Bike lights keep getting lighter and smaller while delivering brighter illumination for riding safety.
When shopping for bike lights, you first need to ask yourself this: Do you want to see or be seen? Or both? This article will help you choose the right lighting for your cycling needs.
Types of Bike Lights
A well-lit bike is equipped with front, side and rear lighting to ensure your visibility to motorists and pedestrians.
For commuting or riding after dark—especially on trail rides that are far from ambient light sources—your front light needs to be a high-output lighting system so you see well ahead of you.
High-output lighting systems: These usually are rechargeable light systems that offer maximum illumination. They are higher priced but much brighter than safety lights, and they help you see where you're going on the trail or road in nearly all conditions.
Front, side and rear safety lights: These help motorists see you in dim light conditions. The brightest ones also improve your visibility in the daytime. However, they're not bright enough to help you see where you're going for most night riding. The main differences between safety light models are in mounting options, the number of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and whether they use rechargeable or disposable batteries.
Comparing Light Performance
All lights offered by REI use durable housings sealed with weatherproof gaskets. Count on these lights to shine in any weather. What to consider:
LEDs: Energy efficiency and durability make LEDs the predominant light source used in bike lights. They come in a wide range of brightness levels.
Lumens: A lumen is a unit of measurement that quantifies the amount of light falling on the object you want illuminated. Measured at a uniform distance, a lumen describes the light intensity of each lighting unit. Most light manufacturers provide a lumen rating; this is shown on REI.com product pages.
Beam pattern: If you commute on streets with streetlights, you may want to choose a front light with a narrow-focus beam. On darker roads or trails, you'll want to go with a wide-focus beam for better peripheral vision. Beam patterns can be difficult for shoppers to compare; check online product descriptions or ask an REI sales specialist for help.
As a general rule, higher price equals higher light output.
Rechargeable Lighting Systems
Rechargeable systems feature lithium ion batteries. They can be charged hundreds of times, making them an inexpensive and environmentally sound alternative to disposable batteries.
Unlike alkalines that dim slowly over battery life, most rechargeables deliver consistent light until their power is exhausted. Therefore, most rechargeable lights have a "fuel gauge" or low-battery warning. All rechargeables have a power light to indicate that power is available.
Lithium ion batteries offer excellent power for their weight, and they are characterized by their long run times. They are easy to keep charged because they suffer no "memory" effects from being fully discharged.
Maintaining Your Battery System
Most rechargeable batteries are capable of more than 500 charge/discharge cycles. Self-contained units can be charged via a power cord or USB charger.
When charging batteries, be sure you fully charge them, especially before storage, but do not overcharge them. Most systems come with smart chargers that automatically stop when the batteries are fully charged to prevent overcharging. Because inactive batteries lose their charge over time, plug in and charge your system before every use.
Run Time and Battery Life
Battery life depends on the light's battery type, the power of the system and the kind of LEDs in the light. The product pages on REI.com provide comparative ratings.
A flashing light emits an eye-catching pulse (either steady or random) that uses less battery power than a steady beam. Most lights offer flashing and steady modes. It's difficult to see well with a flashing headlight in the dark, so save the flash mode of your headlight for daytime use.
Most rechargeable units have multiple settings. This lets you switch between long-lasting, low-power light and bright, high-intensity light that drains battery power more quickly. Most systems let you select from a range of illumination levels.
Mounting Options
Headlights mount onto your handlebar, but many can mount onto your your helmet, too. For nighttime trail riding, you should consider using both types. Beams of helmet-mounted lights can be directed by just the turn of your head, so if you're using only 1 light, you'll find a helmet-mounted light to be the most versatile.
Rear safety lights can be mounted on your pack, pocket or seatpost. Some can also be mounted on the back of rear bike racks.
Side safety lights usually mount on either spokes or frames. Spoke mounted lights are especially visible because they clearly show your wheels in motion.
Battery packs for high-output lights can be attached to your bike or—since many have dramatically decreased in size and weight—stowed in a pack. Quick-release hardware lets you take your light with you when leaving your bike, especially when the battery and light are contained in a single unit.