Bicycle lights: varieties, manufacturers review and selection criteria

Cyclists who do not identify themselves on the road flagrantly violate traffic and safety rules. Lighting of vehicles in the evening and at night is a particularly relevant moment. In order to move safely on a bicycle, it should be equipped with a flashlight.

In some countries there is a law according to which people cannot ride a bicycle without a bicycle light. The traffic rules of our country state that in the dark, this mode of transport must be equipped with a white light reflector or headlamp in the front, and a reflector or a red light must be present at the rear of the vehicle. Thanks to these devices, the cyclist is visible to motorists from afar, even at night.

The bike light can be used for the following purposes:

1. as the main light source – the main purpose of this equipment is to illuminate the area in front of the bike;
2. for marking on the roadway - lighting devices are presented in the form of rear light sources with small dimensions; they are attached to a backpack, knitting needles, frame.

The quality and intensity of light is influenced by the light source. Today, consumers are increasingly giving preference to diode devices. Such options for lighting units are in many ways superior to products that consume electricity. In addition to being powerful, the LED torch has the following advantages:

• good light output;
• mechanical reliability due to the absence of flasks, filaments;
• affordable cost;
• the possibility of combination with other light sources;
• practicality;
• safety, which is due to the absence of fragments and vapors in case of accidental mechanical damage.

As for the light parameters of the lanterns, the following indicators are the main ones.

This characteristic shows the power of the light emitted by the bicycle flashlight. Measured in lumens. The average indicator is about 400-600 lumens, the high one is more than 1000 lumens and very powerful - more than 2000 lumens. Typically, the manufacturer indicates the maximum light flux that is generated when the battery or device battery is fully charged. Respectively, when the charge decreases, then the illumination decreases, what to consider when choosing the power of your bike light.

This is a rather important parameter that determines the ratio of the power of the light beam to the area that is illuminated. This characteristic is measured in lux. On average, the parameter is from 15 to 20 lux, a high level of illumination is indicated by an indicator above 30 lux.

During the operation of the bicycle light, several lighting zones are created around it, namely:

• hotspot (light area) - an area that is illuminated as well as possible;
• crown (crown) - the transitional part between the most and least lit areas;
• spill (scattered light zone) - a dimly lit area.

The light level must be considered when choosing a bike light. For example, someone is more interested in the maximum possible lateral illumination, while the light can be diffused. Others need to see the road far ahead while riding a bicycle, so the lighting on the sides no longer plays a decisive role, and the beam in front should be powerful enough.

The lighting fixture creates a beam that shines at a certain angle. The greater the angle of diffusion of light, the better the visibility is created both from the front and from the side, which is very important when cycling, especially on city streets. If we consider a country road for skiing, then it is worth giving preference to a not very wide angle of dispersion. As a rule, bicycle lights with a scattering angle of at least 125 degrees are chosen.

The area in front of the bike should be evenly lit without a pronounced spot in the center. Experts recommend giving preference to flashlights with focusing lenses, and not with the usual reflectors, since it is the former that are able to create a uniform beam of light.

Depending on the task and purpose, there are several types of bicycle lamp mounting, with which the device is attached to the spokes, nipple, wheels, fork. Some devices require rigid fixation in order to consistently illuminate the space, while others require easy installation and subsequent dismantling. There are also options in the form of a compromise between the previous two. Consider several basic mounting options.

• Elastic. For side and auxiliary lights, an elastic type of fastener is used. It is presented in the form of rubber, silicone belts, when stretched, the bicycle flashlight can be attached to the steering wheel, frame, knitting needles. The advantages of this fastener option include simplicityas well as quick marking of two-wheeled vehicles on the road. The disadvantage can be considered weak fixation, short term of use, as well as the lack of the possibility of using this fastener at low temperatures.

• Mounting. A quality bike light comes with mounting hardware. In this case, the bracket must be of the same company with the lantern. When installing the lighting fixture on the handlebar or frame, you can be sure that it is securely fixed. However, in this case, one should not forget about such risks as:
  1. uniqueness of the mount;
  2. the complexity of replacement in case of damage;
  3. attractiveness to intruders.

• Removable mount is the middle choice between elastic and mounting fasteners. Currently, this option is considered optimal. The mount has the form of a half-cylinder, the installation is one-time, but if necessary, it can be easily removed. The stability of this option is slightly worse than that of the previous one. However, the removable mount is superior in ease of use, therefore it is recommended for two-wheeled vehicles.

• Underwear. This type of attachment fixes the flashlight to clothing and equipment. Such fasteners are in the form of velcro, sets of ties. With the help of body mountings, the driver of a two-wheeled vehicle can attach the lighting device to a helmet, shoulder, or backpack.

Modern bicycle lights have a rechargeable, induction type of power supply and are battery-powered. Most bicycle lights are powered by one or more batteries. Side lights and temporary lights run on coin-cell batteries.

Today on the market you can find models that have an external type of power supply. For example, they have separately mounted replaceable battery.

Top products of this type include a large number of modern models, sets, among which are worth noting a few of the most popular.

• Knog pwr commuter is the front LED light. It can be used as a Power bank. This lighting device has 6 working modes. Thanks to the mobile application, the user can adjust the brightness, offline and other modes. The set includes a headlight, a silicone mount, a hexagon and a cable.

• Moon. All lamps of this brand are considered good acquisitions for people who like walking in the dark. The devices are able to ensure safe movement on the roadway, as well as complement two-wheeled vehicles as a bright and stylish accessory. The headlights are characterized by an ultra-bright white LED, while the rear headlights are characterized by the power of red light. Some Moon taillights are equipped with the possibility of flashing.

• Cateye. The lights are characterized by super bright LEDs. The device can operate both on batteries and with a rechargeable battery, which provides the functionality of the flashlight for 7 hours.

• Fenix. Bicycle lights from this brand are characterized by good performance, resistance to mechanical stress and long battery life. Each product in this group has a convenient universal mount for the steering wheel, while the user can adjust the direction of the light beams. These versatile fixtures can be optionally protected against light and moisture.

• Cyclotech. The bike light has a built-in rechargeable battery and solar battery. The device can be charged from the rays of the sun or mini-USB. The presence of four LEDs increases the width and enhances the brightness of the light beam. This lighting device has several glow modes. The body of the lantern is made of plastic, it is protected from moisture penetration and is equipped with quick-detachable fasteners for the steering wheel.

• "Bright beam" Is a lantern that contributes to comfort and safety while traveling at any time of the day or night. The device is characterized by optimal brightness, high luminous efficiency, the presence of a powerful light beam, which allows you to illuminate the road well. The flashlight has several modes of operation, including flashing. Models of "Bright Ray" cycle lights are equipped with anti-glare design, which eliminates inconvenience for pedestrians and oncoming drivers.

No tools are required to install the flashlight, as it has a special aluminum mount. Devices from this brand are recognized as shockproof.

To buy the best bike light or a set of turn signal lights, it is worth taking into account some points.

• The situations in which it will be applied. When driving on the highway, it is worth giving preference to lenses that do not blind oncoming drivers. In parks, on paths, a bright lighting fixture is considered the best option. However, it is possible to buy a universal flashlight with a switch that will be used in a variety of situations.
• Usage time. Battery options have a limited period of use, as it is not always possible to charge them on the road.
• Weather. If you travel in dry weather, you don't have to worry about the tightness of your bike flashlight. However, when traveling in any weather, you should prefer the more expensive and more reliable option with special protection.

Controlling a bike light doesn't have to be difficult and difficult, so it is better to buy a device that can be switched on the go... The user should not forget about fixing the device, in this case reliability is very important. The flashlight should not fall out when you stop abruptly or when cornering.

The following video will tell you about the characteristics of the front and rear lights for a bicycle.