Bicycle lights: varieties, manufacturers overview and selection criteria

Cyclists who do not identify themselves on the road flagrantly violate traffic and safety rules. A particularly relevant point is the lighting of vehicles in the evening and at night. In order to safely ride a bicycle, it is worth equipping it with a flashlight.

In some countries there is a law according to which people are not allowed to ride a bicycle without a bicycle light. The rules of the road of our country say that at night, this mode of transport must be equipped with a white light reflector or a headlamp in front, and a reflector or 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.

A bicycle lamp can be used for the following purposes:

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

The quality and intensity of lighting is affected by the light source. Today, consumers increasingly prefer diode devices. Such options for lighting units are in many ways superior to products that consume electricity. Besides the fact that the LED flashlight is powerful, it has the following advantages:

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

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

This characteristic shows the light emission power of a bicycle lamp. Measured in lumens. The average figure is about 400-600 lm, high - more than 1000 lm and very powerful - more than 2000 lm. Typically, the manufacturer indicates the maximum flow of light that is generated when the battery or instrument battery is fully charged. Respectively, when the charge decreases, then the illumination decreases, what to consider when choosing the power of a bike light.

This is a pretty 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 figure above 30 lux indicates a high level of illumination.

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

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

The level of illumination must be considered when choosing a lamp for a bicycle. For example, someone is more interested in the maximum possible lateral illumination, while the light can be scattered. Others need to see the road far ahead of themselves 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 device creates a beam that shines at a certain angle. The larger the angle of light scattering, the better the visibility is created both front and side, which is very important when cycling, especially on city streets. If you consider a country road for skiing, then you should give preference to a not very wide dispersion angle. As a rule, bicycle lights with a dispersion angle of at least 125 degrees are selected.

The area in front of the bicycle should be lit evenly, while there should be no pronounced spot in the center. Experts recommend giving preference to flashlights with focusing lenses rather than with conventional reflectors, since it is the first ones that can create a uniform beam of light.

Depending on the task and purpose, several types of fastening of a bicycle lamp are distinguished, with the help of which the device is mounted on spokes, nipples, wheels, and plugs. Some devices require rigid fixation in order to stably illuminate the space, while others require easy installation and subsequent dismantling. There are also options in the form of a compromise between the two previous ones. Consider a few basic mounting options.

• Elastic. For marker and auxiliary lights, an elastic type of fixture is used. It is presented in the form of rubber, silicone belts, when stretched which you can mount the bike light on the steering wheel, frame, and knitting needles. The advantages of this option of fasteners include simplicity, as well as the fast designation 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 temperature.

• Mounting. A high-quality bicycle light is sold with mounting hardware. In this case, the bracket must be the same company with the lamp. When installing the lighting device on the steering wheel or frame, you can be sure of the reliability of the fixation. However, in this case, do not forget about such risks as:
  1. uniqueness of fastening;
  2. complexity of replacement in case of damage;
  3. Attraction for attackers.

• Detachable mount is the middle option between elastic and mounting hardware. Currently, this option is considered optimal. The mount has the appearance of a half cylinder, the installation takes place once, but if necessary, it can be easily removed. The stability of this option is slightly worse than the previous one. However, the removable mount surpasses it in ease of use, therefore it is recommended for two-wheeled transport.

• Pectoral. This type of fastening fixes a flashlight on clothes and equipment. Such fasteners have the form of Velcro, sets of tighteners. With the help of body fasteners, the driver of two-wheeled vehicles can fix the lighting device on a helmet, shoulder, backpack.

Modern cycle lights have a rechargeable, induction type of power and on batteries. Most bicycle lights are powered by one or more batteries. Marker and temporary lights are powered by tablet batteries.

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

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

• Knog PWR Commuter is a front LED light. It can be used as a power bank. This lighting device has 6 operating modes. Thanks to the mobile application, the user can adjust the brightness, offline and other modes. The kit includes a headlight, a mount made of silicone, a hexagon and a cable.

• Moon All lights of this brand are considered successful acquisitions for people who like walking in the dark. Devices are able to provide safe movement on the roadway, as well as complement two-wheeled vehicles as a bright and stylish accessory. The headlights are characterized by superbrightness of the white LED, and the taillights - by the power of red radiation. Some Moon taillights are equipped with the possibility of blinking.

• Cateye. Lights are characterized by super-bright LEDs. The device can operate both on batteries and with the help of a battery, which provides the lamp's functionality 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 rays. These versatile appliances may have additional protection against light and moisture.

• Cyclotech The bike light has a built-in battery and a solar panel. The device can be charged from 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 lamp housing is made of plastic, it is protected from moisture and is equipped with quick-release fasteners for the steering wheel.

• "Bright ray" - This is a flashlight that promotes comfort and safety during movement at any time of the day or night. The device is characterized by optimal brightness, high light output, the presence of a powerful light beam, which allows you to well illuminate the road. The lamp has several operating modes, including blinking. Models of bicycle lights "Bright Beam" are equipped with anti-glare design, which eliminates the inconvenience for pedestrians and oncoming drivers.

To install the flashlight does not require the use of tools, as it has a special aluminum mount. Devices from this brand are recognized as shockproof.

To buy the best option for a bicycle lamp or a set of headlights with turn signals, it is worth taking into account some points.

• Situations in which it will be applied. When driving on the highway, it is worthwhile to give preference to lenses that do not blind drivers traveling towards. In parks, on paths, a bright lighting fixture is considered the best option. However, you can buy a universal flashlight with a switch that will be used in various situations.
• Time of use. Battery options have a limited period of use, since on the road it is not always possible to charge them.
• Weather. If trips are made in dry weather, you can not think about the tightness of the bicycle light. However, when traveling in any weather, you should prefer the option more expensive and more reliable with special protection.

Bicycle light control should not be complicated and difficult, therefore it’s 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 abruptly stopping or cornering.

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