are considered the most popular type of mounts. They are simple and compact. Body-worn fasteners are needed to secure the flashlight to the rider's head, backpack or hand. These consist of straps and Velcro.

To mount the rear beacons, it is enough special clamps, with which they are usually completed at the factory.

As a front light that illuminates the road for the rider, experts consider the optimal choice of a powerful luminous flux in the range of 600-1200 lumens. The LED fully meets these requirements. Cree XM-L T6found in most modern bicycle headlights.

In this case, it is important that the spectrum is warm, since in a bluish tint in the dark, a person will strain his eyes to the utmost and lose sight of some of the road reliefs.

You should also pay attention to the reflector pattern as it allows for adequate side illumination.

Experts consider lanterns to be among the best lighting and auxiliary devices Convoy S2 +, Fenix ​​3w, bicycle lights 2xXM-L2 U2 and P7 9W, as well as battery pack 6x18650 and charger Liitokala.

There are also headlights with built-in batteries. They are the first choice for riders who do not like to carry around a wired outboard power supply.

• Fenix ​​BC30R - high-quality, albeit originally Chinese, headlight. LED support - Cree XM-L2 U2, the mount is convenient, easy to remove and put on, there is a remote control button, a double beam that provides low and high beam. There is a display showing the charge. Doesn't dazzle drivers and pedestrians too much. The reviews are very positive, especially the users like the optics that cut off the upper light fluxes, due to which the effect of no glare is achieved.

• Ebuyfire - has dual optics, which allows you to get wide and narrow streams of light at the discretion of the cyclist. The device contains two 18650 batteries, the mount is light, clear, reliable.

• D. Light 12476 CG-120W - an excellent option for a front lamp, the mount is light and reliable. Good quality is complemented by a low cost, which makes the headlamp popularly popular. It is powered by AA batteries, has three LEDs and three modes of operation - blinking, near and far. The body is plastic and waterproof, the lamp does not take up much space.

• Magicshine MJ-818 - great option for back lighting. It comes with a battery, charger and rubber mounts-rings. Has 3 modes of operation. The case is shockproof, there is a red light saturation indicator.

• Nanoled PRO-L73 - a lamp with turn signals. The direction indicator can also be switched on remotely. Contains as many as 16 LEDs and two lasers. The housing is additionally protected from moisture.

• Sigma Sport Buster 100 - a powerful flashlight with a rechargeable battery. The kit includes a mount and a USB cable. The beam has a fixed direction with excellent lateral illumination. The lithium-ion battery lasts up to 9 hours, the case is waterproof.

• MAGNIC Light Is a relatively new development. The flashlight is non-contact. Dynamo flashlight works not only in motion, but also when stopped. Easy to install and simple to operate.

• Sigma Sport Ellipsoid - a German-made halogen lamp with an innovative optics system that allows you to increase the light power by a third. Has a connector for recharging, a residual charge indicator. With all this, the price is quite affordable.

• FLP16A-48S - 48V - LED lamp for high beam. In combination with a loud signal, such a lamp will definitely not leave you unnoticed on the road at any time of the day.

How to choose not only headlights, but also other accessories for your bike, see below.