{"id":9761,"date":"2022-09-07T02:34:29","date_gmt":"2022-09-07T06:34:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/?p=9761"},"modified":"2024-02-05T22:41:25","modified_gmt":"2024-02-06T03:41:25","slug":"best-bike-lights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/accessories-and-apparel\/best-bike-lights\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 5 Best Bike Lights: How To Buy the Right One"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Cycling can be a great way to get around town, but it can also be a bit dangerous at night. That’s why having some bike lights is important if you plan on riding at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Various types and models are available, so it’s important to find the perfect one for your needs and style. In this article, we provide you with our top picks for the best bike lights available today and some useful tips on choosing the best bike lights for your needs so that you can confidently ride at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below are just three of my featured favorites. Scroll further down to see my full roundup, or click here<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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What is a bike light?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A bike light is a device that attaches to your bicycle and helps you see while riding at night<\/strong> or in low-light conditions. They can come in different shapes and sizes, but all use LED lights to provide illumination. Some popular bike lights include white LED headlights, red taillights, rear cargo reflectors, and front headlamps. They also make it easier to ride defensively by making motorists aware of your presence ahead of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does a bike light work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Bike lights use various technologies to help you see while cycling at night or in low-light conditions. Some common light types used include LED, laser, and halogen<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LEDs are the most popular type due to their energy efficiency and ability to last up to 50,000 hours without needing replacements. They also have a wide range of colors that can be seen easily from a long distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Laser lights emit light waves that travel relatively unimpeded through water and other transparent surfaces. This makes them ideal for tracking cyclists on pathless terrain, such as during nighttime rides or when trees or buildings limit visibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image of a bicycle light over the front tire tower of a bike. Source: unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What are the different types of bicycle lights?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are a few different types of bicycle lights that you may want to consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Headlight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The most common type is the headlight, which uses a bright white light to provide visibility that can be seen from a distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rear light<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A bicycle rear light is a device that attaches to the rear of a bike and helps to make it easier to see while riding at night or in low-light conditions. They are typically made of brightly colored plastic and can include features like flashing LEDs, adjustable brightness levels, or even built-in streetlights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Front-and-rear light combo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another option is the front-and-rear light combo, which includes two separate lights on either side of the bike. When it’s dark outside, and you need to make yourself visible to drivers, these headlights will help tremendously!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the benefits of using a bike light? (advantages)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Bike lights can be a great way to stay safe when riding your bike at night. They provide visibility for other drivers and make you more visible to oncoming cyclists so they can avoid hitting you<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, many bike lights are equipped with LED headlights that provide brighter illumination than regular bulbs. This makes it easier to see in dimly lit areas and provides increased safety while cycling at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to consider when buying a bicycle light (things to look for)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When shopping for a bicycle light, remember a few things. These include the type of light you need, the strength of the light, and the type of battery it uses. Here are a few more factors to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Consider the type of light you need<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When choosing a bicycle light, there are two main types: headlamps and taillights. Headlamps are used to light up your entire path ahead of you, while taillights are used to light up your backside while you’re cycling. Which one do you need, just one, or both?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Consider the strength of the light (lumens)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When choosing a light for your bike, ensure that the strength is adequate. For example, some lights are designed specifically for cycling and have higher-strength bulbs than regular headlights or taillights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The brightness required, however, depends on where you’re riding and can affect your lights’ cost and battery life. The higher the lumen count, the harder they’ll have to work and the more money they’ll cost you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A 5,000-lumen light on your handlebars isn’t necessary for riding on poorly lit roads because it will dazzle oncoming drivers. Instead, something between 500 and 1,500 lumens in the front and more than 200 lumens in the back would suffice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can save money by using fewer lumens if you’re riding in well-lit areas and don’t need to illuminate the path ahead. For example, a front light with 100-200 lumens and rear light with 60-100 lumens can keep you visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Consider the type of battery it uses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most lights use either AAA or AA batteries, but some may also use CR2032 batteries. Unfortunately, CR2032 batteries are becoming harder and harder to find, so be sure to check before making your purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many batteries are affected by temperature, and thus cold can significantly impact run time? Consider purchasing a larger battery if you live in an area where nighttime temperatures drop below freezing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knowing how much power your lights have left is also critical. Some bike lights have simple green, orange, and red battery indicator lights, while others display the time or percentage of charge remaining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want even more tips, check out this video called A Guide To Bike Lights | How To Choose Lights For Road Cycling<\/em> from the Global Cycling Network YouTube Channel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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