The most popular bike lights
We stock rear, mountain, road, helmet, rechargeable LED and bike seat lights in almost every model imaginable. Indeed, with over 100 different styles available, you've got plenty of choice here at BikeChain!
What types of bike lights do I need?
There are four types of lights that you need to consider when out riding:
Front bike light
Not to complicate matters, but in this category, you essentially have two types of lights: those for seeing and those to be seen. Both should emit a bright white light. It’s a legal requirement for you to have front lights that make you visible from 200-metres (more on that below). That’s all good and fine if, for example, you’re riding in a built-up, super well-lit city street and therefore don’t need much more to illuminate the path in front of you.
However, if, for example, you’re taking the mountain bike out for a night spin, you will want something way more powerful than a ‘be seen’ light. You will probably be after something that makes you feel like you’re in a fast-moving mobile movie set. Lit to the max.
For either option, you have a choice of various light modes in terms of intensity but also the frequency of flash (constant through to a quick pulsing motion). Whatever your preference, the light will affix to the handlebars.
Rear bike light
Typically, red tail lights, of course, exist to be seen rather than to help you see, given they sit at the back of the bike (usually the seat post).
Reflector bike light
As the name suggests, reflectors do not so much omit a light but instead bounce light back from other sources (such as a vehicle approaching you from behind). They are usually red.
Bike helmet light
If you are particularly keen to be seen, or if you want to light up your path in every way possible, then you will probably also opt for a bike helmet light. However, this is not a legal replacement for a light at the front of your bike - you must have the latter as your starting point. You may also want to consider wearing clothes and accessories with reflective panels.
Rechargeable bike lights - how they work
Most models now come with a rechargeable USB source, meaning you can plug them into your computer just as easily as you can into a wall source. If you are a commuter, it’s a great idea to have a charger at home and the office. This way, all you have to remember is to plug the accessory into the charger rather than pack it as well! If you’re prone to forgetting to charge, or you are a long-distance cyclist, then riding with a (fully-charged) battery pack and cord is a great safety net.
How long does it take to charge a bike light?
This depends on how drained the battery is and how powerful it is, so the answer could lie anywhere from one hour to upwards of six.
What does LED mean?
A bike LED light is the go-to preference for many cyclists, and for good reason. In the world of lighting, you come across this term all the time. LED stands for light-emitting diode or a semiconductor device that illuminates when triggered by a voltage. LEDs have a longer lifespan than more traditional forms of lighting, making them a more sustainable option. Moreover, with LEDs, you can select the direction in which all the light is cast (as opposed to conventional lighting that illuminates every direction equally), which again helps make this a more power-saving, sustainable option.
What are lumens?
Lumens are simply a way to objectively measure how much brightness light is generating. The higher the lumen number, the brighter and further the light will travel.
How many lumens are good for a bike light?
It all depends on the conditions in which you are riding and, to a degree, the type of riding you are doing. Let’s look at that earlier example of city riding at night in a well-lit street. You should be fine with a 100 to 200-lumen strength option like BBB’s Spy USB Front Light in this scenario. However, now let’s go to that other example - you mountain biking at night in the bush, with the possibility of random animals and low-hanging tree branches crossing your path. In that scenario, you want your path lit up like Hollywood. As such, you’ll be looking at something like the Hope 4 LED Vision Light, which has phenomenal 960-lumen strength.
Bike light batteries
The model you select may need a replaceable battery, which you can buy readily in stores or online.
Bike light mounting bar
Once you have your light, you will likely then require a bike light mount.
Bike lights and the law in Australia
In Australia, you are legally obliged to use lighting at night or in compromised day conditions. Therefore, you are required to have a light at each end of the bike - front and rear. Both must be visible from 200m. In addition, the bike must also sport a rear reflector that other road users can see from a 50-metre distance. As cyclists, we should not regard this as a hindrance or inconvenience - everything we can do to make ourselves as visible as possible out on the road is a good thing.
Contact us for the best bike lights in Australia
If you have any questions or just need a bit of a helping hand in making the right choice for you, contact our friendly team today.
