Bike lights are useful for many reasons, not just the obvious ones. Whether you are commuting on the road, training, hitting the trails or just out for a quick spin, there will be a light that will suit your riding requirements.
The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations, first published in 1989, state that between the hours of sunset and sunrise your bike must have working lights. This is defined as a white front light and a red rear. Unlike other vehicles, bikes are not required to be lit up when the conditions seriously deteriorate during the day, but you will be putting yourself at risk if you do not. Lights are not just for seeing with, with roads being busy they help you to be seen that includes during the day with day bright options to always keep you visible.
How do you choose the lights that are best for your needs?
There are several factors to take into consideration when choosing your lights.
- Beam pattern, what is best for where you will be riding?
- Runtime, will they last your journey?
- Is there just one mode or can I get options?
- Charging, how do I take care of this and how long will it take?
- What are lumens?
Beam Pattern
This can vary as brands produce lights that are designed for a specific use. For use on the road, the beam is more defined to provide a focused light that will illuminate the road ahead. If you are riding takes you off the beaten track or want to do some night time MTB riding, then these lights will still produce a broad or open beam to light the way ahead but will cover more of your peripheral vision too. This will help navigate the twists and turns more easily.
Runtime
This is important, you do not want your lights to run out of charge before you reach your destination or finish your ride. The runtime will vary of your light has different modes; these will allow you to adjust the strength of the light to match the conditions/location. However, the brighter the mode the more battery this will use and the less runtime you will get. Some lights have additional technology that will adjust the output to match your riding speed, lighter on faster sections with reduced light on the climbs when your speed is slower. Some lights will have an indicator that will give you a visual indication as to how much battery life is left or even display this as a percentage, so you will know what is left in the tank.
