THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO LIGHTSETS

Lights, ideally fairly simple, but like most things in life, there are options to consider. If you’re starting out, looking for new lights, or just want to find out a little more, here’s our guide to bicycle lights.

First off, you’ll want to consider what you want, battery powered, dynamo or rechargeable, do you want front, rear or a set? Do you want to see or just use them to be seen? It sounds like a lot of trouble, but once you know your lumens from your mounting options, you’ll be well on the way to finding the right type of lights for your needs.

As with most things, you get what you pay for, so consider your needs. Mixing things up with expensive and more budget friendly lights is good, having a spare if one runs out or stops working is good as a backup, safety is a priority and it’s good to be prepared.

GOOD TO KNOW

When looking for a light, consider a few things:

How long you’re likely to use it?
What you need it for?
Will it fit your bike?
How you want to mount it?
How much you want to pay?

WEATHER: Be mindful of things like battery and how it will perform in different weather conditions. You’ll usually find that lights are either listed as weatherproof or waterproof with the latter being the best if you want to use it in wet weather. Look out for a waterproof IP (Ingress Protection) rating which details what a light can withstand.

POWER: There’s also charging to take into account, certain lights will have batteries that you can replace, and some will have units that can be charged with USB. Typically, the more you spend the better something will be, more expensive lights usually have better features and will offer more in the way of warranty. Always check individual products to see what they offer and check if it meets your needs.

BEAM ME UP: Beam pattern is something to consider, especially for front lights. This refers to how the light is projected, and something to be mindful of when choosing a light to use when riding around motorists.

TAKE IT WITH YOU: If you’re using public transport or locking your bike in a public area, be mindful about taking your lights off. Being able to take them with you whilst you’re not with your bike means they won’t get stolen. Plus, it means they will be easier to take off to charge if you need to.

MODES: Be sure to check the product guide on modes and the indication of how each mode will impact your battery. For example, using your light on constant will use up more battery than having it flashing. This mode often works best to make you more visible to others.

TERMS

Lumen: A measure of the quantity of visible light. Simplified, this typically refers to how bright it is. More lumens=brighter light.

LED: This means light emitting diode. Something that emits light that is typically very energy efficient.

Lux: Simply (if you can say that about lux) this refers to how much of a surface is illuminated. Essentially, the greater the lux the brighter it will be.

Burn Time: How long the light will last on individual modes.

Dynamo light: A light the recharges as you ride using the rotation of the wheel.

LAW

In 2010, the UK Government released updated guidance for lights on pedal cycles:

Any cycle which is used between sunset and sunrise must be fitted with the following:

White front light
Red rear light
Red rear reflector
Amber/yellow pedal reflectors – front and rear on each pedal

The lamps may be steady or flashing, or a mixture, for example steady at the front and flashing at the rear. A steady light is recommended at the front when the cycle is used in areas without good street lighting.

It also states that it must not dazzle other road users and must be the correct colour (white to front, red to rear). You check out the full guidance here.

MOUNTING OPTIONS

Always check fitting options, certain lights may not fit your bike. If you have non-standard or an aero seatpost or bars, you may need an adapter or a stretchy rubber strap. There are a few options, with bar and seatpost being the most common places you’ll see bike lights attached.

Certain hybrid bikes will also come with bike lights included. Sometimes lights will come with different straps, so you choose where and how you secure them.

HELMET

If your helmet doesn’t come with helmet mounts or straps, you may have to purchase additional ones. If you want a helmet light, look specifically for lights that offer that option and either mount directly to your helmet, or have an adapter for the light you have purchased to enable you to attach it. Typically, you’ll see mountain bike lights with this option, for commuting they aren’t really necessary unless you need to be able to see or are riding in very dark areas.

BAR

With bar mounted lights you’ll have the option to mount a bracket, clamp or strap directly to your bars (and still be able to remove the light) or have a flexible strap (either rubber or adjustable) that allows you to put it on or take it off when needed. Check to see if the light you’ve chosen fits and is compatible with the diameter of your bars.

WEARABLE

Wearable lights will usually have a clip that allows you to attach it to a bag, jacket or helmet.

SEATPOST

Usually reserved for rear lights, the seatpost is where you’ll most commonly see them attached. With a range of attachment options from straps, brackets and mounts, these will vary depending on the price point.

LIGHTS TO SEE VS LIGHTS TO BE SEEN

If you’re riding in areas with no light pollution such as country lanes or areas without street lighting, you’ll want to consider a front light with enough power to be able to see where you’re going. Having two lights, one on your handlebars and helmet is a good option, you’ll want a solid source of light, and the helmet light to react and look where you need to on the ride.

If you’ll be riding on the road or cycle paths, typically, having lights to be visible would be a good choice (you don’t want to dazzle anyone with something too bright). As long as there’s enough light to see safely, having something to be seen should suffice. Don’t go too bright if you’re only using it for riding around town, you may dazzle motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

If you do have a bright light and you’re using it around others, tilt it down so it doesn’t point directly at people around you.

It’s worth pointing out that some lights offer modes for daylights hours, so whether it’s just for visibility in low light, or just for extra peace of mind, having lights on your bike through the day is worthwhile too.

If you need both, look for something with modes you can change to alter the brightness, something suitable for riding in areas with light sources, and then switch it up and change the mode once you reach the area where you need more light.

HOW MANY LUMENS?

There’s no hard and fast rule about how many lumens is right, you’ll find varied guidance. Here is a rough idea of what to look for when choosing lights. Always remember to have white in the front and red on the rear and have two lights (minimum) on your bike. To be seen, you’ll want something around 50-200 lumens.