It’s not easy to look for the right bicycle headlight. You need to be patient, prudent and well-informed. With so many products out there, it’s advisable to look at and go through credible buyers’ guides in detail. Here are some pointers for frequent bikers in purchasing cycle lights:Jump to Winner of Bike Headlight Top 10 Rankings!
Spending Budget
Figure out your budget. What do you expect from the bicycle headlight? This is important so you’re able to set a price range. Price scales provide you an indication of good stuff that’s available in the market. Don’t rush in making a purchase! Compare prices and brands carefully so you’ll get the best product and won’t regret once you reach home.
Types of Bulbs
LED bike lights are said to be the most functional in modern lighting compared to halogen bulbs. These are more efficient and utilize less energy which leads to cost-effectiveness. For some time, High Intensity Discharge Lighting was used as high-end cycle lights but these did not last long due to the introduction of LED lighting.
Brightness
Brightness is essential. How vivid should bike lights be? It should be seen clearly at night but the light must not be blinding to approaching motorists. Choose one that has high lumen count. This refers to the aggregate quantity of noticeable light produced by a source. More than 200 lumens would be enough to radiate illumination on the road and ensure adequate brightness especially for poorly lit roads at proper speed. For rugged terrain, get a bicycle headlight that’s more vivid than the regular fixture. You can even have two lights. The brighter light can be turned off if vehicles are oncoming while a less dazzling light remains on in blinking mode.
Mounting
Most cycle lights can be mounted without difficulty on handlebars or seat bars. However, it becomes harder if you’ve got a clip-on aero bar or post. You can try securing the light using screws that tighten the brace around the seat pole or handlebar. A lot of bikers install secondary bike lights at the rear for additional visibility. Simply make sure the mount is in place to keep away from mishaps. If you’re mounting on carbon or aluminum, make use of an elastic rubber strap for safety purposes.
Choice of Battery
Many cycle lights are powered by batteries or rechargeable USB. Some advanced lights use the Lithium-Ion battery. Look for one with higher capacity (run or burn time and overall luminosity), bigger size, and lighter weight. High-powered bike lights need battery packs so see to it that there’s space left for mounting these along with the light and GPS device. Run time indicates the light’s life span from fully-charged to zero. Weights vary depending on battery size and brilliance. Certain products are as light as 15 grams while others reach 150 grams.
