Safe cycling in the dark can be provided by a bicycle light that not only illuminates the road, but also alerts other drivers and pedestrians about your movement. How the lantern is attached to the vehicle - this is the issue we will discuss in this article.
Functions
There are a huge number of lights for bicycles, varying in power, size and other parameters. And they all perform two main functions:
- front lighting;
- designation of the visibility of the bike in the space of the road.
Therefore, it is so important that the lamp is firmly mounted on the bike.
Types
There are several types of bike mounts for bicycle lights on the market today. In order to figure out which one is the best option, you need to consider each type, having studied its pros and cons.
Assembly
This type of mount is ideal for harsh bike rides at night. The lantern mounting holder is most often an integral part of a specific lantern, or it fits a well-defined model of the same manufacturer.
Installation is made either on the frame or on the steering wheel. With such a mount, you can absolutely not worry about the degree of fixation.
Pros:
- high degree of reliability;
- Don't mess with time.
Minuses:
- rather complicated installation system;
- uniqueness of fastening excludes a chance of replacement;
- Custom design can attract intruders.
Rubber
The elastic rubber bike mount with the possibility of removal is visually presented in the form of a silicone strap equipped with a low-power bicycle flashlight.It will be possible to fix it independently for each person on the steering wheel, frame or spoke of a bicycle. Such fastening is most often provided with auxiliary and marker lights.
Some models even have a silicone case, which, combined with a small battery, make the flashlight ideal for quickly indicating vehicles.
Pros:
- easy installation and removal method.
Minuses:
- temperature limit, according to which you can not use the strap in the cold;
- fixation is rather weak;
- service life will be short-lived.
Half cylinder
Semi-cylinder removable mount - this type of bracket is called the golden mean between hard-to-remove and elastic mounts. Installation on the steering wheel is done once, while it is possible to change the lamp itself. Ideal for any bicycle model, as well as various driving styles. You can use any, even tactical, flashlight.
Pros:
- universal type of installation;
- does not go awry with time;
- the possibility of unlimited use of a flashlight.
Minuses:
- loses in stability.
It's important to know! To mount the rear bicycle headlights, absolutely the same types of fasteners are used. Some of them are already equipped with a flashlight, while others are bought separately.
Is it worth it to do it yourself?
Many lovers of cycling, thinking about installing a flashlight on their bike, decide to build a bracket for fixing it yourself:
- some do this because they cannot find suitable fasteners in affordable stores;
- others are trying to save money;
- still others listen to the instructions of friends or relatives who give advice of excellence.
On the Internet you can find many ways to build a lamp holder from improvised means. What just do not use for the intended purpose. Clamps, fixtures for water pipes, unusual structures using wax, fixtures for car headlights, plastic bottles, hacksaws with lighters and much more are used.
Perhaps this makes some sense, but these designs can be completely unreliable. The aesthetic component is just as important. Agree, fasteners from a plastic bottle will not look too elegant.
Among other things, making your own mount for a bicycle lamp, you will spend a huge amount of time from searching and purchasing items, ending with the process of creating and installing.
Another interesting fact: the lack of confidence that the resulting design will turn out exactly as it was planned. Otherwise, you will have to pay both for the attempt at improvisation and for the finished bracket, which will need to be purchased after.
Video review of three bike mounts see below.
