Choosing the Right Type of Bike Lighting for Your Trails
Every bicycle owner needs a decent set of lights. It’s essential to see and be seen wherever you ride your bike for your own safety and others. Moreover, having the right bike lights lets you ride wherever, all year round. With that said, here are the best types of bike lighting for you to choose from:
- Dynamo Lighting
If you’re not a fan of detachable rechargeable lights, you can get a dynamo lighting system powered by a dynamo hub generating current to power the bike light. If you already have a dynamo hub on your bicycle, you can use a mountable permanent lighting system.
This bike light is reliable, robust, environmentally friendly, and difficult to steal. The brightness often depends on the lights and how much current your hub generates. Most lights put out less power with a less powerful hub.
Moreover, rear lights can also be connected to your dynamo and attached to the seat post or rear luggage rack. This setup is the best for commuters and cyclists who ride their bikes for long distances and where battery power would be a concern. Still, you might also want to consider the weight penalty from a dynamo hub and lamp.
- Battery-Powered and USB-Rechargeable Lights
Perhaps the most accessible bike light type to install is battery-powered or USB-chargeable lights attached to the seat post and handlebars. This is available in various designs, and good manufacturers usually offer good battery life and brightness.
Headlamps usually begin around ten lumens and can go up to the thousands. Still, a 50-lumen headlight is already bright enough for most urban commuting and night riding. But if you commute on a highly dark road, you should consider lights with at least 200 lumens or higher.
Meanwhile, rear lights generally range between five to 100 lumens. It’s also important to note that older models with lower output cannot be rated in lumens, meaning they’re probably less bright.
- Battery and USB
Most modern bike lights are rechargeable, so you don’t have to use disposable alkaline batteries. This option is cheaper, more convenient, and better for the environment as it allows you to charge them from your computer and wall sockets.
Cheaper bike lights use replaceable batteries, while some very powerful front lights come equipped with a wall adaptor. The latter takes extended hours to recharge fully, and some models feature battery level indicators.
- Helmet Lights
Many people want to mount a light on their heads as they ride a bike. Several helmet lamps come in USB-rechargeable lights and are attached to the helmet with a unique mount. When ordering one, best be sure that the mount is already included and compatible with your helmet lights.
- Mounts
All lights generally come with a type of mount that attaches them to the bike. Most lights have either a plastic mount tightened with a thumbscrew or a plastic clasp gripping the handlebars. Heavier, more powerful lights usually need a sturdier mount, while rear lights use in-built rubber straps or bands that attach them to the seat post.
Conclusion
Riding your bike and going to your favourite trails is sure to be a fantastic experience. However, you should always use proper lighting to be more careful of rocks, roots, potholes, and overhanging branches once it’s dark.
Cushbike is your go-to source for premium comfort cycling accessories in the UK. We offer a range of products, from bicycle seats, lights, phone mounts, power banks, and more. Our choice of see and be seen bike lights and bike reflectors allow you to enjoy the clearest and safest cycling experience, whether on the road or the trail. Browse our collection of the best bike lights today! Have a safe ride out there.