When buying a bicycle, it is advisable to use not only the basic, but also additional equipment. Some items mounted on a wing, frame, or steering wheel can make driving easier and help orient yourself on the road. One of the additional elements is the rear light, which can perform a number of important functions. We will consider its types and methods of fastening.
Features
The rear lamp on a bicycle differs from the front in its role in traffic. If with the help of the front lover you can light your way, the rear will help in the dark. It will give motorists the opportunity to spot a cyclist in the distance and avoid collisions.
The front light can be adjusted and removed, and the rear light must always be in place so that at the right time to protect the situation on the road.
Kinds
Here the choice is quite large, so you can safely choose a suitable flashlight.
Diode
Such headlights are one of the most common. They can illuminate a wide distance, be quite powerful and inexpensive. The diodes inside the lamp can be arranged in different sequences, depending on the shape of the lamp. Also, the diode can be one and powerful or there can be several, but less productive.
Such lights have 2 modes: flashing and constant. The first option is suitable for more economical power consumption, but at night it is better to use the second. If a driver rides in front of you and you turn on a blinking light, this can blind him and create a dangerous situation on the road.
With laser track
These lights are new to cyclists. The main feature of this flashlight is that on the sides begin to form bands of laser light. They show drivers what position the cyclist is in. This type of headlight is much more expensive than simple ones, but it works more efficiently.
The tracks have several modes, including flickering, blinking, and constant light. Laser lights are waterproof, consume little power and can last up to 20 hours without interruption. Traces from such a lantern can be seen for 1.5 km, so the driver will be warned about the presence of a cyclist on the road long before approaching. Mounting takes place on the seat post, power is supplied through 2 AAA batteries.
Flashers
One of the most popular and simple flashlights. It is installed behind the seat or on the rear wing with a clamp. The design is a small flashlight that is powered by batteries. Sufficient power, ease of use and low price make this type of flashlight one of the most common. The flow of light created by such a device will give drivers a clear understanding of where the cyclist is.
Helmet
This is a flashlight that is immediately built into the helmet and is located on the back of the cyclist. As a rule, such units are not very powerful and are only an additional accessory.
Induction
This is a lamp that works by moving a bicycle. You can do it yourself using copper wire, magnets, a capacitor, diodes and a coil. The light begins to appear when you pedal. Due to the work that is performed when the rear wheel moves, energy begins to be generated. It enters through a copper coil to a diode, which acts as a flashlight.
With turn signals
There is such a kind of lights. It will help tell the motorist which way you want to turn. This is to ensure that there are no unpleasant situations at intersections and roads with mass traffic. A lantern with a direction indicator is installed behind the seat or on the stem on which the seat is held. Such units are quite expensive, because they have several types of work: blinking, glow and constant light. Instead of the main recognition function on the road, these lights show the direction of movement of the cyclist.
With a camera
One of the most useful and at the same time expensive types of bicycle lights. The presence of a camera allows you to record what is happening on the road, so This feature can help in the event of a collision. You need to understand that the power consumption of such a bicycle light is higher than that of a simple option, After all, power goes not only to the light, but also to the operation of the camera itself. The memory that the camera uses can exceed 16 GB, so you don’t have to erase the device’s memory card too often. The power method is battery powered, and the camera needs to be used via USB.
With brake light
This bike light is very easy to install and efficient on the road. Such a device can not be distinguished by great power, but it allows you to warn motorists and pedestrians that you decide to stop. Inside the luminaire there is a mechanism that sends a signal to individual stop LEDs. In the event of braking, they are triggered and a brake light appears. Most of these devices are installed through a clip, which makes it possible to remove them if necessary.
Multi
These are the most modern and expensive flashlights. They combine all the basic functions, can record on the camera and leave laser strips. Some multisystem bicycle lights have a brake light function along with turn signals, different types of work and modes for reduced energy consumption. They are also unpretentious to environmental conditions and have high enough power to be visible for 1.5 km. Versatility allows you to install such lights on various mounts that can be bundled with the device.
Mount Types
Silicone
In order to install the flashlight, You can use a special strap made of silicone. It needs to be stretched, placed in the right place and fastened back. The design is simple, so with the help of such a device you can quickly remove and put on a bicycle lamp. The downside is that under adverse conditions, for example, during frost, silicone begins to lose its properties, and the quality of fastening is noticeably reduced.
Silicone straps can come with LED diode lights, for example, Blackburn Mars Click or Solarstorm.
Fixed mounting
If you purchased a marker light, then this type of mount is best for you. It is reliable, robust and easy to install. Such mounts can come with a flashlight, which has its drawbacks. For example, you cannot install a different type of installation, and you will need to purchase a fastener separately. The main disadvantage of a non-removable device is the inability to carry or replace the lamp.
If you installed the lamp in a certain place, then it will remain there until you disassemble the mount. In addition, universal security can attract attackers to commit theft.
Removable mounting
The most convenient and easiest mounting option. It may not be as strong as a non-removable one, but it greatly facilitates the use of a rear light on a bicycle. If you need to remove the device for your own purposes, then you can easily do it, for example, charge or clean it from dirt. Externally, such mounts are similar to half-cylinders that are mounted on the trunk or under the seat, if it comes to the rear lights. This type of construction is inexpensive, quite economical and very convenient to use.
Clip
Very interesting and unusual type of mount. A special latch allows you to fix the flashlight where it will be most convenient for you.
The next video talks about different options for taillights on a bicycle.