Which bike light to choose. How to choose a front light for a bicycle

The bicycle is a wonderful means of transportation. In fact, you do not need to spend money on fuel, various repairs of a complex mechanism, payment to mechanics on the last occasion, etc. On the contrary, you are more likely to get a good physical form due to constant stress. True, there is one “but” here, which spoils everything. It is difficult to use two-wheeled friends in the city, and for many reasons at once. One of them will be described below - driving at night. More precisely, the solution to such a problem, that is, a flashlight for a bicycle.

What's the point of it?

Actually, the function is clear from the name - everyone knows how to use the flashlights and why they are needed.

But for transport, especially such a specific one as a bicycle, it plays a special role. Any evening trip can end tragically if the participants traffic, that is, motorists will not be able to notice you. You can use other things, for example, vests with reflectors. But it’s much easier to still buy a flashlight for a bicycle.

The fact is that you also need to light the way. In the end, anything can get under the wheels, and a sufficient level of professionalism to maintain balance on any surface is, rather, from the field of acrobatics.

What do cyclists use for lighting today?

In fact, the choice here is more than obvious - only LEDs. In general, the bicycle lamp market is not limited only to them, but the trend of modernity and progress clearly indicate the advisability of using just such a lamp.

The point here is mainly in the balance between its brightness and cost. You can buy for a bicycle in almost any lighting store, which means it also makes it very affordable.

In general, their use is also justified by the fact that the power of the light flux can be varied depending on the goals. For example, the headlight obviously needs to be bright enough. But the rear dimensions, which serve to orient drivers, do not require such brightness.

How to choose a flashlight for a bicycle?

In general, you need to decide what exactly you need.

To do this, you need to ask yourself a number of questions. First, why do you need a flashlight - that is, in what situations are you going to use it. This is where the first differences begin. If you prefer to drive on the highway, then you need special lenses that will not blind drivers in the oncoming lane. For paths and parks, it’s better to choose something bright enough - you don’t need to run into roots, stones or even animals, right? If you are not sure where you are going to spend time in the saddle, then feel free to take a switchable flashlight. These are also on sale, although they differ in cost.

In case you have several iron horses, then you need a removable flashlight holder for a bicycle - and at the same time a simple and reliable design. This is important, especially if you are going to use one device alternately on each.

Other questions

How long are you going to drive in the dark? This is an equally important aspect of the choice. Different gadgets are designed for different periods of work. Moreover, everyone has some features - some work on batteries, while others are recharged from the network. This should also be taken into account, especially the last option. After all, an outlet is not always at hand, especially in the forest, and the same batteries can be carried in a backpack.

Also, a flashlight for a bicycle can be equipped with additional functionality. For example, an energy-saving mode with reduced brightness. This allows you to save energy to a completely unlit area. Or the battery indicator is also an important aspect, especially if you like long trips.

Last but not least, what kind of weather do you ride in?

If only in the bright sun in dryness, when the rain is an unfortunate accident, then you can not bother with such things as tightness or the degree of protection against pollution. But for daily trips in any season, this will no longer work. Have to shell out for more expensive options, since they are usually multi-tasking, that is, they can withstand fire, water and copper pipes.

Lantern types

By the way, it doesn't hurt you to know about this either. Because the store may not have a consultant or he will not be entirely frank. As a result, you will get not at all what you expected.

You need to start with emergency lights - they are not very bright and "long-lasting" because they run on coin batteries, but as a backup option they can help a lot. There are also flashers - brighter lights, usually flashing. But they can also work in constant beam mode. They are the best option in terms of the balance of democratic price and quality of light.

Torch flashlights are the most common. That is what they mean the most.

The variety here is huge. Some models even have additional devices, like connected to a common battery. You have something to choose from - the main thing is not to overdo it with power.

More complex models

First of all, these are rechargeable systems. They are needed exclusively for long night rides, as they have a capacious battery and a very high light output. True, the price here is an order of magnitude higher than the rest. But you have to pay for quality. In addition, they are produced mainly by well-known brands that consider it below their dignity to produce cheap products.

Dynamo generator - a solution to the problem with batteries and getting rid of fuss with batteries. In this case, the lamp is powered by the movement of the bicycle. There is nothing complicated in this system, but the cost may surprise you a little. In addition, the most advanced systems can also accumulate energy, continuing to shine even when you are standing. This is especially convenient for city driving.

There are also flashlights built into it. Also a pretty handy thing, but you should not consider them a panacea. You still have to install normal lighting on your transport. This method only affects your comfort when moving.

Homemade bicycle flashlight

Actually, the second part of the story. Prices today are quite biting, and it is not always possible to be sure of the quality of the purchased item. That's why they come to the rescue own hands. The design of these devices is quite simple, and therefore this method has received considerable distribution.

The circuit shown here is an LED bike light - a great solution to the problem. The brightness of the resulting device is quite high, and this is what plays the biggest role. In addition, this allows you to save a little.

What do you need to work?

A flashlight for making is quite simple, but for this you will need to buy a few things. Most can be found in the parts markets - you just have to look carefully for a rack with bike parts. Or today it is possible to order everything via the Internet.

First of all, you need the LEDs themselves, as well as optical lenses.

It is also necessary to find the body of the future flashlight, a radiator, an adhesive and a toggle switch. You will also need Lexan plastic labeled MR10. Naturally, batteries will also be needed for operation. It is better to buy them separately, not trying to do it yourself. At least without proper experience.

Assembly process

So we got to the question of whether for a bicycle. If you are using a ready-made case, then you will not need some things. So here is a slightly simplified diagram.

First, you need to install the hex tubes for the LEDs inside the case - this can be problematic due to the size. Be prepared to trim them until they snap into place. Next, you need to insert the LEDs themselves. They must be connected to each other in order - plus and minus. Then just glue them on with hot glue.

An important point is cooling. To do this, you will need an aluminum heatsink.

Glue the strips on the top of the case, as well as on the back where the diodes are attached. Next, you need to fix the lenses. You can’t use ordinary superglue for this - it will damage the inner surface.

It is quite easy to conduct wiring - ordinary copper wire is used. Connect from plus to minus, etc., then pass through the hole on the back of the case. There will be a battery that supplies energy.

The next step is to mount the flashlight on the bike. You need a handlebar bracket. Well, or another tube on which the lantern will be fixed. The most important thing here is a reliable glue, epoxy is best. It ensures that the bulb doesn't fall off at the worst possible moment, leaving you in the dark.

The last step is to connect the toggle switch to turn on the flashlight, this is also not difficult.

Just place it in the electrical circuit between the battery and the flashlight. This way you can turn the device on and off as needed. Naturally, removable batteries will be better - it's just more convenient to charge them.

The bicycle lamp will become the key to a safe bike ride in the evening and at night with reduced lighting. It will provide good visibility of the road and will allow you to notice bumps or surface defects in advance and drive around them. Costs buy a lamp for a bicycle, and your iron friend will become visible to other road users.

A bicycle lamp can become not only functional, but also a stylish accessory that adorns a two-wheeled vehicle. Products are front and rear. Variety of sizes, shapes and specifications will allow everyone to choose the most suitable accessory. And the use of high-quality batteries guarantees maximum service life without recharging.

When choosing a bicycle lamp, one should take into account not only the range of light and its brightness, but also the angle of illumination. It is good that thanks to him it was possible to achieve illumination of a wide area in front, and this will improve orientation in space and allow you to respond faster to road obstacles. Modern devices allow you to get a uniform light, while avoiding the appearance of a pronounced spot in the center.

Some devices may operate in different range and brightness modes. If the device will illuminate at least 50 meters ahead, it will provide high security driving at high speeds. It is important to think about other road users, such as oncoming vehicles, and not use the maximum brightness mode.

The AutoProfi online store presents devices with different shades of LEDs. When choosing them, you must first of all be guided by your own preferences. Warm diodes will be the best solution for those who want to distinguish colors well in the dark, cold diodes will allow you to get white and bright light.

What is important to consider when choosing a bike light

going to buy bike light, try to take into account the number of batteries that support it. It is good that it was one accumulator or a battery. In this case, the supply of batteries that you need to carry with you will be minimal. It's good that the flashlight can work for at least a few hours without changing batteries.

A bicycle can face various impacts, including mechanical ones. Therefore, it is good that the flashlight for him is waterproof and able to withstand shocks and falls from a height. In this case, getting caught in the rain, you do not have to worry about the device.

It is good that the bicycle lamp is ergonomic and easy to operate. In this case, you can easily change its operating modes on the go, while maintaining control of the bike. It is good that the mounts are standard and reliable. This will allow the device to be firmly attached to the steering wheel, even on sharp turns and sudden stops, it will not fall out.

In the AutoProfi online store you will find a wide selection of lights for bicycles. We have models for every taste and budget from budget to professional options. Our staff will answer all your questions and help you make the right choice. Would you like to learn more about any model presented on the virtual counter? Just give us a call and you will receive comprehensive information. We offer reasonable prices, and you can not doubt the quality of our products. Contact us! AutoProfi will help you purchase everything you need for safe and comfortable cycling!

For the convenience and safety of cycling at night, you need to equip your steel pet with a high-quality bicycle lamp. Indeed, on the streets of many settlements, outdoor lighting is often absent. What then to say about village or forest roads? Given that the bike rides quickly and quietly, it is almost inaudible on the streets of a noisy city, and when you hear it, it may be too late. The cyclist and his vehicle must be clearly visible from afar. Ideally, when moving along a highway at night, a cyclist should look like a Christmas tree that has escaped from a children's party.

I told about my flashlight with Aliexpress here:

A bicycle light must have a rigid mount with which it is fixed to the handlebars or other parts of the bicycle. A high-quality flashlight gives a strong illumination of the required shape and a good spectrum of the light spot. Not the last factor of work is its profitability.

Bicycle lights gone big way from the middle of the 19th century. At the beginning of their procession, they were oil and candle. And having reached the end of the 20th century, they began to be equipped with krypton, halogen and xenon lamps. There were compact and energy-intensive batteries for them. But, despite the achievement of success and the emergence of new technologies, some problems remained unresolved. The incandescent lamps used in bicycle lamps, emitting more light, began to consume significantly more energy. And even the use of halogen incandescent lamps does not make it possible to use a bicycle lamp for more than 3-4 hours.

To date, the most widely used bicycle lights with an internal arrangement of batteries. An incandescent lamp in an expensive and high-quality flashlight is most often halogen, with a power of 2-3 watts. Cheaper flashlights use argon or krypton incandescent bulbs. Their lighting characteristics, of course, are worse than halogen ones, but they give quite acceptable lighting. The disadvantage of using such lamps is high energy consumption. The highest illumination of the road and a longer duration of work is provided by bicycle lights with remote batteries of increased capacity. Because of its comparative heavy weight, they have to be placed in special devices called bottle cages. It is also possible to use a special bag on the bicycle frame. The most high-tech are bicycle lights with metal-halogen lamps. Such lamps are more economical and give a greater luminous flux. But the cost of such bicycle lights reaches several hundred dollars.

Also, bright LEDs are used in the device of bicycle lights. Such bicycle lights have better efficiency indicators than halogen lamps. The duration of the glow of flashlights with LEDs reaches several tens of hours when using one set of batteries. A bicycle light with a single one watt LED is equivalent in light performance to a two and a half watt halogen lamp. Currently, there are bicycle lights with several LEDs with a power of up to 5 W each, which are superior in lighting power to halogen lamps with a power of 20 W. The power supply of bicycle lights with such LEDs is provided by external batteries. hallmark LED lights have a bluish light, while most types of bicycle lights have a white-yellow light.

The design of the front and rear marker bicycle lights uses low-power LEDs that work constantly or, if necessary, in a flashing mode. They are powered by batteries that last up to 100 hours. LED position lights are brighter than conventional reflectors and provide a more effective way to ensure the cyclist's safe movement on highways. And yet, the choice is yours. Here are a few questions that may arise when choosing a rear light and, in principle, a front bicycle light.

LED vs. incandescent lamp?

Advantages of an LED over an incandescent lamp:
- it is not as easy to break as a lamp. In a lamp, light is emitted by a fragile spiral, which is enclosed in an equally fragile glass bulb. The LED, on the other hand, shines with a small area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe semiconductor on which the phosphor is applied - light-emitting paint. All this is protected by a glass or silicone lens.
— it is more efficient than a lamp. The efficiency of modern high-power LEDs reaches 130 or more lumens per 1 watt of power consumption. For comparison, the efficiency of incandescent lamps does not reach 30 Lm / W. Due to this advantage, the LED flashlight will shine longer than the lamp one from the same batteries.
- life time. For LEDs, it is usually at least 50,000 hours of continuous operation. For a lamp, 5000 hours is a very good indicator. In addition, the life of the LED is not reduced even with very frequent on-off. LED lights can have strobe, SOS, and similar flashing signals that tube lights don't.
- sizes. LED flashlights can be very small.
- ease of focusing. LED light is distributed much more evenly than lamp light. The stain is more even.
- allow you to adjust the brightness in a wide range. The brightness of the LED is controlled by the supply current. The higher the current, the higher the brightness. Each diode model has its own maximum allowable supply current. If this current is exceeded, the LED overheats, the service life is sharply reduced, and the efficiency decreases.

Lumen is it?

Lumen is a unit of measurement of luminous flux. If you do not go into the essence of physical definitions, one lumen can be characterized as light emitted by one wax candle, but not spreading in all directions, but collected in a beam of a certain shape.
In the flashlight world, there are two well-established concepts associated with lumens.
Bulb lumen or lamp/diode lumens. This is the light flux coming out directly from the lamp or diode, without taking into account losses in the optics.
Torch lumen or lamp lumens. The luminous flux at the output of the lantern already includes losses on the reflector, glass or lens.
Different manufacturers may use different ways of specifying the luminous flux of their lamps. Some indicate bulb lumens, others indicate torch, manufacturers of cheap Chinese lanterns of brands such as Ultrafire, Aurora, etc. in general, they indicate the maximum luminous flux values ​​​​available for a particular LED model, while overestimating the actual luminous flux of the lamp by two or more times.
On August 18, 2009, the ANSI / NEMA FL-1 standard was adopted, which makes it possible to more reliably compare the parameters of flashlights. The following parameters appear in the standard: emitted luminous flux, operating time, peak light intensity, light range, shock resistance and water resistance.
The standard is currently used by manufacturers such as Maglite, Princeton Tec, Surefire, Petzl, Energizer, Streamlight, Black Diamond, Duracell, FenixLight and others.

Anodizing? What? For what?

Anodizing is a protective and/or decorative coating of metal. Protects the body of the flashlight from oxidation, does not conduct electricity, improves the appearance.
The anodized body of the flashlight is resistant to abrasion, but is afraid of hitting hard surfaces. Upon impact, the inner, relatively soft part of the case is crushed and a chip is formed.
There are two types of lanterns: grades II and III. The higher the degree, the thicker and stronger the anodizing.
Anodizing is applied electrochemically. The part is immersed in an acid solution and an electric current is passed through it. The thickness, hardness and color of anodizing depend on the temperature of the solution, the density of the transmitted current and additionally used dyes.
It is applied both to aluminum lamps, and to titanic.

Why do some lanterns have smooth glass, while others have lenses?

Lanterns can be reflex or lens.
Reflector - a reflective bowl, in the center of which there is an LED or lamp. It collects light from a source into a beam of a certain shape. Usually, the beam formed by the reflector looks like a bright central spot and a less bright area of ​​side illumination. Such an optical system is protected from water and dust by flat glass with a rubber ring-gasket.
A lens or an entire lens system also collects light into a beam. When using lenses, the beam can have a variety of shapes. From a uniform circle without a central bright spot to a narrow, almost laser beam with no side illumination at all.
The focusing of a flashlight with a lens can be variable, that is, the same flashlight in different provisions The lens can shine well into the distance and illuminate evenly and comfortably near.
The disadvantage of some variable focus flashlights is poor sealing. When immersed in water, the liquid seeps inside, disrupting the operation of the electronics.

Reflector. Smooth or wrinkled to choose?

A smooth reflector (in English terminology - smooth) is used in long-range lanterns. The spot of light has a bright central spot and a sharp transition to the region of weak side illumination. At the same time, for a real long-range flashlight, the diameter of the reflector is no less important. The larger it is, the better the focus. From a flashlight with a smooth reflector with a diameter of 1 cm, you should not expect miracles of range ...
Crumpled (Orange Peel) reflector has a rough structure, which smooths out a sharp transition from the central spot to the side illumination area. It is convenient to use such a flashlight at short distances. The light spot is obtained with a less bright center, but large. It is such a reflector that is needed for a bicycle lamp. Because it is more convenient to see a large, but not far light spot

What does warm or cold LED mean?

LEDs can have different color temperatures. That is, the light of the LED can have shades from warm yellowish, like an incandescent bulb familiar to everyone, to cold, giving off to blue.
Which diode to choose depends on the tasks that you set for yourself and individual perception. For outdoor use, in summer, a warm LED is preferred.

The choice of bicycle lights is so great that most cyclists prefer not to think about their requirements for such a device, but to buy the first lamp that comes across, just not to get involved in many hours of video reviews, conflicting recommendations from friends and mechanics in workshops.

However, the basic information about bicycle lights is not so comprehensive and it is worth researching before buying lighting equipment for your bike.

Use of flashlights

First of all, there are several types of lights to use on a bicycle. The most popular are:

• The main light source - performs the function of illuminating the space in front of the cyclist. Usually, when it comes to a flashlight, this is exactly the use case that is meant.
• Road Marking - Small lights on the back, on the backpack, on the spokes and on the frame make the bike more visible on the road.

Most often, bicycle lights are not installed on a permanent basis, since night riding is not so popular, and leaving fragile devices unattended is far from being in all cities and places, but some models require a rather complicated fastening, especially if equipped with a separate battery.

Main characteristics

What characteristics distinguish bicycle lights from each other? Mainly:

• form,
• indicators of light (brightness, spectrum, angle, etc.),
• attachment method,
• way of eating.

Let's consider these characteristics in more detail.

Light parameters

The type of source primarily affects the parameters of light. After a short struggle in the market, there is no alternative to the situation when you have to choose exclusively from diode lights. Diodes, having become quite affordable and overtaking all competitors in terms of energy consumption, are recognized as the standard for bicycle equipment.

Such a monopoly is not terrible, because diodes are currently the best light source:

• light output (efficiency) comparable to halogen lamps;
• mechanical reliability - diodes have neither flasks nor filaments;
• moderate cost;
• the possibility of combining light sources (several diodes), low requirements;
• safety in case of damage (no splinters or fumes).

Actually, let's move on to the parameters of bicycle lights. What should I pay attention to when studying a particular product.

Light flow

Luminous flux is measured in lumens - a universal unit of measure. The number of lumens indicates how much light a bicycle lamp produces in total, without scattering. It is in lumens that it is indicated how powerful the source is used in the product.

Diffusion

The entire luminous flux has a certain divergence angle at which the light leaves the source. Depending on the tasks, it is worth choosing the angle that will be comfortable - from 120-180 degrees for an open source to special directional flashlights with a dispersion angle of 15-20 degrees, which are designed to illuminate distant objects.

illumination

This parameter is defined in lux, which is often confused with lumens. This characteristic indicates the illumination of a particular point (at a certain distance from the source). It is this characteristic that can be measured using a tool or even a regular phone.

Illumination varies depending on the flux and dispersion, forming several illumination zones:

• A hotspot is a well-lit area.
• Crown (crown) - a transitional zone with partial illumination.
• Scattered light (spill) - a zone where a certain luminous flux goes, but there is no longer high-quality lighting there.

Actually, according to the zones and their illumination, it is worth choosing a bicycle lamp. Some people need wide lateral coverage, even with diffused light, and someone needs a bright light area at a great distance far in front of the bike.

Mount types

You can attach a flashlight to a bike in different ways, depending on the purpose. Some lanterns need to be rigidly fixed in order to obtain stable lighting, and some need to be easily assembled and dismantled. Some mounts allow you to find a compromise between these basic tasks.

Body fastening with Velcro

Elastic mount

On marker and auxiliary lights, an elastic mount is often used - a rubber or silicone strap, which can be easily stretched and fixed to the steering wheel, frame or even a spoke, spending a few seconds on installation. In some models, the body of the product is made entirely of silicone, and, coupled with a small battery, such lights are extremely convenient for quickly identifying a bike.

The disadvantages of elastic fastening include weak fixation, fragility and the inability to use such fasteners in the cold.

Mounting fixture

Serious bike lights come with a mounting bracket - when a particular bracket only fits models from one manufacturer or is part of the light.

By installing such a mount on the steering wheel or frame, you can be sure that the fixation will be almost absolute, but there are a number of risks:

• the mount is unique and difficult to replace in case of damage;
• installation requires time and effort;
• a noticeable non-standard mount will attract intruders.

In any case, no matter how difficult the installation is, it is really possible to do it yourself, without involving specialists. Fortunately, no tools other than a screwdriver are required.

Removable mount

A compromise between elastic and mount is the now standard half-cylinder bike racks, which help to use a standard bike flashlight. Such a mount is installed once, but you can easily remove the light source at any time without any effort. Losing in stability to the previous type, such a holder is the most convenient and recommended for use.

There are also removable mounts supplied by the manufacturer. These are special contact pads suitable for a certain range of models. Having the advantages of a removable mount, the platforms can be inconvenient in case of replacement or criminal actions.

Body mounts

A separate view is represented by fastenings on clothes and other equipment. Usually these are Velcro and tightening sets that help to fix the flashlight on the shoulder, backpack or.

Food types

Most modern flashlights are powered by one or more batteries placed in the body of the product. The standard is 1-3 finger batteries. For position and temporary lights - powered by a coin cell battery.

Velofara with external power supply

There are, however, some models with external power, such as a separately mounted replaceable battery. It is important to pay attention to the power consumption of the lamp and the volume of the battery or accumulator. Often found perfect option, which will be operational for only half an hour - an hour.

Dynamo machines have not disappeared either. Of course, now they are not a heavy roller pressed against a rim or tire, but a full-fledged front hub with a generator and, optionally, with a battery or capacitor to store charge in case of a stop.

Lantern types

Now let's look at what kind of lights shops offer us and what type is best suited for a particular mode of use.

bicycle headlight

The obsolete front bicycle headlamp is permanently installed and very often supplied with a separate replaceable battery. Such solutions are suitable for long cycle tourism and for heavy Soviet bicycles where neither weight nor inconvenience matter anymore.

On a modern bike, bicycle lights are unlikely to find application, both due to low efficiency and dubious ease of use.

non-removable

Fixed bicycle lights are cheap and durable, often for a small price they give an excellent margin in terms of glow time and light intensity. The only negative is the complexity of installation, but if you do not plan to leave the bike in public parking lots, but ride for fun, this type is for you. Although it is now easy to find a fixed lamp on a bicycle only in the class of auxiliary or parking lights. A removable light source is now the de facto standard.

A set of flashlights with various power and charging sources

Removable multifunctional

The multifunctional lamp can be used both as a regular flashlight and as a bicycle lamp. You can use universal mounts or buy a branded product with a pad. This will not affect usability, it will only affect the cost of maintenance, since it is much more difficult to find a replacement for the contact pad.

Currently, 80% of bicycle light sources sold are removable LED lights, as they are versatile, convenient and fairly inexpensive. It remains only to choose the model that suits you in terms of parameters.

Wearable

Wearable light sources are still a rarity in Russia, but in the west, many enthusiastic cyclists are already switching from attaching a lamp to a bicycle to comfortable headlamps and additional dimensions on backpacks. The usual kit for night skiing consists of four lights:

• main on the steering wheel;
• body size on a backpack;
• helmet lamp;
• auxiliary dimension on the bicycle frame.

By turning our head, we get illumination in those places where it is rather difficult to direct the flashlights permanently fixed to the steering wheel, for example, towards the side of the road or onto a crossed path.

Dimension

A separate class is the rear light for a bicycle, called a size or flasher. With a small battery, several diodes, these lights are not designed to illuminate any area, but to indicate a cyclist on the road.

Very often, these flashlights support several flashing programs. Many studies have confirmed that the most noticeable will be a participant in the movement, whose marker lights do not just glow, but flash, attracting attention to themselves.

Modern kits that combine dimensions and body lights offer the cyclist even closer to cars and motorcycles by adding a laser marker (“conducting” a light line parallel to the bike) to the equipment or by supplementing the backpack with parking lights with turn signals controlled by the cyclist.

Manufacturers

The market is filled with various noname manufacturers, often not inferior to well-known brands, but buying such products is always a high risk, so if you are limited in funds, it is best to stay with trusted companies. Here are some of them:

• MagicShine is a good and inexpensive Hong Kong brand;
• CatEye is a high-end Japanese manufacturer, distinguished by the quality of the diodes;
• Sigma is a German brand with good and inexpensive models;
• BBB is a Dutch VIP manufacturer;
• Fenix ​​Lights is a Chinese manufacturer that has established itself as high-quality flashlights for the American market (using diodes from the American company Cree).

Conclusion

Choosing a bike light is not only a matter of practice and experience, but also an accurate understanding of what characteristics are needed specifically for your style of riding. Theoretical preparation is also very important, because many do not have a basic understanding of the parameters of the emitted light, and a seemingly ideal light source will be completely useless after purchase, if you do not take into account, for example, the scattering angle.

You can buy it on the website of our partners.

Insufficient designation of yourself on the roadway is the worst mistake of cyclists. This is especially true for evening trips, when the visibility of the outside world and your own is significantly reduced. In order not to endanger yourself and other road users, it is imperative to acquire lighting devices on your bike. You will be surprised, but the mandatory operation of lighting devices during daylight hours (for cars, dipped headlights or daytime running lights) also applies to cyclists. Light fixtures are front and rear. Let's start with the front.

Differences in front lighting fixtures in terms of brightness

They serve to identify themselves on the roadway in the daytime. They will not be superfluous in the dark as an addition to the main light source. As a rule, they are enough to get noticed. But they will not be able to provide even in complete darkness at least some visibility of surrounding objects.

Lighting devices with greater brightness, a directed beam of light, as well as the ability to see something in complete darkness at low speed. As a rule, they are used in the city on dimly lit sections of roads.

They have high brightness, directional light beam with separation (main light in the middle, auxiliary light at the edges), allow you to use yourself as a full-fledged light source in any conditions. Even in complete darkness, correctly focused light gives a very good review tens of meters ahead.

Differences in batteries

A fading mechanism, supported only by rare manufacturers, installed mainly on city bikes. Yes, that warm lamp light and the sound of a dynamo warms the soul, but, unfortunately, it takes much more strength from you to move forward. The brightness, on the other hand, depends on your speed, so you will have to fly through a dark area with huge holes in extreme style in order to see at least something.

Upgraded version of the dynamo. It can not only power the headlight on the go, but also charge the phone.

Battery

The most common option. Used in beacons, flashlights. It can be flat (CR2032) for beacons, "finger" (AA), "little finger" (AAA). It is very convenient to simply change the batteries and use the flashlight further, especially since they are sold in every store. True, if there are a lot of batteries (maybe 6 pieces), then buying them significantly hits the pocket. The way out is Ni-batteries, the same shape as the batteries in your flashlight. They sell rechargeable devices.

Li-ion battery

Especially effective when they are on the leg. You can see them from afar, together with your foot they are in constant motion and attract attention well.

Reflectors on the wheel

Mostly orange because they provide side visibility.

They are reflectors. Well-known plastic products that refract the light falling on them, creating a rather bright reflection.

For the most part decorations, but they also have a useful function of reflection. Very relevant for children.

Similar to those used on road barriers at corners. Can be glued to a frame or seatpost, there are versions for gluing rims, but in this case they should be.

Sold in clothing stores, you can sew on a handbag, backpack or T-shirt.

Reflective elements on clothing, helmet

As a rule, cycling equipment is completed with organically built-in reflectors that do not stand out from the design of clothing, but when light hits them, they reflect very well.

It is applied to clothes or on a bicycle. After washing, as well as after some time, it “weathers”, so that it does not harm clothes.

Remember that on your own you can ensure maximum safety when traveling on public roads.

To relaxing music, an uncle in a hat with toys talks about the choice of bicycle lights