Bicycle Buying Advice/Buying Bike Lights

Buying Bike Lights

Bike lights are essential when cycling between dusk and dawn. There are a variety of bike lights available and the right one for you will depend on where, when and the style of riding you are planning on doing. Factors you should consider are;

Where Will I Be Riding My Bike?

Area Light type Reasons
Residential areas Flashing front and rear lights Street lights generally shine enough light to allow you to see. Therefore, flashing front and rear lights are most desired as the main goal is for vehicles to see you
Off road or where there are no street lights Powerful lights that light up the road in front of you If you are mountain biking at night or road riding in areas without street lights, you will require a powerful light to light up the road in front of you

What Lights Will I Need When I'm Riding My Bike?

Type Characteristics

LED Lights

LED Bike Light

  • Flashing or steady light.
  • Improves chances of being seen.
  • Efficient and affordable.
  • Not effective at lighting up the road in front of you.
  • Price can vary depending on quality.

Halogen Lights (High Power Battery)

Bike Light

  • Light up the road in front of you.
  • Most come with re-chargeable batteries which range from sealed led-acid batteries (cheapest, but the heaviest) to nickel-metal-hydride batteries.
  • Paying more will get you greater Watts (better shine) and a longer lasting battery.
  • Differ a great deal in quality and price

Dynamo Lights

Bike Light

  • Good option for frequent riders who require a decent amount of visibility from their light.
  • Also known as generator lights.
  • Powered by rubbing on the wheel of hub.
  • More efficient and cheaper than Halogen lights, but generally not as bright.

Bike lighting technology is continually upgrading. New lighting options are continually released to the market, including hybrid options which fall in between the above categories. When buying lights, confirm the functionality, check that the lights cater to your requirements and whether the lights fit within your budget.

 

If you have any specific questions about bike lights, or would simply like to hear more about what makes bike lights so important, please feel free to contact us.

Bike Information

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